Equestrian Blog – Articles About Horses | Chevaux du Monde

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Countries & equestrian traditions

Young Mongolian rider on a steppe horse in front of yurts, with mountains in the background.

HORSES OF THE STEPPE - A JOURNEY INTO MONGOLIA’S EQUESTRIAN TRADITION

In the vast windswept stretches of the Mongolian steppe, one animal alone embodi…

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Moroccan rider in a white burnous, mounted on a grey horse adorned with red and gold tack, holding a traditional rifle. The desert setting evokes the Fantasia performance.

HORSES, RIDERS AND WARRIOR CULTURE AT THE HEART OF MOROCCAN IDENTITY

In Morocco, the horse is far more than a companion animal it is a living symbol …

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Japanese rider in traditional outfit practicing Yabusame: horseback archery at full gallop, aiming at a round wooden target in a ceremonial setting.

JAPAN: YABUSAME, THE SACRED ART OF HORSEBACK ARCHERY

Japan has a rich but discreet equestrian tradition, deeply spiritual in essence.…

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ndalusian rider in traditional attire performing a Doma Vaquera figure on a white horse, under colorful lanterns evoking the festive spirit of Spanish ferias.

SPAIN - THE ART OF DOMA VAQUERA AND THE ANDALUSIAN HORSE IN THE FERIAS

In the south of the Iberian Peninsula, Andalusia stands as one of Europe’s oldes…

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Portrait of a richly adorned Marwari horse with its signature inward-curving ears, decorated with traditional Indian bridle and saddle cloth in red and gold patterns.

INDIA AND THE MARWARI: CURVED-EARED HORSE AND ROYAL SYMBOL

A horse intimately tied to royaltyThe Marwari is considered the horse of kings. …

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Painting of a bearded cowboy riding a bay horse through the American West plains, with packhorses in the background under a cloudy sky.

THE ROLE OF THE HORSE IN THE CONQUEST OF THE AMERICAN WEST

The conquest of the West, from the early 19th century to the end of the century,…

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Polo match in Argentina with riders in action on their horses.

THE ART OF POLO IN ARGENTINA: SPORT, TRADITION, AND CULTURE

In Argentina, polo is not just a sport: it is a true national tradition and a cu…

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Tuareg rider in a blue turban riding a Barb horse in the Sahara desert.

THE EQUESTRIAN TRADITIONS OF THE TUAREGS IN THE SAHARA

The Tuaregs, a nomadic people of the central Sahara (Mali, Niger, Algeria, Libya…

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Grey Connemara pony in an Irish landscape with Celtic cross in the background

IRELAND AND ITS PONIES: CONNEMARA AND CELTIC CULTURE

The Connemara, a Living Symbol of IrelandThe Connemara pony is one of the most i…

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Ethology & behavior

Group of four horses standing close together, photographed from the front in an open field. Calm and attentive, they display bay, chestnut, and palomino coats, illustrating natural herd behavior.

HIERARCHY AND HERD LIFE - WHAT WE LEARN FROM OBSERVING HORSES IN FREEDOM

Horses are profoundly social animals. Long before they were ridden, trained, or …

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HOW DO HORSES PERCEIVE COLORS?

The way horses see the world is quite different from how humans do. While we per…

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A woman and a bay horse gently touch foreheads with eyes closed, sharing a peaceful moment of trust outdoors.

DECODING HORSE BODY LANGUAGE: 10 KEY SIGNALS

Horses don’t speak, but they constantly communicate. Understanding their body la…

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Pencil drawing of a horse observing a human hand reaching out, symbolizing the emotional connection between horses and humans.

DOW DO HORSES PERCEIVE HUMAN EMOTIONS? WHAT SCIENCE REVEALS

What if your horse knew exactly how you feel?For several years now, scientists h…

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Group of horses of various coat colors gathered around a pile of hay, with some eating and others standing back, illustrating the social hierarchy during feeding.

THE FEEDING HIERARCHY IN A GROUP OF HORSES

Among horses, access to food is not only a matter of survival but also a social …

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Illustration of two horses side by side: a dun-coated rustic horse and a bay sport horse, standing in a pastoral landscape.

BEHAVIORAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HARDY HORSES AND SPORT HORSES

Horses display a wide diversity of behaviors that reflect their genetic heritage…

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Two foals playing together in a pasture, one rearing up in front of the other, showing natural social interaction among young horses.

PLAY AND SOCIAL INTERACTION IN FOALS

Foals, like most young mammals, spend much of their time playing. These playful …

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Artistic portrait of a bay horse in three-quarter view, on a dark background, with a calm and attentive expression.

THE HORSE’S MEMORY: MYTH OR SCIENTIFIC REALITY?

Equine memory has fascinated people for centuries, sometimes glorified by riders…

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Bay horse in motion depicted in watercolor.

THE FLIGHT INSTINCT: KEY TO EQUINE SURVIVAL AND BEHAVIOR

The horse is above all a prey animal. Its survival, for thousands of years, has …

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Vintage illustration of a young horse being broken-in, ridden by a novice rider under the supervision of a trainer on the lunge.

BREAKING-IN A HORSE: STAGES, METHODS AND KEY ISSUES

Breaking-in is a fundamental stage in a horse’s life. It is the process of initi…

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Vintage watercolor showing a bay horse on the lunge, facing a flag waved by a trainer during a desensitization exercise.

HORSE DESENSITIZATION: METHODS AND PRACTICAL EXERCISES

Desensitization is an essential step in a horse’s education. It aims to teach th…

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Horse in art & legends

Symbolic painting showing horses across various artistic eras, blending mythological, equestrian, and spiritual scenes.

THE HORSE IN ART - SYMBOLISM AND REPRESENTATIONS THROUGH THE AGES

Since the dawn of time, the horse has held a special place in the collective ima…

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Prehistoric cave paintings of horses, created with ochre and charcoal on the wall of an ancient cave.

AT THE DAWN OF ART: PREHISTORIC HORSES AND THE MYSTERIES OF CAVES

When we venture deep into the decorated caves of prehistory, a fascinating world…

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Sepia-toned drawing of a romantic rider galloping under the moonlight through a wild and dramatic landscape.

THE FIGURE OF THE HORSE IN ROMANTIC POETRY

In the 19th century, the horse became a central figure in the Romantic imaginati…

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Illustration inspired by Norse mythology showing deities and winged warriors riding majestic horses under a full moon in a dramatic celestial scene.

HORSES IN NORSE TALES AND LEGENDS

In Norse mythology, the horse holds a central place as a divine mount, supernatu…

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Watercolor of a bay horse galloping freely through a cloud of dust, with flowing mane and eyes looking ahead.

HORSES AND DREAMS: CULTURAL INTERPRETATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

Since Antiquity, the horse has held a central place in human imagination. A symb…

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Artistic depiction of the winged horse Pegasus rising into the sky, surrounded by golden clouds and celestial light.

PEGASUS, THE WINGED HORSE: SYMBOLS AND LEGACY

A universal mythological figure, Pegasus embodies power, freedom, and spiritual …

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Preservation of endangered breeds

FADING INTO SILENCE - WHY SOME HORSE BREEDS ARE ENDANGERED

A Threatened Equine BiodiversityToday, over 500 horse breeds are officially reco…

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Portrait of an Exmoor pony in its native British moorland, with a dark brown coat and alert expression, under a cloudy sky.

INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE EXMOOR PONY

A Primitive Breed at the Heart of Conservation ProgramsA unique genetic heritage…

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Pencil drawing of two Przewalski's horses in a grassy plain, representing an endangered wild horse species now protected in wildlife parks.

THE ROLE OF ZOOS AND WILDLIFE PARKS IN SAVING THE WILD HORSE

A Natural Heritage in DangerWild horses, such as the Przewalski’s horse (Equus f…

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Watercolor of a light grey Boulonnais draft horse standing in a rural landscape, showcasing the breed’s strength and nobility.

PRESERVATION PROGRAMS FOR THE BOULONNAIS HORSE IN FRANCE

The Boulonnais horse, nicknamed the “Thoroughbred of draft horses” for its elega…

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Horse Types & Temperaments

Hot-blooded horse galloping across a plain, painted in a classical style emphasizing its refined muscles, noble carriage, and energetic posture.

HOT-BLOODED HORSES - NOBILITY, SPIRIT AND REFINEMENT

The expression “hot-blooded horse” evokes in the collective imagination the nerv…

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Three horses of different breeds showing contrasting temperaments: one calm and peaceful, another curious and attentive, and the last one lively and energetic.

THE CALMEST, MOST SENSITIVE… AND MOST ENERGETIC HORSE BREEDS

Not all horses react the same way to stress, work, or human interaction. While e…

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Woman gently embracing a horse in a pastoral landscape, traditional oil painting.

WHICH HORSE BREED IS CLOSEST TO HUMANS?

Among the hundreds of horse breeds worldwide, some are renowned for forming part…

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Watercolor illustration of several heavy draft horses in a meadow. These cold-blooded horses are massive, calm, and powerful, with strong builds and abundant feathering.

COLD-BLOODED HORSES: CALM AND POWER

Cold-blooded horses represent a group of equines with an imposing build and a do…

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Full-body portrait of a bay warmblood horse standing in a pasture, displaying strength, calmness, and elegance.

WARMBLOOD HORSES: BALANCE AND VERSATILITY

In the world of hippology, the distinction between hot-blooded horses, cold-bloo…

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Colored illustration of four ponies of different breeds (Shetland, Connemara, Welsh, and Fjord) in a pastoral landscape.

PONIES: FROM RUSTIC COMPANION TO MODERN PONY CLUB

Ponies are not just small horses: they are companions for work, leisure, and lea…

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Physiology

Wild horse galloping in a dry, rocky landscape, demonstrating natural hoof wear in the wild.

HOW DO WILD HORSES MAINTAIN THEIR HOOVES?

Unlike domestic horses that require regular care from a farrier, wild horses hav…

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Anatomical illustration of a horse's digestive system, showing internal organs in a lateral cutaway: esophagus, stomach, small intestine, cecum, colon, and rectum, in a detailed vintage style.

THE HORSE'S DIGESTIVE SYSTEM: A DELICATE YET FASCINATING BALANCE

The horse is a powerful athlete, an enduring herbivore… but also a particularly …

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Young horse lying on the ground with eyes closed, relaxed posture, illustrating a phase of deep sleep.

SLEEP AND REST CYCLES IN HORSES

Unlike humans, the horse has a polyphasic sleep pattern: it sleeps in short peri…

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FOAL GROWTH: KEY STAGES AND CARE TIPS

The growth of a foal is a rapid and complex process, influenced by genetics, nut…

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Anatomical diagram of a horse’s hoof viewed from below, labeled with the wall, sole, frog, apex of the frog, bars, and bulbs.

THE ANATOMY OF THE HOOF AND ITS FUNCTIONS

The hoof is a fascinating and complex structure that plays a central role in the…

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Anatomical illustration showing the different phases of a bay horse trotting, on a beige background, used to study gait movement and symmetry.

THE LOCOMOTION OF THE HORSE: UNDERSTANDING THE GAITS

Locomotion lies at the very heart of the horse’s life. It determines not only it…

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Simplified diagram of the horse’s respiratory system with nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs.

THE HORSE’S RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: ENDURANCE AND LIMITS

The horse is both a long-distance and speed athlete, whose performance relies on…

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Stud-books & Breeding Selection

WHAT IS A STUD-BOOK?

The stud-book, or breed registry, is an official record listing the horses of a …

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Engraving-style illustration of a horse surrounded by symbols of science and tradition: microscope, DNA strand, genealogy chart, writing quill, and balance scale. Represents the concept of equine breeding selection.

BREEDING SELECTION: BETWEEN TRADITION AND SCIENCE

Breeding selection is a fundamental pillar in the evolution of horse breeds. Whi…

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Silhouette of a refined horse in front of a stylized pedigree tree, representing the importance of ancestry in horse breeding

THE IMPORTANCE OF ORIGINS IN A HORSE’S VALUE

A horse’s origin is not limited to its country of birth or physical appearance. …

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Four-panel illustration showing stages of horse evaluation: conformation, movement, jumping ability, and final approval.

THE ROLE OF PERFORMANCE TESTS IN STUD-BOOKS

Stud-books play a central role in the selection and preservation of horse breeds…

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Compare Horse Breeds

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR HORSE BREED IN THE WORLD?

Horses have accompanied humans for thousands of years. With over 350 officially …

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WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR DRAFT HORSE BREED IN THE WORLD?

Draft horses are among the largest and most powerful equine breeds. Long used fo…

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Illustration of three horses from different breeds: a chestnut Haflinger with flaxen mane, a bay Quarter Horse, and a grey Camargue. Side view on a light background with stylized foliage.

THE BEST HORSES FOR BEGINNERS: BREEDS, TEMPERAMENT, AND TRAINING

Learning to ride is an exciting adventure, but it requires choosing the ideal mo…

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Watercolor illustration of two trail horses on a mountain path, one black and one chestnut with flaxen mane. Forested landscape in the background.

WHICH HORSE FOR TRAIL RIDING? BREEDS, QUALITIES AND PRACTICAL TIPS

Walking through nature alongside your horse is a unique experience. But choosing…

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Illustration showing three horses with distinct morphologies: a slender hot-blooded horse, a balanced warmblood, and a stocky draft horse.

TYPES OF MORPHOLOGIES | HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND DIFFERENTIATE HORSES

Equine morphology refers to all the visible physical characteristics of a horse:…

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Watercolor painting of a bay horse jumping over a training obstacle in an outdoor arena.

HORSE BREEDS BEST SUITED FOR SHOW JUMPING

Show jumping (SJ) is one of the most demanding disciplines in equestrian sports.…

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Pencil drawings of four horses with distinct conformations, representing emblematic breeds from America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

THE MOST POPULAR HORSE BREEDS BY CONTINENT

The horse is a universal heritage, present on every continent and shaped by hist…

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Horses and Civilizations

Mural depicting various ancient civilizations with horses: an Egyptian charioteer, a Greek armored rider, a mounted archer, a Roman horseman, and a leader in the background. The scene includes temples and ancient statues.

HORSES AND ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS: PARTNERS IN WAR, LABOR, AND PRESTIGE

Since the dawn of human history, horses have accompanied the greatest transforma…

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Historical illustration of two armored samurai on horseback, one wielding a sword and the other a bow, in a forest battle scene.

HORSES AND SAMURAI: FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO MARTIAL ARTS

Horses played a central role in the military and cultural history of feudal Japa…

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Health & Veterinary Care

WHICH VACCINES ARE MANDATORY FOR HORSES IN FRANCE AND EUROPE?

The health of horses largely depends on appropriate preventive vaccination. In F…

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Watercolor of a bay horse with closed eyes, ears pinned back, and tense nostrils, clearly expressing visible pain.

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF PAIN IN HORSES

Pain in horses is often difficult to detect, as this prey animal tends to hide i…

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Bay horse showing a typical laminitis pain stance, with front legs stretched forward and weight shifted to the hindquarters, standing in a pasture.

LAMINITIS: UNDERSTANDING AND PREVENTING THIS EQUINE SCOURGE

Laminitis is one of the most feared conditions in horses. Severe pain, risk of i…

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Colored illustration of a horse surrounded by toxic foods and plants for horses: chocolate, avocado, potatoes, bread, coffee, buttercup, fern, yew, maple, and more.

THE MOST COMMON FOOD POISONINGS IN HORSES

A horse’s health largely depends on its diet. However, certain toxic plants, for…

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Pencil drawing of a horse lying on its side with a pained and distressed expression, representing an episode of colic.

HORSE COLIC: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION

Equine colic is one of the most frequent and dreaded veterinary emergencies. It …

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Anatomical cross-section of a horse’s hoof showing navicular syndrome, highlighting inflamed areas around the navicular bone.

NAVICULAR SYNDROME: DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT

Navicular syndrome, also known as podotrochlear syndrome, is a common condition …

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Vintage watercolor showing a farrier trimming the left front hoof of a bay horse in a traditional stable.

HOOF TRIMMING AND CARE: HORSE HEALTH AND PREVENTION

The horse’s hoof is often described as its “secondary heart”: it plays a crucial…

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Equipment and Tack

Basic horseback riding equipment for trail riding with saddle, helmet, boots, gloves and saddlebags arranged on the ground

BASIC EQUIPMENT FOR HORSEBACK RIDING TRIPS

Horseback riding trips are a unique adventure that require as much preparation f…

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Pencil drawing of a classic horse saddle in side view.

CHOOSING A SADDLE: CRITERIA, TYPES, AND ADJUSTMENTS

The saddle is one of the most essential pieces of equipment for both rider and h…

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Pencil drawing of different types of horse bridles (snaffle bridle, double bridle, hackamore, rope halter)

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BRIDLES AND THEIR USE

The bridle is an essential part of horse tack, allowing the rider to control the…

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Pencil drawing depicting several historical saddles, from the Middle Ages to modern models.

HISTORICAL SADDLES: FROM MEDIEVAL CAVALRY TO MODERN SPORTS

For more than two millennia, the saddle has accompanied human history. Far more …

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Practical Guides & Tips

Stylized illustration of a beginner rider walking a horse, shown in a learning posture with basic riding gear.

HORSE RIDING FOR BEGINNERS: COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

arning to ride a horse is an exciting adventure, but the first steps at the stab…

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Beginner riding equipment including saddle, bridle, riding pants, boots, gloves, saddle pad, crop, and grooming brushes.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT FOR STARTING HORSE RIDING

Learning to ride a horse requires more than just enthusiasm: a minimum of suitab…

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Smiling young woman grooming a chestnut horse with brushes in hand, in a peaceful and warm atmosphere.

TAKING CARE OF A HORSE WITHOUT RIDING: GROOMING AND EMOTIONAL BOND

Riding is not the only way to interact with a horse. Many riders and enthusiasts…

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Young rider in equestrian gear gently brushing her horse’s face, holding a saddle and a blanket in her other hand.

HORSEBACK RIDING BUDGET: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO START?

For many, horseback riding is a dream, but it’s important to understand the real…

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Pencil drawing of a beginner rider on a horse with a bitless bridle, representing a gentle and respectful form of riding.

RIDING BITLESS: IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A BEGINNER?

Riding a horse without a bit is attracting more and more riders, drawn to an app…

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Beginner rider walking into a sand arena to meet a saddled horse, with soft daylight coming through the indoor riding hall windows.

FIRST RIDING LESSON: WHAT TO EXPECT?

Discovering horse riding is a truly emotional experience. Whether it’s out of pa…

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Young rider in riding gear walking a chestnut horse at a calm pace, in a peaceful natural setting.

THE 5 FIRST THINGS TO LEARN ON HORSEBACK: THE BASICS FOR BEGINNERS

Discovering horseback riding is a unique experience, combining sport, animal com…

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