What is a Good Seat? Katrin Silva explains

Katrin Silva grew up riding dressage in Germany before moving to the United States at age 19 to learn to ride Western. She’s been riding both disciplines for the last twenty years. Read her article on Contact here. Silva has competed successfully through fourth level […]

The Brain’s “Low Road” and “High Road”

Mechanics know that one big problem – smoke under the hood – is often caused by tiny, less visible issues. To solve the big problem, you need to understand finer points and foundational concepts. The more you know, the more effective you can be in […]

Understanding “Deep Practice”

In The Talent Code, Daniel Coyle discusses the merits of soccer hotbeds in Brazil and training methods of famous pianists. So, what does all that have to do with horsemanship? Everything. As Coyle explains, it all comes down to one microscopic detail, shared by horses […]

A Dressage Vote for Pilates

We hear this week from Katrin Kuenstler, a German rider living and teaching in Australia. She weighs in on Rider Fitness and Core Strength. Read more about it here. Kuenstler writes: I am a dressage rider, riding instructor and Pilates instructor and can only say […]

Healthy Horse Weekend in NC

This week, we hear from frequent guest columnist Emily Thomas Luciano. Together with her father, Jim Thomas, Luciano is coordinating the Healthy Horse Seminar, March 3-5, in PittsboSiler City, North Carolina. Click here to check it out. She writes: Where else can you learn the […]

Developing the Intelligent, Functional Core

Continuing our conversation on Core Fitness, we spoke with accomplished physical therapist, Beth Austin, of Santa Cruz, California. A runner and dancer, Austin rode often as a girl and has an excellent sense of the horse-rider partnership. The therapist and seminar leader works with a […]

Meet BHPS Charter Sponsors

The BestHorsePractices Summit is a Colorado nonprofit with 501 (c)(3) status. We are proud to have excellent sponsors toeing the line for this inaugural event. From Patagonia WorkWear: Patagonia, the clothing company characteristically associated with surfers and rock climbers, has chosen the Summit as a […]

Amy Skinner moves to Bar T

For years, our readers have enjoyed the news and perspective from horsewoman Amy Skinner of Essence Horsemanship. Through dozens of guest columns, Skinner has conveyed wisdom and thoughtfulness that belie her age (she’s 27). Read her articles here. This year, Skinner took her talents and […]

When Multitasking Pays Off

There’s a lot of research out there disparaging multitasking. Scientists say it’s inefficient. They say ideal productivity and efficiency requires focus. But often horse handling requires a certain lack of focus and an ability to take in, understand, and react to multiple developments all at […]

Another Core Insight from Katrin Silva