Practical Horseman Magazine

05/26/2026

Two horses in Oregon, located in Clackamas and Lane counties, have tested positive for strangles, and two horses have been exposed.

The cases are located in Clackamas and Lane counties.

05/25/2026

🐴 During a three-day competition, your horse begins showing subtle but familiar signs by the second day: reduced appetite, increased tension during warm-up and girth sensitivity. He’s still performing, but not with the same relaxation and consistency he has at home.🐴

The equine gastrointestinal system is closely tied to stress response, immune function and performance under saddle, but most sporthorses are vulnerable to digestive disruption due to travel schedules, concentrated feeding, stall confinement and the physical demands of competition.

Click on the link below to learn how you can best support your horse's gut health!

Brought to you by Mad Barn.

The equine gastrointestinal system is closely tied to stress response, immune function and performance, but many sporthorses are vulnerable to digestive disruption. Learn how you can best support your horse's gut health.

05/24/2026

🐴"The challenge for judges is to determine how much expression is too much expression. If a horse shakes his head, flips his tail or even lets out a small squeal of joy after an impressive jumping effort, that’s not the end of the world in our eyes. We can’t, however, reward a horse who plays in every corner or takes off with his rider."🐴
~ Betty Oare, answers a reader question on how much expression is acceptable in the hunter ring

Hunters should be encouraged to show off their individual personalities and enjoyment of the sport, but there is a limit. Hunter judge Betty Oare explains how expression is evaluated on a case-by-case basis in the hunter ring.

Click on the link below to learn exactly how judges assess hunter expression!

Hunters should be encouraged to show off their individual personalities and enjoyment of the sport, but there is a limit. Judge Betty Oare explains how expression is evaluated on a case-by-case basis in the hunter ring.

05/22/2026

One horse in Racine County, Wisconsin, has tested positive for strangles, and one additional horse has clinical signs. Both horses came from a Wisconsin dealer that sells rescue horses.

One horse in Racine County, Wisconsin, has tested positive for strangles, and one additional horse has clinical signs.

05/22/2026

Two horses in McIntosh County, North Dakota, have tested positive for equine influenza, and 70 horses have been exposed.

The horses live in McIntosh County, where 70 horses have been exposed.

05/22/2026

She made her FEI debut at 16, has campaigned 29 horses at the FEI level, rode through cancer recovery like the absolute force of nature she is, and now she's answering YOUR questions.✨ ​

Say hello to the newest member of Team Prac: the one, the only, Team Tate Academy's JJ Tate! drop your riding questions below 👇 (or join PH+ and ask her yourself 😏)

05/22/2026

🐴 How an Equine Nutritionist Can Boost Your Horse’s Performance🐴

Quality nutrition is key to helping your sporthorse perform to his full potential. Learn how an equine nutritionist can help you fine-tune his diet to ensure he's receiving adequate nutrition to meet the demands of his work.

Click on the link below to assess your horse's nutritional needs and determine when you should consider consulting an equine nutritionist.

Quality nutrition is key to helping your sporthorse perform to his full potential. Learn how an equine nutritionist can help you fine-tune your horse's diet to ensure he's receiving adequate nutrition to meet the demands of his work.

05/21/2026

🐴 "My teammates cheered for me when I came out of my ring, and my trainers were very proud of me for being able to hold my own against the top riders in the country. It was a wonderful end to a tough class, and I couldn’t have been more grateful to have the most amazing team supporting me." 🐴
~ Maya Samlan on her experience competing with IHSA

Otterbein Equestrian Team member Maya Salman shares her experience from this year's Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Championship. She worked hard to produce a solid effort in her flat class and earned a top-five result.

Click on the link below to read her story!

Otterbein University Equestrian Team member Maya Salman shares her experience from this year's IHSA Nationals.

05/21/2026

A 3-year-old Belgian gelding in Clark County, Wisconsin, has tested positive for strangles.

The horse lives in Clark County, where one additional horse has been exposed.

05/21/2026

A yearling Quarter Horse gelding in Dane County, Wisconsin, has tested positive for equine influenza.

The horse lives at a private facility in Dane County.

05/20/2026

Stephany Fish Crossman is leading the upcoming Practical Horseman+ and Dressage Today+ seminar, and this is one riders will want a notebook for. ✍️✨​

As a biomechanics expert, USDF medalist, owner and trainer of Serendipity Dressage AND one of only two LEVEL 3 Ride With Your Mind coaches in the U.S., Stephany brings deep insight into how rider position affects balance, straightness, effectiveness, and a horse’s way of going.​

In this seminar, the focus includes:​
✔️ Rider biomechanics and effective use of aids​
✔️ Seat, alignment, and balance for clearer communication​
✔️ Straightness, symmetry, and longitudinal alignment​
✔️ How tension, crookedness, and habits block throughness and connection​
✔️ Small positional changes that improve suppleness, contact, and overall harmony​

Stephany is also inviting questions ahead of time 🎥👇​
Drop them in the comments or bring them to the live seminar on June 2nd.​

Because when the rider is correctly aligned, the horse can truly come “through” the back and into a more consistent, elastic connection 🐎​

Join Practical Horseman+ or Dressage Today+ to secure your seat!