Horse New Year’s Resolutions

We sought out your horse-related New Year’s resolutions. Here are the top 10. | Photo: Photos.com

Ride More/Spend More Time in the Saddle

“I’m very fortunate to have friends with a variety of horses in their barn that I can ride, as I don’t own a horse here locally,” says Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Church. “Still, it requires very intentional planning on my part, because if I’m not careful, my evenings can get eaten up by other priorities. This year I want to be more deliberate about getting out to the farm to ride.” | Photo: Photos.com

Improve Communication with My Horse/Listen to My Horse

Members of the International Society of Equitation Science research equine behavior, how horses grasp new concepts, and how they interact with humans. Search TheHorse.com for the term “ISES” to find our coverage and better understand how your horses learn. "I love that researchers are putting science behind the way we train and interact with our horses," says Managing Editor Alexandra Beckstett. | Photo: Photos.com

Learn More about Horses, Horsemanship, and Riding

You’ve come to the right place to start your horse-health education! The Horse offers thousands of resources—from just the basics to the stuff your veterinarian relies on to keep up-to-date on new research, outbreaks, and treatment techniques. | Photo: Photos.com

Go Trail Riding

Hitting the trails on horseback is a great way to appreciate nature, spend time with friends, get your horse fit, and bust arena boredom (for you and your horse!). “I love throwing a Western saddle on my dressage horses and covering ground in the public l

Teach Kids How to Ride

"After teaching young riders for several years, I believe there's nothing more rewarding than passing a passion for horses on to a new generation of equestrians," says News Editor Erica Larson. Have young horse lovers in your life? Consider opening your barn to them and educating them on horse safety, care, and riding. | Photo: Photos.com

Start Competing with My Horse Again

"After the winter and holiday lull in training and competition, I can't wait to get back in the show ring and improve upon my results from the previous year," says Managing Editor Alexandra Beckstett. | Photo: Photos.com

Purchase or Adopt a Horse

“Some time has passed since I’ve had my own horse here in Kentucky, and while the break from boarding/vet/farrier bills has been nice, sometimes I really do miss the whole experience,” says Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Church. “I hope to bring Honey, my mom’s Belgian-Quarter Horse mare, out for a trial period in the Bluegrass. If that doesn’t work out, I would like to begin looking for my next OTTB or draft cross for trail riding, lower-level eventing, and possibly even fox hunting.” | Photo: Photos.com

Finish a New Barn or Fence

When you own horse property, there’s no shortage of projects. In the new year, consider making a wish list of things you’d like to get done. Include cost and time estimates to help prioritize your projects. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

Get Myself Fit for Riding

"I always strive to keep my horse in top physical condition, and this year I'm aiming to do the same for myself," says News Editor Erica Larson. "Finding time in a busy schedule is a challenge, but it will ultimately benefit both my horse and me—and that's motivation enough!" | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse

Try Keeping My Horses Barefoot

There’s no doubt barefoot horse keeping is a hot topic—it’s one of the most popular on TheHorse.com. If you are transitioning your horse from shoes to unshod, take precautions to help keep your horse comfortable. Consult your veterinarian first, and hire an experienced trimmer. And there’s no need to go “cold turkey”--soft footing and protective boots can help ease your horse through the change. | Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt/The Horse