Photo by Stunning Steeds Photography With a history spanning 25,000 years, the Lusitano’s roots run as deep as the trees on the Iberian Peninsula, where the horses’ adaptations to the unusual environment created a brave companion for humans. The Lusitano is one of the oldest riding horses, with evidence to show they have been ridden in what is now Portugal for at least the past 5,000 years. If you’ve never been to Portugal, you may not be aware of its unique topography. In an arid climate, with the Tagus River running the length, the ancestors to the Lusitano shared the...

Equine assisted services (EAS) include horsemanship provided by qualified therapeutic or adaptive riding instructors. Shown: A certified instructor assists a young rider onto the horse. Photo courtesy Fieldstone Farm, Ohio Are you in the market for a new career? Equine assisted services (EAS) centers across the U.S. are reporting job openings for qualified applicants. “I would encourage anyone who wants to pursue this industry; it is growing, and it’s very rewarding,” says Carol Young, CEO of Healing Strides in Boones Mill, Va. What are Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? People are often surprised to learn the depth and breadth of EAS....

Read along for a guide on how to choose your riding helmet for safely riding a horse. Photo by Shoshana Rudski Being a horse girl or guy pretty much guarantees you’ll end up eating some dirt at some point. If you haven’t had the joy of hitting the ground yet, count yourself lucky. Even the most easygoing horses can spook or pull a surprise move, and suddenly you’re airborne. Whatever you land on first takes the impact of your fall. Hopefully, that thing isn’t your head. Working with horses is fun, but it’s not without risks. That’s why it’s so...

Read along for a look at each horse competing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. 2024 Kentucky Derby favorite Fierceness trains beneath the famed Twin Spires. Photo by Grace Clark In 2021, 17,779 Thoroughbred foals in the United States alone were registered with the Jockey Club. This Saturday, only 20 Thoroughbreds — two of them born in Japan — will load into the starting gate for one of the most illustrious races in the world: the Kentucky Derby.  Dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the 1 ¼-mile race will showcase the 20 3-year-olds that qualified for the Derby via...

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCA’s Right Horse program. This week’s adoptable horse is actually a package deal: Vixen and Pipsqueak! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse. Photo courtesy Owner 2 Owner Program Adoptable Horse: Vixen and Pipsqueak, a Miniature Mule and Miniature Horse/Shetland mix duo Organization: Owner 2 Owner Program (aka – Maryland Equine Transition Service), Woodbine, Md. Get to Know Adoptable Equines Vixen and Pipsqueak Please note the owner of this duo wants these...

Humane Society of North Texas head trainer Amanda Stevens connecting with Jake, an owner-surrendered feral stallion that had just arrived at the ranch. They prioritize building trust between the horse and the human first. Photo courtesy Humane Society of North Texas Imagine an entire month dedicated to celebrating adoptable horses: For the past four years, the month of May has been just that. With help from the ASPCA, rescues and shelters across the country will take all of May to highlight the important work they do all year long. To celebrate, two ASPCA Right Horse Partners with somewhat different yet...

Horses in the guest ranch industry come from varied breeds and backgrounds. Learn more about them. The scenery may be stunning, the food and staff top-notch, but ultimately, it’s the four-legged workforce that makes for a memorable trip at any dude ranch. “It takes a special kind of horse to have a different rider every week,” notes Meris Stout, owner of Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch. “A lot of horses don’t have the right temperament to have different riders and be patient.” Guest ranches and outfitters in different states share what goes into finding and maintaining these equine memory-makers. Drowsy Water...