The basic handling skills must be taught to every horse to make him safe and enjoyable for the horseman. Regardless of your use of the horse, these handling skills will assist in the development of harmony and cooperation between horse and rider.

One of the most difficult tasks facing an instructor is teaching a student to feel and react to the horse's movement and responses. Riders who do not feel the horse's errors are unable to react correctly in a timely manner to the horse.

A horse has an unusual digestive system and its needs differ because of its athleticism.

New horse owners can greatly benefit by finding professional assistance in caring for, training and riding horses.

In the summer months it is highly important to consider the water consumption of your horse. "Water is the most essential nutrient that we provide in a horse’s diet," says former LSU AgCenter horse specialist Dr. Clint Depew, and Southwest Region Horse Agent Howard Cormier.

It might seem like that buckaroo who rides off into the sunset was born in the saddle. But the truth is he had to learn equestrian skills, either by chance or instruction. An LSU AgCenter program, Master Horseman, is underway to pass along that knowledge.