33 Equestrian Resources to Inform and Improve Your Riding

We can’t always get to the barn as much as we’d like. But that doesn’t mean we can’t use the time to improve our riding and stay connected with the local or global equestrian community! We’ve compiled a list of different resources and communities both entertaining, educational and informative so that you can make the most of your time at home. And please suggest more in the comments below, we’ll update the article with the best ones as we go!

Blogs & Websites

A good horsey blog can keep you up-to-date AND entertained. Not to mention that keeping up with a blogger or two can make you feel more connected to other equestrians, no matter where you are.

• Horse Network – a very well-maintained hub of equestrian news, articles, advice and more. Be sure to check out their extensive collection of free and paid horse show coverage and films!
• Horselistening – the equestrian lifestyle blog of Kathy Farrokhzad, full of helpful advice, musings and more for the practical equesetrian.
• Equine Ink – an entertaining mix of lifestyle blogs, riding advice and equestrian news.
• Budget Equestrian – another super helpful blog that has articles on horsey-DIY projects, riding tips, and more. Complete with an equally helpful Youtube channel!
• Saddle Seeks Horse – as the tagline states, “a lifestyle blog for the everyday equestrian”. Reviews, lifestyle updates and general candid-ness.

Podcasts

Listening to podcasts is another great way to stay entertained and involved. Being able to listen while you do other things like clean tack or do laundry is just a bonus.

• Equiratings (Apple Podcasts link) – professional and fun at the same time, the Equiratings podcast will keep you in the know about the eventing world and much more, with insightful and knowledgeable episodes carried by the likable cast.
• Horse Radio Network – not just a single podcast but a network of them, the Horse Radio Network will keep you entertained for hours on end with podcasts for every kind of rider. Might we suggest Horses in the Morning for your daily dose of horse talk, or Heels Down Happy Hour to help you unwind?
• HorseHour (Apple Podcasts Link) – expert guests, informative episodes, and a great host: this UK-based podcast is a winner.
• Straight From the Horse’s Mouth (Apple Podcasts Link) – although there are no longer new episodes being made, there are 90+ great episodes to listen to with fascinating guests and topics.

YouTube Channels

Like vlogging, a good YouTube channel can keep you in the loop and give you a connection to the equestrian world. From informative to funny, you can find the whole spectrum in video format.

• This Esme – perhaps the most well-known equestrian YouTuber, Esme’s channel is characterized by her high quality videos and cheerful personality.
• FEI – follow the FEI’s channel to catch event highlights and exciting behind-the-scenes. They’re also currently running ‘live’ replays of past events.
• US Equestrian – on top of highlights and behind-the-scenes, the official USEF channel features a number of informational and educational videos, and more to be found on their website.
• CRKtraining – every video on Callie King’s channel is aimed at making you a better rider with exercises, tips & tricks and more.
• Noelle Floyd’s Masterclasses – this isn’t a YouTube channel, but a series of classes by some of the best riders out there, from Ian Miller to Missy Clark. For $19.99/month or $199/year you get access to a lot of information that could bring your riding to the next level. If you’re stuck at home, that’s a pretty good use of your time!

Social Accounts

Following the right social accounts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest provides an engaging view behind the scenes of some of the largest organizations and the biggest riders.

• @FEI_Global – the Twitter account for the governing body of equestrian sports; get important updates in addition to past highlights.
• @ChronofHorse – active and engaging, the magazine’s Twitter account is a good time.
• Charlotte Dujardin – The dressage superstar’s Facebook page is a platform for encouragement, updates and activism.
• @HesterDressage – Carl Hester’s Twitter account, the decorated British dressage rider stays pretty active on the social media platform
• lifebetweentheears – an Instagram account featuring photos of life between the ears around the world.
• @USequestrian (and on Facebook) – US Equestrian has a good mix of fun and facts. Maybe you can be featured on #MemberMonday?
• Everything Equestrian – a Pinterest board for everything equestrian, from art to horse care.
• Horse Humor – a funny Pinterest board with tons of horsey memes.

Forums and Groups

Want the social interaction, conversation and camaraderie of a barn or horse show even when you meet together in person? Forums and Facebook Groups give a perfect outlet where you can ask and answer questions, read and write updates and connect with other equestrians around the world.

• Chronicle of the Horse Forum – with over 100,000 members the Chronicle Forums is one of—if not the—largest and most active equestrian forums. Get advice, opinions and more on everything horse-related.
• Equestrian Pole Club Facebook Group – one of the most active public equestrian Facebook groups, members post frequently to encourage each other, share funny videos or images and ask for advice.
• Horse Forum – along with the Chronicle Forums and Horse and Hound Forum, one of the largest online equestrian forums. A great place to talk about anything horsey!
• Horse and Hound Forum – forums for the British magazine aren’t just for UK citizens. Full of helpful tips and guidance as well as equipment advice, horse care discussions and more.

Books

Last but definitely not least—books are still such a good way to learn how to become a better rider whether you’re just starting out or you already have a lot of experience. There’s of course an enormous library of equestrian books, but we’re just displaying some of our favorites—click the title to go order the book on Amazon.

• 40 Fundamentals of English Riding – this book comes with a DVD, very helpful to properly teach you (or reinforce!) many of the fundamentals.
• My Horses, My Teachers – the memoir of late Alois Podhajsky is still a compelling read from an inspiring man.
• How to Think Like a Horse – Cherry Hill gives great insight into the behavior of horses—a huge help towards understanding your horse better.
• Judy Richter’s Riding for Kids – geared towards younger riders with lots of photos and clear explanations, this one is great if you want to help your son or daughter learn the basics quickly and properly!
• The Rider’s Fitness Program – though you’ll need access to gym equipment or a gym to complete all of the exercises, there are still plenty that can be done at home (and when you can get back to the gym, even better!). Whether you can ride or not right now, you can tone up on the proper muscles to be fitter than ever when you get back in the saddle.
• Training and Riding with Cones and Poles – a great set of practical exercises using only cones and ground poles. Put them to work now or bookmark the most promising ones for when you return to the barn.
• The USDF Guide to Dressage – the official USDF dressage book, you’ll enjoy its thoroughness combined with great images. This book has a lot of great information for new beginners through intermediate riders.

Conclusion

Being stuck at home is no cause for despair! There’s so much out there that can inform, entertain and improve your equestrianism whether or not you have access to your horse or your barn. Following a blog or vlog, reading up on exercises or theory, or catching up over Facebook are all ways to beat the barnsick blues. In any case, equestrians will find a way to stay with it, because that’s what we do.

What are you doing nowadays to stay active and connected? Share with us in the comments below and we might add yours to the list!

Featured Image by BRUNO CERVERA. Photos by Malte Wingen, Kon Karampelas, Christin Hume