Red Hawk Ranch

04/22/2025

Turnout is one of the most polarizing topics in modern horse keeping. So, let’s skip the debate. We’ve gathered some results from veterinary science, peer-reviewed journals, and international welfare assessments. These are real numbers, from real studies, so you can make strategic decisions rooted in evidence, not tradition.

-A 25% reduction in soft tissue injuries was found in adult horses turned out for at least 12 hours daily, compared to those kept in stalls greater than 12 hours daily. (Reilly & Bryk-Lucy, 2021)

-Comparing turnout duration, a study found that horses with only 2 hours of turnout exhibited significantly higher energy levels, anxiety, and behaviors such as rearing, bucking, and fence running, whereas horses receiving over 12 hours of turnout were more likely to walk, graze, and remain calm. (Hockenhull & Creighton, 2010)

-Foals receiving inconsistent turnout (9 to 23 hours per day) had 4.6 times more musculoskeletal injuries than those with 24/7 access to turnout. Furthermore, for every extra acre of turnout, there was a 24% reduction in injury risk. (Brown-Douglas et al., 2022)

-A study on 2-year-old horses found that those kept in individual stalls required more time to get used to training activities and showed more unwanted behaviors, like resistance or agitation, than horses kept on pasture. The stalled horses needed an average of 26 minutes of training time, while the pastured horses needed only 19 minutes, to complete the same task. Additionally, the stalled horses were more likely to show unwanted behaviors during training (8 instances on average compared to just 2 for pastured horses). (Rivera et al., 2002)

-Stall-kept livestock experience a higher incidence of hoof-related issues, including uneven hoof growth and lameness, while those with access to turnout demonstrated healthier, more balanced hoof development. (Black, R.A. et al., 2017)

-A European welfare study using the AWIN protocol assessed 315 horses in group-housing turnout systems. Only 2.3% of these horses exhibited signs of lameness, compared to lameness rates as high as 33% in stalled horses across various studies. (AWIN Welfare Assessment, 2023)

-Within just one day of moving from group turnout to individual stalling, equine cortisol levels spike, and their white blood cell count shows significant changes, including a 25% increase in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and a decrease in infection-fighting cells like monocytes and T cells. Additionally, behaviors indicative of stress, such as oral manipulation, neighing, pawing, and apathy, became evident in most horses within a week. (Schmucker et al., 2022)

-Horses with regular turnout showed higher heart rate variability, indicating improved balance in their autonomic nervous system and greater stress resilience. (Rietmann et al., 2004)

-Welsh ponies who received daily pasture turnout in a herd exhibited fewer stress-related behaviors, were significantly calmer, less fearful, less reactive, more interactive with humans, and more adaptable in learning tasks compared to ponies housed in impoverished environments (stalls with limited turnout). Even three months after the study, ponies in the enriched group retained these positive behaviors and demonstrated higher curiosity and superior learning performance. (Lansade et al., 2014)

Can you find a single peer-reviewed study that shows horses kept stabled 24/7 are sounder, healthier, or happier than those with regular turnout? Even the most finely tuned, performance-focused horses are still horses. Just like any other, they require room to roam, stretch their legs, and engage in natural behaviors such as grazing and socializing.

It’s important to recognize that no horse truly dislikes turnout. If a horse resists going outside, it’s due to improper conditioning, previous negative experiences, or being overwhelmed by a sudden change in environment: what’s known as "flooding." Horses who’ve been confined for extended periods or who’ve never had proper exposure to outdoor spaces may react with anxiety or reluctance. These reactions stem from fear, not from an inherent dislike of turnout. With patience and gradual exposure, every horse can be reconditioned to embrace the outdoors. After all, instincts tell them to roam, graze, and move, it's in their nature.

Of course, there are times when limiting a horse's movement is necessary, such as during health issues or transportation. In these instances, it’s crucial to understand the physiological and psychological changes that occur so we can minimize stress and discomfort.

Turnout is a biological necessity. To support our horses’ overall health and well-being, we must prioritize their freedom to move. After all, a healthy, happy horse is one that has the opportunity to be just that: a horse.

04/22/2025

In the sweltering California sun of August 1984, a 6'2" New Zealander named Mark Todd calmly adjusted his reins as the crowd fell into an uneasy silence. His horse, Charisma, looked almost out of place—a compact, somewhat unremarkable chestnut gelding with a white blaze and an oversized heart. They weren’t the favorites. They didn’t look like champions. But when Todd nudged Charisma forward on that final show-jumping course, something magical unfolded. It was poise under pressure, harmony between man and horse, and defiance of expectation all at once. They cleared every obstacle with uncanny grace, sealing Olympic gold in Los Angeles—and again four years later in Seoul. What followed wasn’t just a career; it was a legacy shaped by resilience and rare longevity. Todd retired in 2000, only to return in 2008 and compete in two more Olympics, pushing his career span to over 30 years. His calm demeanor, precise riding, and profound connection with his horses made him more than an elite competitor—he became the embodiment of equestrian excellence. “Charisma gave me wings,” Todd once said. “He made the impossible feel effortless.” Their story wasn’t just about medals—it was about the quiet bond between rider and horse, about trust built stride by stride, across continents and decades. In a sport often dominated by European dynasties, Mark Todd carved a path from a remote New Zealand farm to global stardom, inspiring generations to believe that greatness is less about pedigree and more about heart.

03/30/2025

03/30/2025

The decline of independent, knowledgeable horsemen in favor of riders who rely entirely on full-service programs is a troubling trend for our industry. Too often, riders simply show up, ride, and leave, trusting others to manage every aspect of their horse’s care. They follow their trainer’s directives without question, missing the opportunity to develop essential horsemanship skills and personal responsibility.

Attending a show without a trainer has become taboo. The idea of independently navigating a warm-up ring, walking a course, or making strategic decisions is foreign to many riders today. Beyond competition, this reliance extends to daily care. While trainers are invaluable resources, true horsemanship demands personal engagement.

Horses thrive on consistency, personalized attention, and knowledgeable management. A rider who understands their horse’s unique needs, how they respond to different training methods, express soreness, or vary in energy levels, can advocate for them in ways that a trainer managing dozens of horses cannot. When owners blindly follow a program without understanding its rationale, it is the horse who suffers.

On that note, there is absolutely no reason for a junior rider to have full-service grooming. Learning to care for a horse is an essential part of becoming a well-rounded equestrian. Grooming, tacking up, aftercare, and basic stable management are not chores: they are an opportunity and a privilege to recognize subtle changes in their horse’s well-being and take responsibility for their animal. If a junior rider has the ability to ride, they have the ability to contribute to their horse’s daily routine. Relying on full-service programs from an early age only fosters detachment and entitlement, rather than the respect and responsibility that true horsemanship demands.

Trainers should serve as mentors, not crutches. Every horse owner has a duty to take an active role in their horse’s well-being. If this trend continues, our industry will lose independent, well-rounded horsemen. We will see a generation of riders who can function only within structured programs, lacking the critical thinking skills necessary for effective horse care. Worse, we are producing professionals who can ride and teach but who lack the basic foundational knowledge to properly develop and maintain equine athletes.

Amateurs, in particular, have a crucial role in reversing this trend. Regardless of skill level, every rider has both the ability and the responsibility to take ownership of their horse’s well-being. This starts with asking questions: why is your horse in a particular training aid? Why is a specific bit, feed, or therapy being used? The more you learn, the better you can advocate for your horse. If your trainer resents your questions or discourages your involvement, vote with your feet and find someone else: because if they won’t listen to you, they certainly aren’t listening to your horse.

Restoring true horsemanship requires a shift in mindset. Riders must take an active role in their horse’s care, trainers should foster independence rather than dependency, and owners must recognize that ultimate responsibility lies with them. If we fail to course-correct, we risk losing not only invaluable knowledge but also the very essence of horsemanship: a loss our horses cannot afford.

03/14/2025

𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝: 𝐀 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞

The world is waking up. Across industries, sports, and daily life, conversations about animal welfare are becoming impossible to ignore. In equestrian sport, the debate has reached a critical moment one that demands real action, not just words. Leading the charge for change is Blue Horse, one of the most influential names in Danish and international dressage. In a bold and unprecedented move, Blue Horse has announced a temporary withdrawal from dressage competitions, choosing horse welfare over ribbons and rankings.

This is more than a pause. It is a statement of principles, a refusal to participate in a system that has yet to fully define what ethical training and competition should look like. It is a message to the entire equestrian world: change is coming, and we must all take responsibility.

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲: 𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

For years, Blue Horse has been at the heart of international dressage. Founded in Denmark, it is not only a competition powerhouse but also a world-class breeding operation, home to some of the most sought-after dressage stallions in the industry. Blue Horse stallions have shaped the modern dressage landscape, producing top-tier horses that have competed at the highest levels of the sport.

Beyond breeding, Blue Horse is a leader in training, education, and the promotion of dressage as an art form and sport. Their riders, horses, and trainers have set benchmarks for quality, but their commitment has always extended beyond competitive success. Now, they are demonstrating leadership in a different, more profound way by prioritizing the well-being of horses over immediate competitive goals.

𝗔 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘆, 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

Dressage has long been celebrated as the pinnacle of harmony between horse and rider. But in recent years, concerns over training methods, competition pressures, and overall horse welfare have sparked fierce debate. Are horses being pushed too hard? Are the judging standards encouraging training methods that prioritize results over the well-being of the horse? Is the balance between sport and ethics shifting in the wrong direction?

The Danish Riding Association (DRF) has recognized these concerns and launched a new initiative: Sammen om Hestewelfærd (“Together for Horse Welfare”). This strategy aims to set clearer guidelines for the ethical treatment of horses in sport, improve education, and rethink competition scoring to ensure that horse welfare remains the top priority.

Blue Horse’s decision to step back from competition aligns directly with this movement. Rather than continuing in an uncertain environment, they have chosen to pause, reflect, and push for clearer, stronger ethical standards.

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

But this is not just about elite dressage. Every rider whether professional, amateur, or leisure must take a moment to reflect. It is easy to point at top-level competition and demand change, but what about at home?

• 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜-𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨?

• 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙, 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩, 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙪𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙨?

• 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙, 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙥𝙝𝙮𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮?

Blue Horse is leading by example, but change must come from every corner of the equestrian world. The responsibility does not lie solely with professionals; it is a mindset that must be adopted by every horse owner, trainer, and rider, regardless of discipline or level.

Despite stepping back from dressage competitions, Blue Horse’s daily operations continue. Their renowned stallion shows, including the highly anticipated event on March 29, will go ahead as scheduled. The breeding, training, and education programs remain in full operation.

But make no mistake this pause in competition is not a passive decision. Blue Horse is using this time to push for meaningful change, to be part of the conversations that will shape the future of dressage. And when they return to competition, it will be with the confidence that the sport is moving in the right direction.

The next three months will be a test not just for Blue Horse, but for the entire dressage world. Will the sport embrace change? Will governing bodies, riders, and organizations step up and take responsibility? And, most importantly, will these conversations lead to real, lasting improvements for the horses at the heart of it all?

Blue Horse has made its stance clear. Now, it is time for the rest of the equestrian community at every level to prove that horse welfare is not just a trend or a talking point, but the foundation upon which the future of the sport must be built.

Blue Hors we applaud you ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A9SdkYjA4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

02/21/2025

🚨 Buying a Used Horse Trailer? DON’T Skip These Checks! 🚨

Thinking about buying a used horse trailer? While it can be a budget-friendly option, hidden issues can lead to costly repairs—or worse, put your horse at risk. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure to check for:

✅ Structural Integrity – Cracks or sagging? Walk away.
✅ Rust & Corrosion – A small hole could be hiding bigger problems.
✅ Floorboards – Soft spots = replacement needed.
✅ Brakes & Wiring – Inoperative systems = $$$ to fix.

Many older trailers end up costing double their purchase price in repairs! Learn what to look for before you buy: https://www.horsejournals.com/acreages-stables/transport-equipment/purchasing-used-horse-trailer

Have you ever had a used trailer surprise you with hidden repairs? 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀! 👇

02/17/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬?

I’ve been following a lot of passionate social media discussions surrounding recent Eurodressage articles. Many important topics have been brought forward, but the portion of the conversation that grabbed my attention has been centered around the question: Why don’t we see more kids riding dressage in the United States?

Well, I have an opinion (surprise, surprise).

Just give me a second to get my soapbox out here... Okay, ready.

To be very blunt, the recognized youth divisions in U.S. dressage are structured terribly, and that is definitively why we cannot get more kids in dressage.

Let me paint you a picture:

You are a non-horse parent with a 6-year-old kid that loves horses. You type "horseback riding lessons near me" into a search engine and start investigating. 90% of the programs that show up offer instruction in "hunt seat equitation." Must be popular! You see that the highest rated barn offers a summer camp and you decide to send your child. She loves it and starts making friends with the kids who ride at the barn. She begs for weekly riding lessons. She takes lessons one to two days a week until her trainer mentions that she is really getting quite good! She should start to compete.

She does the leadline division and gets exposed to an environment like the Devon Horse Show. Dreams ablaze in her heart she asks if she can have a pony of her own, but your family isn't ready for that type of commitment. "No worries," says the trainer. "You can lease our small pony." Then she ages out and you lease the medium pony...or the large pony... or the Junior Hunter.

But at some point your kid is getting quite good and the trainer helps you buy a competitive A-circuit equitation horse. Your daughter goes on to place well at several big championships, catching the attention of a noted trainer who offers to take her on as a rider. She goes on to become an assistant trainer, or to cruise happily around the amateur divisions. The End.

Everything curated. Everything clear. Their goal is to not overwhelm parents because there is real money in developing youth riders in hunter/jumper land and real milestones to attain from the time the kids are little. When that's true, the trainers are happy and structure their programs to make parents and children happy.

NOW, let's say your first call was to a dressage barn. Nine times out of ten, that conversation is going to go like this: "Hello! I am inquiring about riding lessons for my 6-year-old daughter." ...."Hi! Does she have her own horse?" ..."No, we don't.".... "Sorry, can't help you."

But maybe by the grace of god you happen to call one of the 10% of dressage barns that can accommodate beginner children. Your kid takes riding lessons there for two years. In her third year she might do some dressage schooling shows at Introductory Level, your trainer may even take her to some unrated hunter/jumper shows because the format is easier, cheaper and she can get more ring time. Next year your kid begs to show recognized at Training Level. At only ~10 years old she really does quite well on the barn's lesson pony! She qualifies for Regional Championships.

When you arrive in the warmup for your first class, you see your child's eyes widen to saucers. She rides over to her trainer and asks in hushed tones, "Is SHE in my class?" Yes, my dear, SHE is. Your eyes slide over to the 21-year-old rising professional riding her client's young horse, who appears to be the second coming of Glamourdale.

The class commences. Your kid rides her heart out on her lesson pony (you had tried to find something nice for her to lease for this year, but no luck finding a quality seasoned dressage pony for lease). Still, even with her best test of the year, she places third to last with a 62%. The young pro wins with a 74%. Not because your kid isn't great and skilled for her age, but because there is a CHASM in terms of experience and physical ability between a 10-year-old and a 21-year-old!

This is what it is going to look like for the next few years until you buck up and buy a pony for her to do FEI Children's or Ponies on (probably from Europe because that's the only place to reliably find a competitive pony that's actually been shown and proven by a kid). Sure, you could aim at Dressage Seat Equitation Medal Finals, which has a 13 and under division... if you have one of the few 10-year-olds who can ride First Level inside out and backwards, and you can find a size-appropriate mount for her to do it on.

In general, we do NOT provide the Disney experience to families like the hunter/jumper community does. We do not structure our divisions to give kids appropriate milestones (Like, HELLO - why not have an equitation class that is just Walk/Trot like they do in hunter/jumper land? Why can't we get out of our own way and reward correct basics without making the kids do leg yield zig-zags and counter canter and three changes of lead through trot on the diagonal?).

Because the way our youth divisions are structured is so challenging, no trainer really wants to structure their business around it. It's a bad gamble that will almost assuredly result in a ticked off parent and a disappointed kid. Much easier to help adult amateurs who already know they dislike hunter/jumper land pursue their medals.

So here are my counter-questions: We want to see more kids riding dressage. We want to see better horsemanship and depth at every level of the sport. Then where is the space for younger riders to compete, learn and connect with their peers? Where are the milestones for them to aim towards?

Until we have an outlet for these young kids to showcase their skill and test their ability in classes that are structured fairly, I think we are going to continue scratching our heads and wondering, "Where are the dressage kids?"

Read more musings at https://www.thedressageacademy.com/blog/

📸 Priceless Equine Productions

01/12/2025

Take a field full of young horses—doesn’t matter the breed or sport—and you’ll quickly see the harsh reality. Some will get hurt or die before they even have a chance to prove themselves. Some will be bought and rushed by people who don’t know what they’re doing, or worse, who “do”know but can’t resist cutting corners. Some will be started by hot-headed, short-fused riders who can’t handle the pressure. And only a small handful will ever get the chance to become well-trained by calm, patient, and skilled hands.

In short: there are far more potentially great young horses out there than there are people who actually know how to bring them along with the skill, the patience, and—let’s be real—“the temperament”to make it happen.

And the worst part? It’s usually the horse that gets blamed for the mistakes humans make.

And let’s not forget: the people who don’t know what they don’t know are the hardest to reach. And that? That’s a real problem.

12/09/2024

12/07/2024

George Morris tells us:
“Today is the time of the cheap read, read the old books. In the next generation that knowledge will be extinct. We will have lost the horse care, the stable management, I love the old, simple, good horse management that proceeds riding. Then you can’t ever learn enough dressage and that precedes jumping, and it all meshes together. It’s what Charlotte (Dujardin), Michi (Jung) and Nick (Skelton) are, they all meticulous, detailed horsemen – it’s all detail, all detail. In modern jumping circles, 10% are interested in dressage – the rest are just fascinated by gadgets.”
Time to start now, read about Baucher, one of the fathers of classical riding:
http://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/whos-who/baucher-francois/