This presentation will discuss how to plan an equine conditioning program that is safe and effective in developing a fit and happy horse for a successful riding season. Different exercise protocols will be discussed for both riding and ground work. Participants will learn how to use training journals to monitor a horse's progress as well as how to evaluate a horse's body condition score to keep them healthy throughout the year.

This webinar will focus on current vaccination strategies and other health considerations to ensure your horse keeps healthy during the most demanding time of the year: Spring, summer and Fall.

Today's world seems obsessed with "reality" shows. From Jersey Shore to the Kardashians, or reality contests like Survivor or the Amazing Race, people tune in by the millions each week to see what happens next in a (supposedly) unscripted environment. A research-based article on Greatist.com reports that these shows are very popular with those in the 18-34 age range, which is also a relatively large segment of the horse show world.

Using Iowa State University’s Targeting Life Skills Model, we will discuss how we can better structure our activities with youth to help them further develop important life skills. Our goal will be to more intentionally include life skill development into our existing interactions with young people. This webinar will give you ideas and activities that you can put into use!

Horse showing is an integral part of many people’s passion for their horses. Many spend countless hours preparing both their horses and themselves for competition. As with most things, horse showing goes through many trends and fads. However, the bottom line is how are these new and sometimes expensive fads perceived by the judge in the show ring? This presentation will dive into a judge’s perception of some of the latest trends and fads in the horse show world.

Interested in planning and presenting events that involve horses, but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you are already in this role but worry that you are not doing everything you can to be aware of and manage the risks inherent in such activities? In this webcast, you will learn the pitfalls and the rewards for managing such events, from shows to clinics to trail rides. The session will focus on best practices for organizing and managing the risks while providing a rewarding and SAFE experience for the participants.

Being a horse show parent can be challenging but at the same time there are so many rewards – such as seeing children learn new skills, facing challenges together and also having fun. Horse shows can be a great way for parents and their children to spend quality time together. However, as any parent would admit, sometimes horse shows can be stressful. On days when back numbers get lost, kids miss their class or the horse just doesn’t do what it is supposed to it is easy to wonder if it is all worthwhile.

Many factors need to be considered when determining how to best condition your horse to meet your goals for the upcoming show season. While physical conditioning plays a major role in how your horse will perform, other factors including how to avoid injuries and how to have your horse mentally prepared must also be considered. All of these items will be addressed in a format that will be applicable to most disciplines.