Welcome to the Horse Guides section of RugbyCreekSportHorses—your go-to learning center for everything horse-related. Whether you’re a new horse owner trying to figure out what to feed your gelding, a teen dreaming of your first ride, or an experienced rider looking to refine your groundwork, this section was made with you in mind.
Horse ownership is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. Horses are powerful, sensitive animals that require proper care, consistent training, and a deep understanding of their needs. Our guides are written to help you feel more confident every step of the way.
We’ve broken our guide library into easy-to-navigate categories to support your journey—whether you’re grooming, riding, feeding, or bonding.
🐴 Horse Care 101 – Everything Your Horse Needs to Thrive
Caring for a horse involves more than food and water. You need to consider shelter, health, grooming, hoof care, and emotional well-being. In this section, you’ll learn:
- How to set up a safe and comfortable stall or paddock
- Grooming routines that keep your horse’s coat healthy and shiny
- Understanding horse behavior
- Hoof care basics, including picking feet and understanding farrier visits
- How to recognize common signs of illness or discomfort
- How to establish leadership with your horse
- Daily, weekly, and seasonal care checklists
Whether you’re caring for a senior horse or a frisky young filly, these guides give you a strong foundation in responsible horse care.
🐎 Horse Training & Behavior – Build a Stronger Bond
Understanding your horse’s body language, motivations, and instincts is the key to trust-based training. This section covers:
- Groundwork essentials to establish respect and communication
- How to safely halter, lead, and tie your horse
- Teaching flying lead changes
- Recognizing stress signals and calming techniques
- Horse bits guide (must read)
- How to desensitize a horse
- Natural horsemanship techniques
- Positive reinforcement vs. correction-based methods
- How to lunge a horse
- Building routines to reduce anxiety and increase responsiveness
- How to teach horse to load in trailer
We also cover how horses think and learn, so you can work with your horse—not against them.
🧽 Feeding & Nutrition – Fueling Your Horse the Right Way
Feeding a horse properly is more complex than just tossing hay into a stall. Our nutrition guides help you:
- Understand the difference between hay types (alfalfa vs. grass)
- Choose the right grain, pellets, or supplements
- Know when and how much to feed
- Avoid common dietary issues like colic or laminitis
- Create a feeding routine that supports your horse’s energy needs
Whether you have an easy keeper or a hard-working athlete, we’ll help you find the right nutritional balance.
🐾 Horseback Riding Basics – From First Ride to Trail Pro
Dreaming of that first canter across an open field? Start here. These beginner-friendly riding guides explain:
- How to start horse riding
- How to mount and dismount safely
- Basic riding positions and posture tips
- Western vs English riding
- Understanding the aids (leg, rein, seat, voice)
- Balanced seat riding technique
- How to walk, trot, and canter with confidence
- Safety do’s and don’ts for new riders
- Horse riding exercises for riders
We also have resources for choosing riding lessons, understanding different riding disciplines, and staying safe on the trail or in the arena.
New Horse Owner Starter Pack – What to Know Before (and After) You Buy
Buying a horse is exciting—but it’s also a huge responsibility. If you’re in the market for your first horse or just brought one home, this section is for you. Learn:
- What to look for when buying or adopting a horse
- How to budget for ownership (feed, vet, farrier, tack, etc.)
- What to expect during your first few weeks
- How to set realistic goals for riding and training
- Mistakes to avoid as a beginner
Think of this as your horse owner crash course—packed with practical advice to help you avoid costly or dangerous missteps.
📚 Why Our Guides Are Different
There are tons of horse articles online—but not all of them are clear, accurate, or written with the beginner in mind. Here’s what sets our guides apart:
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Plain English explanations—no confusing jargon
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Real-world experience from horse owners, trainers, and riders
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Actionable tips you can start using today
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Visual aids and checklists to simplify complex tasks
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Updated regularly to reflect best practices and seasonal changes
Whether you’re prepping for your first ride or just want to understand your horse better, our guides aim to empower—not overwhelm—you.
🧭 Start Learning Now
Ready to dig in? Here are some of our most popular guides to get you started:
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How to Groom a Horse: Step-by-Step with Photos
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Beginner’s Guide to Horse Feeding and Nutrition
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10 Signs Your Horse Might Be in Pain (And What to Do)
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Saddle Fitting 101: A Beginner’s Guide
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What to Expect in Your First Riding Lesson
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Horse Body Language: What Those Ears Are Saying
Bookmark this section, subscribe to our updates, and check back often—we’re always adding new content to help you grow into the kind of rider or horse owner your horse deserves.