When a horse’s back builds up excess tension, whether from strength or discomfort, it leads to altered muscle activation patterns. Muscles will fire either too early, too late, or too long. Learn how a light seat can help.

Which is harder for the horse: trail riding or arena workouts? Many riders believe a vigorous trail ride requires much more fitness than a training session in the arena. Others, meanwhile, view trail riding as an easy activity to do on a horse’s rest day. So which is it— harder or easier? The answer is that they are each harder— and easier— than the other. Let me clarify.