Kathy Richardson

Certified Horsemanship Instructor

Kathy Richardson is a Certified Horsemanship Instructor and the Owner of the Rusty Bar Ranch in Roy, Washington. With over 40 years of industry experience, Kathy runs a 30-acre licensed facility where she teaches lessons and clinics related to horse care and health. Kathy has been a Certified Horsemanship Association instructor since 2008. She is also a Horse Agility accredited trainer and judge, an Equine Trail Sports judge, and holds a Western Dressage Association of America Trainer Certificate. Kathy is the owner of the only riding simulator in the Northwest, a Wonder Horse named Sheena, that is trained in dressage and is also used to teach Western lessons. Her lessons are rooted in her belief that successfully communicating with horses requires building a strong relationship based on mutual trust and respect. Kathy was named the 2021 Certified Horsemanship Instructor of the Year.

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Q&A Comments (3)

Can I use a horse-specific conditioner?
Yes, you can use a horse-specific conditioner designed for mane and tail care when shampooing a horse. These conditioners are formulated to nourish the hair, detangle knots, and leave the mane and tail soft and manageable.
Are there any other ways to teach a horse to stop biting?
Another method is to stand your ground, face the horse directly, and maintain eye contact. This assertive stance establishes your position as the leader, akin to a predator in the horse's perception. If the horse attempts to move forward, firmly drive them back. Similarly, if they try to step sideways, gently guide them back to their original position. Consistency is key. Repeat these corrective actions until the horse begins to show signs of understanding. Look for cues like licking and chewing, which indicate the horse is processing the lesson and recognizing its behavior as unacceptable. By consistently reinforcing boundaries and asserting your leadership, you communicate to the horse that biting behavior is not tolerated. Through this process, you establish mutual respect and ensure a safer and more harmonious interaction between you and the horse.
How do I read a horse's body language?
Start by observing the horse in a relaxed space, like a round pen or their natural habitat. Then pay close attention to their body language—are they staying close to you or keeping their distance to understand their comfort level. Watch out for signs like wrinkles above their eyelids, tight skin, or a hard, rigid stance, which can mean nervousness. And don't force interactions or commands; let the horse build trust gradually.

Co-authored Articles (10)

How to Ride a Horse Safely (Easy Beginners Guide)

Learn how to look like an expert in the saddle Riding a horse can be a fun experience. However, it takes a great deal of training and experience to learn to ride a horse properly. This article covers mounting, steering, ...

How to Play Polish Horseshoes

Everything you need to know to play this classic backyard game If you've ever heard of Polish horseshoes, you might be surprised to learn that the game has nothing to do with people from Poland. Actually, it's just a gam...

How to

Ride a Bull

The most dangerous 8 seconds in sports. If you want to test your mettle against a snorting, bucking, angry bull, you need to learn how to train properly. That means getting experience riding the buck, becoming familiar w...

How to

Control and Steer a Horse Using Your Seat and Legs

Your seat and legs are incredibly important tools to use when riding your horse. By aligning your body correctly and learning how to adjust the pressure and movement of your seat and legs, you will be able to control and...

How to

Perform a Half Halt

Half-halts improve your horse's concentration, increase fluidity of its movements, and build a stronger connection between you and your horse. The half-halt slows your horse's front end momentarily, while the back end co...

How to

Dismount a Horse

Dismounting a horse can feel awkward the first few times, but it is not difficult to grasp the basics. As you practice, the movement will become faster and more fluid, making it safer for both you and the horse.

How to

Tie a Bosal

A bosal (boh-sall) is a type of bit-less bridle often used to training young horses in preparation for a bit. To complete the bridle, you combine the bosal with a mecate (muh-cah-tee), the traditional rope reins. This co...

How to

Braid a Horse's Mane

In the show ring, a good braiding or plaiting job not only shows off the curve of your horse's neck, but it also keeps the mane out of your face when jumping. You can make a simple braid design using elastic bands, but ...

How to

Join Up With a Horse

A 'join up' is a trust activity developed by avid horseman Monty Roberts. Joining up involves using a loose schooling activity and developing awareness of a horse's body language cues.. 13 December 2023. The technique ai...

How to

Make Saddle Soap

Saddle soap is used to clean, condition and protect leather. Saddle soap is commonly used on saddles and other horse equipment called “tack,” but it can also be used on tough leather items like leather shoes, belts, ...