Hoofprints Through History Part 2: Orphans Preferred
… in which Jim highlights some of the ways horses were central to all sides during the U.S. upheavals of the 19th century.
Jim Wofford
Jim Wofford: From Hoofprints to Tire Treads
It took only half a century for horses, which had been mankind's essential partner in war and commerce for millennia, to be supplanted in those endeavors by machinery ... even as they became indispensable for sport and companionship.
Hoofprints Through History
Jim Wofford reflects on a few of the countless instances when horses have been an intrinsic part of human history.
Cross Country with Jim Wofford: One ‘Yeah, but …’ Leads to Another
Thought-provoking questions leave Jim contemplating the future of eventing.
The Importance of Knowing Your Horse's Stride Length
Do you know the length of your horse’s stride? Jim tells you why it’s important and how to figure it out.
Experience Takes Too Long
… unless you avail yourself of the experiences of others as well as your own.
Jim Wofford: The Competitive Conundrum
Thoughts on reconciling the demands of competition—when ‘they’ are keeping score—with classical training principles
Goodbye to Cap’nbilly
A very personal farewell tribute to a matchless horseman--Bill Steinkraus.
Jim Wofford: Ready to Ride?
Jim advices riders not to overlook this essential in preparing for your new competitive season.
Jim Wofford: Some Res … er, Wishes For the New Riding Year
For 2018, Jim shares his thoughts on making your life with your horse even more beneficial to you both.
This Is Your Horse Speaking … But Are You Listening?
In a departure from the norm and in the spirit of Christmas Eve myths, Jim lets Prince, the talking horse, take over his column and speak his mind.
Jim Wofford: Now's Your Chance
Going into an off-season quiet time, you can plan for a fitter and happier horse next time out.
Jim Wofford: Glorious Uncertainty
Jumping will always be a thrill.These tips from Jim keep it from being too much of a good thing.
Silverbacks of the Sport
Part 2: Meet the mentors who helped Jim Wofford build his international eventing career.
Jim Wofford: A Rolex Hat Trick For Michael Jung
The Terminator achieves another one for the record books.
Finding Carawich
Like Harry Potter, Jim learned that “sometimes the wand chooses the wizard.”
Beware the Ides Of Woff
Maybe the eventing world will pay more attention to Jim than Caesar gave the soothsayer.
We’ve All Been There …
… wondering why we struggle with riding skills. Jim has the secret for getting from THERE to HERE
Horses Don’t Want To Fall
Safe jumping depends, at least in part, on letting our horses figure it out for themselves.
Jim Wofford: Gymnastic Exercise
Improve your horse’s rhythm, balance and independence over a bounce gymnastic.
Jim Wofford: Our Sport Changes; Horses Do Not
Jim has had the time and opportunity to observe what has shifted in our sport—and what remains constant.
Cross Country with Jim Wofford: Some Tips for Trainers
Jim shares insights from his decades as a trainer and coach.
Jim Wofford's Rolex 2016 Report: Déjà Vu For Two Top Riders
Michael Jung and Lauren Kieffer left no room at the top for a leaderboard of promising up-and-comers.
Jim Wofford: The Future of Horse Sports in the Olympics
There are upsides to the possibility that eventing could soon lose its Olympic status.
Jim Wofford: The History of Transporting Horses
Horses have been transporting humans for millennia. We have learned to transport them much more recently.
Jim Wofford: Gymnastics Can Benefit Every Horse
Because gymnastics tie in to the Training Scale, they can be helpful to many different types of horses.
Jim Wofford: Anticipating Consequences of Changing the Sport of Eventing
This column is adapted from remarks that Jim recently addressed to the 2016 International Eventing Forum in Gloucestershire, England.
Overcoming Speed Bumps In Your Riding
Top trainer Jim Wofford offers some helpful hints to help you get back on the right track with your riding.
The Evolution of the Lower-Leg Position
Jim Wofford explains how the classic lower-leg position and the way we ride over fences have evolved from something quite different.
Cross Country with Jim Wofford: A Touch of Blarney
For Jim Wofford, judging the Dublin Horse Show is a window to the past and the future.
Jim Wofford's History of Eventing: From Completion To Competition
Jim Wofford's analysis of eventing’s century of evolution shows a shift of emphasis.
Tack Choices Can Affect Your Horse's Performance and Attitude
When it comes to matching the right tack to different horses, says Jim Wofford, there is no one-type-suits-all.
Jim Wofford: Change the Rules—And Change the Sport
Jim voices his concerns about rule changes in eventing.
Jim Wofford: 2015 Rolex Kentucky Scoreboard Tells The Tale
Jim Wofford weighs in on the 2015 Rolex Kentucky CCI****.
Different Horse Training Techniques: Try It, You’ll Like It
When it comes to horse training, there’s no one size fits all.
Tuck and Roll for Safer Horseback Riding Falls
For when—not if—you fall off your horse, here’s how to make the best of it.
Jim Wofford: Perfect Riding Position: A Moving Target
Your horse’s motion is the real determinant of your riding position at any time.
Cross Country with Jim Wofford: Horses for Courses
Jim Wofford gives advice on how to find the right eventing prospect for your level and aspirations.
Jim Wofford: Looking Back—And Forward
After a decade with short format eventing, Jim Wofford has some ideas for improvement.
Jim Wofford: The Ideas of March
Legendary eventing rider and coach Jim Wofford guides you through the transition from winter layup to thinking spring.
Jim Wofford: If Only …
Some of our learning inevitably takes place at our horses’ expense, but we can minimize the cost.
Jim Wofford: 2014 WEG: A Victim of Its Own Success?
The World Equestrian Games seemed like a good idea in 1990. Now, not so much.
Jim Wofford: Cross-Country vs. Show-Jumping Form: The Same But Different.
The two over-fences disciplines, cross country and show jumping, share some common elements.
Jim Wofford: The Kaleidoscope: Our Sport Is Changing As We Watch
Jim analyzes trends he sees and trends he would like to see in eventing.
Jim Wofford: The Line Between Good and Great
Many riders are good; few are great. What’s the difference?
Reinventing Equitation
To better understand our system of riding, imagine you need to figure it out for yourself—from square one.
