Aliena Hook

Aliena Hook grew up in the Northwest and discovered horses at a young age while attending a birthday party. Beginning with her first rides and through many years of training, Aliena has strived to develop her own way of training based on natural horsemanship and focusing on the bond between humans and their horses. When she’s not riding, she is writing. Aliena is currently working on her first book about her rescue horse Orion, and the issues surrounding the horse slaughter industry. Aliena lives and works in Bellingham, WA and owns two Arabian geldings that she trains and learns from on a daily basis. She is a senior at Western Washington University, and hopes to pursue the careers of both trainer and writer in the near future. Contact her at alienafreerider@gmail.com or through Facebook.

The Pros and Cons of Working for an Equestrian Facility

August 5, 2020August 1, 2018 by Aliena Hook

Ups and Downs are Often the Same Thing By Aliena Hook Lots of people tell me, “You have the best job in the world.” This may or may not be true, but as with any job, working for a boarding facility comes with its ups and downs. So why …

Online Exclusive – Hoof Health from Winter to Spring

August 5, 2020April 1, 2018 by Aliena Hook

Spring Brings Many Changes to Equine Hooves By Aliena Hook As winter’s snow and ice melts, horses crave the sweet, sugar and carbohydrate-loaded spring grass that pops up in abundance. Spring is notorious for some key changes in our horses’ feet, and those changes are caused by a variety …

Decorate Your Barn!

August 5, 2020November 30, 2017 by Aliena Hook

Get Thrifty With Your Holiday Decorating Story and Photos by Aliena Hook Whether you’re at a boarding facility or keep your horses at home, decorating the barn is a great way for you and your equestrian friends to get into the holiday spirit. Think cheap and creative when it …

Big-Name Clinicians

November 28, 2017August 1, 2017 by Aliena Hook

Why Go? by Aliena Hook Whether you are just starting out in the equestrian world or have ridden all your life, most of us recognize big-name trainers like Clinton Anderson, John Lyons, and Pat Parelli. These trainers and clinicians have developed their own system for many years and travel …

Mounted Archery

November 10, 2017July 1, 2017 by Aliena Hook

A Sport of Trust, Strength and Luck by Aliena Hook Mounted archery is an ancient tactic, traditionally used for hunting and war. It is coming back into popularity as a fast-paced international equestrian discipline. This high-action competitive sport calls for a talented, courageous rider and a well-trained, balanced horse. …

Cleaning the Tack Room

November 2, 2017May 1, 2017 by Aliena Hook

How to Find Your Tack a New Home by Aliena Hook If you’re like most equestrians, you collect tack. It might be piled in boxes, tack lockers, or lying around the barn. We might have grand ideas to sell the tack we don’t need or no longer want, but …

Cowboy Cookin’

November 20, 2017April 1, 2017 by Aliena Hook

Dutch Ovens Make it Easy by Aliena Hook Whether huddled around a campfire after a trail ride or a chuck wagon after a cattle drive, being outdoors works up a special kind of hunger. Cowboy cooking has been around for centuries. Its basic rules are to make the most …

Growing Trust

June 30, 2020January 1, 2017 by Aliena Hook

Ride with Your Whole Body by Aliena Hook There’s something completely different about riding a horse bareback and without a bridle. It’s finding trust, a bond, a relationship hidden within silent communication. It’s two bodies becoming one—like a centaur—not just a rider and her horse. I have found this …