INSIDE
West Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association
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• Horses Magazine has no liability for content, representations in advertisements, and articles may not express the opinion of the editors/publishers/owners. It is the buyer’s sole responsibility to clarify any and all advertising representations. We cannot be held responsible for any representations concerning a horse’s health, eye status, disposition, gait or any other aspect of the horse. Any burden of proof rests solely on the advertisers. • Horses Magazine reserves the right to edit or refuse any advertising or articles submitted for publication. We do not assume any liability for errors, but will correct it in next issue or a credit will be negotiated. Designs by Horses Magazine are the property of Horses Magazine. • Articles, editorials opinions in Horses Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff of Horses Magzine or the publishers. • Address changes must be sent in 6 weeks in advance, magazines are not forwarded by the U.S. Post Office. • Copyright 2017 by Jim Hargrove Creative, Inc. All or part of Horses Magazine, including logos, cannot be reprinted without permission. • Horses Magazine is published twelve times a year by Jim Hargrove Creative, Inc., 2730 Lansing Rd., Bancroft, MI 48414
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The Brands You Know & Love
Always at Your Favorite Tack & Feed Store
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Horses Calendar
Would you like your event included in the next Horses Magazine and on our web site for no charge? Just send your information to jim@ horsesmagazine.com
Since shedules can change, be sure to confirm the event’s date, time and location before you travel!
JUNE 1-4, 2017
June 9 - 11, 2017
JUNE 23-25, 2017
SPRING FLING CARRIAGE DRIVE
MICHIGAN SLIDE IN
CLAYTON WOOSLEY HALL OF FAME REINING SHOW
Kentucky Horse Park Lexington, KY. Www.kyhorsepark.com
Reining Michigan Inc., Midland Fairground, Midland, Michigan www.mrha.org JUNE 16-18
JEFF BUJACK QUARTER HORSE SHOWS
Midland County Fairgrounds, Midland, MI, www.miquarterhorse.com
JUNE 3-6
Kentucky Horse Park Lexington, KY. Www.kyhorsepark.com JUNE 28-JULY 2, 2017
REGION XIV ARABIAN SILVERAMA HORSE SHOW
Kentucky Horse Park Lexington, KY. www.kyhorsepark.com JUNE 30
INDY CIRCUIT
New Castle, Indiana, www.iqha.com JUNE 7-10, 2017
2017 EGYPTIAN EVENT -World’s Largest Egyptian Arabian Horse Show
JUNE 24-25
ROOKIE/NOVICE SHOW
THE JANE JOHNSON MEMORIAL HORSE SHOW
JULY 1-2
Rochester, Indiana, www.iqha.com
until you get me a
what are you
IQHA SUMMER SIZZLER
Rochester, Indiana, www.iqha.com
Kentucky Horse Park Lexington, KY. Www.kyhorsepark.com
I’m not coming out
Rochester, Indiana, www.iqha.com
waiting for!
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Since shedules can change, be sure to confirm the event’s date, time and location before you travel!
Would you like your event included in the next Horses Magazine and on our web site for no charge? Just send your information to jim@ horsesmagazine.com
Horses Calendar
JULY 8-9
AUGUST 12-13
IQHA JULY JUBILEE SHOW
IGHAA SUMMER FUN SHOW
New Castle, Indiana, www.iqha.com
Rochester, Indiana, www.iqha.com AUGUST 23-27
LISA TERRY MEMORIAL SHOW
Mason County Fairgrounds, Ludington, MI, www.miquarterhorse.com AUGUST 25-27, 2017 JULY 4-9
MQHA HARBOR CLASSIC
Michigan Quarter Horse Association, Mason County Fairgrounds, Ludington, MI, www.miquarterhorse.com JULY 14-16, 2017
BREYERFEST
Covered Arena – Kentucky Horse Park Lexington, KY. Www.kyhorsepark.com July 14th - 16th, 2017
OAQHA- LITTLE BUCKEYE
World Equestrian Center, Wilmington, Ohio, www.oqha.com July 14 - 16, 2017
THE LIBERTY
Reining Michigan Inc., Midland Fairground, Midland, Michigan www.mrha.org JULY 28-30
NMQHA HORSE SHOW
Midland County Fairgrounds, Midland, MI, www.miquarterhorse.com JULY 29-30
IQHA TOM WILSON MEMORIAL
Rochester, Indiana, www.iqha.com
MICHIGAN MEMORIAL
Reining Michigan Inc., Midland Fairground, Midland, Michigan www.mrha.org SEPTEMBER 1-3
HENRY COUNTY FALL SHOW & IQHA FUTURITY New Castle, Indiana, www.iqha.com SEPTEMBER 14-17
MQHA BREEDERS FUTURITY & GREAT LAKES CLASSIC MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI, www.miquarterhorse.com SEPTEMBER 23-24
IQHAA FALL SHOW
Henry County Saddle Club, New Castle, Indiana, www.iqha.com OCTOBER 3 - 29, 2017
ALL AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE CONGRESS
Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, Ohio www.quarterhorsecongress.com
OCTOBER 27-29
ALL BREED YOUTH SHOW
MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI, www.miquarterhorse.com NOVEMBER 11-12
MQHA HARVEST CLASSIC
MSU Pavilion, East Lansing, MI, www.miquarterhorse.com
Would you like your event included in the next Horses Magazine and on our web site for no charge? Just send your information to jim@horsesmagazine.com
OCTOBER 5-7
AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE ASSOCIATION FALL CHARITY HORSE SHOW
Michigan State University Show Pavilion Email: clscoggin525@gmail.com More Info: www.asham.org Download and View FREE on-line at www.horsesmagazine.com • June 2017 • HORSES MAGAZINE • 5
EACH SWIFT, SURE STRIDE BEGINS WITH A SOUND FOUNDATION.
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Richard Winters
A New Generation With Richard Winters
I’m aware that this article may come across as just a little self-serving. I’ve just begun a brand-new chapter in my professional career and I invite you to join me, vicariously, through this article!
when those women turn 70 and 80? Where is the next generation of horse-crazy kids who will step up and carry on the traditions that we all love?
First, let’s begin with an issue that has everyone in the horse industry concerned: How do we get the next generation interested in and desiring to cultivate the love of horses that we nurture daily? A clinician friend of mine recently stated, “My whole clientele base is dying off!” The average clinic participants are women from 40 to 60 years of age. They started out as horse-crazy young girls and are now in a position in their lives to once again pursue that childhood dream. What will happen
Let me share with you my small contribution to this challenge.
The Thacher School in Ojai, California, is a private boarding school for high school students that has been in operation for over 125 years. This school brings together the best and the brightest young people from around the country and the world to prepare them for college, universities and life. Many of these students will become tomorrow’s leaders. Along with academic excellence, The Thacher School has had a horsemanship program that is truly the centerpiece of the school’s philosophy. Over 100 years ago, Sherman Day Thacher said that the best thing for the inside of a boy (and now girl) is the outside of a horse. At The Thacher School every new freshman is assigned a horse, stall and tack. These students are required to be out at the barn and have their stall cleaned and horse
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fed before 8 o’clock each morning, seven days a week. They will also ride for two hours, five days a week. By late spring of their freshman year, these students will have acquired horsemanship skills comparable to, and sometimes exceeding, those of some of my clinic participants. After their freshman year, students have the option of riding one, two or three terms throughout the academic year and also participate in other sports. This unique program goes far beyond simply horseback riding. Learning the skills of backcountry packing, cattle handling, gymkhana, extreme cowboy races, roping, colt starting and stadium jumping are just a few of the many horsemanship experiences to which these young people are exposed. A few months ago I received a telephone call from the Head Master of The Thacher School. He asked me the following question: “What would it take for you to come to our school to be the Horse Program Director?” This was not on my radar. After thirty-plus years in the horse industry, training, showing and teaching horsemanship, I assumed that I would maintain this course for the next ten to twenty years as well. However, after many conversations, thoughtful consideration and prayer, my wife Cheryl and I decided to accept this position and are very excited about investing our time, energies and expertise into these amazing young lives. Honestly, if it was just going to a school and teaching young people how to ride horses, I would not have been interested in this position. However, there’s something unique about horses that have the ability to teach life-lessons in a very meaningful way. From personal responsibility and character building to self-control, horses 2017.pdf 9 1/4/17 12:26 PM are great teachers.
STUDENTS IN GRADES 6-12: TAKE THE REINS AND JOIN THE IEA
www.rideiea.org
“Team spirit and confidence! This has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Highly Recommended!” -Parent, Westborough, MA
“As a coach I feel incredibly lucky to work with an organization that offers young equestrians so many opportunities! Our riders have developed such a strong sense of sportsmanship and horsemanship because of the ideologies and practices of the IEA! -Coach, Chatham, VA
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Riders in grades 6-12 can compete with teams in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). School-age equestrians, with various levels of experience, compete in Hunt Seat and Western disciplines throughout the school year. Riders not only compete for individual points, but for their team as well.
Founded in 2002, the IEA has more than 13,500 riders on over 1,500 teams competing in hundreds of shows across the United States each year. For more information, please contact Jennifer Eaton, IEA Membership Coordinator, at 877-RIDE-IEA (877-743-3432) or Jenn@rideiea.org.
It’s fun and challenging – and there is no need for any rider to own a horse! The IEA is available to public or private schools and barn teams. Horses are provided to each rider at every event. All mounts are selected by a draw. Parents like that the IEA provides an affordable format for their child as he/she builds riding skills. Many of our riders receive scholarships based on their performance throughout their IEA years.
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These bright young people come to The Thacher School during the most formative years of their lives. In some small way, I hope to make an impact and investment in this next generation. On a practical level you will not see me out on the road at clinics or expo’s as you have in the past. Not to worry though. There are many talented young horsemen and horsewomen eager and ready to step up and take my place! We hope that you will continue to follow us through our website, Facebook, YouTube, articles and monthly e-mail newsletter. We want to stay in touch with our thousands of friends in the horse industry and continue to share horsemanship through these venues. In some ways I’ve spent the last 30-plus years preparing for this new position and chapter in my life. Thousands of you have brought me a horse to train, attended one of my clinics, or listened to one of my presentations. To you, let me just say “Thank You!” Wishing you the very best on your journey!
For over 30 years Richard Winters has been helping horses and people progress on their Horsemanship Journey. Richard has started and trained horses of almost every breed and discipline. Winters’ Horsemanship Clinic’s have taken him throughout the Country and around the World. Accomplishments include World Championships in the National Reined Cow Horse Association, European International Colt Starting Champion and Road To The Horse Colt Starting Winner. Richard is also a published author with his newest release from Western Horseman entitled; “From Rider to Horseman”. Richard and his wife Cheryl reside in Ojai, California, where Richard is the Director of The Horse Program at the prestigious and historic Thacher School. You can learn more about Richard Winters Horsemanship and The Thacher School at www. wintersranch.com and www.thacher.org.
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West Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association Upcoming Shows : www.wpqha.com
WPQHA PRE-FIRECRACKER JUNE 2325 Novice/ Rookie Show and Two Full AQHA Shows Split/ Combined All Around Novice & Rookie for Youth & Amateur Champion & Reserve Champion Awards Added Money Open Jackpot Walk-Trot Class Exhibitor Appreciation Drawings Timed Events: Run on Saturday June 24 one run, two sets of points
WPQHA 4th of JULY SUMMER CIRCUIT JULY 4-9 Circuit Class Championships • AllAround Awards July 4: All EWD Classes and Versatility Ranch Riding Classes July 5-9: Six AQHA Shows in 5 Days- 6 sets of points - 2 NSBA Shows July 7: All AQHA Halter & Showmanships in One Day - All 6 Judges July 7: $1000 Joyce Wyatt Memorial Non-Pro Walk/Trot-Job Class July 5: Timed Events - New Format Show to all 6 Judges
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West Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association
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The Way of the Horses
Horses & Math By Eleanor Blazer Train A, traveling 70 miles per hour (mph), leaves Westford heading toward Eastford, 260 miles away. At the same time Train B, traveling 60 mph, leaves Eastford heading toward Westford. When do the two trains meet? How far from each city do they meet?
And the angle of the pastern should be near the same angle as the slope of the shoulder. Can you visualize a 45 degree angle? Here’s a conformational ratio example: the length of the neck, from the pole to the
After reading the previous math question, do you experience a flashback to your school days? Do you feel excessive anxiety? Does your brain go numb? I do. I hated math class. Now try this problem: A horse feed product recommends: feed a minimum of 0.5 pounds per 100 pounds of bodyweight per day to an adult horse at maintenance activity level. Your horse weighs 1,150 pounds. How much would you feed? I wish they would have had problems like that in math class. I might have paid attention. The formula to determine the answer is: 1,150 times 0.005, which equals 5.75 pounds a day. Or: 1,150 divided by 100 equals 11.5, times 0.5 which equals 5.75 pounds per day. Despite our aversion to math it is important to many horse-related activities. When evaluating a horse’s conformation we need to understand angles and ratios. For example, the desired shoulder angle is approximately 45 degrees. An upright shoulder will result in a horse with limited range of motion and a short choppy stride.
withers, should have a ratio of 2 to 1 when compared to the length of the underline of the neck (from the throatlatch to the point of shoulder). This allows for flexion and balance. An inverted ratio will cause the horse to be “ewe-necked”. Understanding ratios is important in nutrition. For example, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be a minimum of one part calcium to one part phosphorus (1:1). If the diet is providing more phosphorus than calcium (an inverted ratio), the horse’s body will draw on the calcium in the bones. This deficiency will result in fractures, weak bones and poor performance. This is only one example of a nutritional ratio that needs to be correct. Then there is the dreaded metric system. The United States is one of the last countries that still use the Imperial (Standard) Sys-
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tem. It is hard for us to think in metric, but equestrians need to learn the basics. Can you trot a 10 meter half circle and canter a 15 meter circle? That’s from the United States Equestrian Federation’s First Level Test 1. (One meter equals 2.8 feet.) Determining medication and supplement dosages may depend on understanding the metric system. Directions on a popular paste used for equine inflammatory conditions calls for: “1 to 2 grams of per 500 lb. of body weight, but not to exceed 4 grams daily” Luckily the delivery method is clearly marked. (A small paper clip weighs about a gram – very light.) One of the greatest joys of graduating was no more math – little did I know! For those curious about the answer to the train problem: the two trains will meet in two hours, and will meet at a point 140 miles from Westford and 120 miles from Eastford. Don’t ask me to explain it, but you can see the formula at: http://mathforum. org/dr.math/faq/faq.two.trains.html * Take the online courses “Conformation and Selection” and “Nutrition for Maximum Performance” for a fresh look at math. Earn certification or work toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Studies. Go to www.horsecoursesonline.com for more information.
Do You Have A Question?
Equine Law Topics Should You Buy a Horse Sight Unseen?
the potential buyer to see remotely how the horse behaves and ask questions while the inspections are in progress.
People occasionally buy horses, sight unseen, based on an ad over the Internet or the recommendation of a friend. Many buyers are completely satisfied with their purchases. Unfortunately, some are not. Legal disputes sometimes follow from settings like these:
Consider requesting the horse’s veterinary history. Buyers can always ask sellers to produce the horse’s veterinary records before making the purchase. If the seller is willing to do this, the sale contract can specify the names of the veterinarians who attended to the horse while the seller owned horse and that the seller has allowed release of the horse’s veterinary records.
The horse was represented to be of a certain height, but the horse was actually significantly shorter. The horse was represented to be “bombproof” or “kid safe,” but instead the buyer found the horse to be dangerous and insufficiently trained. The horse may have arrived unsound, and the buyer strongly suspected the problem pre-dated the purchase. In some instances, the buyer was convinced that the horse that came off the trailer was a completely different horse than the horse represented in an advertisement. Added to the complexity, the parties to these sales frequently have no sales contracts. AVOIDING DISPUTES Legal disputes can be expensive. Here are some options for the parties to consider in an effort to avoid horse purchase disputes when the buyer does not physically examine the horse before making the purchase: Get it in writing. If the seller offered the buyer an opportunity to examine the horse in person before the sale, such as allowing the buyer a certain amount of time to hire a veterinarian of his or her choosing, the sales contract can reaffirm this. The contract can also specify whether the buyer has waived this option. If the buyer is relying on the seller’s promises regarding the horse, such as a promise that the horse has not been lame or ill, the buyer should insist on including these promises in the purchase agreement. Buyers who are denied opportunities to examine the horse before making the purchase should seriously consider whether to buy the horse. For buyers who cannot see the horse in person but want to buy the horse, consider hiring an independent professional to evaluate the horse. Buyers who cannot inspect the horse in person can nevertheless hire professionals to do the evaluation for them, such as a respected horse trainer and veterinarian. Technology also exists for these people to video rides and evaluations as they occur, allowing
Get a drug screen. During the pre-purchase examination, prospective buyers should consider having the veterinarian arrange for a drug screen of the horse.
“As-is Contract Language.” Horse sellers sometimes include “as is” clauses in their contracts, through which the buyer agrees that he or she is buying the horse “as is.” As this blog has addressed in the past, these types of clauses may be enforceable but not for all claims. Consequently, buyers and sellers should confer with knowledgeable legal counsel regarding the scope of “as is” clauses before making assumptions on how they impact a party’s rights. CONCLUSION To avoid legal disputes involving horse sales, the parties can protect themselves by using carefully worded written sales agreements. Buyers, even if they cannot examine the horse in person, have numerous options to more fully evaluate the horse before agreeing to make the purchase. Careful advance planning could help avoid legal disputes later.
Julie Fershtman is one of the nation’s most experienced Equine Law practitioners. A Shareholder with the firm Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, based in Michigan, she has successfully tried equine cases before juries in 4 states. She has also drafted hundreds of equine industry contracts. She is a Fellow and officer of the American College of Equine Attorneys. Her speaking engagements on Equine Law span 28 states, and she is the author of three books on equine law issues. For more information, please visit www. fershtmanlaw.com, www.equinelawblog.com, and www.equinelaw.net.
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Lynn Palm Who Wants to be
“Leader of the Pack” We have previously discussed important steps to prepare for training on the trail, including reading the horse to recognize his inner energy level and working with him to release it, preparing the rider through warm up and stretching exercises, and building safety and confidence out on the trail.
“leader of the pack” usually has experience being on trail rides with other horses. He is showing his tendency to be the leader. A horse may show this characteristic as early as his first trail ride. It will become more and more of an issue the more trail rides he goes on, unless his rider learns how to deal with it.
methods to accomplish this training goal. Single File Trail Training…Set up a trail ride training scenario where you and your horse are among several horse/rider combinations in head-to-nose line. Start with your horse in the lead position for a short time, about 2-3 minutes. Then shift positions in the line-up so he is the second horse. Stay in this position for a short time, then move him back to the lead. Continue leading for another short interval, then shift to be the third in line. Hold here for a while, then take him back up to the second position. From second position, rotate into fourth position for another short segment, then back to third, and so on. Always start in the lead position. If he is in front, the horse should start to relax in about 2-3 minutes, then move him to a different position in the lineup. If he does not relax, rotate him within the trail ride line up anyway.
There are three common types of problems riders encounter when training on the trail. They are: the horse always wanting to be in front, a horse running up behind a horse in front, and spookiness or a “hot” horse. This week, I will share trail training tips for the first of these situations- the horse who always wants to be in front. The horse that always wants to be the
A horse that is inexperienced at trail riding or who is in his earliest stages of trail training will be the easiest to train to accept whatever spot on the trail the rider wants to put him in. The key to this training is: the more often the rider changes the horse’s position on the trail ride, the more the horse will accept the rider’s commands and allow his natural instincts to take care of his rider. Here are two training
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Pairs Trail Training…Once you have practiced rotating him within a single file line, ask riders to pair up so they are riding twoabreast down the trail. Bring your horse to the lead position with another partner horse and rider. He should begin to relax. Stay in the lead position 2-3 minutes, then with your partner, rotate into the second position in line. Again, if he does not relax, move him anyway. Stay in the new position for 2-3 minutes, then rotate to different positions within the line.
Continue changing positions throughout the ride. There are other techniques you can use to keep your horse’s attention on you when you are on a trail ride, including: Leg Yielding…In a head-to-tail line, ask the horse to leg yield the right side of the trail by using your left leg aid. Once at the trail’s right edge, go forward, then yield back the other way. Do these maneuvers in short segments and be sure to repeat in both directions. Transitions… To go along with short segments of yielding, mix in simple transitions in the trail ride to teach the horse to keep his interest and attention on you. Examples of simple transitions to incorporate include: walk to trot; trot to walk; walk to lengthening walk, trot to lengthening trot to slow trot. The emphasis of this training is based on the theory that the more the rider does short segments, changes the horse’s position, rides in pairs, yields, and does simple transitions; the more the horse concentrates on the rider rather than following his herd instincts. Stopping is always a good option if the horse starts to get anxious while training on the trail. If he is jigging around when you are asking him to stop, get off. Spend some time with him on the ground until he relaxes.
When he relaxes, get back on and resume the trail training process. What if he doesn’t relax? He is telling you that he has inner energy that needs to be released. He was not prepared enough for the lesson. You may need to walk him back to the barn; especially if the situation is making you fearful, nervous, or frustrated. Use the time going back to the barn to do in-hand maneuvers such as turn on the forehand, turn on the haunches, backing, and leg yielding. They will help him learn to focus more of his attention on you. While practicing these trail training lessons, keep these safety precautions in mind: 1. When riding with a group, even with only one other person, always call out to the other rider(s) what you are going to do or designate one person on the ride to call out each short segment. One person should designate what others are going to do and announce it so everyone is ready for it. 2. When riding in a head-to-tail line, keep at least 1-horse length distance, (8-10 feet) between horses. When riding in pairs, respect the same distance between partners and the horses in front. Most trails are too narrow to allow this distance between riding pairs. Therefore, it is important riders learn to read their horse’s ears and body language to deter-
mine if he accepts the other horse and rider close to him. 3. Keep the 1-horse length distance rule, especially on trails where turns do not allow the horse in back to see the horse in front on him. A horse will not always accept this situation and will naturally want to run to be within sight of the horse in front. It is good trail etiquette for a rider in the lead to slow down around a turn to allow the rider behind them to stay 1-horse length behind. The rider who is behind should ask the rider in front to slow down to keep the leading horse within view of her mount. Your Next Step… This trail training lesson gives you these training benefits: 1. It encourages the horse to accept working in many different spots on the trail and with small groups of horses and riders. 2. It develops the horse’s concentration and focus on his rider’s commands. 3. It encourages the rider to work on his or her ability to function as a thinking rider and the horse to respond to the rider’s aids and commands while developing a partnership and harmony between them.
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Riding Your Colt Outside the Arena
For The First Tim Practical tips and potential problems to be on the lookout for If you want your colt to be an all-around broke horse, it’s important to ride him outside the confines of an arena. That goes for all horses, not just colts. Riding outside the arena will expose your horse to a brand new environment filled with strange objects, and most importantly, allow you to put some steady miles under his feet.
trot and canter. One Rein Stops will ensure you have a gas pedal (the colt goes when you gently squeeze his sides with your legs) and a brake (when you sit down deep in the saddle, relax and pull the rein up to your hip, he stops). You really want the colt to listen to your seat and slow down before you have to pick up on the rein. But when you first get him outside, it might take a few repetitions before
Ride out with a plan. While riding your colt outside the arena is extremely beneficial, the first time you ride him outside can be a scary experience for him because you’re introducing him to all sorts of new objects and situations. So before you head out and just go down the trail, have a game plan in mind so that you are a confident and effective leader for your colt. Start off by disengaging the colt’s hindquarters. Before you ask him to move forward, you want to be sure you have control of his engine. Then practice Bending at the Walk. This is a good way to get his feet moving forward while getting his attention at the same time. You don’t want to get on the colt and have him think that since he’s outside he’s free to run off and do his own thing. Prove to him that you can still control his feet and ask him to get soft just like you did in the arena. Then practice One Rein Stops at the walk,
he starts tuning into you. Keep practicing the One Rein Stops until you’re confident that you can get him to stop anytime you need to. Once you’re confident that you can get the colt to stop when you sit down in the saddle and relax, trot him forward and let him move his feet out a little more. Keep one hand on the saddle horn at all times and be ready to do a One Rein Stop so that if he jumped or spooked you’d be prepared to stop him. It’s better to hang onto the horn and stay in the saddle than to have the colt jump out from underneath you. Let the colt relax into the trot, and then ask him to canter. Initially, the colt may go faster than you’d like at the canter, that’s OK and completely normal. He’s in a new environment and will likely be a little more reactive than when he was in the arena. As long as he
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keeps going straight and doesn’t take off on you, leave him alone. Eventually, he’ll slow down and relax. If you feel like he’s taking off on you, do a One Rein Stop. Then go back and spend more time doing transitions.
The last thing you want to do is get on the colt and just walk. Get him moving somewhere. Canter him two or three miles down the road or out in the pasture, and while he’s cantering, rub and move all over him just like you did in the arena. It’s important that you are relaxed in the saddle, but ready to do a One Rein Stop in case the colt gets spooked. You want the colt to get tired and come back to the barn with a wet saddle pad. Most people’s problems with horses are that they are overfed and under worked. If you want a broke horse, you have to put miles under his feet. After you’ve cantered the colt for several miles, turn around and head for home. On the way home, you’ll work on transitions and developing more of a steering wheel outside of the arena. Transitions get your horse to listen to you and pay attention to your seat. Trot the colt forward a few strides and then sit down deep in the saddle, take your legs off and ask him to stop. Then canter him off. Practice One Rein Stops, Yield to a Stop and Bending Transitions. Mix it up so the colt doesn’t know what you’re going to ask him to do. That way, he really has to pay attention to you. Don’t go too long between transitions. You
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want the colt focused on you, not on racing home. Whichever side he’s stiffer on, use that rein to stop him 2/3 of the time. If he gets impulsive and tries to walk off before you ask him to, spend a few minutes flexing him from side to side. He has to wait for your cue to go forward. Let the colt walk the last hundred feet or so of the ride so that he returns to the barn relaxed. You don’t want him running back to the barn thinking that the faster he gets there the sooner you’ll get off his back. The best saying when working with a colt is, “A tired horse is a good horse.” I’ve never seen a tired horse give anyone any trouble, but I’ve seen plenty of fresh, reactive horses give people lots of
trouble. You’ll be surprised at how you might leave on a colt that’s spooky and jumpy, and come back on one that’s calm and relaxed. Remember, the secret to getting a broke horse is long rides, wet saddle pads and concentrated training. You need equal doses of all three. Success Tips: Choose a smart ride. When you ride your colt outside for the first time, give him a path to follow so that you can just put some steady miles under his feet. Ideally, I like to take my colts out on a wide dirt road where I can walk, trot and canter. What you don’t want to do is take the colt on a narrow trail because he’ll feel trapped and
claustrophobic. And if he did get scared or overreacted to something, you wouldn’t have room to move his feet and get him to use the thinking side of his brain. Remember, anytime a horse uses the reactive side of his brain, you need to move his feet forwards, backwards, left and right to get him to relax and use the thinking side of his brain. The more changes of direction you do, the quicker the horse will use the thinking side of his brain and pay attention to you.
Groundwork, groundwork, groundwork. Before you ride your colt outside, be sure
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that he’s using the thinking side of his brain and has his attention on you by practicing groundwork first. If you don’t, you could very well be setting yourself up for failure. Remember, the more times you pick yourself up off the ground, the better your groundwork gets.
Author note: Clinton Anderson is a clinician, horse trainer and competitor. He’s dedicated his life to helping others realize their horsemanship dreams and keeping them inspired to achieve their goals. The Downunder Horsemanship Method gives horse owners the knowledge needed to become skilled horsemen and train their horses to be consistent and willing partners. Discover for yourself how Clinton and the Method can help you achieve your horsemanship dreams at www.downunderhorsemanship.com.
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