California Dreaming

Control and Where it Starts

In my experience, I've found that all control starts in the horses face and in your hands. First and foremost, you must have good hands, to feel the bit and how it

connects to your horse’s mouth. I always start gaining control by teaching lateral flexion. Flexion simply means to bend. I start with a very easy, soft O-ring

snaffle bit. Standing at their hip, I collect the rein, preferably a thick braided rope rein, one they can feel. I bend him about 1/4 of the way. The object here is to

hold steady pressure until HE breaks over. It will not be a dramatic give at first. You will be looking for the smallest of tries. When he releases you release,

instantly. You have to be watching closely and know what you're looking for. If you are uncertain, you should really review some of the training videos that are

available on the market. Clinton Anderson is good, but my personal favorite is Dennis Reis.

To train your horse correctly you first need to know what a "give" feels like. To do this you have to raise your expectations. A horse can only ever be as good as

we expect it to be. Take your halter attached to your lead rope and throw the halter portion away from you onto the ground. Throughout this exercise imagine

yourself on your horse's back: You're going to pretend like you are riding. Take your left hand and hold the lead rope as if it's the left rein. Pull the halter slowly

toward yourself. Concentrate. Remember; pretend you're actually training your horse. Feel in your hand how much pressure it takes to bring that rope toward

you. You should feel in your pinky how many ounces it takes. Throw it back out and do it again. This time close your eyes and really concentrate. If you get this

lesson, horse training gets a whole lot easier. Really focus on what it feels like. How many ounces is it taking to bring that halter back to you? Think of a specific

number now - and then later when you're training that horse. How many pounds? How many ounces, one or two, 5 pounds or 5 ounces? How would you like your

horse to be that soft? A pound or two from your horse doesn't seem so bad, does it? Actually, if you're training a horse, it's terrible. Having to put a pound or two

of pressure on the rein to get the horse to "come back to you" is just terrible. Take the halter off the lead rope now and throw the rope back out, snap end first.

Do the same thing; drag the snap back to you. How does that feel? It feels pretty light, right? You feel a big difference. But that's still terrible.

Now take the lead rope back in hand and throw the opposite end out, the end without the snap. That feels really light. It feels like nothing. It's still terrible. The

reason it's terrible is because when the horse really gives to you, there is no pull, zero. And it's not just neutral that you feel, but energy and movement coming

back to you. Now take the snap end of the lead rope in your hand and throw it back out. When it hits the ground, add as much pressure as you can to the rope -

without moving the snap. Now a "give" is when you feel energy come up that rope. You don't pull back; you wait until energy comes up that rope. You feel energy

come up that rope, and you let go. That's what you're waiting to feel when you're riding or training a horse. You'll put pressure on your horse and when you feel

energy come back to you, when you see a loop in that rein, that's when your horse is really giving - and your training is really working - and you let go. To make

my point, think of it this way: When you reach to shake somebody's hand, what's the first thing the other person does after you put your hand out? They put their

hand out. What if you asked somebody to raise your arm, to raise it up and down, away from your side - but you resisted? Is the exercise tough? The exercise

itself isn't tough. The "toughness" is caused by the resistance. The exercise and the training is easy. Keep that in mind when you begin an exercise - or your

training - your horse is going to be stiff.

You want to make sure you are not dragging their head around to you; you only want to apply steady pressure and let the horse do the work himself. You want to

work both sides of the horse, as they have two brains, one for each side of their body. He will likely spin like a top when you start, so keep on his hip and stay

with him. Keep up the steady pressure and bend him until he stops. If his feet are moving, the break doesn't count. When all four feet are stopped, and he gives

his head, THEN drop the rein and give him a moment to think about it before you start again. The release is his reward for yielding to the pressure. If you do not

release the pressure INSTANTLY, he does not get a reward and the training is for naught.

Ok, let’s review and make sure you understand the meanings of “give” and “break”. What we are looking for is when the horse tips his nose in and yields to the

pressure. He will do everything he can think of to avoid the pressure, to get away from it. He will fight the bit, throw up his nose, move his feet, all kinds of

things, everything EXCEPT what want him to do. Finally, when all else fails him, and you’ve kept up the steady pressure on him, he will bring his nose in, laterally

and yield to the pressure. As we progress in the lessons, we will ask for more and more from him. Ideally, we want to apply the slightest pressure and have him

bring his head in to his side, remembering to instantly release when he’s yielded.

Now then, once we have established flexion on both sides, on the ground, we can move to the saddle. The same principles apply to this exercise as the previous.

We only want to apply steady pressure. He will again, likely move around a lot. He will tip his nose down, throw his head, and do lots of silly stuff. It’s

not your job to haul his head back around when he throws it to the other side, or throws it up. Your only job is to keep up the steady pressure on his face. I say

steady pressure, not yanking the bits out the back of his head. There is an old adage that I like very well. It says “As little as possible, but as much as necessary.”

This is abundantly true in this exercise. You only want to hold the pressure steady. Only use what pressure is needed to help him to understand that the only way he can escape the pressure is yielding to it. One should also remember that horses by nature resist pressure rather than yield to it.  

                  

What is a "Horseman" or Why I'm not a "Cowboy"

What, you may ask, is the difference between a cowboy and a horseman? Don't they both ride wild bucking horses and punch cows? Well, I'm here to tell you that I've never even been ANGRY with a cow, let alone punch one. Some folks just assume that anyone in a ten gallon hat and fancy boots is a "Cowboy". This is simply just not true. In the purest sense of the word, a cowboy is one who tends cattle or horses; usually a mounted cattle-ranch hand. Then we have the other incarnation of the "cowboy". We have folks who ride animals who are forced to buck for the entertainment pleasure of the masses. I will not say that it doesn't take skill to stay on top of an 1000+lb animal trying to turn inside out, but, again, not my speed. The real unsung heroes of the equine world are those of us, like myself that take colts and turn them into loving, willing partners for every day, ordinary folks to be able to ride and enjoy. I am a horseman. This simply means that I am a student of the horse. I approach him on equal terms, with the idea in mind that he has as much to teach me as I to teach him. I pride myself in (most days) never letting a horse know that he CAN buck. We don't live in line shacks, we don't ride the range making little dogies get along. We spend hours in the round pen and on the trail perfecting their stride so YOU can have a better ride. We don't have shoot outs at high noon, and in most cases we don't save ranchers daughters from evil thugs trying to steal her aged father's spread. We take horses who won't stand to mount, or have been taught bad habits, or are spoiled and help them to understand the joys that a working partnership with a human can be. We do not (again in most cases) hold up stage coaches or banks or shoot up the town on a saturday night after having a few belts at the local honky tonk. We are entirely too busy helping Susan, or Joe understand why they can't get mad at "Fluffy" because he doesn't understand what they are miscommunicating to him. We are helping Katie learn to sit up straight and not clutch the saddle horn for dear life just because her horse moved from a walk to a trot. A horseman(person) is just that, a person who tries to think as the horse does. So, in closing, no, I'm no cowboy. I only play one on T.V.

Check out our website at https://www.brooksgaitedhorsetraining.com

Horseback Riding in the Snow?

   A lot of us would never think to be horseback riding when it's cold and blustery.  Most of us wouldn't.  Unless you are a die hard lover of winter or a trainer, you'd be sitting at home next to a warm fire.   Yes, you CAN ride in the winter, especially when there is snow on the ground.   As long as you take precaution in the safety of your horse or mule, you should have little issue when you set out to make your own path for a leisurely ride in the woods or wherever you choose.
   Horseback riding can be done if there isn't ice or deep crusted over snow.  Your horse is very capable in the snow already, but not when he has to break through ice to get through into it.  This puts not only you, but the horse in danger of a fall.
   For those intrepid enough to brave the weather, your horse would benefit from being either barefoot (no shoes), or have special snow shoes with pads.  The pads prevent snow from "balling" inside the hoof, as the hoof is cupped.  This is often called "snow-balling", and can make the horse unsteady.
  If a horse does go through deep snow, keep in mind how much exertion he will have to do in order to carry you.  Even a fit horse will end up sweating after a ride in the snow.  Take extra care in making sure your horse is warm until he is dry.  It is best to limit physical activity for your horse as they cannot take extra layers off as you are able when you get warm.
  As for the rider, the best clothing to wear in the winter can be a challenge.  Don't wear chunky boots or clothing that would make you slide off the horse if he moves wrong.  The chunky boots can possibly get your feet stuck in the stirrups and you will end up being seriously injured.  Dress in layers, but if necessary, wear a second pair of warm socks to keep those toes warm inside a pair of the boots you would normally wear when riding.  You do not want to impede your movement with too much heavy clothing.
  Horses are not able to handle ice well.  Occasionally you may come across an icy patch, and your horse may have a time crossing it safely.  If at all possible, avoid ice as your horse can easily break a leg if a fall does occur.
  Take the time to assess the weather in your area before you make a decision whether to ride or err on the side of caution.  You can make your horseback ride in the snow as enjoyable as long as you and your horse are safe in the process.

Giving Horses Treats: The Difference Between Hand Feeding and Rewarding

  Happiness is a warm piece of apple pie with whipped cream.  Now that your interest has been piqued, our pets, as well as horses love to share in that same happiness once in a while.  Giving a treat to a horse is not always an easy decision. There are many pros and cons to giving a horse a treat.
   We must understand when it is appropriate, and decide if the treat is just being nice to the horse, or if it should be a reward for reinforcing good behavior and training purposes.
   If one is not careful in determining the difference, things can get out of hand in a hurry. What happens is you will have a one thousand pound animal pushing its way into your space, getting you hurt in a heartbeat.   This can be detrimental in your relationship with your horse.
   As a trainer, I have often been asked by horse owners whether it is a good idea to give out treats. Horse trainers most likely will say it is not advisable, as it not a natural habit for them to be hand fed.  If your horse does not respect your space, introducing food into the equation will only add fuel to the fire.  It is best that you have the knowledge of how to teach your horse to stay out of your personal space unless invited.   Once they understand you are the boss and in control of the situation, you have to remember your personal safety is most important.
   Talk with your trainer if you have questions on how you can teach your horse to stay out of your space.  You must have a good relationship with your horse trainer. The knowledge they have will be very important information to you, saving you a trip to the hospital.
   You must understand the difference between "treat" and "reward".  A treat is something you give your horse because you feel like being nice.  A reward is something you give your horse because he did something nice.   A treat can be given as a reward, but a reward cannot be given as a treat. To understand this, you must recognize the play on the words.  The horse always thinks it is being rewarded for something.  For instance, "I was just standing in my stall with my head over the door, and in comes my owner handing me food."  The next time the horse sees you coming in, it will put its head over the stall door, waiting for you to give it the food-and you give it to him.  Soon enough,
your horse will nicker at you the moment you step foot in the barn, in anticipation of the food/reward.
    Or in this instance, if you have a carrot or apple in your pocket, and your horse knows you carry those in your pockets, it will be nosing around your pockets in search of the treat.  When you give it to him, you are reinforcing the behavior that is rewarding him sticking his nose in your pocket.
   So how does one decide when to give a treat vs. a reward?   Give the horse treats in his food bin
or bucket, never from your hand.  Give a reward any time you want, anywhere you want. The difference is the horse must have done something to earn the reward.  And yes, you may give the reward/treat from your hand at this time.  In order for this to work, you have to teach him there is a certain place he has to be in order to get the reward,  He must be standing still, and must have his head positioned in a place you want him to be.  This gives the horse an incentive to keep trying in order to get the reward.  Teaching your horse this "trick" takes time and patience, but in the end, the reward is definitely worth it.
 

Drinking and Riding a Horse: Is it Legal?

   We have all seen those old westerns in which there is that random cowboy riding a horse after he comes out of the saloon, usually drunk or intoxicated.  He is slumped over the saddle and his horse pretty much is left to his own devices.  Sometimes being drunk can get him in some predicaments.
   Bring this picture to present day, and we find there can be repercussions when riding while intoxicated, if you're caught.  The main issue is this:  Is it legal to drink and ride a horse?

 
    Several states have statutes that hold mandate that a horse is considered a vehicle. However, if the rider is intoxicated, they can be charged with public intoxication, or even drunk and disorderly (if the circumstances fit the crime).  There are some states that have a no tolerance policy, and a person can be charged with a DUI, even though they are riding a horse.  Unfortunately for horseback riders, these laws vary from state to state, and even within the local law enforcement community.
    While the idea of a DUI on a horse may sound silly, the main concern from public law enforcement is safety.  Someone riding a horse or a bicycle while intoxicated could potentially be a risk to others.  Drivers could get into an accident due to the erratic riding pattern of a rider.  In many situations the horse can also get injured or killed, putting the rider at risk for animal endangerment.
    The normal procedure for citing and punishing a DUI while on horseback is pretty much the same as a driver in a motorized vehicle.  The officer stops the offender under suspicion of being under the influence.  If a breathalyzer indicates a rider is under the influence, the officer will issue a citation.  In many states, the lawbreaker's license will be revoked, and he or she will have to go to court in order to get it back.
    A public safety announcement that appeared in Montana shows a horse picking up its rider from a bar, obeying all the laws and acting as a designated driver would. You can see this video here: Sober Friend 
    Helena Police Chief Troy McGee says he has received many calls from residents wanting to know if riding a horse while under the influence is legal.  The law says yes, however Montana law carefully defines a vehicle, and excludes those running under animal power.  But that does not mean people should ride their horses while drunk.  Please be safe, don't drink and ride.
 Should an intoxicated rider be charged with a DUI or just a pubic intoxication?
What are your thoughts?

Does Your Horse Need a Blanket in the Winter?

   With the coming of colder temperatures during the day and freezing nights, we all hunker down with a warm blanket, a cup of cocoa, and a hot fire to keep us toasty.  Some short haired pets need a sweater when they go outside.  But those who are fortunate to have the joy of owning a horse or mule often wonder if their favorite critter really needs a blanket, or rug during the coldest, most brutal time of year.  A serious question requires some thought. Is your horse REALLY cold?
     People often  anthropomorphize (attribute human form or personality to things not human) and honestly believe if they are cold, then the horse or mule is as cold as they feel.  It is easy to take human thoughts and actions and apply them to horses.  This can be detrimental to the health of horses and mules.
     A horse begins to grow a thicker winter coat in early fall (usually around mid September), depending on the weather.  Horses in warmer climates grow their winter coats a bit later as the days progressively get cooler.  To ensure a good healthy, dense winter coat, you can supplement with a diet rich in protein and calories.  Providing a good hay will help with extra calories needed to help your horse use his own body heat to make himself warm.  You can make adjustments to increase their food portions during the winter months, as these cold blustery days and nights can really be hard on an animal if they are not getting enough food to help withstand the elements.
Once your horse or mule gets that 'fuzzy bear' look, it still can be deceiving.  Check your horse weekly around the rib area for a moderate fleshy cover.  If your horse is thin, you will know as you feel around his ribs.
     Providing shelter, whether it be in the form of boarding in a stall, or in an enclosed run in shed can help block the wind and elements.   If there is no way you can provide shelter, and the temperature is much colder than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, use a blanket as a last resort.  Keep in mind the sudden changes in temperature that would affect the body temperature of your horse.  Once the air temperature gets warmer, your horse will as well.  You do not want a sweaty horse exposed to the cold.  His winter coat with natural oils will provide a healthy thick coat on its own when you give him the proper nutrition during the winter.
   
 

Poem Therapy or How To Write Like a Lunatic

This volume was 20+ years in the making. It's about life, and love and growing up in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. It has been a difficult journey as well. It is always difficult to "let go" and let other people read my work. This is because, what you are looking at, is not just words on a page. When you open this cover, and look at it's contents, you are looking at my soul laid bare for the world to see. Me at my best, and at my worst. Raw and bleeding, right there on the page. It is never an easy thing, to take something as private as my thoughts and emotions and turn them into something so VERY public. This whole experience of writing this book has been a healing one. I've grown and evolved into the man, and the horseman that I am today, BECAUSE of the adversity. I own it, it no longer owns me. It's amazing how writing helps heal the troubled soul. I started out as a young man, very troubled and tortured in my soul. I felt as I did not matter and I was awash in feelings of despair and self-pity. Hey, it happens to the best of us occasionally. In time, I learned that the more I put these feeling on the page, the easier they were for me to recognize and deal with. So, in a way, I suppose, poetry has been my therapist. Through the written word, I discovered that I WAS of worth, and that I DID matter, even if only to me.

This brings me to another point. It's very difficult for me to read my own poetry. I can remember, vividly the state of mind I was in when I wrote each one of them.The highs, and the lows in turn. Each poem brings with it a memory of a time and a place that is sometimes quite painful. That makes it hard for me to revisit them. They are not ALL bad memories by any means. However, even the ones with pleasant memories attached are still painful to read. I am reminded of how young, and immature I was, and of the mistakes I made. I truly am the person I am today, because I learned to write it all down. Am I a hot mess still? Likely. Do I make mistakes still? Most certainly.Do I still doubt and second guess myself? Occasionally. The difference between then and now though? Today I understand that anything you want in life is worth ALL the blood, sweat and yes, even tears put into it.

You can order your copy of "Cinch Marks: Misadventures and Tall Tales From a Self Described Curmudgeon" on our website:

https://www.brooksgaitedhorsetraining.com/publications--books-dvds-etc..html

How to C.O.P.E with your horse while working with him

Taco learning via the COPE system 

The key to successfully training an animal are all in the way in which you COPE with him. To establish a trust and a bond with your animal are imperative to your success. In order for him to trust you and vice versa you have to build this bond. It takes time, and work, and LOTS of both. Here are all the tools you need to COPE with your training:

Compassion- You must care about the animal you are working with. It does neither you, nor him any good if you cannot truly care about him. You will not be able to connect with an animal you do not care for. So, be fair to him and to you alike by LEARNING to care for him if you must.

Optimism- You must be optimistic when working with him. Have a positive outlook and you will go far. Negativity breeds lack of success! Horses are very empathic themselves. They can tell when we feel good, or when we are having an off day. When you establish a bond with a horse or mule, you will be

able to tell when he’s feeling good. So, when you approach your tasks with optimism, it will radiate from you and will be picked up by the animal, therefore ensuring a productive training session. Likewise, if you approach your tasks with a poor attitude, and are pessimistic about your success, it’s like as not to

produce a bad, if not even dangerous session.

Patience- It requires LOTS of patience to work with horses and especially a mule. You have to take the time that it takes. You cannot force a square peg into a round hole, so to speak, so come into each session prepared to take as long as needed. If you do not have time to do your tasks correctly, without

rushing, then do not start. Wait until you DO have the time. As a wise man once said: “Shortcuts make for long delays.” When you rush your training you leave holes for yourself, or for the next person to come along. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right the FIRST time.

Empathy- The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This simply means that you have

to try and understand where he's coming from. Put yourself it his shoes, so to speak. It will make you a better trainer, and a better horse person all the way around. I DON'T mean treat him like a 5 y/o child; he's still a horse after all. I just mean to try to imagine how your training is affecting him on the whole.

Going back to an earlier point, horses themselves are very good empaths, so should you be. Learn to tell when he’s having a good, or even an off day.

Applying these four principles to your training regimen will ensure that you have a productive, and even a fun training session. Equines should serve us because we've helped them WANT to be with us, rather than to break their spirits. It’s easy to take short cuts, but you have to think about the bigger picture. Do you really want a slave, or would you rather have a willing, enthusiastic partner willing to go above and beyond the call?

The Long Rider

The thunder rumbles

Low and deep in the

Dark heavy clouds

As they hug the horizon.

The lightning forks

And streaks angrily

Across the stygian depths of sky.

Slowly, dreamily

The first drops begin to fall.

The large drops making craters

In the dusty earth.

The rain comes on

With all its eminent authority.

With unmitigated fury

The wall of rain

Bursts into his camp.

Sizzling, smoking and Popping,

The fire protests weakly.

Pulling his hat down

He packs the last of his gear

Onto his ol’ pony.

With the practiced ease

Lent him by many

Years astride a horse,

He throws a leg over

The weather beaten, care worn saddle.

Ducking his head,

The big gelding is turned

Into the oncoming storm.

Rain or shine,

He’s got to ride.

"Just a Trail Horse?"

I heard in passing the other day, someone saying their horse was "Just" a trail horse. REALLY? JUST a trail horse? Would you say your Dr. is "Just" a brain surgeon? Would you say your accountant is "JUST a numbers guy"? Let's break this down to it's barest level here. Show horses, as nice and pretty as they are are ridden on a set, prescribed course in a controlled environment. Granted, there are new horses and new places to show, but the show pen is always the same. Round and round and round. Trail horses, on the contrary must learn to adapt easily, and quickly to new experiences, and environments. You cannot control nature, so there is no telling WHAT you will see when you go out. A trail horse must exhibit self control, and extreme confidence. When the going gets tough, they have to have the guts to stay put. They have to be tough, to handle the varied terrain, as well as versatile enough to adapt to different situations. He must be smart enough to learn how to think for himself, yet reliable enough to trust your judgement. Great trail horses are not born, they are made.So, to sum up, trail horses rule, all the rest drool! I'm just kidding, I firmly believe that the more jobs a horse has, the better off he will be. He will be happier,steadier, HEALTHIER,and a better ride for it. I mean really, when you think of horseback riding, do you dream of going circles in an arena all day, or do you dream of being in the wilderness, experiencing nature the way God intended, on the back of a horse(or mule)? We all dreamt of the freedom that riding in the outdoors would bring us. Right? So, the next time you hear someone say they have "just" a trail horse, make sure to remind them that they are one of the lucky ones.

My Ol' Flea Catcher

 If my ol’ Flea Catcher could talk, it’d have a few tales to tell. We’ve had a few adventures through the years, indeed we have. I for one remember the time we got swept out of the saddle by a huge old gnarly Locust tree. We were riding a good sized, stocking legged mule, looking to find a hole in it. We had already been through the brush, over, up and down the creek, and through the brambles. Thinking we were done, we’d just about decided to head back to the barn. It was at this time, I spotted a half grown Jersey calf in the brush, down an incline a little piece. “Hmmmmm...” I said. “I just wonder if this molly has ever seen a calf. Well, if she hasn’t, it’s about time she did.” So, off we went down the slope to look at the calf. Winding our way carefully through the brush, and the various thickets of thorns that invariably grow here in the Ozarks, we crept up on our quarry. My little mule, which by the way, at 16.2 hands, wasn’t so little, must not have seen the dreaded thing. Suddenly, she stopped. She had spied the only thing in the woods capable of sending fear shuddering and racking throughout her entire body. She stood stock still, unable to believe her eyes. Here, in broad daylight, was a specimen of the vicious, ravenous, mule eating Jersey calf. Trembling with fear, knowing she was a goner, she was unable to move as the horrid thing approached her.

Meanwhile, chewing his cud in a clearing in the woods, a young Jersey steer looked up to see a most curious site. What did he see, but a man on top of a HUGE funny looking cow. He’d never, in his short existence, seen such a sight. He could not help himself. His curiosity got the better of him. He just HAD to get a closer look at this crazy specimen. The human, he noticed was attached to the cow with weird lines coming from the cow’s mouth. Well, this was more than his curiosity could handle. He for sure had to check them out now. He walked slowly towards them, taking his time so as to take in this spectacle fully. When he got nose to nose with the incredible pair, he snorted. Why, you’d thought he’s set off a bomb under this strange cow’s feet. She must have jumped three feet in the air, swapping ends in the process. Well, this was more than he could handle. He took off in the opposite direction, bawling for his mom.

Miss Mule and I, at the same time were in mid acrobatics. I mean, I knew mules were nimble, agile even, but THIS molly should have tried out for the Olympics. She was jumping and spinning and turning inside out. She’d have made Bruce Jenner look like Barney Fife. We hit the ground going 183 mph, or it seemed that way at least. She took the bit in her teeth and held on for all she was worth. I meanwhile, calm and cool as a cucumber, am brushing aside the various limbs and small trees that get in her way as she tears through the woods back towards the road. In the midst of my calm and cool brushing, I failed to notice that ONE of the trees she was attempting to run over was about 20 feet around. Well, I’m here to tell you, I’ve never seen a mule climb a tree. I didn’t “see” this one either. I still too busy hanging on to my hat, my butt and other various and sundry parts these demon trees were busy trying to rip from my person. She MUST have climbed it, and then deciding it wasn’t safe up there either, JUMPED back down, decided to climb it again, changed her mind again, then took off for the road again. This was about the time that our wild ride ended. The tree, tired of all this foolishness, reached out and grabbed me by the belt buckle and with no remorse, dashed me to the ground. Now, I’m no little fella, and when I hit the ground, rare though it is, I hit with a resounding “THUMP”. This was no exception. I landed on the north end of this south bound Moose. This only served to compound the humility of the situation.  My ol’ Flea Catcher, having better sense than I, had quit his post the FIRST time Miss Mule had tried to climb the tree.

Speaking of Miss Mule, she had run about a hundred yards, jumped a six foot barbed wire fence, and then run a few more feet. It was at this time, that she realized two things. First and foremost, she had lost that demon spawned mule eating Jersey. Whew, what a relief. Now she could stop and take stock of her hurts, which, as fortune would have it, were none. Second, she noticed her human was no longer on her back. Now, where could he have gone to? Didn’t he know there were dangerous beasts lurking in these woods? Oh, well, she’d just have to go and find him. Rescue him if you will, from the dangers of the forest.

She hadn’t gone more than a few dozen steps when she noticed something rustling in the brush ahead of her. Was it another killer Jersey? No, as luck would have it, it was her human. Here he came, walking slowly, and looking like he’d tried to French kiss a bob –cat in a phone booth. Grumbling and swearing under his breath, he patted her neck and swung aboard.

     Well, one thing for sure. I’ve had rougher rides, but I’ll be danged if I can recall any at this particular point in time. Miss Mule and I made it back to the barn, in one piece even. We rode many more times too.  Thankfully though, my ol’ Flea Catcher and I haven’t had one THAT rough since. 


If you enjoyed this tale of the ne'er do well mule, check out the rest of our stories in our book "Cinch Marks" available on our website:

Summertime: Working and Riding Horses In the Heat

Summer brings wonderful days of enjoyment with longer hours to ride. Time can easily get away from a horse and rider if they are not prepared for the heat and sun's rays on a hot day.  Take time to consider what your horse can handle during your riding sessions as well as yourself.   Your horse can easily be susceptible to heat exhaustion just as you are.
Horses lose body heat through sweat, exhaling warm air, and widening blood vessels in their skin.  When the air temperature is near the body temperature of a horse, heat loss is greatly decreased.
As air temperature rises and humidity increases, horses can lose up to 7 gallons of fluid in sweat as well as electrolytes used for bodily function.  Losing 7 gallons an hour can easily dehydrate a horse, so horses working in hot conditions need to drink plenty of water and given electrolytes. Start giving electrolytes in their water in small increments to get the horse adjusted to the taste, then gradually increase to meet the recommendation for the size of horse.
Many horse owners will train or ride their horse in the morning or early evening hours to avoid the hottest part of the day.  If you do have to work your favorite four legged friend in the heat, look for shade and breezes to help cool down until you are able to rinse the horse off, making sure to scrape off the excess water to shed the extra heat that can build up in the hair.  If your horse has a pink nose or eyes that can easily sunburn, you can apply children's sunscreen to help prevent the sun's rays from burning sensitive skin.   Choose a higher grade SPF for horses with white or pink noses.  Once you prepare your horse in advance and have a plan to cool down if overheating happens to occur, you can thoroughly enjoy riding your horse in the summer!

First Aid for Your Horse

Horses are always known for their beauty and grace, but honestly, grace sometimes does not fall alongside beauty.  Horses are accident prone and you must be ready for anything that can happen.  First and foremost, BE CALM.  If you are in a state of panic, your horse can pick up on your emotions and possibly be as well.
Once you assess the situation, determine whether the horse needs medical attention, or if the injury can be cared for using first aid.  ALWAYS CALL A VETERINARIAN when in doubt.   Here are some things you must keep on hand in a first aid kit for your horse:
1.  Mercury or Digital Thermometer-  A thermometer will let you know if your horse has an elevated temperature-a sign that a health problem needs attention.  Digital thermometers work best, and are easier on the eyes to read.  Just make sure you maintain control of the animal when using the thermometer, as you don't want to lose it in the horse's rectum and create another emergency!  A horse's normal temperature would be in the range of 99 to 101 degrees Farenheit.
2. Antiseptic wound cleaner-  Betadine, Hibitane, or Novalsan scrubs can be used to clean wounds. Do not use Hydrogen peroxide on wounds other than hoof wounds as it will kill healthy tissue.
3. Cutters/ Scissors/Wire cutters-  Useful when a horse becomes entangled in a wire fence.  Wire cutters can also remove loose shoes if necessary.
4. Stable wraps or standing bandages- Keep a set of clean unused bandages for wrapping injured legs. VetWrap is a commonly known brand.
5. Gamgee or other absorbent padding- used under stable wraps as padding for injured legs.  Keep these stocked inside a ziploc bag to maintain their sterility.
6.  Stethoscope-To monitor heart rate.  You can hear the heartbeat most clearly just behind the left elbow. A stethoscope can also be used to listen to gut noises if necessary.  Normal heart rate for a mature horse would be 28-40 beats per minute; weanlings: 60-80 beats per minute; yearlings: 40-60 beats per minute.
7. Zinc oxide cream- for sunburned noses, as well as to protect and heal minor cuts and abrasions.
8. Epsom salts- for drawing out infections.
9. Antiseptic cream or ointment- help heal minor cuts, wounds and abrasions.
10. Flashlight
11. Electrolyte powder or paste for dehydration.  To check for dehydration, pinch a fold of skin on the neck and release it.  If it slowly returns to its normal position and tends to stay in a fold, the horse is dehydrated.
12. Twitch- used to help calm an excited horse when administering first aid.

There are many books on first aid for large animals that can be helpful, as well as a having a small log book for taking notes on your horse's health.  And always have a veterinarian on call if an emergency arises.

The Hackamore

The true hackamore, or bosal, evolved from vaquero horsemanship traditions.  It is a plaited rawhide noseband that fits around the bridge of a horse's nose, and is attached on each side to a headstall.   A solid knot of braided rawhide at the base is wrapped with mecate reins, traditionally made with horsehair.
It is usually one of the first pieces of headgear a trainer uses to start colts, as well as used in the transition phase between the snaffle and spade bit.
You cannot achieve suppleness, balance and flexibility in the bridle with a snaffle the way you can in a hackamore.   In a snaffle, you pull directly on the horse's mouth, drawing his head to his chest and causing him to yield to the pressure at his withers rather than the poll, which places more weight on his forehand.
The hackamore, on the other hand, applies pressure to the sensitive areas on the horse's nose, cheeks, and chin.  The horse seeks relief by flexing at the poll and moving into the pull, which promotes balance and preserves a young horse's sensitive mouth.
During hackamore training, a horse learns consistency in balance and feel, making this training stage crucial in a horse's foundation.   The type of hackamore depends on the horse's face structure, but 5/8 is a standard diameter to start with.  As for length, a 10 1/2 to 11 inch fits most horses.
When using a hackamore to start a young horse, you must start teaching him to give in to pressure at a standstill.  When you can get your horse to move its face in any direction without resistance, you have achieved lightness in the hackamore.
Horsemen have their own preferences when it comes to hackamore adjustment. Some place it higher on the horse's nose.  The reason for this is that when the reins are picked up and the horse begins to break at the poll, the hackamore will go into proper position. If the noseband is adjusted too high, the hackamore is not effective, thus the horse will never feel the pressure release and will develop resistance.  If the noseband is too low, it will cut off the horse's wind and damage cartilage.
Once the hackamore is adjusted properly, stand beside the horse and apply neck rein pressure.  Starting from the ground makes the horse understand the cue easier, then graduate into the saddle as he becomes more supple.   This technique differs from the old vaqueros starting out rank horses in a hackamore.  They would supple a horse from the back of another.  To a novice, a horse's response to the hackamore could be misleading.  If the horse responds to light pressure, it does not mean it's naturally light.  Some people ride with just their fingertips, thinking they are being light.   Make your horse aware of what's being asked and you want to get a response in achieving a high degree of feel.  You should be able to move the horse's face without any restrictions.  If you are able to do this while in the saddle, you have achieved lightness.
When the time for transition comes to move into a bridle, it mostly depends on the horse.  Each horse is unique, and some learn faster than others.  There is no set time or method in making a hackamore or bridle horse.  Do take into account what is comfortable for your horse at that particular time in its training.  It might take years for a horse to progress into a bridle.  Ultimately, there are no shortcuts when training a horse into a finely tuned team member that responds lightly to your pressure.

Sanctuary!

Sanctuary.  Its meaning stems back to biblical times.  A sanctuary has various meanings from being a designated holy place to a refuge for humans as well as animals.  For some, this comes as a need to want to offer help, be it monetary, or an offering of physical labor.   Finding a reputable sanctuary or rescue takes a bit of homework to ensure your donation has been used for the care of those animals in need.  Why a horse sanctuary?  According to Montana Horse Sanctuary, they believe in "positive options for both horses and handlers" by providing a safe sanctuary for horses in need, whether displaced from a loving home or turned over to law enforcement because of abuse or neglect.
     Recently, a rescue in Townsend, Montana was raided and over 25 horses were rescued by authorities.  The owners of Rocky Acres Horse Rescue and Sanctuary have been arrested and charged with 35 counts of animal cruelty. Monies that have been donated to this sanctuary were never used to care for these animals.  The sheriff's department of Broadwater County, Montana has requested help from Montana Horse Sanctuary in collecting donations from the public for the care of the seized animals from Rocky Acres Horse Rescue and Sanctuary.
     This is, however, not the norm for rescues.  A rescue itself is a wonderful concept. There are many, many rescues out there doing wonderful work. The good, far outnumber the bad. But, our advice is to look into it before you spend your hard earned money on it. Check with the local businesses and the Better Business Bureau, as well as the local authorities of the rescue/sanctuary you would like to donate.  There are many reputable charities out on the web, and with some researching and a few phone calls, you should be able to find out the reputation of that business.  Word of mouth is the best way, and not just the web.  Trust your instinct, and those that you speak with.  Doing your homework will save you money as well as heartache for the loss of an animal in someone's care who does not care!
  You can help those horses that were seized during the March 12th raid of Rocky Acres Horse Rescue and Sanctuary by contacting Board President Jane Heath at  info@montanahorsesanctuary.org.  
                                               
                                                   Montana Horse Sanctuary
                                              www.montanahorsesanctuary.org

Horse Sense vs. Nonsense

No horse is a pleasure unless he is safe and is ridden safely.  Most accidents that occur happen with gentle horses.  And nearly all have been the fault of the human, not the horse.  
A few examples:
-A woman visiting a 4-H club pasture walked up, unannounced, behind a horse that was eating.  Lots of horses will kick when they are eating.  She suffered a broken jaw and ended up with eight false teeth.  
-A neighbor walked into a closed trailer, leading his horse right behind.  The horse jumped in      ( a well trained horse) and crushed the man, breaking his nose.
-Two girls racing their horses outside an arena during a horse show ran into another rider, killed the horse, and broke the rider's leg.
-A man walked up behind his young horse and swatted him on the rump without alerting the animal.  This was a professional trainer who knew better, but he had been talking with a friend and forgot.   The end result: a smashed face.

Here are some DO'S and DON'TS that will help you have fun with horses-SAFELY:

DO approach a horse from his left, saddle from his left and mount from his left.  This is a tradition that dates back to the knights who carried big swords on the left side and found it easier to throw their right leg over the saddle. 

DON'T walk up behind a horse unannounced.  Let him know you are approaching by speaking to him and placing your hand on him.  Horses can't see immediately behind them and instinctively kick to protect their blind spot.

DO keep your hands calm and your voice quiet.  Shouting or beating an excited horse will only make matters worse.

DON'T wrap the lead rope or reins around your hand, wrist or body. The gentlest horse will sometimes spook.

DO walk beside your horse when leading him-not in front of him- and grasp the lead rope near the halter or the reins near the bit.

DON'T tie your horse with the bridle reins. Use a strong halter and lead rope to tie him high and close to a post, tree, or similar object.

DO slow to a walk when riding on pavement, bridges, ice or anywhere you are not sure of the footing.

DON'T mount your horse in a barn or near fences.  It's a good way to get your head cracked or your leg cut.  

DO check your girth, cinch straps, curb chain and reins to make sure they are in good condition.

DON'T tease your horse or let him nibble on you.  A nibbling horse occasionally bites.

DO keep your head clear when bridling a horse.  He may throw his head to avoid the bit and hit you.

Body Clipping your Horse or Mule

Naturally a horse or mule will grow a winter coat that sheds out in the spring or early summer, depending on the animal.  Body clipping a horse requires a lot of time maintaining and patience for both the horse or mule as well as the owner.   There are many reasons people body clip, working with your equine during the winter months sometimes makes it harder for it to cool down after the workout.  Once you clip your horse, there are certain responsibilities you must do to help maintain and protect it from the cold.
Blanketing a clipped horse will provide some of the warmth that is lost. But you must check on your horse at least twice a day to see if it needs a lighter weight blanket or sheet in place of the heavier blanket.
Some horse breed societies do not believe in body clipping, and those horse owners may keep a heat lamp near their horse in the winter to fool the hair coat into believing it is still warm.  These can be placed on a timer to turn on and off at designated times during the day or evening.  You will still have to blanket your horse in the winter months, and if you board your horse, you may have a larger electric bill as well.
Deciding when to clip, you must determine how much work you will commit to clipping and caring for your horse afterward.  If you work your horse or mule occasionally, then a clip might not be necessary.  Full body clips for a show horse will help evaporate sweat easier.  A wet coat will not insulate very well, and having a shorter coat will help dry it off quickly.   Make sure you dry it off completely, as blanketing a wet horse will not hold in their body heat.   Depending on your climate, the use of different weights of blankets and sheets are available as well as hoods for colder climates in the winter.
If you do decide to body clip your horse, you will need shearing clippers as well as small clippers.  The small clippers are for the ears, face and small body parts and areas.  Shearing clippers cut down the time it takes to clip the animal overall.  Lubricants are used to keep the blades running smoothly and cool, and keeping a small brush or toothbrush handy will clean out hair and dirt that accumulates in the blade teeth.
Body clipping takes a lot of time, so expect long hours and have lots of patience with your horse or mule.
If your equine is clipper shy, spend extra time in the fall getting it adjusted to the feel of the equipment before using them later.  Make sure the area you are clipping is quiet and free of distractions.  This will help keep your horse or mule calmer and it will be easier for the both of you during the clip session.

Head ‘E’m Off At the Pass

     Let’s just face the facts. Everyone who comes to a public trail ride is an experienced, expert horseman. Otherwise, why would they come there to ride, am I right?
     It was a fine hot summer day in the Ozarks Mountains. Snuggled within the mountains, down in lake country is a little town called Branson, maybe you’re heard of it? Anyway, I digress. I was guiding trail rides for the tourists there in a small nose to tail walking ride. We were lounging in the shade when a trio showed up to ride. This fella had brought his daughter and niece out to ride. The girls had to be about 10 to 12 years old, just the right age to be absolutely in love with all things horse. I greeted them and they quickly decided on the ride they wanted to go on, as we had a couple to choose from. The one they chose was for a more advanced rider; it was a free style ride with less direct control. In other words, they were free to ride out and away, and I was along for the ride to make sure they didn’t get lost. I asked the fella if the girls could ride. “Oh ya, they can ride!” he assured me. “Sir,” I said. “I’m not asking if they can sit on the horse, I’m asking if they can ride.” He looked at me, blinked a bit and again said “Sure they can ride.” I had a bad feeling about it, but the boss assured me they would be fine.
     Soon, enough we were on the road and headed down the trail. The uncle and I were soon swapping lies and having a fine time, and the girls were having a grand time. I was riding Duck, the girls were on Alpo and Kal Kan, and the uncle was on Turtle. We were mostly walking and trotting a bit through the quiet, cool woods. It wasn’t long before we hit a large field. We called it the Polo field because of its size. It was a nice level field, perfect for a nice canter. No hills, no holes, just a nice grassy field. I had only intended to jog through it, when the girls started begging.
     “Moose, can we PLEASE canter the horses? PLEASE oh PLEASE can we canter the horses?” I looked to the uncle and again asked “Are you sure these girls are experienced enough for this?” Well, after much discussion I relented and let the girls head off into the field. I was on point and watching them as they started out at a jog. It wasn’t long before they had hit a canter and started to giggle. Quickly they got noisier, shrieking as they went. The girls had been doing this off and on the whole trip so I didn’t pay that much mind at first. It wasn’t until they hit the corner and turned that I could see that the niece had thrown the reins away and had a death grip on the saddle horn. She was squalling like a banshee with her …….toe caught in a crack.
     Poor ol’ Alpo, he wasn’t sure WHAT was going on, but he was pretty sure he didn’t wanna hang around to find out. He lit out of there like his head was on fire and his tail was catching. Alpo hit the corner and gained a gear. This may seem like it took a lot of time; but in fact, it all took place in about eight to ten seconds. It took me about three to size up the situation and I yelled to the uncle “Hold this!” and tossed him my flea catcher. I didn’t have time to see if he caught the hat or not, I was off and gone. I drew a bid on Alpo’s halter and poled ol’ Duck in the ribs and said “SCOOT!” We were off like a dirty shirt. It seemed like it took forever but we soon had Alpo headed off at the pass, old west style. I caught him by the bridle and slowed him to a stop. Meanwhile, the little girl’s eyes were wide as a dinner platter and she was white as a sheet. Still blubbering a bit, she somehow managed to pry her little fingers from the saddle horn and dismount. Her uncle looked her over and pronounced her in fine shape, just a bit shook up. We got her saddled up again, and I snubbed her to my saddle horn to pony her for the rest of the trip. She learned a valuable lesson that day, one I teach all my students: Never panic. I don’t care if the whole world is falling apart around you and you have one cheek in the saddle and one in midair, panicking will only make things worse. If you can keep a clear head, you are more likely to come out with all your various and sundry parts intact.

Brooks Gaited Horse Training

Horse Related Superstitions and Wives Tales

     I'm sure you all have heard about hanging a horse shoe over a door with the ends up to keep the luck from running out.  We all have a few sayings that have been carried down from generation to generation, and some have us wondering.  For instance, if a person were to buy a horse in Europe the saying goes something like this:  "One white foot, buy a horse; two white feet, try a horse; Three white feet, look well about him; four white feet, do without him."   Here in the USA, cowboys have said that a red mare will either be crazy or mean.
    The whorl or swirl on the forehead of a horse would indicate its personality.  Many people believe a horse with two whorls on its forehead will be more difficult.  Swirlology is the study of hair swirls or whorls in horses.  For some believers, this would affect the purchase or selling of horses.
      Some folks believe that changing a horse's name is bad luck, and I've also heard that the deeper a stud dips his nostrils into the water he is drinking, the better the sire he will be. Here in the Ozarks, the old timers would often castrate their own stock. When doing so, they would  just "throw" them and cut them right there in the pasture. I was told growing up that when you cut a horse, throw one testicle to the east, and one to the west and don't look where they fall, or he will be proud cut.
     Supposedly you can predict the sex of an unborn foal by tying a horseshoe nail to a tail hair of the pregnant mare. Hold the nail above the mare's hips. If it does not swing, the mare is not pregnant, if it swings in a circle, she's carrying a filly, if in a straight line, a colt.
     One of the best known superstitions is that it is bad luck to place a cowboy hat on a bed.  There has been a story told about a cowboy who showed up at the National Finals Rodeo with a smashed hat, because the night before his mother laid it on a bed.  According to the superstition, the only way to get rid of the bad luck is to throw the hat outside and stomp all the bad luck out of it.   .
     Another favorite of mine is one the old folks used to tell us kids back in the day. When we would see a horse rolling over in the pasture, they would say that he's only worth as much as how many times he can roll over in a row. Another variation on this was the saying that only a good horse could roll all the way over. If he couldn't roll all the way over, he was no good.
     There are a myriad of superstitions worldwide, each with their own variation.  It is fascinating to read and hear these wives tales carried down for so many years.  And some do actually have a foothold on the populace as fact.  Do you have a horse related superstition? If so, share it here!

Brooks Gaited Horse Training