As fun, fast, and exciting, as sorting is, it’s easy to run into problems by getting excited and wind up completely forgetting about horsemanship. I believe that this is a common problem in the sport. Jerkin’ back, pulling, wippin’, and spurrin’, all at the same time! I have to remember to slow it down in my head, remember the basics, and most importantly -trust my horse at his job. By doing this, I relax. And, because of that, my horse will relax. In return, both my horse and I will perform to our fullest potential.

I think there are six important things to remember while sorting; positioning (knowing where to be), timing (knowing when to be there), communication (both with your partner and your horse), trust (having trust in your horse and your partner(s) to do their part) and horsemanship.

I look forward to seeing you here at OutWest, whether it is at our shows, leagues, lessons, or practices. Remember to look up during the day, to smile, check out the scenery, and be happy for how good we all have it.

Grant

Our next OutWest Ranch Horse Show is coming up already this Saturday, June 27. I have plenty of goals in mind to work on! One of them is taking the proper leads when I ask for them. As simple a maneuver as this might seem, it is not always easy. Here are a few ways that I will be practicing taking leads with my horse this week.

The first thing I will work on is trotting in the arena in about a 50 ft circle. I will then kiss and ask with my outside leg to take the proper lead. If my horse doesn’t take the lead I am asking for, I will steadily stop him and start over. If he takes the correct lead, I will make sure I reward him by petting his shoulder while loping, and continue until I ask him to break down to a trot or walk. Once I attain what I want in the 50 ft circles, I will ask for the proper lead on the long side of the arena going straight along the arena wall using the same outside leg.

Once I feel confident with my horse’s lead departures in the arena, the last thing I will work on is taking that lead at any time outside of the arena, in the pasture, down the road, etc., making sure I am consistent in the way I ask for the lead.

Remember to keep things simple, short and sweet when practicing, and quit when your horse is doing his best. Make sure to set attainable goals to set you and your horse up for success. Take care of yourself and your horses, and remember who made it all possible for us to be out doing the things we love.

Grant

I am excited for the Ranch Horse Shows that are going to be underway this Saturday, May 30. I have been busy riding our string of horses along with awesome help from Angie Gebhart, a good hand, and a student at South Dakota State. I am glad to have her helping us through the summer!

In past years I have found that I can get nervous taking my horses to a relatively unfamiliar environment. There is a lot going on when you go to a show, and it can be difficult for some horses that haven’t been around so much action. I like to prepare myself, and my horses, for these situations as much as possible before I go.

I think that it behooves me and my horse to practice some patterns that I will be showing in, as well as to set goals. Whether I am showing for fun, or for competition, it is important to have attainable goals. I like to do my arena work and then go down the trail and through the woods to expose them to different places. I try to make sure my horses are in shape so they are not fresh the day of the show.

I keep odd items in the arena to help my horse prepare for versatility courses. I practice walking, trotting and loping down the road at different speeds to help in the pleasure and reining classes. You can set up barrels or poles, and pattern your horse at a trot and lope.  Keep in mind that the Ranch Horse Shows are all about having a versatile ranch horse. Enjoy time with your friends, family, and horse. Stay relaxed, meet new people, have fun, and smile!

I look forward to seeing you at OutWest!

One of the horses we are very proud to be selling is a very nice 11-year-old red dun mare. This mare has been used extensively in a feedlot and has had many miles of outside riding. She is easy on the eyes and easy to ride. Her quiet and unique disposition makes her a joy to ride. If you want to swing a rope off her, sort cows, or take her on a leisurely trail ride, she will do it and will be safe for all ages and all levels of riders -a super family horse!

This is just one example of the kind of horses we will have here at our auction on Saturday. We take pride in our horses and represent them with integrity. So have at ‘em, and mark us on your calendars for the 16th (this Saturday!) The auction will start at 10:30am and horses will sell at approximately 1:00pm.

I did, however, notice that a few of the horses that I have not worked with for a while seemed to be a little “pushy,” “space invading,” and have annoying ground manners. Kind of like the 8 or 9 year old kid hanging on your arm, pulling at your jeans, and whining at you when they want something. What is it? Annoying, disrespectful, and immature! So after you’re done round penning, working your horse, or any time, here are a couple of exercises you can work on to keep those bad habits away.

First, in the round pen with your horse, have a halter and about a 12-foot lead rope and do circle work.  I like to start by sending my horse to the right. When my horse is looking at me, I have my right hand about 4 feet down from the snap, with that hand I push my horse’s head away at his cheek. Keeping my feet in one spot I make my horse move first. Do this at a walk. To encourage your horse to keep moving I use the tail of the lead rope in my left hand, twirl it to add pressure and tap the horse with it for more. While my horse is going around, I keep a “bubble” between me and the horse (3-4 feet). I do this until he moves out freely at a relaxed walk.  Be sure to go both ways.

Here is another easy exercise I practice anywhere and any time. When I am walking and feel like my horse is going to walk over the top of me, I stop, turn around and make my horse back away from me. I keep my left hand out in front of me, directly underneath the lead snap, bumping the horse’s nose with the halter. After he backs up well, I turn around and continue where I was going, or repeat if he needs it. You have to keep your space!

In both exercises be sure and pet your horse on the shoulder when they do well to create that respect! Don’t let the horse rub on you. If that happens, back him away from you and then let him be. This has helped me keep my horses from being “space invaders.”

I look forward to the even warmer weather this week and hopefully some rain to green things up more! Remember that it is spring and your tack has sat most of the winter. Take the time while watching American Idol to clean and oil up that tack! Look over your equipment and make sure the leather is still good and isn’t going to break on trail when you’re an hour away from home; it’s not a fun walk!

Take care for now and remember to smile when you ride and take the time to thank God for all the wonderful things in life that you see and experience.

I believe that round penning is a great non-threatening approach to maintain leadership and dominance over your horse.  It also works to ‘knock the fresh out’ of your horse and get rid of those unbecoming attitudes they may have from being set aside over the winter.  I like to make sure and send my horse around in both directions, letting him hit all three gaits at different tempos and practice their transitions between gaits. If they can do it without me on him it will be easier for both of us once I am aboard!

My objective is to get my horse’s head and mind right. I look for body language that shows I am achieving that.  Here are signs I look for:
-    Softening of the eye
-    Licking of the lips
-    Relaxing of the neck and lowering of the head
-    Making sure his eye and/or ears are ‘looking at you’
-    Relaxed movement

After round pen work, I feel like I am dealing with a more sensible and quiet horse.  I am more at ease swinging my leg over the saddle because my horse feels more at ease after working with him! 

That’s my thoughts for this week. Check back and see what we have for you next week!

Grant