With Jeff Derby In the last issue of Eclectic Horseman, Jeff Derby discussed his approach to working on winter projects in general, and getting a horse prepared to cross a bridge in particular. Picking up where we left off in the last issue, Jeff continues to prepare his horse and build her confidence in him […]
With Jeff Derby For many of us, the start of the winter season means an end to our riding season. Even if you have access to an indoor arena, it’s easy to feel limited by what you can get done in a small space or on icy ground. Instead of focusing on the limitations the […]
With Richard Caldwell There are many ways to prepare your horse for the maneuver known as the turnaround. In the last few issues we have already talked about some of them, and here is another exercise to help your horse with that maneuver. This exercise works as both a preparation and a correction. If you […]
Written by Joe Wolter This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.46 I am going to share something I learned the other day with a horse I was getting used to pulling a log. This mare was one I had ridden for quite awhile and was actually getting her ready to maybe show at a […]
Written by Joe Wolter This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.45 In the late 70s and early 80s I was riding colts and doing day work for area ranchers in central California. At the Rana Creek Ranch in Carmel Valley a few of us were going to gather two or three hundred cow-calf pairs […]
With Richard Caldwell This is an exercise that works on both circles and turnarounds. All I want my horse to do is follow me. I’m not his boss, but I am the leader. When I ride I want him to follow my feel. I don’t want to be mechanically keeping him on a circle, or […]
With Richard Caldwell Riding in the hackamore can be a little intimidating if you’ve never done it before. We’re going to start out with some flexing, and then work on a counter-bend exercise, which is a preparation for the turn around. There is a right way and a wrong way to flex your horse. If […]
With Richard Caldwell When you ride with traditional gear, it is important to remember that each piece of equipment has a specific purpose and has evolved over time to be used in a certain way. The get down rope is a prime example of this. It is there to be used when you are getting […]
With Richard Caldwell If you do not use a fiador on your hackamore, it is a good idea to secure your reins any time you step off to lead your horse. If you don’t and your horse gets scared and pulls back, you could pull the hackamore right off his nose and have a loose horse, […]
With Mindy Bower If you are creative, you can find ways to prepare you and your horse for demanding jobs, such as roping, where there are many variables to keep track of, by simulating complicated situations. If riding in one hand, and if roping or any other aspect of making a bridle horse is part of […]