Counterbend Exercise with Richard Caldwell

Excerpt from the Horseman’s Gazette Issue No. 3

A cow horse must be able to swing his shoulders freely and smoothly in order to work cattle. Richard Caldwell demonstrates one method he uses to develop more control over a horse’s shoulders. Richard emphasizes several aspects of the bridle horse tradition in this exercise, including the proper use of the hackamore, which is not a mechanical device but a signaling tool. The philosophy of this tradition values values quality and time over speed, so each progression in this exercise should be taken gradually as the horse improves. Richard also offers troubleshooting tips for common errors.

The original length of this clip is 10 minutes 51 seconds

Excerpt from the Horseman’s Gazette Issue No. 3