Inside Eclectic Horseman Magazine

Eclectic Horseman Issue No. 142

March/April 2025

Starting a New Circle: A Visit with Curt Pate
From a ranch kid riding bareback to a respected clinician, Curt Pate’s story is a raw and honest journey through the heart of horsemanship and stockmanship. He learned from horsemanship legends, but also from the harsh realities of ego-driven training. Witness his evolution from colt starting to cattle handling, his battles with industry norms, and the profound impact of personal loss. Discover how he prioritizes “pride-based horsemanship” over ego, seeking contentment for horse, cattle, and land alike.

The Music of Movement: An Easy Way to Understand All The Gaits That Horses Go By Deb Bennett, Ph.D.
Ever wondered about the hidden rhythms beneath a horse’s hooves? Forget “two-beat” trots and “three-beat” canters! This article unveils the true musicality of equine gaits, revealing them as complex, four-beat compositions. From the subtle nuances of the amble to the powerful surge of the gallop, discover how footfall order, timing, and suspension create the symphony of movement. Learn to “read” a horse’s gait like a musical score, deciphering the secrets of isochronality, asynchronicity, and the crucial role of unsounded beats. Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom and unlock a deeper understanding of your equine partner’s natural harmony. Are you ready to hear the music of the horse?

Over The Hill By Lee McLean
Feeling the bite of the wind, the stiffness in your joints, and the weight of years in the saddle? Lee, a seasoned horsewoman in her sixties, invites you into her world, a place where wisdom meets weariness, and the love of horses burns brighter than ever.

Horses Tell The Truth By Ronnie Scott
In the rugged expanse of West Texas, amidst cattle and wide-open skies, Ronnie has spent 25 years learning a language unspoken: the language of horses. Forget the stories you’ve been told—”he’s stupid,” “she always bucks”—because Ronnie believes horses hold the real truth. How do you know where to start? By listening, not with your ears, but with your heart and eyes.

What is Good Timing? By Tom Moates
Think you know timing when it comes to horses? You might be missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. It’s not just about when you release, but what you’re releasing for. This article dives deep into the subtle art of timing, revealing how to move beyond mechanical responses and tap into a horse’s mind.

A Unique Learning Experience By Diana Hoffman
Ever wondered what it truly means to work with cattle, not on them? Step into the world of Bud Williams’ stockmanship, where straight lines, calm movement, and understanding animal psychology reign supreme. Join a firsthand account of a transformative clinic with Dawn Hnatow and Tom Curtin, where classroom theory meets real-world application.

The Urge to Fix Others By Amy Skinner
Do you find yourself constantly judging others, fixated on their mistakes? You’re not alone. This article delves into the struggle of shifting focus from external judgment to internal growth. Discover how to cultivate the “security” of seasoned mentors, who understand that true change begins within.

The Microbiome and Antibiotics By Siobhán Watkins, Ph.D.
Ever wonder what’s really going on inside your horse? Beyond the visible health, a microscopic world of trillions of microbes plays a pivotal role. Dive into the complex realm of the equine microbiome, where cutting-edge science meets practical horse care. From the gut’s influence on behavior and immunity to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance, this article unpacks the latest research with a dose of scientific skepticism.

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