Written by Patti Hudson photos by Eric Sines This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.72 During a recent ranch clinic at Joe Wolter’s home place in Aspermont Texas, we got to talking about learning. After all, isn’t that why we go to clinics? Joe said he thinks learning isn’t just about absorb- ing […]
Written by Jec Ballou Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with Zen monks for a week last fall made me believe that a rider’s ultimate responsibility is to give up her ego. Human beings carry so much around—stress, thoughts, emotional pain, responsibilities—that we lose clarity in moment-to-moment living. This blocks our ability to genuinely “let go” in our lives, […]
Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.54 After returning from The World’s Greatest Horseman competition, I found it interesting how the contestants handled their cattle in the fence work. After a lifetime of working cattle and studying how other people handle cattle; how and why they do what they […]
Written by Jeff Derby This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.49 In a previous article I stated that gaining our horse’s attention is the initial step to effective communication (EH #39). Building on that idea, I’d like to discuss the importance of developing the habit of waiting in our horse. A familiar analogy […]
Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.43 Why do some horses have more trouble with their head position than others? This is commonly an issue with horse people, regardless of whether it’s a trainer with performance horses or recreational riders. Often the solution is tying the head down or leverage […]
Written by Buck Brannaman & Emily Kitching This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.36 If you have the goal of one day riding your horse in the bridle you need to be preparing for the future. Being able to guide your horse left and right with your legs, in proper form, is essential. […]
This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.31 – Subscribe today! To ride your horse properly, there should never be a time that you change directions without directing your horse’s leading foot. Every time you take your horse’s nose off the centerline, you need to be in harmony with his feet. Changing directions without […]
Written by Dr. Max Gahwyler and Bettina Drummond There is no other statement used so often in Dressage riding as the horse should accept the bit, be on the bit, etc. And very often when you go to clinics or shows, it’s the predominant preoccupation of riders, trainers and, unfortunately, often also the judges. It […]