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 […]
With Ty Weber Short days and unpredictable weather can make for inconsistent riding in the winter and early spring. This lack of riding coupled with cool and windy days can make for distracted and energetic horses and sometimes wilder rides than we had hoped for. While riding out might seem like the last thing you’d […]
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 […]
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 Sylvana Smith Being Worthy of the Horse— Thoughts on Humility in Horsemanship A Five-Part Report on Ray Hunt’s Colt-Starting and Horsemanship Clinic Hosted by Linda Hoover and Karen Miller Southern Pines, NC – October 23-26, 1999 Dominance, force, punishment, and “alpha” status are popular themes in horsemanship. Yet profound results are achieved when […]
Written by Heather Smith Thomas photo by Melissa Stone Ray Hunt wasn’t the first horseman to travel a different path in handling horses, utilizing what has now become known as “natural” horsemanship, but he was probably the person most responsible for teaching others about it. His students now continue his teaching methods around the world, […]
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 Sylvana Smith This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.28 Spring is finally here, and that homebred colt that was born in your pasture is now two years old and ready to do something. He might be a little immature looking, and he still has some growing to do, but you’d […]