Synopses & Reviews
Despite what we see in cowboy movies, Western riding is more than vaulting onto a horse and galloping across the lone prairie. It requires balance, finesse, and above all, effective communication between horse and rider. Taken to its finest level, not only is Western Horsemanship an important and popular horse show class, but it is also the foundation for such other events as reining, roping, trail, and working cow horse.
101 Western Horsemanship Tips offers useful advice for the rider and trainers, such as:
* When it comes to starting your two-year-olds, try spending a good amount of time in a short-shank snaffle as well as a ring snaffle. If used correctly, this bit is no harder than the ring. A bit that utilizes leverage and a curb strap is a piece of tack that all riders eventually end up using on all of their mounts, so riding your colts early in a short-shank snaffle, even if only once a week, will pay off greatly in the end when it comes to creating a horse that is a pleasure to ride. Many young horses, even at this green stage, will tell you right from the start what type of mouth they are going to have: soft or tough, nervous or quiet.
* Be patient, allowing the colt to adjust to the pressure of the chin strap. It can be rough going until they do, but the reward will be worth it. Also, keep the nosebands off while using the shank snaffle. Like the rest of the horse's body, the jaw needs to develop muscles to keep it shut and carry the bit properly.
* The other positive aspect of early bridle work is that if progress isn't being made, you can always go back to the ring snaffle with no worries of rushing the colt. Just the act of walking them around at the end of a work session, one-handed in a bridle, will initiate the ideas of neck reining, relaxing in a bit, and other subtle cues that will put them miles ahead of the rest as three-year-olds.
From selecting a suitable Western Horsemanship mount and the necessary tack and equipment, to preparing horse and rider for competition, to winning strategies for the show arena, 101 Western Horsemanship Tips is an essential guide for all Western riders.
Synopsis
Western Horsemanship requires balance, finesse, and above all, effective communication between horse and rider. Not only is Western Horsemanship an important and popular horse show class, but it is also the foundation for such other competitive events as reining, roping, trail, and working cow horse.
From selecting a suitable horse, necessary tack and equipment, and preparing for competition to winning strategies for the show arena,
101 Western Pleasure and Horsemanship Tips is an essential guide for all Western riders.
Synopsis
Training and competition hints for this popular horse show competition.
Synopsis
Todays Western riders are accomplished, versatile equestrians with many ways to showcase their skills. Whether trying it for the first time at a guest ranch, exploring a new trail with friends, or stepping through the in-gate at a horse show, Western riders love the fact that its accessible and enjoyable for beginners, yet challenging enough for accomplished pros.
To make your Western riding experience even more gratifying, 101 Western Pleasure and Horsemanship Tips offers the advice youll need to have a
harmonious relationship with your horse. Tips include tack and equipment, basic rider position, essential riding skills, advanced maneuvers, and indispensable horsemanship information. And for those riders who have an eye on the prize, theres important Western pleasure show information that no savvy competitive rider should be without.
About the Author
Mark Sheridan is a successful trainer of Western Horsemanship horses and riders. He lives in Cave Creek, Arizona.
Laren Sellers, an equestrian journalist and photographer, is the author of
101 Reining Tips and
Training and Showing the Versatility Ranch Horse. She lives in Sweetwater, Texas.