Ranch-Horse Versatility
Ranch-Horse Versatility

Author: Mike Major

Publisher: Morris Communications Corp

Published: 2011-05-17

Total Pages: 227

ISBN-13: 0762792825

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Maybe you compete in versatility ranch-horse events or plan to meet that challenge and want to take advantage of every opportunity to polish your performance. Perhaps cattle work can put a fresh perspective on your riding program, or you simply want a handy, responsive horse, no matter what your day’s ride might bring. Whatever your interest in Ranch-Horse Versatility, Colorado horseman Mike Major is uniquely qualified to provide the information to take your horse program to the next level. A rancher by profession and a competitor by choice, Major has developed the horsemanship expertise to be successful in both venues, in large part because he draws no real distinction between his show horses and ranch horses. A Major Cattle Company horse might well work on the ranch today and compete in the arena tomorrow, a dual-purpose approach that has proven successful. Major and his stallion, Smart Whiskey Doc, have claimed multiple national titles—American Quarter Horse Association 2006 Bayer Select Working Cow Horse World Champion, World’s Greatest Versatility Horse at the National Versatility Ranch Horse Association 2008 and 2009 National Finals, and AQHA 2009 and 2010 Versatility Ranch Horse Open World Champion. Plus, in 2010 Major rode Black Hope Stik, a daughter of Smart Whiskey Doc, to become the inaugural Battle in the Saddle Ranch Remuda Champion and the first Project Cowboy Champion. American stock-horse associations were founded on the backs of such talented horses, and versatility competition has brought a renewed appreciation for these all-around athletes. In his book, Major shares how he develops such responsive, maneuverable horses. His understanding, how-to tips and thoughtful insights in Ranch-Horse Versatility can help you sharpen your skills to ride effectively, compete successfully and show your horse to advantage.

The Horse is My Teacher
The Horse is My Teacher

Author: Van Hargis

Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books

Published: 2022-11-22

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 1570769915

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Stories from a rural working life that teach us how to be better horsemen—and better people. Van Hargis grew up in the saddle on an East Texas ranch, training his first horse at age 12 and eventually making a living starting cutting and reining colts, many of which would leave his hands to become champions. Naturally outgoing (labeled a “talker” by teachers in grade school), Hargis shared stories and lessons from his work with horses early on. Here, in his first book, he reaches out to readers with a collection of down-to-earth, highly relatable tales—experiences that, over the years, have impacted his own horsemanship and life in significant ways. Readers absorb fundamental knowledge of horses skillfully embedded in genuine anecdotes straight off the ranch: How Grandma's cross-stitch laid the groundwork for more patience when starting colts and trailer loading. How a daughter's temper tantrum helped perfect timing of the release of pressure. How the way Mom worked the gate when sorting cattle taught you to look for what the horse really wanted to achieve. How playing on championship football teams provided the understanding of true partnership between rider and horse. With easy-to-remember quotes to anchor what readers learn and practical tools that can be used in the arena or on the trail, by Western or English riders, The Horse Is My Teacher imparts the principles of great horsemanship while also inspiring each of us to apply those same principles to further our own personal growth and success.

101 Ranch Horse Tips
101 Ranch Horse Tips

Author: Patrick Hooks

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2006-05-01

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 146174900X

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A well-trained, responsive, and intelligent working cow horse is more than just a pleasure to ride or watch in action; such an animal is an integral part--a prized employee, if you will--of a ranch's workforce. How to find and then educate the horse to work cattle in pens and on the range, to negotiate a variety of terrains, and perform all the other tasks it will be asked to do (under a variety of often adverse conditions) is the subject of this handy guide. For example: Being able to open a gate from horseback is a mandatory job for any cowboy. A good place to introduce the young horse to this experience is by using a gate set up as part of an obstacle course. It is desirable and safer if the gate can swing freely and is without any attachments. Start by simply walking your horse through the gate when it's open. Reaching down and gently swinging the gate as you pass through it is the next step. If your horse is a little spooked by your reaching down, be aware that horses are naturally afraid of tight places. Once your horse can pass through an open gate, then attempt to open a closed gate. Be sure your horse fully understands your hand and leg cues before attempting this step, because he must be able to move off your leg to stand next to the fence, move toward the fence as it swings open to let you pass through, and then move around so you can close it. Written by an experienced rancher and horse trainer, 101 Ranch Horse Tips will show you how to start a young horse or improve an older one with techniques that can apply to performance and enjoyment on or beyond the cattle ranch.

Ranch Horsemanship
Ranch Horsemanship

Author: Curt Pate

Publisher: Western Horseman Books

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780911647655

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This books tells how almost any rider of almost any level of expertise can adapt ranch-horse-training techniques to help his or her mount become a safer, more enjoyable ride. Pate's step-by-step methods offer a hands-on and in-your-own time approach well-suited for most recreational riders. Each chapter includes do-it-yourself ideas appropriate for the small-acreage horse owner.

Rusty Goes to Frontier Days
Rusty Goes to Frontier Days

Author: Mary Fichtner

Publisher:

Published: 2017-01-15

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 9780998597102

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Ranch horses are a cowboy's best work mate and loyal partner. Known for their versatility, intelligence and athleticism, they are irreplaceable to many a cowpoke. Spend the best day ever with a real ranch horse at the World's largest western celebration! Cheyenne Frontier Days. See all the sights and watch Rusty compete in the largest outdoor rodeo! Written and illustrated by a mother and daughter team from Wyoming in collaboration with Rusty the Ranch Horse. Illustrations are bold watercolor.

101 Reining Tips
101 Reining Tips

Author: Laren Sellers

Publisher: Globe Pequot

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781592288601

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Invaluable advice for preparing horse and rider for competition

Art of Hackamore Training
Art of Hackamore Training

Author: Al Dunning

Publisher: Morris Communications Corp

Published: 2012-10-02

Total Pages: 138

ISBN-13: 0762790458

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The Art of Hackamore Training reflects the hackamore horse’s long history with ranch and cattle work and how those skills can be transferred to Western riding’s competitive arena. The relatively recent advent of the popular ranch-horse versatility class in several associations, for example, ensures a continuing interest in the hackamore skills vaqueros honed long ago.

Centered Riding
Centered Riding

Author: Sally Swift

Publisher: Macmillan

Published: 1985-01-15

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 9780312127343

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Widely known for her innovative teaching philosophy stressing body awareness, the value of "soft eyes," proper breathing, centering, and balance, Sally Swift has been a pioneering riding instructor for half a century. In book form for the first time, her methods enable horse and rider to achieve harmony, working together naturally, without pain. Unlike traditional teachers, Sally Swift does not believe in forced training techniques that cause stiff bodies and tense riding. Instead, through the use of vivid, unusual, and highly creative images that transcend mechanics ("Pretend you're a spruce tree; the roots grow down from your center as the trunk grows up"), plus a thorough knowledge of human and equine anatomy, this wise and inspiring teacher enables the conscientious equestrian to reassess habitual responses, in order to ride in natural positions, break through frustrating plateaus, and achieve ever-rising goals with comfort, vitality, and precision. Precise illustrations and photographs never before used in riding books explain anatomy and image work to give mind and body new and relaxed approaches to the inner process of riding. Centered Riding is for those with little experience all the way up to world class.

Advanced Western Riding
Advanced Western Riding

Author: Kara L Stewart

Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing

Published: 2011-12-27

Total Pages: 97

ISBN-13: 1937049418

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Newly updated and extended, Advanced Western Riding joins the experience and enthusiasm of equestrienne Kara L. Stewart with the wisdom of Horse Illustrated to bring this definitive guide to advanced western riders. The book goes beyond the fundamentals to teach readers how to refine their riding skills--from the right mental attitude to the proper seat and hands to advanced schooling techniques and competitions. Complete with step-by-step instructions, countless tips, full-color photos, and an easy-to-use glossary, this guide takes the guesswork out of advanced western riding.