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Tricks and games strengthen problem-solving skills. This early stage of Spanish Walk is also helping with balance and shoulder strength.

Garrocha Each obstacle presented in the sport of working equitation is a magical tool to unlock a horse's potential. As they master the obstacle, they earn the gifts of responsiveness, balance and partnership with the rider. The obstacles simulate ranch or field work, combining precision, control, and practical skills rooted in traditional horsemanship. If you would like to learn more about the garrocha, (or perhaps purchase one), Equimovex has a great explanation of the tool

You are precisely my cup of tea! It's a very ancient saying, But a true and honest thought, That if you become a teacher, By your pupils you'll be taught.  (Chorus) Getting to know you, Getting to know all about you. Getting to like you, Getting to hope you like me. Getting to know you, Putting it my way, but nicely, You are precisely, My cup of tea. Getting to know you, Getting to feel free and easy When I am with you, Getting to know what to say. Haven't you noticed suddenl

Third ride out of the round pen Horses learn in many ways, including by observation. We typically support a colt's first rides outside the round pen by accompanying them with older calm horses. Because this colt is intended to remain a stallion, much of his social life has been different. He has been isolated and has not developed herd social skills. We also skipped the ponying step, because we felt like it was more of a challenge to his progress than a learning aid. This se

Ride Number 27

I recently took a client's three year old stallion with all of sixteen rides to a dressage lesson. I don't really know what promted this act of genius. The colt had never been hauled. The venue was a haul-in situation into an arena horses often find a little scary. The colt was just sort of understanding go-stop-turn, but I thought it would be interesting to play the least advanced end of the spectrum that day, so along goes young stud-muffin. Let me back up and introduce the

Did you HAVE to name her that? This filly lived up to her name-sake, but Jeff went Rip on her and finally got her to "put her crazy away"! We picked her up from the farm where she was born and loaded her onto the trailer using cattle panels (which I thought she might jump over). Jeff got a halter on her in the trailer and we backed the trailer up to a stall and unloaded her into the stall. Halter-breaking was a slow process with her and lunging and driving was even slower. E

Scissortail Hill Farm Event

Kaylee on a nice triple Vodka colt with about 15 rides

IT TAKES AS LONG AS IT TAKES This beautiful mare was the culmination of decades of a breeder's work. She went to a trainer for 90 days of saddle-breaking, She came home confused, frightened and really bucking. Her owner is one fine horse hand, but the mare bucked her off and hurt her. She decided to sell her, but there was not much interest in a horse that was bucking. I convinced the owner to let Jeff re-start her and see if we could fix it. She is a soft, quiet, sweet, conf