Header 12x Campaign

Print Recommend

Training & Skills

 

Sub-categories:
Item title Created Summary Categories
2010 Maui Trainer Incentive Competition Heats Up 09 09, 2010 With the Langer Equestrian Group summer circuits wrapped up, the competition for the LEG Maui Trainer Incentive is hot and heavy. While the winner of one trip was decided when Tasha Visokay won the Memorial Day Classic Equitation Challenge, there are still trips up for grabs at the Woodside, Hansen Dam and Colorado series of shows.


 Training & Skills | U.S. & World News
Palm Partnership Training Launches New Websites 08 02, 2010 For over 40 years, Lynn Palm has built an immensely successful career and first-class reputation with husband Cyril Pittion-Rossillon and Palm Partnership Training. Lynn's goal in life has forever been to teach riders correct horsemanship skills and increase the riding longevity of their horses. Training & Skills | DVDs
Beyond the Basics: 2010 Colt to Horsemanship – Part V 07 01, 2010 The first ride on a young horse is truly magical. That this amazing creature will allow us to sit upon his back and take directions is a gift. The first ride also calls on us to provide leadership without creating fear or intimidation in either partner. With mindful preparation, the first ride should be without hassle and a true joy. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Ground Work | Training & Skills
On the Plus Side: Gone Cuttin’! 07 01, 2010 The Blue Mountain Cutting Club is an organization designed to benefit all levels of cutting horses and riders. There are classes for beginning horses and riders as well as classes for finished horses and open riders, and all stages in between. Classes are available to two-handed and one-handed horses in addition to youth and novice classes and many others suitable for any level. Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Equestrian Basics | Sports Psychology | Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: 2010 Colt to Horsemanship – Part IV 06 01, 2010 He’s Saddled…What’s Next?
In this month’s article regarding bringing your horse along in the development of a willing partner, I am drawn to a statement that Mr. Ray Hunt used consistently: “Prepare to a position for a transition.” 		Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Ground Work | Horse/Rider Safety | Training & Skills
Feature Story: Spurs: Aids or Weapons? 06 01, 2010 Many see spurs as a dangerous aid. But how much harm can they do? A lot! On the right heels, they can make a horse more response and allow for discrete cues virtually invisible to all but the keenest observer. On the wrong heels, they can deaden a horse's response and even injure the tissue and nerves underneath the hide. It all depends on the rider and how he or she uses the spurs. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Working Horses | Training & Skills
On the Plus Side: The “Hydrabull” 06 01, 2010 Secret Weapon of Cowhorse Training
Curt Storbakken is one of the Northwest horse industry’s greatest resources. He has been everything from a hockey player to a school teacher to a world class cowhorse and cutting horse trainer. His understanding of horses, cattle and people has made a dramatic impact on myself as a trainer and I credit much of my success in the past couple of years to time spent at Curt’s barn, working with his invention, the Hydrabull.		 Clinics | Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Working Horses | Training & Skills
Trainer's Corner: Essential Tools for Success 06 01, 2010 There are many ways in which you can influence your equine partner to form better lines of communication. The most consistent and effective way is through the use of “feel.” Feel is simply a way to allow the horse to search for the answers - using a style of communication that is more natural to the way that he already communicates in a herd. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Ground Work | Recreational Riding | Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: Colt to Horsemanship Series, Part 1 03 01, 2010 Over the past five years we have covered topics in this column ranging from purchasing a horse to understanding the training pyramid to use of the cavelletti in developing positive balance in horse and rider. It has been a great journey, the results of which have produced an aspiring horseman’s workbook that is valuable to all equestrians, no matter their discipline. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Ground Work | Recreational Riding | Training & Skills
Cover Story: Now There's an App for That! 03 01, 2010 Whether you own a small farm, a stable or a single horse, the most important tool you have at your disposal is your own set of skills. You don't have to be a professional horse trainer to improve your relationship, communication and safety with every horse on your farm, but it's helpful to have a professional's voice at your side or a trainer's hands demonstrating the techniques you need to know. Consumables | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Ground Work | Training & Skills
On The Plus Side: Taking the Reins 03 01, 2010 Have you ever come to a point in your life when you've said, “This is my time, my year”? It is what I have decided for 2010—for my business, my horses and my family, this is our year. Over the past three years we have been on a journey together here in On the Plus Side. We have covered everything from showing and training to buying and selling. So I have decided that if you want this to be your year in the showpen, then I will highlight the things that will help make that happen and condense them into one article. I will be making references to past NWHS articles that cover each topic more thoroughly. If you haven’t kept all of your past articles, they can be found in the article archives at www.nwhorsesource.com or on my website at www.coastalequine.com . Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
Trainer's Corner: Retraining the Arena Sour Horse 03 01, 2010 There are few things as frustrating—or as embarrassing—as having to deal with a horse that refuses to go into the arena. Chances are you or someone you know has had to deal with an arena sour horse, especially if you compete in timed events. Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: The Cattle Guard Exercise 02 01, 2010 2010 marks another year of opportunity to grow together in our horsemanship skills and knowledge through the pages of The Northwest Horse Source. We have a great progression to explore, starting with two more articles regarding the use of ground poles and cavalletti. After that, we move into a ten-month exploration of starting and bringing a young horse along. The theme for T&T Horsemanship clinics in 2010 is “Observing with Integrity,” and I hope to share some of those observations the horses have shared with me over the years, in a manner that is based on honesty and sincerity, the way it was presented to me—by the horse! Exercises | Ground Work | Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: The Plus Sign Exercise 02 01, 2010 February is often not a favorite month for aspiring horsemen and women, as it is hard to become motivated when the snow has drifted into the trailer and through the arena door and it takes five layers of clothing to just make it out to catch your horse. Often, my winter mind has drifted as well, and it takes real dedication to get through the layers to truly think about what I am asking of my horse and where we are headed. Below, I am suggesting one more cavalletti or ground pole exercise that will give us a focus for our winter ground work and riding. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
Trainer's Corner: Earn Your Horse's Respect, Part 1 02 01, 2010 A respectful horse is a willing horse. When you ask him to move, he does so instantly. When you lead him, he walks next to you like a shadow. When you go into his stall, he greets you with his ears pricked forward. He wants to be your partner. A disrespectful horse pins his ears at you, nips at you, shows you his heels and ignores you. He’s unsafe to be around and takes all the joy out of horse ownership. Equestrian Basics | Ground Work | Training & Skills
Trainer's Corner: No More Worming Worries 02 01, 2010 Worming is one of the basic elements of good horsekeeping and should be a worry-free, routine practice that takes place several times a year. For many people and their horses, worming time means trouble. The owner becomes frustrated because the horse is difficult to worm and the horse becomes defensive because it has previously had a bad experience being wormed or doesn’t like the taste of the wormer. Equestrian Basics | Ground Work | Training & Skills
Cover Story: Equine Photography for Buyers and Sellers 01 01, 2010 In the equine marketplace, the impact of good photography should not be underestimated. For sellers, it can mean the difference between a casual glance and a sale. For those buying, be aware that pictures can be accidentally or deliberately misleading, camouflaging conformation flaws, unsightly scars or injuries. With a few tips, anyone can improve their ability to both photograph a horse and analyze it based on a picture. Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: The Snaffle Bit, Part 2 06 01, 2009 Developing contact: theory and practical use of bits
Last month we embarked on the study of contact and examined how that picture related to the ideas behind the use of various bits. I hope you were able to give some of the visual aids a try in attempting to picture and feel contact. Finding that all-important handshake, with a connection somewhere between a gorilla grip and a clammy wimp, is not easy! Then to combine that feel with good posture, rhythm, timing, balance, and clear intention just adds to the complexity of developing this art form called horsemanship. Let’s see if we can take it one step at a time and examine how to develop contact by using the snaffle bit.		 Equestrian Basics | Recreational Riding | Training & Skills | Ground Work
In Plain English: Canter Aid Q & A, Part 1 06 01, 2009 Program Your Position
Many people are confused about the aid for the canter. What follows are some common questions about the canter, along with my answers.		 Dressage | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
On the Plus Side: Introduction To Cattle, Part 1 06 01, 2009 Working with cows can improve the basics
People often have the feeling that working cattle looks fun but may be out of their reach. The cow horse industry in the Northwest has taken many steps to welcome everyone who wants to participate in this great sport. In the spirit of that effort, I want to take the next series of articles to encourage you and to help walk you through the beginning steps of introducing you and your horse to cattle. First, I'll cover some of the positive aspects of working cows, including cattle work in your program. I'll also introduce you to some people like you who have done just that!		 Clinics | Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Training & Skills
Spotlight on the News: June 2009 06 01, 2009 Loaded with features, the Colorado 400t GPS unit is ready for the avid hiker or horseback rider. If you’re new to GPS units it may take some time to get a handle on all the features, but it certainly is comprehensive. I found the color screen hard to read in sunlight, but there is no doubt an adjustment for this. Consumables | Tack | Training & Skills | Clinics | Products | Paddocks/Pastures | Feed & Nutrition
Trainer's Corner: Collection Without Tack, Part 2 06 01, 2009 In the last issue I discussed how we start to teach a horse to offer roundness and control of the poll. We started this with a verbal cue and a touch of the lead line and halter, whip, bat, cordeo, hand, or a combination of these. To better understand this article, you should be familiar with the first installment. Dressage | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Recreational Riding | Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: Contact and the Snaffle Bit 05 01, 2009 In this next series of articles, we will discuss the broad concept of developing "contact," or what some refer to as a "soft feel." I will endeavor to relay my understanding of the use and theory behind such tools as the snaffle, the bosal, the double bridle, and true bits such as the spade, half-breed, curb, and Salinas. It is important to stress that these are my thoughts based on personal experiences, observations, and my teachers, both human and horse. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
In Plain English: Sitting the Trot 05 01, 2009 First and foremost, your horse needs to be on the bit. If his back is hollow, stiff, or tight, you'll find it impossible to sit comfortably--and, in turn, you'll make your horse uncomfortable too! Dressage | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
On The Plus Side: Hand Positioning for Steering, Part 2 of 2 05 01, 2009 Last month, we took a look at two-handed steering. Now, let's look at one-handed.
One of the main misconceptions about a horse being broke one handed (for neck reining) is that people believe that you just lay your rein across the horse’s neck and the horse will go the other way. This is a very small portion of what being broke one-handed means.		 Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
Trainer's Corner: Progressions for Collection Without Tack, Part 1 05 01, 2009 Most people find it a considerable challenge to collect their horse, where they have control of the poll and the horse is put in a position to use its ring of muscles in the most powerful and efficient way possible. However, I am seeing more people on the right track with collection using a bit or even a halter and lead line. What is even more exciting is the fact that more leaders are ready to try preparing their horses to collect with non-traditional tack or no tack at all. This article will illustrate how you can get started. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
Beyond The Basics: Riding the Whole Horse 04 01, 2009 With spring knocking at the door, I am ever so anxious to get outside…with my horse, with my mind, and with my attitudes! Relaxation, release, forgiveness, forgetting, and letting go are feelings for which I yearn. With these exercises we have been practicing, I am set up to put them to practical use in working with the cows, riding the hills, and just enjoying the relationship I have gained with my horse over the winter months. I am prepared to ride the whole horse mind, body, and spirit, with great joy because we now have jobs to do! The art to which we aspired now has purpose. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
In Plain English: Free Walk Q&A 04 01, 2009 What is the free walk?
The free walk is a gait of relaxation.		 Dressage | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
On The Plus Side: Hand Positioning for Steering, Part 1 of 2 04 01, 2009 There are common issues found in most beginning reiners or cow horse people. When you add speed and precision to your horse experience, your body and hand positioning become more important to your success than if you were a trail rider or pleasure rider exclusively. Having your body and hands correct allows you to use your positioning to create or control the horse's positioning more precisely. I know that almost every new person to my barn, despite their years of experience in other horse sports, finds it challenging to properly use their hands to steer. Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
Trainer's Corner: Trapezoid Conformation 04 01, 2009 Hey folks, this go 'round, I would like to share some ideas about conformation and how it can directly affect your horse's performance. First, I need to give credit to the fellows I picked up this bit of knowledge from, Doug Milholland and Bob Loomis. Years ago I had the pleasure of riding with Doug. He drilled the idea of riding in time with the horse into my head. As I continued to search and learn about riding a reining horse, I picked up on the knowledge of another successful reiner: Bob Loomis. These fellows' abilities and their horses' performances amazed me as a young man. Horse Ownership | Breeding/Foal care | Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Equestrian Basics | Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: Combining Exercises 03 01, 2009 If you have been following this series on gymnastic exercises and have been applying them with your partner, the horse, then you should be feeling an improved balance, softer shoulders, and hips that move more freely. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
In Plain English: Eliminate Leg Yielding Resistance 03 01, 2009 People often tell me that their horses leg yield very well as far as going sideways is concerned, but they tend to toss their heads and show resistance to the reins. In desperation, some riders even use a tie-down to put pressure on the nose to discourage their horses from yanking at the reins. Dressage | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
On The Plus Side: Join the Cow Horse Fun 03 01, 2009 The Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association is an affiliate of the National Reined Cow Horse Association and offers cow horse, reining and cutting events at shows throughout the Northwest. The growth in the cow horse sport over the past five years has been staggering, and this association has a competitive level that rivals any in the nation. In their quest to encourage new participants, for the first time this year, the NWRCHA is offering classes that are open to all levels of competition. Training & Skills | Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Equestrian Basics | Northwest News
Trainer's Corner: Tying a Hackamore 03 01, 2009 This go-'round, I would like to share with you how to tie a hackamore. For the most part, the bosal is a very good tool that has been left to gather dust in the tack room, chest or trunk, usually because the instructions to tie the mecate line onto the bosal aren't in the Webster’s. Or, if a fellow makes the mistake of untying the line while trying to adjust it to a different horse, well, he can always say, "That was all Granddaddy had to use and he didn't know about all these new bits and gimmicks we have today." That way he won't have to admit he can't re-tie it. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: Free Up the Hips 02 01, 2009 Last month we began a series of articles on gymnastic exercises to help flex and supple both the horse and rider. This month, let us focus our attention on the hips and hindquarters of the horse. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
In Plain English: On the Bit 02 01, 2009 No matter where I travel, the most frequently asked questions I get are, "How do I put my horse on the bit?" and "How do I keep him there consistently?" This concept baffles many riders. My hope here is to simplify the process for you with the following information. Dressage | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
On The Plus Side: Horse Play Your Way 02 01, 2009 The reason I began writing this column was to encourage everyone to come out and be a part of this great industry. I was hoping to be the bridge between beginners and trainers. Since I have hung out my shingle, I have been looking for other Northwest trainers who are open to beginners. This winter I was fortunate to find another person who shares a lot of my vision: Natalie Vonk has designed her program in a way that allows riders of all levels to participate. In my first trip to Canada to visit her, I was introduced to the ball. Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Ground Work | Other Disciplines | Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: The Use of Corners 01 01, 2009 What a fun ride this has been over the past five years, writing for Northwest Horse Source! As I reflect upon the beginning humble conversations regarding the desire to bring the discussions, skills, and exercises of the clinic situation to the readership of the magazine, and now look back over the volume of thoughts, maneuvers, and principles we have expressed through these articles, it is impressive! Our desire these past few years has been to present specific topics that inspire readers to go "Beyond the Basics" to increase their awareness and observation skills and encourage thoughtful practice of specific maneuvers. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Recreational Riding | Training & Skills
In Plain English: Dressage Horse Warm-ups 01 01, 2009 Many riders are confused about how to warm up their dressage horses so they can have a productive schooling session. As a rider and trainer, your goal in the warm-up is to take the restrictions away from your dressage horse's body. Depending on the day, your warm-up could be as short as ten minutes, or it could end up making up your entire ride. Dressage | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
On The Plus Side: Building a Team of Two, Part 2 01 01, 2009 This has been a great month! Karen and April have made more improvement than I would have thought to hope for. Karen is such an open-minded student and has made a great effort to get to the barn and put in her time in the saddle, whether it is on one of my horses or on April. It has been a real challenge for her to rearrange her schedule, but she has a determination that is really paying off, and this commitment to showing up 3-4 times a week is the biggest change she's made from her earlier training. In less than a month, this team has gone from feeling downtrodden and unable to reach their dreams to being hopeful and moving forward. Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
Trainer's Corner: Teaching Your Horse to Drag Objects, Part 2 01 01, 2009 Last month, we covered the steps to get your horse used to having ropes across his body while moving. Once you've accomplished this and your horse is comfortable with the ropes, continue to work your horse in the round pen with your horsemen's rope as you progress to working with ropes and objects. Ground Work | Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: Working Another Horse from Atop Your Own 10 01, 2008 Many of us are fortunate to have more than one horse in our lives. Each one seems to excel at certain jobs, and all have very distinct "horsenalities." Some may be at different stages of development. Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Ground Work | Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: Proper Use of the Flag: Training your own horse, part 2 of 6 08 01, 2008 What is the purpose of a horseman's flag, that small piece of fabric or plastic attached to a stick or dressage whip Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Ground Work | Training & Skills
In Plain English: Hunters vs. Jumpers 08 01, 2008 To the outsider, the world of hunters and jumpers is all the same: horses jumping big fences. The truth is, even though both types of horses jump, that is the only thing they have in common. Training & Skills | Hunter/Jumper
On the Plus Side: Showing on a Budget 08 01, 2008 The number one issue in the horse industry right now is the exponentially rising cost of everything: supplies, hay, fuel, grain, bedding and entry fees, just to name a few. Personally, I am freaking out about the winter, so now I am devoting a lot of time to budgeting and trying to find ways to cut costs. My hay has gone up 150%, my bedding 140%, and fuel prices make it all but impossible to head down the road to shows. This is the first article in a series focused on staying afloat in the horse industry during these financially hard times. It seems that this is a conversation I am often having with fellow non pros, trainers and owners at horse shows, and I want to share some tips to help manage the cost of showing while still allowing you to go out and have fun. Horse Ownership | Consumables | Horse Clothing | Tack | Equestrian Basics | Working Horses | Training & Skills
Trainer's Corner: The Basics of Backing, part 1 of 3 08 01, 2008 A basic that every horse should know, the backup is an indicator of the horse’s responsiveness to the bit and his level of education. A smooth, light back is an advanced maneuver that is not only useful on trail, ranch, and pleasure horses, but also is a requirement in many competitive show events. In cow horse training, the backup is a very important tool, and backing can be used to intensify a stop for a wide range of events. Cow Horse/Reining/Cutting | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
Beyond the Basics: Good Knots to Know 07 01, 2008 With the summer of 2008 racing by, I find myself falling into the trap of a “Hurry up--go faster--get it done now” mentality. Life seems to be speeding by, and it is so easy to fall into the whirlwind and forget many of the lessons the horse has to teach me about life, time and attitude. Tack | Equestrian Basics | Exercises | Training & Skills
On the Plus Side: Feeding the Performance Horse 07 01, 2008 With seemingly endless rising expenses, it is a constant struggle to find a way to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of your horse’s care. No matter the scale of your horse operation, everyone is feeling the need to cut back. One aspect of horse care that is vital, but in which prices are drastically skyrocketing, is your horses’ feeding program. Farm Management | Horse Ownership | Feed & Nutrition | Training & Skills
Spotlight on the News - July 2008 07 01, 2008 In recognition of the valuable work performed by hoof care professionals, National Farriers Week is being held this year from July 6-12. It is an appropriate time to recognize the effort and training required by the men and women who shape and protect hooves in order to keep the animals comfortable and functional. Consumables | Horse Ownership | Training & Skills | Clinics | Hoof Care | Products
Trainer's Corner: Work With Your Newborn 07 01, 2008 The older I get, the easier it gets for me to admit that getting the little ones sacked out real good at birth makes it a little easier for me to start them in their twos and threes. Imprinting or giving a little TLC to your foal is a real good place to start. Equestrian Basics | Breeding/Foal care | Preventive Care | Training & Skills
<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>

Page 1 of 2

Free E-Newsletter

Latest issue

NWHS Magazine

Northwest Horse Source magazine cover

• Educational articles
• Expert answers
• News
• Events
• and more!

Current issue »

Subscribe now

How do you use riding spurs?

How do you use riding spurs?
 

Northwest Equine Events

More equine events»

Find us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!
Copyright © 2010 NW Horse Source.
Address: PO Box 717, Blaine, WA 98231
Phone: 360-332-5579 • Fax: 360-332-1826 • Email: info@nwhorsesource.com