January | 2015 | Steve Jones Horsemanship

On January 31, we will continue our series of Western Horsemanship Fundamentals. This clinic will focus on Rider Development.

I am a believer in using all the natural aids we have at our disposal to communicate to our horses what we want them to do. The natural aids are hands, seat, and legs. The next principal in successful horsemanship is to give cues to the horses in a consistent manner. Horses must learn from repetition. The third principal in successful horsemanship is to apply the aids (pressure) and release immediately when the horse responds. To successfully apply these principals the rider must be balanced on the horse. One of the biggest problems I see with riders is an improper seat. Things that contribute to this are improper stirrup length, poor posture, lack of confidence, and not enough hours in the saddle.

The horse has the job of carrying the rider, but it is difficult for him to be very comfortable if the rider is “sloshing” around like water in a rolling barrel. The better balanced a rider is, the better balanced his horse can be, and the easier his movement. When the rider makes it easier for the horse to perform, there’s less resistance, so both the horse and rider enjoy a far more comfortable and enjoyable ride. For more information or registration contact Diamond TR Ranch @ diamondtr.com.

The next Cow Horse Clinic at Circle C Arena in Pleasant Plains will be on February 7, starting at 9:00. We are continuing our Building Your Cow Horse Fundamentals series. We will focus on trail class and Ranch Riding. As part of the Trail, we will have a roping clinic- since roping a dummy is a requirement in ranch trail. As always, we will work on getting your horse soft, responsive and engaged. We will also work on using your body correctly to set up maneuvers. For more information contact me – cowboyjones90@gmail.com or Alice Singleton- alisin88@gmail.com. Cost is $75.00 and lunch will be provided. Circle C Arena is an enclosed arena, therefore, comfortable riding protected from wind, rain and though not toasty- warmer than outside.

These clinics will assist you in getting your horse softer and quieter, but also build rider confidence. Your horse and horsemanship will improve, whether you ever compete or not. Plus, we have Fun!

The safest and most enjoyable horse is a broke one!

Communication is one of the big keys in horsemanship. Communicating with the horse is more than just getting progressively firmer until they do what you want. Communication is about preparing the horse and learning ways to make the right thing obvious so he’ll understand what you’re trying to convey to him. It’s about learning how to listen to your horse. It’s about improving your own feel and timing. It’s about trying to look at things from the horse’s perspective, and presenting your idea in a manner that makes sense to him. There is a big difference between a horse moving to avoid pressure, and a horse that is following a feel, seeking the release. Evading pressure is avoidance, and creates resistance. A horse that is following a feel and searching for a release is a horse that is thinking, and is much more likely to be supple and soft.