Beeman's Better Deal

Standing to Mount: Gradual Progress

You can overdo things trying to get your horse to stand at the mounting block. This little filly has ants in her pants around the mounting block and no amount of discipline is going to make her stand. Rather than make it a big deal I simply use it for more than just mounting before I ride.

Backing Straight Under Saddle

This is the same little filly I worked on with backing straight on the ground in a previous video. She is becoming more respectful and beginning to get her balance pretty well.

Preparing the horse to mount III

It is extremely important to have your young horse straight and balanced at the mounting block. By taking the time to reinforce the herd rules your horse will be prepared and willing to stand and wait for you,

Online shows: fun, affordable and challenging!

A student and I tried out an online event this month: the virtual shows offered by the International Performance Horse Development Association. The shows are structured around a series of training levels with patterns designed to test the basics of a horse's abilities as he develops towards being a good "broke" riding horse. Though the founder of the event comes from a reining background the levels cover training skills that apply to various riding disciplines, and some participants have English backgrounds as well as Western.

The patterns are fun and challenging, and having virtual shows (you video tape your ride and send it in on deadline for judging) lets you have the benefits of being judged at a show (including prizes and critiques from professionals) without having to spend lots of time and money. Participants might ride in their front yard in the snow or in an indoor ring - there is no requirement there. The judging is based on the responsiveness of the horse to the rider's requests, so the exact size and layout of the circles, the length of the straight line, and the outfit you are wearing do not come into play.

You can find out more about the "V-shows" at the IPHDA website, and you can read more about how founder Rod Miller developed the idea in this article on Global Horse Culture.

Think Harmony With Horses - Ray Hunt

I don't loan this book out very often because I usually have a hard time getting it back! Like any book pertaining to Natural Horsemanship that is worth it's salt, "Think Harmony With Horses" is a sharing of knowledge by one of the Masters, Ray Hunt. It was Ray that taught me where I needed to go with a horse but even more importantly when to back off. If you are a serious student of horsemanship and have a desire to share the insights of a man who truly understood horses then make this book part your library. You will go back to it time and time again and get more out of it each time you do.

Preparing your horse to mount, I

You would want your horse to stand quietly and soften to you on both the left and right side before you attempt to mount her. If your horse is braced her feet will move when you ask for the softening. 

Preparing your horse to mount, II

You want your horse to stay with you when you are working around her. That way she will know if you are asking her to do something or just making some adjustments to your tack.

Simple voice commands

Teaching your driving horse simple voice commands and learning how to present those commands clearly makes for a much safer drive.

The importance of Whoa

The third herd rule is "move when I say move" which also means "wait until I say move" Whether trying to mount a riding horse or climb aboard your carriage, having a horse that waits until you ask her to walk off is much safer and more enjoyable to be around. Note I stop her, then throw her slack.

Introducing changes of direction

It is important to allow the young horse to move forward freely so that she can feel you preparing her for the change of direction. Notice I start on the left rein and I am bumping the right rein to maintain impulsion. As I prepare to change direction I allow my left rein to slide through my hand as I say "hello" on the right rein. As I begin begin traveling to the right I am bumping my left rein to keep her out on the circle.