Are you ready to start working cows on your horse? Here is a short checklist to make sure that you are ready and to keep things safe.
1. You need to make sure you have full body control of the horse.
2.Practice exercises that are necessary to put your horse in the right position to handle cattle.
3. You need to have control of your horses front end. You can do this through the use of properly following his nose.
If the cow gets away from you, you are always going to be chasing the animal. You must learn to get your timing and positioning right to be ahead of them. This is why it is crucial to teach your horse these exercises.
Key Notes: A stop and roll back are two of the most important exercises you horse can know in order to handle livestock besides having the natural desire to do so.
Everything I do, I like my horses to be soft. When I pick up on the reins I like my horses coming back to me.
Don't let your horse shove his nose through the bit. If he is working like this his weight will be on the front end and you will not be able to work a cow nearly fast enough.
When working livestock your horse cannot feel panicked.
Show your horse where he needs to be and then release him. The more times he finds the release there, the more times he will be there.
It is important to remember not to pedal your horse when he is going. If I wanted to pedal something I would choose to ride a bicycle.
Key Exercises for Your Horse in This Episode
Improving the Back Up
Softening to the Bit
Stop and Rollback
Doubling Exercise
Backing a Circle
*This Episode in Continued with Part 2
Until Next Time, May God Bless the Trails You Ride ~Ken McNabb Horsemanship