A Step-by-Step Guide to the Counter Arc
Uses for the Counter Arc The counter arc is often used by trainers to correct a horse with a tendency to drop his shoulder. It is an especially important tool…
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Category: Advanced Maneuvers
The Art of Neck Reining
Neck reining is one of the most misunderstood arts in horse riding, second only to collection. The very name itself is misleading enough to make you wonder who on…
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Open a Gate While Mounted: A Step-by-Step Training Guide
Learning to open a gate while mounted has many uses. Whether you just want to make use of the skill around the farm or need the maneuver for pattern classes,…
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The Importance of the Counter Arc
Does your horse constantly drop his inside shoulder in a turn? This is a common problem in all disciplines, but it is a particularly pervasive problem in barrel racing. The…
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The Art of the Perfect Circle
The circle is the basis for so many pattern classes in the show ring today. It seems like such a simple maneuver, but creating a perfect circle really is…
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Spirals: Their Value and How to Use Them
Spirals are a very valuable exercise for any discipline. They really help with shoulder and rib cage control. Spirals test a horse's balance and collection. They can be done at…
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Lead Changes: The Secrets to Successful Flying and Simple Changes
Lead changes are a vital component of all disciplines; from dressage to barrel racing, show jumping to reining. Every discipline aspires to perfect this seemingly simple maneuver. What are…
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Leg Yield: The Basis of All Lateral Movement
The leg yield is perhaps the single most important maneuver you will ever teach your horse. The leg yield forms the basis for every other lateral movement from the sidepass…
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Making a Barrel Horse: Push Style vs Free Runner
In barrel racing there are two kinds of running styles: push style and free runners. They both have their pros and cons. Push style is the more common of the…
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Mastering the Reining Spin
The reining spin is a coveted pinnacle of achievement for many amateur western riders, yet if you don’t have access to a reining trainer, it can be difficult to teach…
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The Secrets of the Sidepass
Sidepassing is an important maneuver to master for the western showpen. Many pattern classes – especially ranch horse classes – will ask for sidepassing maneuvers. Sidepassing can be done over…
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Patterning: Barrels, Poles, and Beyond
There are many different philosophies out there about how to “pattern” a horse on barrels or poles. One prevalent method that I see a lot though is what I refer…
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