THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CLINTON ANDERSON VOL. 4 NO. 1 SPRING 2010

JOURNAL

Clinton Anderson Certified Clinicians bringing the method to you

Not just a trail horse The American Competitive Trail Horse Association

Overcoming New Worries & Physical Challenges Managing Your Midlife Horses Part Four Of A Four Part Series

Is IT TIME TO MOVE ON? SINGLE HANDED THE ART OF neck reining

WWW.NOWORRIESCLUB.COM CLINTON’S A healthy dose of my own medicine helps me through a personal challenge and gives me a greater CORNER appreciation for the struggles my customers face.

very muscle in my body ached and my shows. Even though the shoots eluding you. Even though success Elungs screamed for me to stop. “Suck it were lasting fourteen plus hours is always right around the corner, up Clinton!” I chided myself. “You’ve barely a day, I was still committed most people give up too early. gone two miles. You’ve got to keep going.” to running and got up at five For the past week and a half, it had been every morning. However, I let The same concept applied to the same. I’d wake up at six in the morning, my dislike and frustration with my running. In my impatience, I motivated to run and get myself in shape, and my newfound hobby be known. had expected it to get easier for for the first half mile, I’d feel good. But as my I complained about it in the car me after only a week of practice. body started to strain under the exercise, my ride to and from the facility, When that didn’t happen, I got mind would slip from concentrating on the during breaks and at dinner – frustrated and wanted to quit. benefits of running to thinking of nothing but basically, any chance I could get. Instead, I needed to buckle down the burn in my calves and the tightness in By the third day of the shoot, and keep at it. I got a good taste my lungs. Not a huge fan of running to begin everyone was getting sick of me of my own medicine, and while with, I was beginning to absolutely hate it. going on and on about running. it wasn’t a particularly pleasant experience, I did accomplish When Scott Anderson, Downunder At one point, Scott asked me what I set out to do. Within a Horsemanship’s TV producer and a triathlon how it was going, and I looked at month of Scott’s remark, I finally junkie, first learned that I’d taken up running, him and said, “Horrible. I didn’t experienced my “runner’s high,” he reminded me that the going would be like running to begin with, and and I now have three months of tough at first, but if I kept at it, it’d get easier. now it just feels like torture. running under my belt. While I agreed with him and said that I had heard Everybody keeps telling me if I I can’t say that my feelings for that if I pushed myself hard enough, my keep at it, the endorphins are running have changed a great body would produce endorphins and I’d going to kick in and I’ll feel great. deal, the benefits are paying off. feel great and running would be almost I’m about ready to give up.” effortless. So I stuck with the program, My struggle with overcoming just waiting for the endorphins to kick in, Scott just looked at me and my frustration with running was but they never did. Not being the most kind of half smirked. He said, a great lesson for myself and patient person in the world, I started to “You know Clinton, if you just gave me a greater appreciation get really frustrated with the situation. take a few more steps, you’re for what horse owners practicing going to get around the corner my Method struggle with when Another week went by, and Scott and I and the endorphins are going training their horses. I’ve had to were in Arizona with the rest of the crew to be there. Even if you can’t overcome the same challenges in filming for an upcoming see success, it’s just around my horse training career that you DVD series and new TV the corner waiting for you.” are facing yourself, but because I’ve already worked through It only took a minute for his them and know that success is implied meaning to sink in; the truly there, I sometimes forget joke was on me. His message was just how frustrating it can be loud and clear – I needed to take to work hard at something but the advice I always dished out not see the payoff immediately. to others struggling with their But it is true, even if it seems horsemanship, which is quit impossible – success is just whining and just do it. If around the corner even if you you want your horse to can’t see it. All you have to do is accomplish a certain exer- take those few extra steps to find cise, you have to be patient the success you’re looking for. and persistent enough to wait until he finds the right answer, otherwise, the suc- cess you’re looking for will keep JOURNAL

SPRING 2010

58 Single Handed - The Art of Neck Reining

CONTENTS

16 Fundamentals series 30 Taking Downunder 52 DISCOVERING TRUE Experience horsemanship like never before Horsemanship TO A NEW LEVEL HORSEMANSHIP NWC Member Spotlight

20 New Frontiers of 38 THE right horse for 64 One Rein stops Your Emergency Brakes equine health the journey Morris Animal Foundation’s ongoing research A Signature Horse Spotlight gives horses longer, healthier lives 72 Turn out for a Managing your healthier horse Not just a trail 42 24 midlife horses (part 4 of 4) Horse anymore Overcoming New Worries & Physical Challenges The American Competitive 78 Colt Starting Trail Horse Association Your Questions Answered 46 Melissa barnett NWC Coordinator 88 Is it time to move on?

SPRING 2010 - No worries Journal 3 Dear Members,

We’d like to update you on a few things we have coming up this year, and of course thank you for making the No Worries Club the best club in the world! Can you believe that the NWC celebrated its third anniversary in February? We’ve sure come a long way in three years and have no plans of slowing down. We’ve reached 10,000 members and plan to end the year with 15,000. It’s a big goal, but one we’re sure we can pull off as more horsemen around the world discover Clinton and the amazing results that can be achieved with the Method.

As we enter into our fourth year of existence, we’re calling on you, our members, to make the club even better. Our goal is to generate more member involvement by gathering your input and getting you the help you need straight from Clinton. Starting in June, each of the DVDs will feature NWC members working one-on-one with Clinton as he helps you through your biggest challenges. You’ll be inspired by the innovative solutions Clinton offers and see firsthand how the Method can take your horsemanship to a whole new level. We’ve selected a handful of you to be students for upcoming NWC DVDs this year. Make sure to stay up-to-date on all the happenings by frequently reviewing our “Announcement” section on the NWC forums.

Another one of our goals is to keep our members better connected, not only with Clinton and the Downunder Horsemanship Team, but with each other as well. After all, one of the best benefits of club membership is meeting other horse owners who follow the Method. If you haven’t been to a tour recently, you need to come check us out. Besides getting exclusive No Worries Club V.I.P. treatment, we’ve added nifty name badges for each member. Not only does this make you more identifiable, but it also helps you meet other members just like yourself. If you have any thoughts on how we can better keep you all connected, send your ideas our way by posting in the “Help Us Help You” section on the forums.

To make sure the instructional material you receive from Downunder Horsemanship is organized and easy to follow, we’re rolling out a new media schedule. And, starting in 2010, the journals will boast 100 pages of Clinton’s sought-after training tips, behind the scene details and inspiring stories. Take a look at the new schedule below to make sure you don’t miss out on these great member benefits.

March – DVD April – Spring Journal May – DVD

June – DVD July – Summer Journal August – DVD

September – DVD October – Fall Journal November – DVD

December – DVD January 2011 –Winter Journal February 2011 – DVD

As always, if you need assistance, have a suggestion or want to share your experience with the Method, feel free to contact us.

Happy Trails, The No Worries Club Team

4 – news and updates Downunder News & Updates Downunder Horsemanship Selected as a Member of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Equine Village

ownunder Horsemanship is showcase Clinton Anderson, world championships of eight Dpleased to announce participation in his Method and products on equestrian disciplines recognized the Equine Village of the Alltech FEI World the grounds of the Kentucky by the Fédération Equestre Equestrian Games, which will be held at Horse Park to hundreds of Internationale (FEI). Her Royal the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, thousands of spectators during Highness Princess Haya is the September 25 to October 10, 2010. the 16 days of competition. current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four The Equine Village will be a world- Both general admission and years and this will be the first class spectator attraction, offering competition ticket holders will occurrence in the United States. equine entertainment, educational have access to the activities activities and lectures from equine in the Equine Village, as The Games will be broadcast on industries. This feature exhibit area will well as other attractions NBC Sports, which has marked be a major part of the atmosphere and including the Trade Show, the largest commitment to attractions offered to Games visitors Kentucky Experience, Alltech network coverage of equestrian in addition to the world championship International Pavilion, and sport in U.S. television history. competitions in eight equestrian sports. sponsor showrooms. With The 2010 Games are expected approximately 600,000 tickets to have a statewide economic “We have created the Equine Village to to be sold, spectators will come impact of $150 million, and serve as an educational experience for from around the world to witness current sponsors include the Games’ spectators about different the highest achievements Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat breeds, disciplines, and all that the equine in equestrian sport. International, Inc industry encompasses,” said Jamie Link, and Rood and Riddle Equine CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation. About the Alltech Hospital. For more information FEI World Equestrian Games: on the 2010 Alltech FEI World As a member of the 2010 Games Equine The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit Village, Downunder Horsemanship will Equestrian Games are the www.alltechfeigames.com.

Whizkey N Diamonds Places Third at the NRHA Open Finals Futurity

linton’s home-bred Whizkey N Diamonds (Foster), co-owned with Kathy CWorley, placed third at the 2009 National Reining Horse Association Open Futurity Finals in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in December. The 3-year-old stud out of Princess In Diamonds by Topsail Whiz was ridden by $3 Million Elite Rider, Shawn Flarida of Springfield, Ohio, to claim a share of the class’s $190,000 purse and NRHA Cooperative Partners and Futurity Sponsor awards. He finished with a score of 225.5 to place him behind reserve champion Lil Magnum Jessie owned and ridden by Casey Hinton, and champion Gunnatrashya also ridden by Shawn and owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA. The buckskin stud has been in training with Shawn since December 2008, and previous to the NRHA Futurity, won the $40,000 High Roller Reining Classic in September and received reserve champion honors in the 2009 All American Quarter Horse Congress Reining Futurity. Foster finished 2009 with $116, 849.95. Back at the Downunder Horsemanship Ranch this year, Foster will star in an upcoming trick training DVD series.

Whizkey N Diamonds (Foster) placed third at the 2009 National Reining Horse Association Open Futurity Finals last December.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 5 Downunder News & Updates Clinton Presents The Method the Method at Represented at NRHA Futurity NARHA Conference

ast December, Clinton presented a demonstration rofessional Clinician, Lduring the NRHA Futurity and Adequan National PShana Terry, brought the Professional Clinician, American Affiliate Championship Show. With his Downunder Horsemanship Shana Terry, presented trademark wit and knowledge, Clinton shared the Method Method to the 2009 NARHA a demonstration with the crowd gathered at the Oklahoma State Fair National Conference and Annual during NARHA’s Park in Oklahoma City by working with a yearling on the Meeting last November. In a annual meeting. ground. He was then joined in the ring by NRHA Million demonstration titled: Natural Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step and NRHA $3 Million Horsemanship for Equine Rider Shawn Flarida. Lucky audience member, Robyn Assisted Activity and Therapy Cheek of Brunswick, Georgia, got to take the legendary (EAAT), Shana talked to the stallion on a test ride after winning a giveaway. assembled crowd about how the Method can be applied to therapeutic programs. Attendees learned horse handling and training techniques to keep their therapy horses happy, calm and enjoying their jobs. The demonstration was held at the Fort Worth’s Cowtown Coliseum, where NARHA celebrated its fortieth anniversary. To learn more about NARHA and its many benefits to riders, visit its website www.narha.org. Clinton shared the Method during the NRHA Futurity in December of 2009.

Lessons Well Learned a Best Seller

linton’s newest book, Lesson’s Well Learned, is an In Lessons Well Learned, Clinton reveals through his Cinstant hit among horse enthusiasts. The 170-plus personal insights a deeper look at the unparalleled page book that chronicles Clinton’s rise to one of the most effectiveness of his Method. Packed with dynamic respected trainers in the world, ranked in Amazon’s top color photography and specific examples, all delivered 10,000 for the first two weeks following its release. It holds with Clinton’s trademark wit and engaging style, the a five-star customer rating and currently sits in Amazon’s book entertains as it educates — and enlightens as it top twenty-five in three different categories: inspires. As readers apply Clinton’s Lessons Well Learned 1) #12 Home&Garden/Pets/Horses-Showing and Training to their own knowledge and understanding of horses, 2) #16 Home&Garden/Pets/Horses-Riding they will discover for themselves why this is the 3) #22 Sports/Horses/Equestrian training method that works for any horse. To order a copy of the book, visit the Downunder Horsemanship website: www.downunderhorsemanship.com.

6 – news and updates Downunder News & Updates Cider Finds a Ritchie Industries Signs on as New Home Feature Sponsor of the 2010 Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tours fter being Afeatured in ownunder Horsemanship is pleased Clinton’s thirteen- Dto announce Ritchie Industries as the week rescue horse feature sponsor of the 2010 Clinton Anderson RFD-TV series, Walkabout Tours. The company has been a Cider has found a longtime supporter of Clinton and his Method. new home with No “Ritchie Industries and I have had a great After thirteen weeks at the Worries Club member relationship for many years. I am so excited Downunder Horsemanship Ranch, Amy Oliver Ortiz. to have them on board as a feature sponsor Cider is ready to begin another Donated by Habitat for of the 2010 Tours. They are great people chapter in her life with Amy. Horses, Cider arrived and have great products,” Clinton says. at the Downunder Horsemanship Ranch late last summer after Ritchie’s dedication to producing quality being rescued twice from starvation. With products and providing first-rate service are the goal of filming a TV show that would a perfect fit for Downunder Horsemanship highlight a rescue horse and then place it where innovation is a trademark. The 2010 in a good home, Clinton set to work earning Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tour Presented Cider’s respect, confidence and trust using by Ritchie Industries will visit ten cities across his Method. The palomino mare soon proved America, beginning in January. During these to be good natured and willing to please. inspiring two-day tours, Clinton teaches “Cider is the perfect example of a good horse his Method to gaining a willing, respectful that could have gone to waste if someone equine partner to thousands of spectators. hadn’t made the effort to contact Habitat for Horses and ask the right questions,” Clinton says. “Many rescue horses are good horses just waiting for someone to invest New Arrivals at the Ranch some time in them. If you’re willing to put in the time to work with them and train oaling season is well underway at them, you can not only improve their lives, Fthe ranch and is expected to run to the but you can also get a really nice horse.” end of May. Clinton bred seven of his show mares this year, and with the help of recipi- Viewers of the Downunder Horsemanship ent mares is expecting thirteen foals. Be sure series could register for a chance to win to check the club site for photos of the new Cider and all of the tack and equipment arrivals! Below is a list of the expectant used to train her throughout the thirteen- mares with the sires they are bred to. week series – a $30,000 value. The complete rescue horse series is available  Princess In Diamonds x Topsail Whiz at www.downunderhorsemanship.  Princess In Diamonds x Topsail Whiz com. You’ll get to read more about Amy  Princess In Diamonds x Jerry Lees Surprise and Cider’s inspirational journey in  Princess In Diamonds x Jerry Lees Surprise an upcoming issue of the Journal.  Princess In Diamonds x Gallo Del Cielo  Princess In Diamonds x Wimpys Little Step  Princess In Diamonds x Custom Chrome  Eyed Be A Smart Chic (Kahlua) x Jerry Lees Surprise  Downunder Diva (Diva) x Smart Chic Olena  Chiquita Bonita (Bonita) x Wimpys Little Step  Nic N Smart (Remilena) x Wimpys Little Step  Shine On Retsina (Sparkles) x Jerry Lees Surprise  Miss Brim Star (Brimmy) x Chicoutmyblingbling (Jag)

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 7 Fundamentals Series

Experience horsemanship like never before with Downunder Horsemanship’s Fundamentals series. It’s Clinton’s signature Method with a new system and improved techniques.

n the spring of 2010, Downunder Horsemanship the program.” With the comprehensive Fundamentals Ireleased its latest innovation – a new structure to series, all the guesswork is gone; you’ll know exactly learning the Clinton Anderson Method of training where to start and exactly where to progress to. horses. The Method is now divided into four progressive levels of instruction: Fundamentals, One of the benefits to the restructuring of theM ethod Intermediate, Advanced and Professional. is that the levels are specifically designed to follow the progression of Clinton’s horsemanship clinics. The newly packaged Fundamentals series features If you attend a Fundamentals clinic, you can expect not only training DVDs, but detailed Arena Mates and a to follow the format and cover the exact exercises comprehensive Philosophy Book as well. “In order to help that are included in the Fundamentals series. The people progress faster and build a better partnership same applies to the Intermediate and Advanced with their horses, I’ve redesigned the format in which series. This will make it very easy to identify which my training method is presented,” Clinton explains. level of clinic you and your horse are qualified for, “The revamping of the Downunder Horsemanship based on your progression through the Method. Method came straight from my customers. People were often confused about where to begin when first starting

16 – Fundamentals Series Innovation

Jam-Packed with the Knowledge You Crave

The first thing you’ll notice about the new series is its depth of instruction and just how accessible the information is. If you’re like Clinton, you’re a firm believer that you can never stop adding to your G oal : Using Mindy, his Australian Quarter knowledge. Driven by innovation, the Aussie horseman Horse mare, Clinton shows how each exercise is never settles for mediocre and the new learning supposed to look. If you have a clear picture of system is a testament to that fact. The Fundamentals what you’re looking for, you will be better able series features improvements to his signature Method to help your horse understand what to do. and a tweaked exercise order to get more out of your equine partner and help you progress at a faster rate. W h y : Clinton explains why each exercise is an Previously, the program has been laid out through important step in the Method. If you understand Roundpenning, Gaining Respect and Control on the why it’s important, you will be more likely to Ground Series 1, 2 and 3, and Riding with Confidence practice it and be thorough with each step. Series 1, 2 and 3. If you are familiar with these series, you will notice that the new format will be similar, Teaching Stage: Clinton shows you how to but adjusted by changing the order of the exercises teach the exercise to a horse that has never learned it. and even adding, subtracting and combining certain For some exercises, he brings in a second horse that will exercises in order to fine-tune theM ethod to make it respond in a different way than the first to give you an as efficient and thorough as possible. “My guarantee to idea of how to handle horses with opposite personalities. my customers is that I’ll never stop learning or making improvements,” Clinton says. “It’s been six years since Handler/Rider Mistakes: In this I’ve filmed my first set of training videos and in that section, Clinton describes all the mistakes he time, I’ve found ways to improve the Method and sees people making when teaching the exercise make it more accessible to the average horse owner.” to their horses. If you know what NOT to do, you will save yourself a lot of frustration. DVDs Filmed in high definition, the Fundamentals series Horse Problems: Here Clinton lists contains over 28 hours of footage, including horsemanship all the most common problems that horses will philosophy, roundpenning, groundwork and riding have when learning these exercises, and how to exercises, ensuring you won’t miss a single step to fix them and/or avoid them. Horses don’t learn achieving a trustworthy and respectful partner. What perfectly; the key is to know what to do when separates the Downunder Horsemanship Method from the horse doesn’t give you the right response. others is Clinton’s Troubleshooting: Sometimes you think With the comprehensive unique you’ve done everything right and the horse still isn’t “ approach to getting it. This section will give you advice on what Fundamentals series, all teaching horse to do when you feel like you’re out of options. owners how the guesswork is gone. to effectively Success Tips: In this section, Clinton ” communicate gives you extra advice that he has found will with their make the exercise go a little smoother. horses. As you progress through the levels, you’ll notice that every lesson is presented in a step-by-step system Practical Purpose: The more you can give called the Eight Steps to Success. Each exercise is laid out your horse a purpose to what you’re asking him to do, the in the easiest, simplest way to understand, ensuring that happier he will be. This section will give you ideas of how you’ll know exactly what steps to take and what you can to use the exercise during your everyday routine and expect your horse to do when teaching a given exercise. how to spice it up to keep it interesting for your horse.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 17 cover so that you can take them to the barn to use to become the best horseman you as an easy-to-follow reference when training your “ horse. Each of the fifteen ArenaM ate booklets features can be... you must understand the detailed steps from roundpenning exercises to riding with confidence maneuvers. “For years people have fundamentals of horse training. been begging for reference guides they could take to ” the arena with them so they wouldn’t forget the steps to the exercises,” Clinton says. “Our Arena Mates not only detail each exercise, but they also list ways to The series follows the progression of avoid common handler and horse mistakes and allow you to track a Quarter Horse gelding named Bow. your horse’s training progress.” Colored photographs accompany When Bow stepped off the trailer and each exercise, highlighting the finer points of the lessons. onto the Downunder Horsemanship Ranch, he brought with him typical Philosophy Book issues horse owners face each day. “He Illustrated with full color photos, this hundred page book explains was terribly trained and extremely the philosophy behind Clinton’s Method. Knowing exactly why your spooky,” Clinton says. “When he arrived, horse behaves the way that he does is the first step to becoming a I acted as if he was a 2-year-old colt that true horseman. “My job is to help you to understand my Method, I got in for training and started him at which in turn will help you better understand your horse. Your job the very beginning of my Method.” The is to become the best horseman you can be. To do that you must camera follows Bow’s progression from understand the fundamentals of horse training, which starts with an overly reactive hot-blooded horse learning the basics and earning your horse’s respect,” Clinton says. to a willing and obedient partner. Right From the Start The DVDs also feature a student lesson If you’re like most horse owners, you’ve experienced your fair share at the end of each exercise. When you first of disappointment and frustration when working with horses. As a start applying the Method with your horse, young boy, Clinton experienced the same challenges and struggles it can sometimes be frustrating when both and has combined the knowledge he has gathered working with some you and the horse are trying to figure out of the best horsemen in the world to create the Clinton Anderson what to do, especially if you’re new to using Method. With his guidance, you’ll achieve the success you crave. “The the training tools. The student lessons will core purpose of Downunder Horsemanship is to inspire the dreams give you ideas about how to practice your of horsemen,” Clinton explains. “Whether you’re a weekend trail rhythm, timing and coordination without rider and want a horse that can take you safely down the trail, or if the horse. The use of improved cameras you go to horse shows on the weekend and have aspirations to be a and technology allow viewers to get a bird’s top-end competitor, my goal is to help you accomplish those dreams.” eye view of the exercises so that they feel as if they’re in the saddle with Clinton, all The reformation of the Method also makes deciding where to of which makes the DVDs the most com- begin and what to do with your horse as simple as selecting prehensive training tool you’ll ever use. the Fundamentals series and progressing through each of the instructional levels. “It’s important to understand that the Method Arena Mates only works if you follow the exercises in the exact order that I teach The series comes complete with pocket- them. If you pick and choose what to do with your horse, you’ll get sized training guides that follow the inconsistent results,” Clinton affirms. “You have to be structured to exercises presented in the DVDs. The follow the exercises in order, which the Fundamentals Series does Arena Mates are sealed with a protective for you. From working in the roundpen to establish a clear line of communication with your horse to achieving true collection under saddle, I’ll guide you every step of the way. If you take the time to lay the right foundation, you’ll be absolutely amazed at the results.”

Understanding the fundamentals of training horses will make your job as a horseman an easy to follow, step-by-step process that will have you ready to advance your horsemanship. “If you follow the Downunder Horsemanship Method, I can guarantee that you will improve your feel and timing and take your horsemanship to a whole new level,” Clinton says.

18 – Fundamentals Series Obtain specialized training information delivered to your doorstep every month. Tips, tools and product deals are only a portion of the advantages. Share and exchange ideas with other club members through the exclusive No Worries Club forum. Join today mate! Log on to NoWorriesClub.com

MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES • 8 information packed • Access to exclusive NWC DVD’s per year member website • Subscription to the • 15% off all tack No Worries Club Journal (except saddles) • 25% discounts for participation • 25% off all Clinton in clinics, reduced price for Anderson videos spectator ticket purchases • Access to Members-only • Up to 5 free tickets to any sales and discounts Walkabout Tour All new members receive the No Worries Club welcome kit

noworriesclub.com • Downunderhorsemanship.com • 888-287-7432 Morris Animal Foundation’s ongoing research gives horses longer, healthier lives

orses have played a critical role in Hshaping the history of the world. Their partnership with humans in war, agriculture and transportation defined civilizations worldwide. Today, their roles have broadened to include participating in recreational and competitive activities— and perhaps most cherished by horse lovers, providing intelligent, affectionate companionship. As part of this partnership, humans have accepted responsibility.

20 – new frontiers of equine health Innovation

Studies show that DNA tests hold the key to prevention and proactive treatment. The Foundation has committed more than $1.5 million toward equine health research projects over the next three years.

ur goal at Morris Animal led to significant breakthroughs muscle pain and cramping while OFoundation is to ensure that in prevention, diagnosis on high-grain diets and have defi- all horses—no matter what role and treatment for serious cient energy when they exercise.” they play in your life—enjoy health issues, including colic, long, healthy lives. We are laminitis, infectious disease Horses with PSSM respond delighted to team with Clinton and pain management. favorably to a lower-starch diet to raise awareness of equine Very likely your horse has supplemented with fat. They health issues and advances. benefited from this research. also need consistent, gentle And we thank him for allowing exercise once they’ve been on the us to tell you a little bit about For example, with help from special diet for two weeks. Horses past scientific breakthroughs Morris Animal Foundation, should be turned out daily, and and ongoing cutting-edge Dr. Stephanie J. Valberg of the the amount of time they spend health research that will bring University of Minnesota has in a stall should be reduced as about critical and practical been studying polysaccharide much as possible. If you suspect knowledge that will help you storage myopathy (PSSM) for your horse has PSSM, contact keep your horses healthy. more than twenty years. PSSM, your equine veterinarian and one of the causes of tying-up discuss appropriate diagnostic A HISTORY OF disease, is an incredibly painful, tests, because tying up can occur RIDING HIGH inherited muscle condition most for reasons other than PSSM. Though originally established commonly found in Quarter in 1948 to advance veterinary Horses, draft horses, warmbloods Morris Animal Foundation medicine for dogs and cats, and some other breeds. Dr. has also led the way in funding Morris Animal Foundation Valberg’s research has focused studies to identify better pain quickly realized that horses on diagnosing the disorder and management methods for need our help too. Just eleven managing it through specific horses. Past studies show that years after its creation, the diet and training regimens. acupuncture treatments could Foundation began providing improve pain relief, increase critical financial support for “We discovered that horses with mobility and activity and equine health research. PSSM are very sensitive to diets help shorten healing time for that increase their blood sugar injured horses. A few years The Foundation has funded and insulin concentrations,” ago, a study tested a technique hundreds of studies that have she says. “They develop notable to relieve pain that involves

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 21 inserting continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) catheters along nerves in the horse’s front limb. Lead researcher Dr. Bernd Driessen, who was a member of racehorse Barbaro’s veterinary team, says the CPNB method could potentially mean the difference between life and death if it helps prevent the development of laminitis, a painful and often deadly complication caused by an unbalanced distribution of weight.

As evidenced by Barbaro’s case, current pain treatment in horses is far from perfect. Anti-inflammatory drugs have several side effects, including gastric ulceration, inflammation of the large bowel and renal toxicity. Pain-fighting dosages of opioids cause excitement in horses. With further development, the CPNB technique of administering continuous or repetitive small amounts of a local anesthetic solution in a horse’s front limb could be a better option, particularly in the first few days after a horse is injured, when the pain is most severe.

Additional studies have tested pain medications—with sometimes surprising results. For example, one study determined that a commonly used pain reliever, flunixin meglumine, actually slows the intestinal repair process in horses that have undergone colic surgery. The findings indicated that this drug should be used sparingly in colic cases. A current Foundation-funded study is testing a new drug, robenacoxib, to determine whether it can help While horses played an integral part in shaping the history injured intestine recover while also providing pain relief. of the world, today their roles have shifted to primarily participating in recreational and competitive activities. With Foundation funding, researchers at the University of Missouri developed a novel approach using photodynamic therapy to successfully treat Through a series of Foundation-funded grants, scientists squamous cell carcinoma in horses. This cancer is the determined that recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis most common one affecting the eye and the second (RER) another type of tying-up, is inherited in most common equine tumor overall. Many horses Thoroughbreds. Other studies led to the discovery of suffer recurrence and blindness, or the cancer spreads the defective gene marker and chromosomal location of to other organs. This research led to a new therapy the combined immunodeficiency disease (CID) gene in that not only works but also requires fewer treatment Arabian horses. There is now a test to detect CID carriers episodes and shorter hospital stays, and preserves the and eliminate the disease from the breeding pool. horse’s eyelid function. Although the treatment isn’t widely available yet, three universities are using it. Perhaps the Foundation’s most important contribution to equine health was funding studies to develop the FULL SPEED INTO A GENETIC FUTURE tools necessary to discover critical genetic information The future of equine health truly lies in unraveling about horses. This initial genetic research helped the genetic mysteries of horses. For centuries, horse lead to the National Institutes of Health’s funding breeders have relied on visual genetic attributes, such of the Horse Genome Sequencing Program, which as color and height, to produce horses for a variety sequenced the genome of the domestic horse. of uses. But what if you could “see” deeper into a horse’s genetic makeup to breed healthier animals? Scientists worldwide, including those participating in the Foundation’s Equine Consortium for Genetic That’s exactly what is happening today. Huge Research (ECGR), are now using this amazing tool to study investments in basic science and molecular technologies inherited diseases and traits. The ECGR, led by University have led to tremendous advances in human medical of Minnesota professors Dr. James Mickelson and Dr. diagnostics and treatment. Fortunately, genetic Valberg, brought together a highly collaborative group of advances on a smaller scale have taken place in the scientists from nine countries to study equine genetics equine world, and the field is moving ahead rapidly. and use the findings to develop practical solutions for problems facing equine veterinarians around the world.

22 – new frontiers of equine health With funding from Morris Animal Foundation, will delve into genetics, foal diseases, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) laminitis, infectious diseases and colic. Innovation and a number of European partners, the ECGR produced SNP chips—genetic tools WELFARE OF that help scientists determine the location UNWANTED HORSES of genes that cause specific disease traits. Advancing equine health is critically important, but so is ensuring the welfare “The SNPs allow us to identify genes that of all horses. Whether a horse is considered a contribute to a genetic disease much more companion animal or a high-performance athlete, quickly than we could before,” Dr. Mickelson the one constant is that too many of them become says. “We can then hope to more rapidly find unwanted. Morris Animal Foundation took a lead role the specific gene and mutation and develop a in addressing this issue when it hosted the Unwanted DNA test to determine a horse’s genetic risk Horse Summit in spring 2009. The summit brought for susceptibility to that particular disease.” together forty participants from the equine industry, animal welfare community, academic community and DNA tests hold the key to prevention and government agencies to discuss ways to humanely proactive treatment because they help and effectively solve the unwanted horse problem. veterinarians and breeders identify at-risk horses before they develop disease. With A major part of the problem is that no one can Foundation funding, the ECGR is using the accurately calculate how many horses—wanted or SNP chips to study multiple equine diseases. unwanted—are living in the United States. In addition, They have already discovered the suspected chromosomal location of genes contributing The SNPs allow us to identify genes to RER in Thoroughbreds; “ lavender foal syndrome in that contribute to a genetic disease much Arabians; PSSM type one in Quarter Horses; extreme more quickly than we could before. lordosis, or swaying of the ” back, in Saddlebreds; dwarfism in miniature horses and cribbing in a number of breeds. no one knows why someone relinquishes a horse, because accurate, comparable and complete data has Based on the consortium’s initial not been collected and analyzed. The Foundation hopes success, the University of Minnesota to identify risk factors for a horse being relinquished group received a $550,000 grant from the and to help develop intervention strategies. A scientific USDA to study genetic bases for metabolic advisory group—invited to the summit—is now syndrome, which may predispose horses working on a research plan to acquire relevant data. to a particular form of laminitis. The group will also develop online tools to provide “Our hope is to utilize scientifically based approaches information to the equine industry and to determine the magnitude of the unwanted horse help them get involved in research. problem. If we know why people give up their horses, we can identify measures to keep horses in their homes,” “Now that we have these tools, the only says Patricia N. Olson, DVM, PhD, president and CEO major limiting factor in our work is getting of Morris Animal Foundation. “A similar approach sufficient samples with accurate and specific was used in 1992 to address the issue of unwanted clinical diagnoses to identify these genetic dogs and cats, and the euthanasia numbers decreased predispositions,” Dr. Mickelson says. “Morris an estimated seventy-five percent from 1985 to 2005 Animal Foundation funding is now playing as intervention strategies were put into place.” a key role in enabling researchers to gather these samples from owners and veterinarians Whether advancing horse health or learning why and evaluate them for disease criteria horses are relinquished, Morris Animal Foundation’s before including them in their studies.” goal is to help horses enjoy longer, healthier lives. We look forward to an ongoing partnership with Clinton Beyond the ECGR, the Foundation has and to funding health advances that will help you and committed more than $1.5 million toward your veterinarians keep your horses riding high. Visit us additional equine health research projects over at www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org to learn more. the next three years. These seventeen studies

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 23 The American Competitive Trail Horse Association: Not Just a Trail Horse Anymore

Lifelong horsewoman, Carrie Scrima, with the help of her husband Tom and fellow equestrian Karen VanGeston, is changing the perception of the American trail horse. In a short four years, Carrie has founded a new sport for casual competition, raised the status of one of America’s unsung heroes and found time to help neglected horses along the way.

Carrie grew up riding retired police horses in Thoroughbreds at her Whitefield Farms in Central Park and showing on the hunter jumper Palmer Lake, Colorado. Several of her horses were circuit as a junior. As a student at Fairleigh Olympic and World Cup contenders, with one horse Dickenson University, where she received winning two gold medals at the 1976 Olympic Trials. a degree in elementary education, Carrie helped found the Intercollegiate Horse Show Throughout her competitive career, Carrie trail-rode Association and was its first champion in 1967. all of her horses – even those valued at six figures. “We found the relaxation it gave our horses kept them Carrie bought her first horse after relocating and us fresh and willing to perform,” Carrie’s husband to Colorado and soon after became interested Tom explains. This came, Carrie says, at the chagrin of in competitive trail riding. She joined the her peers who couldn’t believe she’d take her top-level North American Trail Riding Conference competition horses out on the trail. “I realized that it – the sanctioning body for competitive made them braver, better balanced and more agile. It distance rides in the United States, and was good for their mind and it was good for mine,” Carrie began training Arabians to compete. She says. “Most performance people don’t realize just how won many championships including good it is to take your horse out of the arena.” Novice Horse of the Year. Several years later, Carrie found herself back in hunter Then in the 1990s, Carrie and Tom, an jumper competitions, breeding and training entrepreneur whose background ranges

24 – ACTHA: Not just a trail horse anymore Innovation

from marketing to ventures in high tech industries such the trail horse’s ability to pick his way through rough as fuel cells and hydrogen reformers, moved to Texas. terrain, go up and down steep hillsides, cross streams They bought a farm in Spicewood, west of Austin, and and bridges – all while keeping his rider safe. both began competing in the NATRC again for pleasure. “A good trail horse, as we all know, is worth his But after traveling to competitions for forty years, the weight in gold and can be the difference between Scrima’s were no longer interested in hauling long distances enjoying the great trails all across America or competing in longer multi-day trail competitions. They or landing in the hospital,” Tom says. wanted a venue closer to home where they could enjoy their horses and the outdoors. Of course, they still wanted to But often, out on the trail or in conversation, the Scrima’s be challenged and continue to add to their knowledge, but would hear riders downplay their horses’ abilities. “When they were mostly interested in spending time out on the asked, ‘What kind of horse do you own or are you riding?’ trail and making new friends. They would soon discover they would almost apologetically reply, ‘He’s just a trail that there were thousands of riders just like themselves. horse,’” Tom says. “We thought, ‘Wow! Just a trail horse?’ The implication was since there were no real venues to Not Just A Trail Horse showcase the horse’s talent, he wasn’t really worth much.” “As years passed, we couldn’t remember where silver cups on the trophy shelf came from, but we could An Idea is Born sure remember our times on the trail!” Tom says. That got Carrie thinking. Weren’t trail horses true athletes and in fact performance horses themselves? The answer she Discovering new terrain and meeting others knew was yes. What if there were one-day national com- just as passionate about riding became petitions that could showcase trail horses? She envisioned the most fun the Scrima’s had on a casual competition that would focus on horsemanship horseback. The more they and the partnership between horse and rider. After all, as rode, the more impressed ACTHA likes to point out, we owe much of our history as Carrie became with a nation and culture to the great American trail horse.

“In essence, people have forgotten why we ask our performance horses to do the things that we do,” Carrie says. “The idea of competitions and what they are judged on came from people who used horses to get from place to place.”

What Carrie and Tom discovered while trail riding was that encountering natural obstacles on the trail brings out a specific reason for being able to do all of those things. “I’m sure Clinton agrees that horses like it when they can see the purpose in what you’re asking them to do. When a task has a purpose, it makes sense to them and they’re much

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 25 happier in their jobs,” Carrie explains. That private ranches or on state and federal lands line of thinking is what fueled the eventual offering participants the chance to see the most creation of ACTHA. “I saw something that the scenic route in each location. The use of natural horses enjoyed, the people enjoyed and it just obstacles are encouraged and may include such made sense,” Carrie says. “Why is it important things as crossing water, stepping over logs, that your horse knows how to sidepass opening gates and going up and down embank- or turn 180 degrees?” she asks, “because ments to name but a few in ACTHA’s ever- out on the trail you just might need it!” growing arsenal of thirty approved obstacles. ACTHA’s Competitive Trail Challenges are fun Committed to the idea of starting a casual ACTHA’s version of competitive trail riding for all levels of riders. competition that would recognize trail horses, is not a timed event. Rather, competitions are Carrie contacted her friend and longtime horse judged on horsemanship and the cooperation enthusiast, Karen. “Carrie first approached me between horse and rider. Each obstacle is and said, ‘I would really love it if this particular worth twenty points – ten points for the rider kind of format existed, what do you think about and ten points for the horse. Judges look for getting it started?’” Karen didn’t hesitate to a calm, willing, well-controlled horse and offer her help. As the daughter of a marine, a balanced rider who does not interfere in she’d spent her childhood growing up on a base the horse’s negotiation of the obstacles. No in North Carolina and riding on its trails. She training devices are allowed, and horses must also showed hunters and jumpers as a teenager, finish the competition in a sound trot. Groups, but it was the trail riding that appealed most families and non-competing buddy riders are to her. “Looking back, I didn’t realize the encouraged to participate. After each morning privilege that I had as far as having all of that ride and lunch, prizes are presented from Each CTC offers riders land to ride on,” Karen says of the base’s miles first through sixth place in three divisions of and horses a unique of trails. “It has since been developed due to increasing difficulty: junior, pleasure and open. opportunity to show off economic change, but that is where most of my their ability whether background comes from. When I hit college age, “It has so many angles to it,” Karen says that be riding through I stopped showing but I continued to trail ride.” of the CTC. “It’s fun and good for both forests or across the horse and the rider. At the end of a wide open spaces. The formation of ACTHA into what it is competition, you’ve gotten to see trail you today was a gradual process and one that wouldn’t normally have been able to see, Karen says has become all consuming for and hopefully, you’ve been riding with your Carrie, Tom and herself. “After we developed friends and family and had a great time.” the format of the competition, it evolved into more of an association so we could Competition Day register everybody’s horses. And then it A campfire crackles early in the morning evolved past that to donating fifty percent of as riders with cups of coffee in hand gather proceeds to charity and helping out rescue at a ride briefing meeting to prepare for and therapy organizations. One thing kind of the day’s competition. Much like tee times snowballed into another,” Karen explains. in golf, riders sign up for ride times, and the trail ride begins with riders filtering The first Competitive Trail Competition was out in fifteen minute intervals. held in Bluff Dale, Texas, three years ago and attracted forty-five riders. In the Spring of 2009, Though riders are competing against the association went national. “With support each other, Tom is quick to point out that Competitive Trail from media and beneficent companies like “the mood is one of casual competition Challenge participant Downunder Horsemanship, we grew into a na- with everyone cheering each other on and Debbie White on course. tional phenomenon with rides in almost all fifty judges bestowing praise for a job well done states,” Tom says. Over a hundred rides took or offering encouragement to do better.” place in 2009 and Tom estimates that ACTHA is on track for three-hundred plus in 2010. Forget the stress and nerves of showing in the arena. “Out here it’s all about Competitive Trail camaraderie,” Carrie notes with pride in Competition her voice. “Because everybody is out on At the heart of ACTHA is the Competitive their horse, it isn’t like an individual thing Trail Competition – a one day competition where you’re nervous waiting for your turn that features a five to ten mile long trail with in the ring and nobody talks to you except a minimum of six obstacles. CTCs are held at maybe your trainer who is barking orders.”

26 – ACTHA: Not just a trail horse anymore CTCs are about appreciating the outdoors, creating a better during the task. “The pleasure rider partnership with your horse and enjoying the company of may be asked to back up through some Innovation family and friends. “Sure,” Carrie adds, “at each obstacle trees while the open rider may have to riders need to focus on the job at hand, but afterwards, back through the trees in a figure-eight there are miles before the next one.” Though each of the pattern. While a pleasure rider may simply have to individual challenges have set time limits, the ride itself cross a stream, an open rider may have to perform a isn’t timed and can be completed at a leisurely pace. “Two maneuver in the stream before exiting,” he explains. minutes in an arena and you ride out either elated or dejected,” Carrie says. “Wouldn’t you rather spend a whole two Out here it’s all about camaraderie. hours riding with friends, challenging “ ” your horse, laughing and having fun?” What makes the CTC truly unique is its buddy division At the end of the competition, the day’s winners are which gives those who don’t want to compete the announced and awards are handed out. Theoretically, each chance to enjoy the trail with family and friends without CTC offers three competitions in one. The ride itself is placed completing the challenges or obstacles. “It is interesting first through sixth with horse and rider teams receiving to note that over eighty percent of our first-time buddy prizes and awards. After each CTC, the riders’ scores are riders switch to a judged division on their next ride,” entered into the ACTHA’s database that ranks riders Tom says. “They see that the obstacles are natural and throughout the country. At the end of the year, top riders not dangerous and the prizes are too fun to pass up.” receive regional and national cash prizes. Each of the horse’s scores are also entered into the database which makes them Giving the Average Rider a Stage eligible for horse medal standings. As horses gain points, In a short time, ACTHA has gained a widespread they become eligible for various rankings of medal awards popularity that continues to increase with each ride. Tom from the first-step Bronze Medal to the top tiered Gold attributes the association’s success to its appeal to the Medal. These points will accumulate for the duration of the largest segment in the horse industry – trail riders. “The horse’s life, even if he gets sold. Besides recognizing the top average rider now has a stage!” he says. “We found there horse and rider teams, the competition may include addi- were many riders in our same situation – no time for tional “fun” awards like best dressed, best groomed, funniest long rides, but a desire to ‘casually’ compete locally. Thus dog, etc. After lunch and the awards presentation, riders are ACTHA came to be. It’s the only national venue we know usually on their way home by two or three in the afternoon. of where folks can saddle up and use all the education they’ve received from the teachers of the horse like Something For Everyone Clinton.” In fact, ACTHA membership now exceeds three No matter what a horse or rider’s ability or even desire thousand and is expected to grow to ten thousand soon. may be, CTCs offer something for everyone. Divided into four divisions, CTCs offer junior, pleasure, open For all of those who follow Clinton, ACTHA provides and buddy divisions. Except for the buddy division, each a venue to put the Method into practice. “Clinton’s division provides prizes and awards. Divisions are based techniques work,” Tom continues. “People can appreciate on the difficulty of the tasks and obstacles on course. For and see how the advice and instructions given produce instance, Tom says, depending on the division, the time REAL results. Clinton has much of his advice tailored to complete the obstacle may be shortened or the horse towards trail riding, from Lunging for Respect to riding and rider team may have to complete more maneuvers with confidence, all of his teachings are about taking the role of leadership that all horses want so that they can feel safe and perform at their highest abilities.”

Want To Join The Fun?

If you’re interested in either joining ACTHA and competing in trail competitions or hosting an event, visit the association’s website www.actha.us. You’ll find everything you need including information about what to expect on your first ride. For those who wish to host rides, earn money and assist ACTHA in get- ting trail horses the recognition they deserve, you can become an affiliate for no upfront charge.

“We’re well on our way to contributing large donations to horse charities nationwide. Join ACTHA and let’s do something good together. Our wonderful sponsors and members have an- swered the call far beyond our wildest expectations!” the ACTHA team concludes.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 27 Calling All Horses!

“When we say, ‘Not just a trail horse anymore,’ we mean it,” Tom says. “We don’t care if our riders show up with a fancy Arab, Quarter Horse or Mustang. We don’t care if they choose to compete with ACTHA or just come for the ride in our buddy division. All we care about is that these wonderful animals get the recognition they deserve and take their rightful place and stature in the world of horses.”

Coming from a competitive background on some of the world’s biggest stages, the Scrima’s know firsthand how elitist equestrian sports can be. “To be successful in the show ring, you need a very expensive animal,” Carrie says. “If you’re going to have a reining horse, we all know what it’s going to cost to be competitive at the highest level.” But that isn’t the case with a trail horse, she points out. “This is coming from the animal’s heart and his willingness, not how beautiful he is on the outside.”

At any given CTC, registered Quarter Horses competing in reining, warmbloods showing in the hunter ring, adopted equines from rescues and grade horses compete alongside one another. “No matter what discipline or breed, they’re all on the same playing field,” Carrie says. “The competition is based very much on the partnership between horse and rider.”

An appreciation of that partnership is exactly what Carrie hopes CTC participants take with them. “The fact is, horses are amazing creatures and it’s incredible what they can do for us,” Carrie says. “One of the things I say to people who are getting up in their years, as we are, is that I can sit myself down on a pair of 15-year-old legs anytime I want. The horse is the true athlete. I may not be able to do the things I used to when I was 20, but when I sit on a horse, I feel anything is possible!”

28 – ACTHA: Not just a trail horse anymore Innovation

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 29 30 - Taking downunder horsemanship to a new level T aking Downunder Innovation Horsemanship TO A New Level

t is common knowledge that Clinton Iis a self-proclaimed learn-a-holic. You’ve probably even heard him say, “You can never stop learning,” a time or two. What isn’t so well-known is that his craving for knowledge extends far beyond just horses. The fact is Clinton is always looking for ways to add to his overall knowledge whether that be a better way to communicate his ideas, perfecting a reining maneuver, or finding a more efficient way to run his company.

Downunder Horsemanship employees continue to Throughout the last year, Clinton has be hardworking, ambitious, personable and loyal. turned his focus to the latter – making sure his company is running efficiently. Downunder Horsemanship has gained a lot year, he was introduced to best-selling author, Patrick of momentum over the past couple of years Lencioni’s book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and was and is well on its way to a whole new level intrigued with the ideas and practical concepts the of helping horse owners perfect their skills book presented on building teams and the detailed plan and achieve better results. “To get to that it laid out for creating an overall healthy company. next level, I knew the company had to be both healthy and smart,” Clinton says, “and “Patrick is extremely good at helping businesses follow everybody in the company needed to know his program that focuses on uniting a company so exactly what we were trying to accomplish.” that it truly works together,” Clinton explains. “What stood out to me the most in the Five Dysfunctions Although he knew where he wanted to book was how simple his concept was and how much take his company, at first he wasn’t sure it made sense. Most companies only focus on the end how to accomplish his goal. But, last results – how much money are we making; are our

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 31 Table Group Consultant, Michael Lorsch, personal business coach and keeps me, my management started working with Downunder team and my entire company healthy and smart,” Clinton Horsemanship in early 2009. says. “He makes sure we stay on track and do what we’re supposed to be doing. In the year that I’ve been working with him, I’ve been amazed at the results.” A Product of the Process Based in Arizona, Michael has been traveling the country for the past three years helping management teams establish healthy organizations by following Patrick’s program. Before becoming a consultant with the Table Group, Michael spent more than twenty years leading teams and holding managerial positions in various organizations, one of which was the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. It was with the Make-A-Wish Foundation that he was first introduced to Patrick and his program. The foundation hired Patrick to help its management team grow, and in the process Michael was able to work closely with him. A few years later, Patrick invited Michael to join the Table Group and help Patrick Lencioni other organizations apply his program to their work. and the Table Group “Before I started consulting, I led teams and found The author of eight best-selling books, Patrick Patrick’s methods to be irrefutable. I believe in these founded the Table Group in 1997. He’s dedicated approaches because I’ve used them and they work,” his life to helping organizations become healthier Michael says. He cites his experience as a working and more successful. As a consultant and speaker, professional as a key to the success he’s had in helping he’s worked with both Fortune 500 companies organizations build and implement the program. and non-profit organizations. Some of the orga- “It’s important for me to be able to relate with the nizations he’s worked with include: the National teams I work with,” Michael says. “Because of my past Football League, Microsoft Cooperation, Sam’s experience, I can say, ‘When I worked with my team Club and The Smithsonian Institute. If you’d like to this is what we did, here are some pitfalls I ran into learn more about Patrick Lencoini and The Table when I was trying to implement this.’ There’s definitely Group, visit his website www.tablegroup.com. a practical application behind what I teach people.” A Different Approach When Michael enters an organization, he has two main objectives to helping leadership teams build a thriving organization: 1) understanding the five customers happy? And not on what’s going on inside dysfunctions of a team, which are the absence of their company. The fact is, a company’s inner workings trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance are very important, and if you can build a team and of accountability and inattention to results, and create a healthy organization, your company will be 2) creating organizational clarity. As an outside a hundred times more efficient and successful.” voice coming into the company, Michael is able to tell it like it is and get right down to business. Just as quickly as he absorbed the information in Five Dysfunctions, Clinton read Patrick’s other books: The Five “People often think that I’m going to come in and Temptations of a CEO, The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary run them through a whole bunch of team building Executive, Death by Meeting, Silos Politics and Turf Wars, and exercises like catching each other falling out of The Three Signs of a Miserable Job, and decided to implement trees, building a human pyramid, blindfolding each his program at Downunder Horsemanship. Just as Clinton other and leading one another through the woods, has Professional Clinicians who privately work with etc. I’m not saying those exercises are useless, but horse owners to learn his Method, Patrick has a select I don’t implement them,” Michael explains. group of individuals called Table Group Consultants who travel the country helping organizations implement his Instead, during their first meeting, Clinton says it was processes. Over a year ago, Clinton teamed up with Table obvious that they were going to get down to the nitty- Group Consultant, Michael Lorsch. “Michael acts as my gritty of the company. “When I first told my team that

32 - Taking downunder horsemanship to a new level Innovation

Clinton’s character and personality are the driving force behind Downunder Horsemanship. Here he poses with a young horseman at an Abilene, Texas, Tour.

we were going to follow Patrick’s program, everybody Focus on the Healthy kind of rolled their eyes and thought it was going to be Side of Business a touchy-feely waste of time. After fifteen minutes, if To understand how The Table Group helps companies anyone sitting in that room thought this was going to function efficiently, it’s important to know that every be a touchy-feely, fluffy process, they quickly realized it organization has a smart side and a healthy side. wasn’t,” Clinton says. “Michael took us straight into the “Companies generally place most, if not all, of their trenches of Downunder Horsemanship and we talked attention on the smart side because it’s easy to measure,” about issues that directly affected our company.” Michael points out. “The smart side includes things like the company’s finances, technology, marketing, etc.” Michael feels that it is important to build a team in More challenging is the healthy side. “Most companies the context of its business rather than just talking tend to ignore the healthy side because it’s more difficult theory. “I work with the company’s leaders to establish to measure. The healthy side is made up of things like organizational clarity using the inner workings of the minimal politics, clear communication, high productivity, company. It’s about the company’s DNA as opposed etc.,” Clinton says. “The reality is that while it’s important to an exercise where team members catch each other to pay attention to both sides, it’s actually a little more falling out of trees because it’s easier for people to make of a priority to focus on the healthy side. If your team the connection. Otherwise, each person has to figure is working well together and communicating clearly out how catching one another out of trees translates with one another, you can accomplish anything.” to the daily working of the company,” he explains.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 33 One of the keys to keeping an organization healthy and strategic anchors, I can empower my employees to smart is establishing organizational clarity – making sure make decisions and trust that they make smart and everyone in the company is on the same page. In fact, healthy choices that positively impact the company.” when Michael first enters a company that is one of his primary focuses. Helping a team create organizational To illustrate that point, Michael uses the example of the clarity starts by having them answer fundamental company being offered the option of buying a lesser quality questions about their business. During their first rope to make its products. “Let’s say a rope manufacturing meeting, Michael guided the Downunder Horsemanship company is going out of business and offers its product to leadership team through the questions below that Downunder Horsemanship at half cost. When Downunder focus on establishing the company’s core purpose, Horsemanship first learns of the offer, it might sound business definition, strategic anchors and core values. appealing because the company knows it could make a good profit. However, the first question that needs to be What is Downunder asked is what is the quality of that rope? Is it any good? Horsemanship’s core purpose? Maybe the quality is just average. After running some Besides making money, which all companies must do numbers, Downunder Horsemanship realizes that it to stay in business, Michael asks the leadership team could in fact make a substantial profit by using that rope. what their purpose is. Downunder Horsemanship However, if you look at the strategic anchors Downunder is very clear about their core purpose. “We inspire Horsemanship has set in place, the answer to the question the dreams of horsemen,” Clinton says. “Whether is simple – it’s a no. Even though it could make a lot of our customers want to trail ride on the weekend money off the rope, it wouldn’t because it’s not a quality or if they are top-level competitors trying to win a product. Downunder Horsemanship only offers its national championship, we can help them reach their customers the highest quality products in the industry.” goals and increase their horsemanship knowlege.” What are the core values at What is Downunder Downunder Horsemanship? Horsemanship’s “In other words, how do people need to behave to Business Definition? be successful in the company?” Michael asks. To Then Michael asks the team how the company goes determine what separates a successful Downunder about fulfilling its core purpose. “We inspire the Horsemanship employee from an unsuccessful one, dreams of horsemen through innovation, instruction the leadership team evaluated their most successful and inspiration,” Clinton explains. “We are innovative employees and listed the qualities that they all by continuously designing quality products that help had in common: hardworking, ambitious, loyal and our customers learn the Method and advance their personable. “These values are what make the difference horsemanship. We also provide in-depth instruction at my company,” Clinton expresses. “People who through the RFD-TV show, training DVDs and don’t have these values will have a very difficult time horsemanship clinics. And we inspire horse owners being successful at Downunder Horsemanship.” at our tours and through the No Worries Club.” Over Communicating What are the Once the leadership team has established the core strategic anchors of purpose, business definition, strategic anchors and Downunder Horsemanship? core values, it becomes their job to over communicate “These are the qualities the company uses to the message to the entire company. Clinton made sure differentiate itself from the competition,” Michael all of his employees throughout the company were explains. Downunder Horsemanship uses character, familiar with The Table Group and Patrick’s program results and quality products to do just that. Clinton’s and its implementation at Downunder Horsemanship. personality and character matter to his customers “My employees are walking encyclopedias with this – he tells it like it is and doesn’t hold anything back. information,” Clinton says. “You can ask any one of The Method is designed to get results. There’s no them what our company’s business definition is and other horsemanship program that gets results as they would be able to tell you. That’s very important safely, effectively or as fast as his Method. Of course to me because these aren’t just a bunch of pretty providing quality products is a priority, as Clinton has words meant to make you feel good. We actually always had the belief that you get what you pay for. implement them throughout the entire company.”

“It’s extremely important to have anchors in place In fact, posters hang on the walls at the Downunder so that every person at every level of the company Horsemanship office displaying the core purpose, can make independent decisions about their work business definition, strategic anchors and core values of based on them,” Clinton says. “By establishing the company, and each employee keeps a card on their

34 - Taking downunder horsemanship to a new level Innovation

The No Worries Club is just one way Downunder Horsemanship works to inspire the dreams of horsemen. At each tour, members share their thoughts on the club and their experience with the Method.

desk listing the core values they must possess to be successful in the company. “At first they were just words and then posters displayed around the office,” Downunder Horsemanship’s Human Resource Manager, Pam Defazio remarks, “but now they are engrained into the life of the company, our life. It is like having a really good road map.”

Tour manager, Amy Gustafson agrees and adds that The Table Group’s guidance has proven to be invaluable to the company thanks to the structure and clarity it has defined. “We know exactly who we are, what we do, why we do it and who can be successful in our company. A decision or course of action is not made that does not fit within the parameters we established with Michael’s help,” she explains. “For a company that has grown as rapidly as Downunder Horsemanship, Downunder Horsemanship prides itself it was easy to get side-tracked or take on too many projects in fear on offering its customers the highest of passing up an opportunity. With Patrick’s program and Michael’s quality products in the industry. guidance, our leadership team has been able to bring clarity to our company and in everything we do. We have a core purpose,

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 35 business definition, strategic anchors and core values “It’s a forest for the trees situation,” Michael adds. “The that are unique only to Downunder Horsemanship.” members of the team are very close to the company. Sometimes I can actually just ask questions and say, The Results Speak for Themselves ‘Why are you doing that? What’s so useful about that The premise behind Patrick’s program is that there approach?’ Where they don’t necessarily ask themselves is a connection between being a healthy organization those questions all of the time. It’s really important to and being a successful organization. In the case of have an outsider come in and provide that perspective.” Downunder Horsemanship, that connection is very clear. “As Downunder Horsemanship has improved its ability to Clinton has found the guidance Michael offers be clear about its purpose, its mission, its values and its irreplaceable and knows that the success a company strategies, it has had a subsequent increase in its ability sees with The Table Group depends on its commitment to be successful,” Michael acknowledges. In fact, since to it. “I’m a go-getter and want my company to be as working with Michael, Clinton says that Downunder successful as it can be. There is no doubt in my mind Horsemanship has experienced a twenty-five percent that I’m a hundred percent committed to continuing to increase in sales and seen use Patrick’s program in its customer satisfaction my company. The benefits skyrocket. “Downunder I’ve seen in just a year of Horsemanship is a company Downunder Horsemanship’s implementing the program that has made a real Leadership Team have been unbelievable not investment in these processes only in terms of the smart and that has paid off for Clinton Anderson – Owner/President side of business but the them,” Michael explains. healthy side as well,” Clinton “For an organization to see Terry Arrington – Chief Financial Officer says. “The reality is that its revenues increase in human beings spend a third the second half of last year Pam Defazio – Manager of Human Resources of our lives at work. My goal to the tune of twenty-five is to empower my employees percent in the middle of Cooper Flinn – Warehouse Manager and make Downunder a recession is unheard of. Horsemanship an enjoyable There’s a lot of reasons behind Amy Gustafson – Tour Manager place to work. When you that, but one of the reasons know you can succeed and is that there’s a cohesive Kiason Turner – IT Manager grow within a company that leadership team here – they’re gives you the encouragement clear about what they do, and confidence to be the they over communicate best that you can be. that clarity throughout the company and Each time Michael comes in, we work on improving they are always trying to find ways to create the company’s overall processes. We discuss how systems to enforce that clarity over time.” we run meetings, how we relate to one another and how we can continue to strengthen the team.” A Work in Progress While Patrick’s program is easy to understand, Michael will continue to support Downunder implementing it can be another challenge all Horsemanship and offer his guidance as the company together. “The process is very similar to my Method grows and reaches its goal of becoming a healthy and of horsemanship,” Clinton says. “My Method is simple smart organization. “It can be hard for a company to to understand because I’ve broken it down into easy have the discipline to implement the program,” Michael to understand steps. But if you’re not willing to invest adds. He says to think of the shelves at book stores that the time and energy into training your horse, it will are full of texts on team building, becoming a leader not work. The same is true of Patrick’s program. and improving a company’s bottom line. “Bookshelves Everything that Michael says is extremely easy to are full of really great information, but how much of understand, but putting it into practice takes work.” it honestly gets implemented?” Michael asks. “My job is to facilitate information so that it really takes root For that reason, Clinton continues to invite Michael in a company as opposed to it being just a really cool back to Downunder Horsemanship every quarter to theoretical idea. And I have to say, of all the organizations work with his leadership team. “I think the biggest that I work with, the one that is the most capable advantage of having Michael work with us is that he’s and dedicated to implementing true teamwork and able to help us look at challenges from a different organizational clarity is Downunder Horsemanship.” perspective since he has an outside view,” Kiason Turner, Downunder Horsemanship’s IT Manager says.

36 - Taking downunder horsemanship to a new level 8 Things Innovation You Should Know About... Sound at Tours

Ever wondered about the logistics or technology behind the sound system at tours? For Aaron Fenner, it’s all in a day’s work. The mastermind behind projecting Clinton’s voice to thousands of horsemen at each tour, Aaron is Downunder Horsemanship’s resident sound engineer.

Aaron grew up with an The Clinton Anderson To get an idea of how finicky appreciation for all things ➊ Walkabout Tour sound system ➎ sound can be, consider this: musical and apprenticed with is a modular system that includes “At 65 degrees Fahrenheit, sound travels a violin maker when he was thirty speakers. A number of factors 1,112 feet per second and for every one 15. “That sort of evolved into determine how many speakers Aaron degree in temperature change, sound working with musicians and uses and where he positions them, will speed up or slow down by one then live sound,” Aaron says. including the layout of the facility, the foot per second,” Aaron explains. “If a “At the time there was more of audience seating and the expected bunch of people come in, it’ll warm the a need for live sound engineers crowd. Each speaker gets a coverage place up. If the doors are opened or the than instrument technicians, area of approximately 90 by 80 degrees. heaters are turned on, it all affects the so that kind of decided my sound.” path and I fell in love with it.” Aaron arrives at the facility on ➋ the Thursday before a tour to “When I’m sitting there and When not on the road with begin setup. “I can get the system set up ➏ it looks like I’m daydreaming, Clinton, Aaron works at Sound and running in about three hours, but that’s probably when I’m working my Image in Nashville, Tennessee it generally takes me a day and a half to hardest,” Aaron jokes. “I’m listening for where he helps the company make final adjustments and tweak it,” phase issues or radio interference. Most handle its workload which he says. people don’t realize that there’s quite a includes many of today’s top bit of math and physics that go into it.” country acts. Aaron joined the Unlike concerts where sound Downunder Horsemanship ➌ is primarily projected from Making every single person Team last year and by his own the stage to the audience in front of it, ➐ in the audience happy can be admission, “it’s been a rock the sound at tours has to be projected a challenge. “Everybody has a slightly and roll party ever since!” nearly 360 degrees around Clinton. different concept of what sounds good. “He’s definitely not stationary – he’s all If there are two people sitting next to over the place in the arena,” Aaron says. each other, one person can think it’s “There are even times during the tour too loud and the other might think it’s that Clinton goes up into the crowd to too quiet,” Aaron says. “All of a sudden, do a question and answer for the No I’m not a sound engineer, I’m a politi- Worries Club members.” cian and have to make them agree on a happy medium!” Not to mention the challenges ➍ of keeping the sound crystal What’s the best part about clear when Clinton gets on the horses. ➑ being the sound engineer for “When he starts riding, I have to be really Clinton’s tours? “The staff – it’s like one conscious, especially if he starts going big family – everybody gets along and fast because the wind will get into the watches out for one another. It’s a lot of microphone,” Aaron says. And there are fun,” Aaron says. times when Clinton might speak softer or louder, and Aaron has to compensate.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 37 Photo by Shelley Paulson

38 – The right horse for the journey inspiration

Signature Horse Spotlight: The Right Horse for the Journey

nnette Rold credits her what his Method had to offer and Adaughters, Makenna and Ellis, joined the club. She sifted through the for getting her involved with horses. material on the club site and became Both girls, 9 and 7, are members of intrigued with Clinton’s horsemanship the Pony Club and love the challenge philosophy and training technique. and thrill of taking their horses over a “The materials are laid out so they course of jumps. But when Annette first are easy to duplicate, apply and get a started hauling them to lessons and result. The true value of any study is the pony club rallies, she admits that she results it produces,” she says. “I keep was at a complete loss. “I knew nothing practicing the Method because it works about horses and had never been on a and makes me feel more causative.” horse,” she relates. As the girls got more involved in the sport, Annette would After watching Clinton’s DVDs, Annette convince herself to get up on a horse knew that she didn’t just want to sit on from time to time, but it never felt right. the back of a horse and be a passenger. “I wanted to improve my skills and “I needed to learn so I was always not just follow another horse down asking questions, but sometimes the trail,” she says. She had already the answers made no sense to me,” tried several horses, but none of them Annette says. On one occasion, Annette worked out. “I was starting to think I asked a trainer to explain what she was in the wrong sport,” she admits. was doing, and the lady refused to tell And although she was frustrated, she her. “At that point, I decided I needed kept searching because she wanted to my own source of data,” she says. share her daughters’ passion. But her horse shopping experience had been That’s when a good friend told her anything but smooth. “We’d drive for about the No Worries Club. Even hours to know in a few minutes that though she’d never heard of Clinton it wasn’t a match,” Annette says. before, Annette was willing to see

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 39 Photo by Shelley Paulson

After several failed attempts at“ finding just the right horse, Annette has found the perfect Then she ran across an ad for Signature Horses and immediately put a call into Downunder Horsemanship. partner in Laredo. ‘I love having An already trained horse who knew the Downunder Horsemanship Method sounded almost too good to a horse that I can learn from be true, and past horse shopping experiences left Annette somewhat skeptical. “I didn’t want to make and trust’. another mistake,” she remembers, but when she was ” mailed a video of a possible Signature Horse, her hopes soared. After talking on the phone with Clinton, she bit hesitant to immediately buy Laredo. But she decided left her home in Minnesota to look at the Signature to trust her instincts and went with Clinton’s confidence Horse, Laredo. “I had a level of certainty that it would that Laredo was the perfect beginner’s horse. “He was work before I even got on the plane,” she admits. right,” Annette says of Clinton’s judgment. “I bought a horse with a user’s manual. When I need help or want The Perfect Beginner’s Horse to try something new, I have the DVDs as reference.” When searching for her new mount, Annette was adamant that she “wanted a horse that was well- Since January in Minnesota means snow and other trained, but also respectful and safe.” She wasn’t wintery weather, Annette decided to keep Laredo at interested in dealing with a horse that came with Clinton’s ranch until the spring when travel conditions baggage or issues; she simply wanted a horse that would were more favorable and she’d be able to work with her allow her to spend time riding with her girls. When she new horse. “It was a long wait,” she says, but one that arrived at the Downunder Horsemanship Ranch, she paid off. Professional Clinician, Shana Terry, gave Annette hoped Laredo would be just what she was looking for. a lesson on Laredo at her home to review everything they had covered at the ranch, and the gelding was She spent the entire day getting to know the immediately a perfect fit in theR old household. With personable gelding, taking him through various three children, dogs, cats and chickens running about, groundwork and riding exercises. “It was educational “there’s a lot going on all the time,” Annette says, but and fun. I hadn’t really started riding yet, so it was the gelding takes it all in stride. “He likes the children a bit like buying a car before you have your driver’s and all the action,” she adds. “He’s very easygoing.” license. I learned a lot and came away excited that I had a horse that I could learn from,” she says. Opportunity to Learn Annette and Laredo spent the summer trail riding and After her numerous and equally unsuccessful practicing the Method. “He knows it better than I do,” attempts to purchase the right horse, Annette was a Annette credits. “He surprises me when I try something

40 – The right horse for the journey new from a DVD. Once he knows what I’m asking for, he’s And as for a mom of three who juggles right there with me.” And she says that he isn’t afraid to a full-time job, Laredo is the perfect inspiration feel good about his accomplishments. “He does this really partner. “I travel for work, so there are cute strut when he tries something new and succeeds. many times we go a week to ten days He shows that he’s proud of himself!” she relates. without riding. A bit of groundwork and a few minutes in the tack and it’s like I never left. As a busy working When Annette goes out to work with Laredo, she mom, that is so important to me,” Annette says. says he walks right up to the halter and lead rope and practically puts it on himself. Rather than trying to learn While Laredo is proving to be the ideal horse for Annette horsemanship skills and teach a horse at the same time, to learn on, his true gift is how he’s helped her share Annette acknowledges that it’s a relief knowing that her daughters’ love of horses. Instead of being a passive Laredo understands what he’s supposed to be doing. bystander in their lives, Annette can now join in and “I’m very happy that I have the opportunity to learn has the perfect horse to do so. “He makes riding fun with him,” she says. In fact, Laredo’s easygoing nature and relaxing. I feel like I can take him anywhere and and willingness to please belie his age. “What surprises he’ll be fine,” she says. Instead of constantly worrying me and everyone else is that he’s only 6. He has the about what she doesn’t know or how her horse is going beingness of a wise old man. He never overreacts. When to react, Annette’s free to just enjoy her time in the he does have a moment of worry, he’s just figuring saddle. “Every ride is a good one. I come home from things out, never freaking out. He’s really good with just every ride and announce that I love my horse,” she says. enough surprises to make him fun,” Annette says. “I love having a horse that I can learn from and trust.”

Before becoming the perfect horse for Annette, Laredo was ridden extensively by Clinton and his Professional Clinicians. Each Signature Horse knows the complete Downunder Horsemanship Method.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 41 Photo by Shelley Paulson managing your midlife horses PART FOUR OF A FOUR PART SERIES Overcoming New Worries & Physical Challenges

f a wreck has left your confidence shaken, Sharon McLeod of Ennis, Texas, knows Iif your strength and stamina are not what that feeling well. After a bucking episode they used to be or if you’ve become acutely with Bourbon, her 5-year-old, Texas ranch aware that you just don’t bounce as well as horse, left her with serious injuries, a long you used to, Clinton’s Method will help you recovery time and advice from her cowboy re-build your confidence – and your own buddies that ranged from “shoot him” to conditioning – right along with your horse’s. “sell him for rodeo stock,” she realized she was in trouble and needed help. When Frieda Bruck of Minnesota was young, she was no stranger to green-broke horses. Sharon’s desperation led her to try Clinton’s She galloped bareback down country lanes, Method, which drew plenty of snickers and competed in match races, barrel racing and jeers from her old cowboy buddies. She other speed events, as well as competitive ignored them and persisted, day after day trail riding. But when, twenty years later, in the roundpen and then the arena. “The she bought Rodeo, a “beautiful bay pasture light bulbs were coming on in his head and ornament with numerous bad habits,” she in my head,” she recalls. “After forty-five discovered that something had happened years of riding, I learned for the first time to her self confidence around horses when about groundwork, disrespect and that my she wasn’t looking, leaving her not only horse wasn’t really broke after all.” With afraid to canter, but also with “stamina, Clinton’s Method and plenty of patience, balance and agility that had sprung a leak.” Sharon gained control of Bourbon and her fear – and even had some of those skeptical And there was plenty to worry about, cowboys asking for her help with their horses. Frieda says. “Rodeo was agile, athletic and overreactive. Each time he spooked, and I “Horses don’t know right or wrong,” Clinton fell off, I became more fearful.” Nevertheless, says. “They only know what they’re allowed Frieda persisted, convinced it was just time to do.” What we consider to be rude behavior in the saddle she and Rodeo needed. They – running over you, biting, kicking, refusing went to training clinics and trail rides, and to move or pushing into you – is really as long as they didn’t move faster than a nothing more than normal herd behavior, he trot, everything was fine. “But every time we explains. “The first thing we need to teach tried to canter, Rodeo would start speeding our horses is, ‘Hey, I’m fragile – you have to up and I would panic and pull him to a stop,” be careful with me.’ Think about it. When she remembers. “Whenever I tried to add one 1,200-pound horse kicks another in the cantering to a training session, it ended side, that horse just grunts, moves over about poorly, and I’d go home feeling like a failure.” 10 feet and then goes back to eating. But if

42 – Managing your midlife horses Inspiration

The respect you earn through groundwork lays a solid foundation of learning and trust that you will build on as you progress through the Method.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 43 absorption. “Horses learn best when you have their complete attention,” he adds. “Accepting anything less in these exercises is training him to ignore you.”

Once you have earned your horse’s respect for your personal hula hoop, taught him to give you two eyes, and have the ability to move his feet forward on command, you’re ready for groundwork using the halter and lead rope. To get the most out of this crucial stage of training, Clinton has developed a series of specific exercises, each building upon the other, using a specially designed rope halter and 14-foot lead rope.

Your hula hoop space is a 4-foot circle that surrounds you and serves as your safety zone. As long as you keep your horse out of your space, he can’t hurt you. Once you’ve established respect, then you can invite him into your space. a 1,200-pound horse kicks a 140 to 200 pound person in the side, we’re in the hospital.” So even though we may understand that this is just herd behavior – and not just meanness – we’re dealing with, we still can’t allow it.

Even though the first thing you may want to do when you get that new horse home is hop on and go for that long-awaited glory ride, Clinton recommends spending a few sessions establishing what he calls your personal hula hoop. This is a 4-foot circle that surrounds you and serves as your safety zone. At first, your new horse should not be allowed inside that space without being invited Have you ever worked with a horse and came back the next day to in. “It’s like your neighbors,” Clinton quips. “You may repeat the lesson and he acted like he didn’t remember a single thing? like them, but you don’t want them to come barging into That’s because you truly didn’t have his attention or respect. In your house uninvited.” That is not to say that your horse order to teach a horse, he must have his eyes and attention on you. can never come up to you, he adds, but in those first few days, this simple exercise tells the horse in no uncertain These simple exercises are designed to teach you how terms – and in his own language – that you are going to to move your horse’s feet – forwards, backwards, left be dominant in this relationship. This may be hard for and right – and always reward the slightest try with those of us who can’t wait for the love affair with our the immediate release of pressure. In small, sequential horse to start, but it is vital to establishing the first stage increments, the respect you earn through groundwork of respect, which is safety. “All the bad things a horse can lays a solid foundation of learning and trust that you do to hurt you – biting, kicking, striking and running over will call upon again and again, both on the ground you – can’t happen if no part of him is inside that space,” and in the saddle. Clinton’s program is deliberate and he adds. So draw that circle in the ground around you and systematic, and even though the going may seem stay inside it. Every time the horse tries to enter it, drive slow and a little boring at first, it is important to do all him out, whacking him with your stick if necessary. of the exercises in order, and make sure your horse understands each one thoroughly before going to the The next stage of respect (the one that leads to control) next. “Don’t skip any steps or it will just slow you down is accomplished in the roundpen with a specific set of later,” he advises. “If you concentrate and do these exercises designed to teach a horse to move his feet on things in order, you’ll be amazed at how other problems command and give you two eyes. When you teach a disappear and how much faster and easier your horse horse to put both eyes on you, turn toward you in the will be able to pick up more advanced maneuvers.” roundpen (“Two eyes are always better than two heels,” is another famous Clintonism), and follow you through Frieda recalls the moment of her breakthrough clearly. a series of circles, serpentines and spirals, with both She had taken Rodeo to Clinton’s clinic in Belle Center, eyes always on you, you’ll know you are commanding Ohio. They had started slowly with things Frieda and his full attention, Clinton says. This ensures that Rodeo were comfortable doing. “After a short time, whatever you are going to teach him will have maximum I began to relax,” she says. “Soon, with Clinton’s

44 – Managing your midlife horses encouragement, I bumped Rodeo into a canter. Since Can Canter Slower than Your Horse.” I could hold onto the saddle with both hands, I wasn’t Inspiration so worried about falling off.” Frieda says the dread of And, Sharon says that although she and cantering and tension in her body put her in the “fetal/ Bourbon still have a ways to go on the fear” position to start with. “There were a few tense challenge to teaching a roping horse leads and flying lead moments when Rodeo and I almost parted company,” changes, the biggest fight at her house now is who gets to she laughs, “but I could see that the more I let go of the ride Bourbon. “The whole family now rides him,” Sharon tension in my body, the freer I was to go with Rodeo beams. “It’s been a journey to save Bourbon and myself,” instead of jerking along behind his movement. Then, she adds. “But having the skills to teach and read a horse almost like magic, we were cantering as a team – in has given me the confidence we needed. I now know circles, around cones – cantering just for the fun of it!” that groundwork, patience, One Rein Stops and never Clinton explained to Frieda – in between telling her to skipping any steps will keep me as safe as possible.”

And Sharon has put that knowledge to almost like magic, we were cantering the test. She participated in the Mustang “ Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, and her as a team – in circles, around cones – two mustangs finished in the top fifteen and the top ten. Next, she plans to start cantering just for the fun of it! a 2-year-old to “have the chance to ” start them off right to begin with.” This all comes, Clinton tells us, from being relax – that horses have to practice cantering in order to patient, systematic, consistent and focused. And, as Frieda get good at it – and this means spending lots of time at and Sharon have demonstrated, the rewards will be well the lope. “I hadn’t given Rodeo a chance to learn his job worth the wait. “Every time you earn that horse’s respect when I kept pulling him to a stop,” she reflects. “I had by making him move his feet, it’s like making a deposit in to learn to relax so Rodeo could learn to do his job.” the bank,” he explains. “And when it comes time to make a withdrawal, you’re going to be very glad it’s there.” Nowadays, cantering is one of Frieda’s favorite things. “Rodeo has a lovely canter now,” she says. “He So go ahead! Indulge those midlife horse dreams! But rounds his back and is balanced and comfortable. We before you climb into the saddle and gallop into your do canter departures from a walk on both leads and sunset years, follow Clinton’s advice and take the time enjoy loping cloverleaf patterns and spiraling circles to gain knowledge that will earn your horse’s respect, in the arena.” And on the trail, Frieda says that she control his behavior and build your confidence. regularly sings to her friends a few verses of “My Horse

Thanks to Clinton’s Method, Using Clinton’s Method, Sharon has been able to achieve Frieda was able to gain true cooperation from her horse confidence in the saddle and is continually discovering and become a leader just how far having the right her horse Rodeo could knowledge can take you. look to for guidance.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 45 Downunder Horsemanship Team Spotlight: Melissa Barnett NWC Coordinator

When a college graduation gift left Melissa Barnett feeling helpless, she discovered the man and the Method that would shape her horsemanship and eventually her career.

hen Melissa was newly graduated from Fresno State Wwith a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science, she was taken completely by surprise when her mom presented her graduation gift – breeding her longtime Quarter Horse mare Lacey. Having raised Lacey, now 19 years old, from a yearling, Melissa was excited at the prospect of breeding her. But then reality set in. “All at once it hit me,” Melissa remembers, “I had a foal on the way and I had no clue what to do. I had always had a trained horse or a trainer to go to.” On top of that, Melissa was a recent graduate which meant low funds and little spare time as she worked on establishing her career. Not one to let negative thoughts get in her way, she was determined to make Above: Having trained Amber since her the most of the situation and prepare herself accordingly. birth using only Clinton’s Method, Melissa has been amazed by the results. Thanks to “I started seeking knowledge before the foal was born,” Melissa’s hard work, Amber has grown up Melissa says. “I was on the lookout for any help I could find. to be a trustworthy and willing partner. I wanted the knowledge to make this particular baby the best horse I possibly could.” It was at the Sacramento Horse Facing Page: Melissa raised Lacey, now Expo that same year that she found her answer. She watched 19-years-old, from a yearling. Clinton work with a disrespectful horse and was impressed with the horse’s transformation by the end of the session. Immediately the light bulbs started going off. “I was like, ‘Wow! This is really informative,’” Melissa remembers. “His style was straightforward and what he was saying just made sense to me.”

Stockpiling herself with information, she watched Clinton’s DVDs and learned the foundation to earning a horse’s re- spect and building a lifelong partnership. From the moment that her filly, Amber, hit the ground, Melissa has been solely responsible for her training – all of which of course has been done following Clinton’s Method. The results have amazed Melissa and bolstered her confidence as a horsewoman.

46 – Melissa Barnett NWC coordinator Inspiration

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 47 “At first I was so excited about desensitizing to pick out what they want to do,” Melissa Top Left: Always up that I kind of overdid it,” Melissa admits. says. “So far Amber is really loving the trails.” for a challenge, Melissa “I struggled with learning how to is learning the ins balance desensitizing with sensitizing. All In The Family and outs of cutting on There was definitely a learning curve, Melissa can trace her horse-crazy gene her mare Corona. but the Method was so easy for Amber three generations back and says she never to learn; it has been amazing what I had a chance when it came to resisting Top Middle: “Corona have been able to accomplish.” life as an equestrian. “My mom lives and is the horse that knew breathes horses, and she couldn’t keep me everything but in reality A working girl supporting herself, Melissa off of them growing up,” Melissa says. knew nothing,” Melissa is lucky if she gets to ride her horses three says. With Clinton’s times a week. “As a horse owner, the Melissa’s mom, a jack-of-all-trades when Method, Melissa has biggest challenge for me is trying to find it comes to equines, has competed in three been able to help the time to work with my horses,” she day eventing, shown at the American Corona use the thinking explains. Before taking the No Worries Club Quarter Horse Association World Show side of her brain rather Coordinator position, Melissa worked at and in National Cutting Horse Association than the reactive side. BanfieldV eterinary Hospitals where she was competitions, and loves to trail ride. In eventually promoted to business partner southern Indiana, where Melissa grew up, Top Right: Amber is and manager of a branch in Dallas. She her mom ran a small barn where she trained Melissa’s “everything” points to Clinton’s Method for being able to horses off the track. In fact, those horses horse. The pair has stay active with her horses while juggling a often served as Melissa’s babysitters. Her competed in a variety demanding professional life. “With Clinton’s mom either had her in a playpen in the of events including Method, I knew I could set a goal and I would barn aisle, or when she got big enough, on trail classes. know all the steps I needed to accomplish the back of a horse. “My job was to cool the it,” she says. “For example, if my goal was horses out. Mom would work them and then to get through four lessons in one month, I throw me up in the saddle and hand me knew exactly what I needed to accomplish the reins,” Melissa says with a laugh. “As each time I went to the barn. I kept myself long as I can remember, my babysitter was on track instead of being lost, wondering a horse so my mom could keep going.” what to do next and wasting time.” And Melissa’s mom made sure her daughter Now a laidback 5-year-old mare, Amber received a well-rounded education. “I took is Melissa’s “everything” horse. “She’s my English lessons, western pleasure lessons, and companion so whatever she wants to do was involved in 4-H and all the local clubs,” is fine with me,” she says. The pair has Melissa says. “She had me showing at both competed in open shows doing all around local shows and some of the biggest shows classes and just recently started trail riding. “I in the area. Every weekend she pretty much think horses should be given the opportunity had me dressed up and at the show grounds.”

48 – Melissa Barnett NWC coordinator Inspiration

Get to Know Melissa  She’s had Nala, a Maine Coon, for eight years. Because of her plumpness (Nala weighs in at a whopping eighteen pounds), the precocious cat has earned the nick- name “Beastie.” According to Melissa, Clinton can count the feline in his group of fans. “When I first got the VD Ds, I watched them all the time and Nala made sure she was there with me,” she says. “When he’d fling the Handy Stick, she’d run up to the TV and try to catch it!”

 Self described as crafty, Melissa enjoys making western jewelry in her free time. She picked the hobby up three years ago and can often be seen sporting her creations.

 She likes a horse with personal- ity. When she drives up to the barn and her horses run to the gate and nicker, it makes her day. “I love how they talk to you,” she says. “They’re much smarter than people realize.”

 Melissa cites her mom as the biggest influ- ence in her horse career, and the two enjoy hitting the trails every chance they get.

 Her favorite horse activity? Grooming. “I could spend hours grooming them,” Melissa says. “At boarding stables, I’ve been laughed at for how much time I spend grooming them. But for me, it’s that perfect moment after a ride when they’re all sweaty and you can clean them up. I can zone out and just appreciate their companionship. And when they’re nice and pretty, you can put them back in their stall so they can lay down and roll and get dirty again,” she jokes.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 49 Though Melissa has enjoyed a wide variety of equestrian competition, with showmanship being her favorite, she’s recently taken an interest in working cow horses. “I’m still in the process of learning more about cutting,” she says. “That’s my passion right now and I want to learn as much about it as possible.” To educate herself, Melissa takes lessons and reads as many articles and watches as much video as she can get her hands on, and even has a retired cutter to learn from. “I’m a bit competitive in nature and am always looking for a new challenge and a way to add to my knowledge,” she acknowledges. Feeding the Desire Melissa’s sense for bettering herself comes naturally. “While growing up, my mom always pushed me to challenge myself,” she relates. “She still encourages me to try new things and step out of my comfort zone.” When her mom found out about Melissa’s desire to learn a new sport, she offered her retired cutter, Corona, for Melissa to learn on. The Dual Peppy-bred mare is helping Melissa learn the ins and outs of the new sport and is strengthening her appreciation for Clinton’s Method.

“Corona is the horse that knew everything but in reality knew nothing,” Melissa says with a smile. While the mare may have come with great cow sense and athletic ability, she also came with Ears up! Melissa poses with Amber, the horse plenty of issues, the biggest of which was spooking. With Clinton’s that led her to Clinton and his training Method. Method as guidance, Melissa has been able to address the mare’s reactive nature and continue me, having access to Clinton’s RFD-TV with her training program. shows was the best thing about the club,” she says. “Even though I had his riding and “Corona is my high-energy horse groundwork DVDs, sometimes I would run – she’s cowy and gets excited, into that one problem that was preventing which makes her a lot of fun. me from moving on. On RFD-TV, he might go Amber on the other hand is laid into a certain exercise in more detail than back. Whenever I hear Clinton he did on the DVD or he might explain it in a say, ‘Oh Precious,’ Amber is the different way that made more sense to me.” one that I think of,” Melissa says describing her two horses. And anytime she was looking for information, she knew she could turn to the No Worries club forums and others who were learning Learning to deal with both types the Method. “I always knew I could get of horses is what drove Melissa online and there would be a reliable source to the No Worries Club. One of to do research or ask questions,” she says. its first members, she joined in March of 2007 after hearing a Melissa is now Downunder Horsemanship’s friend describe its benefits. “For No Worries Club Coordinator, a position that acts as a liaison between the company Throughout her horse showing career, Melissa has enjoyed a wide and its club members. She is excited to be range of classes but says that showmanship is her favorite. Here a part of the Downunder Horsemanship her and Amber smile for the camera after a long day at a show. Team and get to know club members on a different level. “This is a great opportunity I never thought would come up. It’s exciting to think that I can be a part of helping to inspire other people,” Melissa says. “This company has done so much for me as a customer that being able to give back to Downunder Horsemanship and getting to meet people just like myself is unbelievable. I’m so incredibly excited to be a part of it all!”

50 – Melissa Barnett NWC coordinator Smart Chic Olena X Princess in Diamonds

Share in a three-generation legacy of NRHA and NCHA champions.

Make these elite bloodlines your own.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

VISIT Downunderhorsemanship.com for more info Member Spotlight: Discovering True Horsemanship

A scary experience in the saddle forced one Alabama horseman to rethink his notions of horsemanship and led him and his family to Clinton’s Method.

52 – Discovering true horsemanship Inspiration

or two years, Lee Harrell was forced out of the Fsaddle due to total hip replacement surgery. It wasn’t easy for the lifelong horseman to stay off his horses, but Lee knew he needed to give himself plenty of time to heal before climbing back into the saddle. On a Saturday afternoon in early March of 2008, the Alabama father of two felt he was ready to ride again. So with his wife and teenage son and daughter in tow, he saddled up the horses and they took off down the road. “We had ridden about two miles when we stopped for a little break,” Lee remembers. “After about ten minutes, we decided to head back to the house.” That’s when the ride took an unexpected turn and brought Lee to the turning point of his horsemanship career.

Lee’s 14-year-old son had already started back home when his wife went to get on her horse, Yogi. All of a sudden, the Tennessee Walker took off down the road after the other horse before his wife could get positioned in the saddle. With only one foot in the stirrup, she precariously hung onto the saddle for dear life as Yogi galloped down the road. “I yelled, ‘Pull his head around,’” Lee says, “but she didn’t hear me. He tried yelling louder, but still his wife didn’t hear him, and as Lee watched in horror, the saddle slipped under Yogi’s belly. His wife didn’t have a chance; she hit the paved road hard. “Hard enough,” Lee says, “that she chipped a bone in her elbow and had to have surgery to remove the fragment which was causing her extreme pain.”

Lee immediately jumped off his horse and ran over to her, praying that his wife wasn’t seriously injured. “She was a little bruised and scraped up and told me that her elbow was really hurting,” Lee says. “But she said that she didn’t feel like she was hurt too badly.” Relieved that his wife had survived the fall, Lee’s second thought was that they’d just gotten lucky – the outcome could have been far worse. Something had to change. More specifically, “it was us and how we handled our horses that had to change,” Lee reflects. False Impressions A lifelong horse lover, Lee’s first encounter with a horse was as an 8-year-old boy. “My father decided to get my brother and I a Shetland pony,” Lee says. The 10-year-old dappled-gray pony was rightly named Hot Shot, and Lee and his brother despised him. “He would bite and kick, and when he got tired of you being on him, he would try to get you off by any means necessary,” Lee recalls. “I was afraid of him so I would never ride him without my dad leading him around. One day, I was brave enough to ride him all by myself.” But when a horse whinnied down the road and the pony took off, dragging Lee, he

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 53 promptly steered clear of him. “I never had anything to And it was with that attitude that he first dismissed do with him after that and I was glad to see him go!” Clinton, but after his wife’s accident everything changed. Lee remembers. Four years later, his family relocated to “The only person who stood out in my mind was Oklahoma, and Lee made friends with other horse-crazy that skinny, young guy from Australia,” Lee says. He kids in his neighborhood. “We didn’t have a horse, but searched the program guide and found the Downunder one of my friends had an extra one. For the next four Horsemanship RFD-TV show. “I watched the entire show years, I would ride with my friends on five to ten mile this time. What drew me to Clinton was the simplicity long trail rides pretty much every weekend,” Lee says. of what he was saying and the sense that it made,” Lee explains. One of the things that had turned him away Unlike Hot Shot, Lee was riding well-trained, nearly from other clinicians was their use of already trained bomb-proof roping horses. “And it was absolutely horses to demonstrate an exercise. “He was using a horse wonderful,” he recalls. “It was this experience that that didn’t know what to do,” Lee points out, “which was made my love for horses grow.” But it also gave him the unlike the other clinicians I had seen who used their own false impression that all horses were good mannered horses that had been doing all of this stuff for years!” and knew their jobs. “Boy was I wrong!” Lee says.

One of the other things I like a“bout the Method is that it doesn't matter how old the horse is or how long they have had bad habits, if your are consistent and follow the program, you will get the results you are looking for.” After watching the TV show and seeing what Clinton could achieve with a horse, Lee was hooked. He immediately put the Method to practice, working with his family’s seven horses. The Harrells own Pride, a 12-year-old American Saddlebred gelding; Stud, a 12-year- old Quarter Horse cross gelding; Princess, a 15-year-old Tennessee Walking mare; Ellie, a 16-year-old Racking Lee and Poco, a 5-year-old Quarter Horse mare Horse mare; Sonny, a 28-year-old Welsh Cobb gelding; that he hopes to compete in reining. Yogi, a 26-year-old Tennessee Walking gelding and Poco, a 5-year-old Quarter Horse mare. The Harrells primarily use their horses for trail riding, but venture into barrel The Journey to a Better Way racing and western performance classes with their After watching his wife fall and reliving the experience Quarter Horses. “I suppose one could say we have the best in his mind, Lee started to re-evaluate his view of horses of both worlds,” Lee says, “gaited horses for those long and his horsemanship ability. He remembered stumbling trail rides and Quarter Horses for all purpose riding.” across “a show that featured this real skinny, young guy, with a very cool Australian accent.” He had watched Shortly after discovering Clinton, Lee’s wife bought the show for ten minutes before resuming his channel him the Gaited Horsemanship DVD series as a birthday surfing. “I had already seen shows of other clinicians present. “I learned more information from that DVD and thought to myself, ‘I don’t need to watch this junk.’ than I had ever learned my whole life,” Lee says. Two After all, I was born in Alabama, but I was raised in things Clinton covered in the series stood out to him. Texas and Oklahoma and had been around horses all The first was that his horses weren’t truly broke. “There of my life,” Lee says with a laugh. “I was a ‘cowboy.’” is a distinct difference between a horse that is broke and

54 – Discovering true horsemanship a horse that will just let you ride it,” Lee says. To his dismay, he discovered that he had very little Inspiration control of his horses. He worked on establishing respect with groundwork exercises, moving his horses’ feet forwards, backwards, left and right and rewarding the slightest try. And just like Clinton explained in the DVD, Lee found that respect on the ground carried over to under saddle work as well. He worked tirelessly on the Cruising Lesson – riding the horses on a loose rein and daring them to speed up or slow down. “I began to learn all of the things that no one had ever taken the time to teach me,” Lee says. In the first hour of the series, he learned why his horses did the things that they did, what true collection is, and most importantly, he recognized the need to change himself as a horseman. “Before you will ever see a change in your horse, you have to first change yourself,”L ee repeats Clinton’s advice. When he heard Clinton explain that he’d never met a horse he couldn’t train, but he’d met plenty of people who weren’t willing to learn, Lee paid close attention. “That piece of advice alone was worth the price of the series!” he says.

In the two years that Lee and his family have been using the Method, they’ve seen their horses and themselves transform. “Because of everything I’ve learned my horses are less pushy and dominant. They’re willing to cooperate with me. I’m more confident while being around them and riding them, and our relationship has vastly Lee with his wife and daughter at a improved,” Lee explains. “My horses no longer Walkabout Tour meeting Clinton and Diez. see me as a predator, a subordinate or an equal for that matter; they see me as the leader of the herd.” Instead of ignoring Lee when he comes out to the pasture, Heartfelt Gratitude or worse, running the other way, they pick their heads At the Memphis Tour that Lee and his family attended up, look at him and come on over. “Now, they are by no in 2008, he remembers Clinton telling the crowd that means Mindy or Diez, but we are on our way!” Lee says. frustration begins where knowledge ends. “And thanks to Clinton we aren’t frustrated anymore!” Lee exclaims. He credits the ease at which he’s been able to progress “There are not enough words to describe how thankful through the Method to Clinton’s teaching style. “I really I am that Clinton does what he does. Frustration does like the way that each exercise builds on the one before begin where knowledge ends. And I ran out of knowledge it. If the exercise is easy for me to understand, then about ten years ago. Thanks to Clinton, I have been armed it’s easy for my horse to understand,” Lee relates. with knowledge, instruction, confidence and inspiration!

Horrifying experiences like the one the Harrells lived “I read in his book that he wished that his grandmother through two years ago when Yogi took off down the could see the horseman that he has become and I am road are a thing of the past. Now each of their seven sure that she would be very proud of him for that. horses is a dependable, respectful mount, and the But I believe that she would be as equally proud, if time the Harrells spend in the saddle is enjoyed. Lee not more proud, of the man that he has become. His cites the docile nature and good temperament of his willingness to share his knowledge with the world makes gaited horses to his appreciation of the breed. “That’s him very special to us. I truly enjoy being a student, not to say that they don’t get nervous – they certainly and from the bottom of my heart, thank Clinton so do,” he says. But thanks to Clinton and the Downunder much for sharing his knowledge and experience!” Horsemanship Method, Lee and his family now have the tools to effectively handle any situation that arises.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 55 HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC 2010 • STEPHENVILLE, TX APPLY THE METHOD • DEVELOP SAFE, RESPONSIVE AND WILLING HORSES • CREATE A TRUSTING AND RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIP • OVERCOME YOUR FEARS • ACCOMPLISH YOUR HORSEMANSHIP GOALS NO WORRIES CLUB MEMBERS ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNTS.

CLINIC PARTICIPANTS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEASE A HORSE FOR USE DURING THE CLINIC.

MAY 4 – 13 10 DAY FUNDAMENTAL/INTERMEDIATE PRESENTED BY JUNE 18 - 20 3 DAY FUNDAMENTAL JUNE 24 - JULY 3 10 DAY FUNDAMENTAL/INTERMEDIATE OCTOBER 13 - 22 10 DAY INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED OCTOBER 25 - 30 5 DAY FUNDAMENTAL NOVEMBER 1 - 6 5 DAY FUNDAMENTAL

DOWNUNDERHORSEMANSHIP.COM • 888-287-7432 The first clinic of 2010 is still a few weeks away, but the Downunder Horsemanship Ranch is a flurry of activity as the finishing touches are being made to the newly constructed arena and facility. Clinton is excited to offer the new clinic format that features Fundamentals, Intermediate and Advanced level clinics.

CLINIC Topics Covered: Fundamentals Level Intermediate Level Advanced Level Groundwork Groundwork Groundwork 1. Desensitizing with the Lead Rope 1. Changing Sides 1. Lunging for Respect Stage 3 2. Desensitizing with the Stick and String a. With your hand a. 14-foot rope 3. Yield the Hindquarters b. With the lead rope b. Long Line a. Stage 1 2. Run Up and Rub 2. Stirrup Driving b. Stage 2 3. Desensitizing to Plastic Bags 3. Pick Me Up Off the Fence 4. Backing Up 4. Slap and Tap 4. Backing Angles a. Method 1 5. Changing Eyes 5. Backing Circles b. Method 2 a. Stage 1 6. Jumping and Crossing Over Obstacles c. Method 3 b. Stage 2 a. Logs d. Method 4 6. Touch and Rub b. Tarp 5. Yield the Forequarters a. Nose c. Barrels 6. Lunging for Respect Stage 1 b . P o l l 7. Leading Rollbacks 7. Flexing c. Forequarters 8. Backing Serpentines a. Steady Pressure 7. Outback Exercise 9. Long Line Changing Directions b. Bumping on the Halter 8. C-Pattern Exercise 10. Outback on Long Line c. Poke and Flex 9. Throw the Rope to Stop 11. C-Pattern on Long Line d. Flex from Opposite Side 10. Sidepassing Stage 1 12. Sidepassing Off the Fence 8. Sending Exercise 11. Leading Behind a. 14-foot rope 9. Circle Driving 12. Turn and Go b. Long Line 10. Lunging for Respect Stage 2 a. Turn and Draw 13. Flexing and Leading by the Ear 11. Leading Beside b. Turn and Drive Out 14. Leading by the Muzzle 12. Fundamental Desensitizing 13. Circle Driving Transitions a. Slap and Walk 14. Line Driving b. Head Shy Exercises 15. Circle Driving Transitions  c. Helicopter on the Long Line 16. Bridle Bending a. Yield Hindquarters b. Shoulder c. Back Up Fundamentals Level Intermediate Level Advanced Level Riding Riding Riding 1. Flex with Bridle on the Ground 1. Vertical Flexion at a Walk 1. Vertical Flexion at the Canter 2. Flexing at a Standstill (under saddle) 2. Cloverleaf Exercise 2. Sidepass Off the Fence 3. One Rein Stops 3. Yield and Bend (Disengage then Sidepass) 4. Cruising Lesson 4. Post N’ Circle 3. Counterbending 5. Follow the Fence 5. Yield the Hindquarters on the Fence 4. Advanced Rollbacks 6. Diagonals Across the Arena 6. Yield the Hindquarters and a. Rollbacks Around the Arena 7. Touch and Rub Exercise Sidepass on the Fence b. Stop, Back, Rollback (on the ground) 7. Rollbacks on the Fence Stage 1 5. Two-Tracking 8. Yield the Hindquarters at a Standstill 8. Vertical Flexion at the Trot a. Stage 1 9. Yield to a Stop 9. Shoulder In/Shoulder Out b. Stage 2 10. Bending at the Walk 10. Serpentines 6. Yield the Hindquarters in a Straight Line 11. Bending Transitions 11. Yield the Hindquarters and 7. Post to Post Rollbacks 12. Vertical Flexion at a Standstill Bring the Front End Through 8. Flower Power Exercise 13. Draw to a Stop 12. Down and Around 9. Backing Circles on the 14. Yield the Hindquarters and Back Up 13. Bending with Vertical Ground with the Bridle 14. Leads Exercise 10. Backing Circles Under Saddle 15. Sidepass from a Standstill on the Fence 11. Drive to a Stop 16. Stop on Whoa 12. Neck Reining 17. Draw to a Walk Transitions SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 57 A Higher Degree of Horsemanship Most people’s idea of neck reining Single is yanking the reins off to the side and trying to drag the horse in a new direction. It’s like in the old black and white movies where the cowboy reefs Handed his horse over to shoot the bad guy. He drags the reins across his horse’s neck leaving the horse with his head stuck The Art of straight up in the air and his mouth gaped open. In reality, neck reining, when done correctly, is a higher degree Neck Reining of horsemanship with much finesse involved. Think of top-level reiners More than just a Western tradition, who can guide their horses through an being able to neck rein or steer intricate pattern without moving their hand from the middle of the horse’s neck. your horse with one hand is a useful skill that will give you Neck reining is a more sophisticated greater freedom in the saddle. way of guiding your horse. When you first start riding a horse, you use a direct rein to steer him. You guide the horse by pulling on one rein to physically point his nose in the direction you want him to go. If you want the horse to turn left, you pull on the left rein. If you want him to turn to the right, you pull on the right rein. When you neck rein, you lay the outside rein against his neck to cue him and direct his motion. For example, to neck rein the horse to the right, you’d lay the left rein against the left side of his neck. And to turn him to the left, you’d lay the right rein against the right side of his neck. With consistent practice, you’ll teach your horse to move away from the rein pressure so he turns the correct direction. Why Ride One-Handed? The most obvious reason to teach your horse to neck rein is if you plan to show him in any sort of Western breed class or a performance class like reining or cutting. At those competitions, it’s a requirement to ride your horse one-handed and steer him with the neck rein. It would also be essential to teach the horse if you ever planned on roping off of him, participating in mounted shooting, or a number of other sports that would require you to hold something in one hand while steering your horse with the other.

58 – Single handed - the art of neck reining While most people associate neck reining with Western horse is ready for it. If you focus too much horses, any horse can learn to neck rein. Being able on neck reining in the beginning, often Instruction to steer and guide your horse around the arena or times, the horse gets stiffer because you down the trail with just one hand is a higher degree don’t work on suppling exercises like you of horsemanship that requires feel and a better line should. Neck Reining is the very last exercise that I teach of communication between you and your horse. Its in my Method and should only be attempted after you practical applications are numerous too. If your horse have mastered each of the exercises in the Fundamentals, doesn’t neck rein, it’s hard to control him with one Intermediate and Advanced series with your horse. hand for everyday tasks such as reaching down for a water bottle, opening a gate or putting on a jacket. Laying the Foundation Teaching a horse to neck rein isn’t difficult, but it does Getting Started take consistency and repetition. It’s not a lesson that Before introducing the horse to the concept of neck you’re going to accomplish in one week – you’ll have reining, it’s important that he’s soft and supple and you to build on it a little each day. To first teach the cues can control all five of his body parts – the head and neck, of neck reining, you’ll keep your horse in the snaffle poll, shoulders, ribcage and hindquarters. If you can’t bit and ride with both hands on the reins. Using both control the horse’s body from his nose to his tail, he’ll an indirect and direct rein to steer the horse, you’ll resist you when you lay the rein against his neck. A lot progress to being able to guide him with just one hand. of people try to work on neck reining long before their

Teaching Steps:

Left: You should be able to collect your horse vertically at all three gaits while he remains light and soft in your hands.

Right: The inside rein points the horse’s nose in the direction you want him to turn, while the outside rein helps direct his shoulders through the turn. The goal is to get his head, neck and shoulders moving together.

Walk your horse forward To turn to the left, first than way back by his withers. If the horse 1on a straight line with both 2look in the direction that you doesn’t turn, then pull the rein across his of your hands on the reins. Your want to turn. Then lay the outside neck toward your left hip. At the exact horse should be flexed vertically rein (in this case the right rein) same time, pull the inside (left rein) up at the poll and soft in your against the horse’s neck. This is to your left hip so that the horse tips his hands. In fact, if when you pick just a cue. When you first lay the nose in the direction that he’s turning. up on the reins your horse’s first rein to ask the horse to turn, you response isn’t to tuck his nose in are not trying to make the horse The inside rein gets the horse’s nose and soften, he’s telling you that turn by pulling the rein across his pointed in the correct direction while he’s not ready for the exercise. neck; you’re just laying it there the outside rein helps turn his shoulders. You need to spend more time to give him the cue. Of course he The goal is to get his head, neck and getting him softer both laterally won’t know what it means in the shoulders moving together. For example, and vertically. beginning, but if you never ask him when the horse turns left, the first part lightly, he’ll never learn to respond of his body to make the turn is his nose, to it. Make sure you lay the rein up followed by his neck and shoulders. a little higher on his neck, rather

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 59 If you feel the horse pushing Be sure to put the horse on a loose into you, immediately move his The horse must look in the rein after turns as a reward and shoulder off your outside leg by direction that he’s going. to give him a chance to relax. pushing his front around his rear.

When you pull the reins Continue to guide the Anytime the horse 3 to your hip, apply pressure 4 horse around the arena in a 5 pushes against the rein or with your outside leg up near series of squares, triangles and leans against your leg when the girth at the same time. Your rectangles so that you’re allowing you’re turning him, immediately outside leg will reinforce to the him to go on a straight line before move his shoulder off your horse that he needs to bring his turning him. Put the horse on a outside leg by taking him into a shoulders through the turn. loose rein on the straight lines turnaround or Front Around the so that you’re giving him a Rear. This will really exaggerate I’m fanatical about making sure chance to relax and are also the movement to your horse and my horse holds a shape and is daring him to go crooked. When will encourage him to take your looking in the direction that he starts to lean one way or the leg more seriously the next time he is going. In fact, that’s the other, turn him in the opposite you ask. number one rule in teaching direction he wants to go. For neck reining – the horse must example, if he starts to lean to look in the direction that he’s the right, you’ll turn him to the left. going. If your horse isn’t looking in the direction that he’s going, bump on the inside rein to point his nose in the correct direction. Through repetition, the horse will learn to automatically look in the direction that he’s turning as soon as you lay the outside rein on his neck.

Being able to ride one handed will give you greater freedom in the saddle. Here I’m able to open a gate by guiding Diez with just one hand on the reins.

60 – Single handed - the art of neck reining Once your horse has mastered the lesson at the walk, move on Instruction to the trot and then the canter.

When the horse understands 6 the concept to the left, follow the same steps to teach him the exercise to the right.

Then you can advance to 7work at the trot and canter. When you’re able to guide the horse with two hands on the reins, Keep in mind that the faster the you can progress to using just one hand. Through repetition, the horse’s feet move, the more his horse will learn to automatically look in the direction that he’s resistance to pressure increases. turning as soon as you lay the outside rein against his neck. So don’t be surprised if he gets a little pushy or lazy in the turns.

Transition to One-Handed Guiding When the horse is guiding well with both hands on the reins, then you can progress to using just one hand. You’ll still follow the same concept – bringing both reins back to your hip – but you’ll only use one hand. Through repetition, as soon as you lay the outside rein against the horse’s neck, you won’t necessarily have to pull on the inside rein to make the horse look in the direction you want him to go and step that way – he’ll automatically start to do it. Refinements When you can guide the horse with one hand in the snaffle, you’re ready to move hen I am ready to move on to the on to the shank bridle. I don’t introduce the Wbridle, I start with a shank snaffle bridle to the horse until he’s spent at least a like the one pictured left. However, even year in the snaffle. To me, it takes two years though I ride the horse in a shank bit, I to get a horse truly broke and soft and supple still spend two days a week riding him through all five body parts. When I am ready in a snaffle (right) to encourage softness to move on to the bridle, I start with a shank through all five of his body parts. snaffle, which a lot of people refer to as a Tom

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 61 Not putting the horse on a loose rein after the turn. Putting the horse on a loose rein is his reward for going through the turn correctly. When the horse is on a straight line, release the rein pressure and let him move freely on a loose rein. This will also dare him to lean or go crooked on the straight line. If he does, just turn him the opposite way he wants to go.

Not softening the horse’s face through the turn. It’s important that the horse remains soft during the turns. When you lay the rein across his neck and ask him to turn, if he leans against the bit or gets heavy, bump on each rein with rhythm until he softens and gets off the pressure. Keep him in the turn until he feels soft in your hands and then let him out on a loose rein again.

Asking for too many turns. Remember to do straight lines in between the turns. You can do a series of triangles, squares, rectangles, etc. all over the arena. But be conscious of letting the horse go straight for at least five or six strides on a loose rein before turning him again. Always bring both reins back to your hip. If you pull the reins out to the side of your body as I’m doing here, you’ll end up dragging the horse through the turn. Not using enough outside leg. Make sure that when you pull the reins to your Thumb. I like to use the shank snaffle because it has hip, you apply pressure with your outside leg up by the leverage of a shank but a broken mouth piece like the girth as well. This will reinforce to the horse a snaffle, so it’s not such a big change for the horse. that he needs to bring his shoulders through the But even though I move the horse up to the shank turn and will make your turns a little sharper. bridle, it doesn’t mean that I don’t still ride him in a snaffle. In fact, I ride all of my reining and cow horses Progressing through the gaits too fast. two times a week in a snaffle to work on suppling The faster you go, the more of a tendency the horse will exercises. You can get a horse a lot softer through his have to get pushy and resistant. If the horse is stiff and entire body using a snaffle, as opposed to a shank not understanding the concept at the trot, there’s no point bit. My theory is if a horse is light and responsive in trying the exercise at the canter. Get one gait good, in a snaffle, he’ll be even better in a shank bit. and then build from there. I spend a lot of time in the beginning just jogging around the arena practicing this exercise. Mix it up with your guiding exercises such as Rider Mistakes: Flower Power. Ask him to turn by laying the outside rein, then tell him to turn by pulling both reins to your hip. Not pulling both hands to your hip. The biggest mistake I see people make with this Using too much direct rein. exercise is pulling too hard on the outside rein and Be careful not to put too much pressure on the inside opening the inside rein out to the side of their body, rein when you pull it back to your hip. It’s a balancing which causes the horse to look to the outside of the act on your part. If you pull too much on the inside turn. Everything comes back to your hip. When your rein, the horse will bend too much and pivot on his hands move, they both move at the same time back to hindquarters. You want him to bend just enough so that your hip. As the outside rein comes across the horse’s he’s looking in the direction that he’s going. You should neck toward your hip, the inside rein goes back to your just be able to see the horse’s inside eye. Remember to hip as well to tip the horse’s nose in the right direction. bring both reins back to your hip at the same time. Eventually, you’ll be able to do that one-handed.

62 – Single handed - the art of neck reining Horse drops his inside shoulder. Anytime you feel the horse drop his Instruction inside shoulder into the turn, bump with rhythm on the inside rein so that he picks his shoulder up and keeps his shape in the circle. If the horse is really diving into the turn with his shoulder, you can counterbend him to exaggerate the correction.

Horse is lazy about moving his shoulder. If the horse is being really lazy about bringing his shoulder through the turn, hold a dressage whip in your outside hand. Practice the exercise as usual, bringing the reins back to your hip, but anytime you feel the horse get lazy and not move his shoulder, tap it with rhythm with the dressage whip. By tapping with the dressage whip, you’ll encourage him to pick up his shoulder and move it through the turn. Success

In order for your horse to respond as soon as you lay the outside rein against his neck, you need to use a lot of feel in your hands when first Tips teaching him the exercise. Pick up lightly on the reins and always bring them back to your hip. Initially teach your horse to neck rein by using two hands.

Horse Problems: If you only use the outside rein to cue the horse to turn, he’ll end up looking to the outside. For example, Horse runs through the turn. if you wanted to turn the horse to the left and only If the horse is not coming off the outside laid the right rein against his neck, he’d end up look- rein and just keeps pushing forward, yield his ing to the right instead of in the direction he should forequarters by doing Front Around the Rear be turning. You always want the horse to look in the and then go back to the exercise. By yielding direction he’s turning. If he’s turning to the left, the his forequarters, you’ll reinforce to the horse first part of his body to go left should be his nose. that when he feels you lay the rein against his neck, he needs to yield to that pressure and turn. By taking him into a turnaround, you’ll Always bring your hands shut down his forward motion and remind back to your hip. him to get off of your outside rein and leg so that he’ll take it more seriously the next time. To help make learning the exercise easier for your horse, always bring your hands back to your hip. You Horse bulges his shoulder out. don’t want to be pulling on the reins out beside your You need to be more aggressive with your body because you’ll end up pulling the horse’s nose outside rein and leg if the horse is bulging his in the wrong direction. Always think, “Hands back to shoulder out of the turn. If the horse is doing hips.” If you’re riding in a saddle with a horn, always this at the canter, go back to the trot and correct bring your hands in front of the horn and back to your the problem there before going to a faster gait. hip. Don’t pull your outside hand behind the horn.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 63 One Rein Stops: Your Emergency Brakes

Few riding experiences are as frightening as being on a thousand pound animal running out of control, but learning a simple exercise and preparing yourself for the unexpected can boost your confidence and put you in control of any situation.

64 – One Rein stops Instruction

hen most people are on runaway horses, they Wpanic and pull back on two reins to try to stop the horse. At the same time, their entire body tightens up and they squeeze the horse’s sides with their legs. Curling up into this fetal position only makes the horse feel trapped and claustrophobic. As a prey animal, the When you slide your hand down the rein, be sure to stay sitting horse has a flight or fight response, and when his ability back in the saddle. Many riders have a tendency to lean forward to run is taken away from him, he’ll do whatever he can over the horse’s neck which puts them in a dangerous position. to survive the situation by bucking, rearing, kicking out, etc. What most people don’t realize is that they have better control of a panicked horse with just one rein. Steps to a Successful One Rein Stop Why use one rein instead of two to control a horse? Using two reins makes a horse feel trapped, and it’s Find a safe, controlled environment to practice. very easy for him to get leverage by lifting his head and 1 neck up and pushing against the rein pressure you have I recommend practicing One Rein Stops in a controlled on his face. With just one rein, you can make the horse environment at first, like in a roundpen or in a safe arena. bend his head and neck laterally, causing him to yield Once you and your horse are comfortable doing One Rein his hindquarters. If you teach your horse how to properly Stops, then you can practice them in an open pasture do a One Rein Stop, you’ll always have control of him or out on the trail. It’s important to be in a controlled and be able to prevent a dangerous situation before it environment when teaching a horse to do One Rein Stops happens. You should be able to flex your horse’s head to because you’re only working on establishing a good gas your toe, have him stop moving his feet and soften from pedal and a good brake, not a steering wheel. When you the walk, trot and canter. Anytime a horse disengages his practice this exercise, let the horse go wherever he wants; hindquarters, his gas pedal and balance are immediately don’t worry about directing him. The One Rein Stop is a taken away from him. It’s like pushing in the clutch of controlled impulsion exercise, which means that you’re your car. Without a gas pedal, he can’t go anywhere, and teaching him to go the exact speed you want him to go. without balance, he can’t rear or buck. I refer to the One Rein Stop as an emergency handbrake because anytime Ask the horse to go forward at you feel unsafe or out of control, you can slide your hand 2 the walk by squeezing the middle down one rein causing the horse to yield his hindquarters of his ribcage with both legs. and stop immediately. Horses don’t like being scared, so when you’re in control and give them leadership, you’ll be If he doesn’t immediately respond by moving forward, amazed at how fast they’ll start to relax in any situation. cluck two times with your tongue: “cluck,” “cluck.” If he still doesn’t respond, spank him with the end of your However, in order for the One Rein Stop to work reins from side to side or use a dressage whip to tap him. effectively, you have to prepare and teach your horse how to react when you sit back in the saddle and Squeeze is asking the horse to go forward, and if he slide your hand down the rein. Otherwise, when he’s doesn’t respond, you’ll cluck. Clucking warns the horse panicked and running from a perceived danger, he’ll get that he is about to feel uncomfortable. Spanking is exactly confused and panic more when you pick up on the rein. that, spanking. In the beginning, when you spank the horse, you don’t want to spank really hard from side to side. Just start out gently spanking. If the horse still Most people’s first reaction when they doesn’t respond, then you can gradually increase the are on an out of control horse is to pressure as you spank with rhythm until you get him to pull back on two reins like this rider move his feet. The more sensitive the horse is, the less is doing. However, that only makes you’ll have to spank. The duller and lazier he is, the harder the horse more fearful and creates you’ll have to spank. Do what you have to do to get the job an even more dangerous situation. done. Do it as easy as possible, but as firm as necessary.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 65 Continue to hold the rein until the horse comes As soon as the horse softens and gives to the pressure, to a complete stop. instantly release the rein.

When you squeeze the horse with your Hold the pressure at your hip until legs, just squeeze once. Don’t squeeze, 4 the horse stops moving his feet and release, squeeze, release. If he doesn’t softens his face. Make sure that your horse’s respond, that’s his decision. Resist the nose touches your boot, jeans, stirrup or temptation to kick him because kicking fender before you release the rein. shortens a horse’s stride and makes him tighten up. Instead, spank with rhythm The instant the horse stops moving because spanking lengthens a horse’s stride 5 his feet and softens, immediately and encourages him to move forward. drop the rein out of your hand.

Always start the exercise at the walk Don’t release the rein pressure until he stands still because the faster you go, the more of a and softens. Just because the horse stops, it doesn’t tendency the horse will have to pull against mean you should release the pressure. He has to you and resist the pressure on the reins. soften too. Once you release, flex him once to the Always start slow and build to a faster other side by picking up the opposite rein and pulling speed once the previous one can be done it up to your hip. As soon as the horse softens and with confidence. Make sure you continue gives to the pressure, instantly release the rein. to squeeze with your legs the whole time you’re clucking and spanking. Only release After flexing the horse’s head once your legs when the horse goes the speed 6 each way, ask him to walk off again you want. The horse’s reward for going the by first squeezing with your legs and correct speed is the release of your legs. then clucking if he doesn’t respond.

Once the horse is moving forward If he continues to ignore you, spank behind your leg 3 at the walk, let him walk 40 to 50 with rhythm until he walks forward. Let the horse walk feet before asking for a One Rein Stop. 40 to 50 feet before asking for another One Rein Stop.

Don’t steer him. Let him go wherever Don’t stop the horse with the same rein all the he wants to go, holding one hand on the time. If you stopped him with the right rein the first middle of the reins down in his mane. time, the second time stop him with the left rein. To ask for a One Rein Stop, sit back deep Remember, horses have two separate brains, the in the saddle, take your legs off, then right brain and the left brain, and each side needs slide your hand halfway down the rein to be trained independently from the other. and pull the rein up to your hip bone.

66 – One Rein stops Instruction

going to stop him. Shut him down before he gets out of control. Of course, if you have a lazy horse that doesn’t want to run, you might let him canter ten or fifteen strides before asking him to stop because you’re trying to encourage forward motion. If he breaks gait, Squeeze, Cluck, Spank again.

Notice that whenever you ask the horse to go forward or speed up, you’ll squeeze, cluck and spank. Kicking the If at any time your horse breaks gait, squeeze, cluck and horse does not fall into that equation. spank until he goes the speed you want. Don’t kick the horse The reason for this is that kicking to go forward because kicking will just shorten his stride. actually shortens a horse’s stride; it’s spanking that lengthens it. Think about this: If kicking a horse was really When you’re comfortable asking the horse the most effective way to get a horse to 7 to do a One Rein Stop at the walk, and he go forward, why wouldn’t jockeys wear understands what you’re asking, move on to the trot. spurs? When a jockey wants a horse to move forward, he uses a crop to spank You should post to the trot and then sit two or three the horse behind his legs. Is it possible strides before asking him to stop. It’s what I call, “Sit to get a horse to go faster by kicking before you pull.” If you sit before you pull you’re giving him? The answer is yes. However, most the horse a pre-signal of what is going to happen. With people, especially people that own a repetition, he’ll start reading your body language and very lazy cold-blooded horse, cannot realize when you sit down and relax, he should come kick hard enough to make the horse down to a stop even before you pick up on the rein and feel uncomfortable for being lazy. The flex him. By sitting deep in the saddle, there is a dramatic horse just ends up becoming dull to the difference in your body position making it easier for the kicking sensation. Spanking will light horse to understand what you want. When you post, your a fire under his feet much quicker and body is full of energy and signals the horse to go forward. with much less effort on your part. When you sit, exhale and let all the air out of your body to encourage the horse to stop moving forward. If he doesn’t Once you’re confident that the horse stop, you’ll of course slide your hand down one rein and is not going to buck or bolt, slowly ask him for a One Rein Stop. Eventually, with enough start letting him canter further and repetition, as soon as you relax your seat, the horse will further before asking him to come to stop, and you won’t have to rely on the rein to stop him. a stop with one rein. Within three to four days, your horse should be able to After you’ve taught the horse how to do the canter twenty or thirty strides before 8 exercise at the trot, then practice the same steps you bring him to a stop with one rein. at the canter. Your horse is programmed to run Once he’s in the canter, only let him go four to five strides first and think later. But you can take before asking for the One Rein Stop. By only letting the steps to ensure that you have a safe horse go a short distance before shutting him down, it and enjoyable ride despite his flight won’t take long for him to realize that he might as well instinct. One Rein Stops are a surefire slow down and relax because he’s not going very far way to maintain or regain control, before you ask him to come to a stop. This is especially giving you the confidence of knowing important for hot-blooded horses that like to run and that your horse will respond to your build speed. Don’t let the horse build his speed up to cues, even when the pressure is on. ninety miles an hour, and then worry about how you’re

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 67 A Lifesaving Exercise hen the topic of One Rein Stops ride or at a horse show, it’s automatic for you Wcomes up, there are plenty of people to pick up on one rein and bring the horse to a who roll their eyes and brush the exercise stop. As soon as you slide your hand down the off. “That’s just for novice riders or those rein, your horse’s response should be to soften with no confidence,” they say. “I know how to and come to a complete stop. Think of the One ride a horse.” Or maybe they understand the Rein Stop as your emergency handbrake and importance of the exercise, but never take the a way to instill confidence in your horse. time needed to practice it before going out on the trail or taking their horse away from home. Over the past eighteen years, I can name at least seven times a One Rein Stop has saved my life. I It’s important to practice One Rein Stops know for a fact that if I hadn’t been able to bend in a controlled environment so that when my horse around and do a One Rein Stop in the an emergency does present itself in an real life situation below, I wouldn’t be alive today. uncontrolled environment such as on a trail

68 – One Rein stops Often during my apprenticeship with Gordon McKinlay, her head from side to side. She began to we’d spend the day mustering cattle. A lot of the crop soften and relax, and I made sure that she Instruction farmers in the area raised cattle as a side business, and while had her attention back on me before moving they were very good at growing crops, they didn’t know the off again. As we started to cover ground, she front end of a cow from the back end. They would run the relaxed even more and I started searching for stray cows cattle into the stockyards on motor bikes, four wheelers in the tall grass. No sooner did I take half my attention off and choppers. After three to four times of doing a poor job of her, when she spooked and bolted again, but this time, at rounding the cattle up, they couldn’t even get them near there was nothing to spook at. When she jumped out from the yards. In desperation, they used to call Gordon and I for underneath me, I wasn’t prepared and couldn’t get her head help. We’d spend all day mustering the cattle and getting bent around quick enough and ended up falling off again. them into the stockyards. We could be in a small pasture or a twenty-thousand acre field and some of it was pretty wild. As I climbed back into the saddle, I was humiliated that the mare had gotten the best of me a second time and resolved The thing I loved the most about mustering the to be ready for her if she tried to spook again. I rode her cattle was we could ride our horses for eight to twelve defensively with one hand holding the reins and the other on hours at a time, and the entire time we’d be walking, the saddle horn – just waiting for her to spook at something. trotting, cantering and mixing it up. We could easily train on them for ten hours a day, but they never got sour because they always had a purpose. When you give animals a purpose, they love their jobs. The more times you pick yourself up Very early on in my apprenticeship, we went out “ mustering on a big ranch in central Queensland. At the off the ground, the quicker your One time, I was riding a green 3-year-old mare that hadn’t had a lot of riding. She was a hot little horse that was Rein Stops will get. kind of spooky and flighty in general. In fact, on that ” particular day, it was only her second time being ridden outside. Of course she was eyeing things in the tall grass Sure enough, an hour later, she spooked and shied again. I and being pretty tentative about the whole deal. Gordon was half off of her before I could get her head bent around. had taught me that one of the best ways to get a horse to I was almost to the point where I was going to fall off again, relax was to get their feet moving so that they would start but something told me to keep trying. When I finally got using the thinking side of their brain. I knew mustering her to stop, I looked down and saw that my entire boot, cattle out on the open range was a great thing to do spur included, had slipped through the stirrup. That sent with this particular mare because she’d be able to move chills racing down my spine because I knew if I had fallen out on a big loose rein and hopefully start to relax. off of her, I wouldn’t have been able to get my foot out of the stirrup. That mare was so spooky and flighty that if I would For the first hour or so of the ride, she moved out and I could have fallen off and gotten drug, she would have kicked at feel her body relaxing. She certainly wasn’t trotting around me and galloped off until there was nothing left of me. I like an old ranch horse, but her eyes weren’t rolling into the called out to Gordon and he gently walked up to the mare, back of her head either. As we were moving through the repositioned my foot and helped me get back into the saddle. long grass, I was feeling good about the situation and started to let my mind wander. All of a sudden, that mare came to That close call taught me a very important lesson about not a dead stop and jumped sideways. As I fought to keep my only the necessity of the One Rein Stop, but the importance balance, I could see an old tree stump hidden in the grass of preparation. The One Rein Stop only works if you’re out of the corner of my eye. When she saw it, she shied away prepared to use it. If you haven’t practiced it or have only from it as if it were a rattlesnake. She jumped sideways out gone over the exercise once or twice with your horse, it from underneath me so fast with such little warning, that does you no good. Executing a One Rein Stop has to be I halfway lost my balance and was left hanging off the side second nature to you. That’s why in my clinics I spend a of the saddle. When she saw me hanging off the saddle, she lot of time having the participants practice just the motion got even more scared and took off at a dead run. And believe of sliding one hand down the rein. If you’re out on the trail me, that mare could run. It felt like I clung to the saddle for and your horse spooks and shies away, you need to be able an eternity as the ground rushed below me and her hooves to immediately slide your hand down one rein, bend the struck the ground, but I eventually lost my grip and fell. horse’s head around and bring him to a stop. If you haven’t Luckily, I was no worse for wear besides a bruised ego. practiced the One Rein Stop before, the horse won’t know what to do when you pick up on the rein and will continue I picked myself up off the ground, caught the mare, dusted to be reactive. The One Rein Stop can save your life, but my jeans off and got back in the saddle. Of course, she was both you and your horse have to be prepared to use it. worked up, but as soon as I got in the saddle, I started flexing

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 69 With the Most Complete Collection of Training Tools Available. Introducing...

Clinton Anderson’s signature Method now comes packed with more practical training tools than any on the market today. Clinton is world-renowned for the way his easy-to-understand Method gets real results immediately with any horse. In the ALL NEW “Fundamentals” Series, he details his 8 Steps to Success – a dynamic and progressive format that makes even the most advanced maneuvers easy to understand and apply. Over 28 hours of brand new Step-by-step illustrations of the Contains 100 pages of insight footage detailing Clinton’s Method DVD lessons in handy pocket-sized and explanation of the theory in clearly illustrated exercises. booklets you can take to the barn behind training horses. and the arena.

* OVER $800 worth of training This complete guide to the fundamentals of Clinton’s Method comes *$399 for No Worries Club members only. packaged in a handy carrying case and also includes a coupon for 25% Reg price is $599. To become a NWC Member, off the purchase price of the Clinton Anderson Intermediate Series kit, go to www.noworriesclub.com and sign up! coming soon.

So act now. Restart your training program with all the latest tools for PRESENTED BY success, with the Clinton Anderson Fundamentals Series. To order, call or click 888-287-7432 | downunderhorsemanship.com I’ve found that the more turnout a horse gets, the happier he is and the more he seems to enjoy life in general.

72 – Turn out for a healthier horse Turn Out Instruction for a Healthier Horse

’m a big believer in keeping horses turned out as much Ias I possibly can, including my performance horses. Giving horses the opportunity to move and graze as nature intended is not only good for them physically, but it benefits them mentally as well. At the ranch, I keep my horses in 20-foot by 100-foot runs attached to two-sided shelters. The shelter protects them from the sun and other elements of weather, but unlike stalls, the runs also provide them the opportunity to move around. What I like best about those pens is that the horses have quite a bit of room to run up and down alongside the fence and play with each other. Allowing the horses to see each other satisfies their need to feel like they’re part of a herd and makes them happier with life in general. Of course, the ElectroBraid fence I use keeps them safe so that they don’t get injured or tangled in wires or planks. They can see their buddies, but they can’t physically touch them. It’s extremely safe fencing.

The negative to keeping the horses turned out is that their hair coats aren’t quite as slick and shiny as they would be if they were kept in stalls. To keep their coats from getting bleached by the sun, I usually put a fly sheet on them in the summertime and a light sheet on them the rest of the year for protection. Personally, I’d rather give up a little bit of the slick and shine in order to keep them mentally and physically happy. And although everyone has to work with the situation they’re in, I believe that turning a horse out as much as possible is the best thing for him. Understand Your Horse As a prey animal, your horse feels safest when he’s with other horses. All prey animals rely on the “safety in numbers” concept to survive. Your horse feels the safest and most content as part of a group because he knows that by himself his chances of survival plummet. Animals in a herd depend on each other for mutual protection. The more eyes, ears and noses that are involved, the more the likelihood of detecting predators increases.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 73 Even though horses have been domesticated for years that prey animal mentality and “safety in numbers” concept is ingrained into them. Chances are there hasn’t been a lion spotted around your barn, but your horse is convinced that there’s at least two or three crouched behind the bushes. That may sound silly to us, but as horse owners (and predators) we need to be aware of how our horses think and what makes them do the things that they do. Through the Downunder Horsemanship Method, I show you how to effectively work with your horse using a series of groundwork and riding exercises. But when your horse is on his own time, it’s important that you keep his needs in mind. Providing your horse with turnout is one way in which you can keep him stimulated and keep him comfortable in his environment. The more you allow your horse to interact with others, the better his mental and physical well-being will be. Benefits of Turnout

Gets the “Fresh” Off Besides the hour or so of exercise you give your horse, most horses have nothing to do and all day to do it in. The worst thing you can do is lock your horse in a stall and feed him a diet high in energy. Feeding a horse too much in relation to the work he does is a common problem. In fact, most horses are underworked and overfed. If you don’t balance your horse’s diet so that the energy he’s working off is balanced with the amount he’s getting, he’ll get hot and have an excess of You’ll find that the more turnout your horse gets, energy with nowhere to put it. When you come the better he’ll act during training sessions. He’ll to the barn to work him, he’ll have steam coming come to the ring ready to get down to business. out of his ears from being locked in a 12-foot by 12-foot stall. It’d be like feeding a kid as much sugar as he could stomach, locking him in a small room for several hours and then turning him loose. It’d be a nightmare.

The more you allow your By turning the horse out, and letting “ him move around, you’ll find that horse to interact with others, he’ll be much easier to train and more willing to please you, especially the better his mental and if you’re unable to work him every day. I know that turning my horses physical well-being will be. out makes them more eager for their ” training sessions. Instead of being fresh, they’re ready to work and get down to business. Plus, if I haven’t ridden them for two or three days in a row, they’re not jumping out of their skin because they’ve been locked up in a stall.

74 – Turn out for a healthier horse If you have a cold-blooded lazy horse a little bit all day and kept that lactic acid that dreams about sleeping, you may from building up in your muscles, you Instruction not see a difference in his energy level, wouldn’t be as stiff and sore the next whether he’s turned out or not. But if day. The same is true of your horse. you own a hot-blooded horse that’s always raring to go, turnout will make Tips to Avoid Injury all the difference in the world. Even if they have the land and the resources necessary, a lot of people choose not to turn their horses out because they’re afraid they’ll Mental Well-being get injured. It is a valid concern, especially Not only will turnout allow your horse to burn off excess energy, but it will also keep his mental well-being in check. The more you confine a horse and don’t give him the Mother Nature intended opportunity to socialize and interact with “ other horses like he normally would do in horses to constantly be on a herd, the more uncomfortable he feels. Mother Nature intended horses to constantly the move, interacting with be on the move, interacting with each other. By taking them out of their natural state, it each other. creates stress in their lives. A lot of horses ” deal with that stress by developing a stall vice – weaving, cribbing, etc. That vice is their attempt to stimulate their brain and if you have performance horses – a lot of give themselves something to do. Horses time and money are invested into a horse in are the most content if they can touch other order for him to compete at the top levels of a horses, be near them or at least see them. sport. However, in my opinion, the benefits of I’ve noticed that with turnout my horses turnout far outweigh the cons and make for are happier and seem to enjoy their lives happier and healthier horses. There are steps much more. They have an overall better you can take to minimize the risk of injury. attitude when it comes to their work and their training progresses at a quicker rate. Give Them Room To Move The best thing you can do in regards to your Physical Well-being horse’s safety is provide enough room for him For wild horses, the distance between to play with and escape the other horses he’s feeding or watering areas could require turned out with if necessary. The more room extensive travel, so they survive by eating you give horses, the safer they are. Keep in small frequent meals while continually on mind that horses are constantly adjusting the move. Even though your domesticated their pecking order by testing to see who can horse may receive two square meals a day, move whose feet. To keep them safe, provide he has the same tendencies as his wild enough room for them to move around. That’s counterparts. In fact, all of a horse’s organs the biggest mistake people make when it and body systems depend on movement comes to horses getting injured while turned to remain healthy, including his digestive out. They put too many horses in a small tract and skeletal system. Turning horses confined space, and when the horses start out encourages them to keep moving moving each other’s feet or playing, they don’t around and stay active. One of the benefits have anywhere to run before they hit a fence I’ve found with turnout is that it decreases or go through it. As long as they have a big the chances of a horse getting stocked up area to move around in, if one horse is being or developing sore joints after a ride. dominant and trying to move another’s feet, the horse has plenty of room to move away. Think of it like this: Say you played a hard game of tennis and then laid on the couch for the rest of the day until I got Feed in Large Areas you up to go out to the court again. Once Another way to avoid injury is to feed in a you got up off the couch, you’d be sore all spacious area. Don’t feed a large group of over your body. But if you walked around horses in a tiny, confined space. The more feed

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 75 bins you give them, the less fighting there will be. If you just put one bucket of grain in the middle of the pasture for ten horses to share, of course there’s going to be a lot of kicking and squealing. Instead, divide the grain up into twelve separate bins. That way, when one horse walks to a bin to chase the other horse away, they’ll just play musical feed bins – all the horses will move around to a different bin. If you’ve got more feed bins than horses, you’ll find that there will be a lot less fighting and squabbling.

Use Sideline Hobbles Anytime I turn my show prospects out together, I put sideline hobbles on them. To use sidelines, you’ll attach one cuff to the horse’s front leg and the other to his The most important thing to keep in mind when turning horses out hind leg on the same side of his body. The together is to give them room to move. The more room they have to sidelines allow the horses to move, but move around, the less of a chance they’ll have of getting injured. they can’t kick each other. I can’t afford for one of my young prospects to get kicked in the hock by a hind foot with a shoe on it, but I love for them to have interaction with each other, especially the stud colts. I’ve found that the more you keep studs together, the more they act like geldings. The more you keep them separated, the studier they get. A lot of people in the show world don’t have that view because they’re frightened the horses are going to get hurt. But by using sidelines, I greatly minimize the risk of potential injury and give the horses the benefit of being turned out and socializing with other horses.

Think of sidelining like having to control two boxers who want to knock the snot out of each other – all they can think about is getting in the ring and going at it. What if you tied each of their shoelaces together and duct taped their gloves Sideline hobbles, like the one pictured here, are a great tool to use together? They could both still move if when turning horses out together. Though sidelines allow the horse they took little steps and they could still to move, they take away his ability to harm other horses. punch, but they’d have to use both hands to get the job done. If you put them in the ring together, they might rough each The same is true with horses. When you other up, but they wouldn’t have enough put the sidelines on, they’ll still be able to movement in their legs or hands to knock move, but they won’t be able to tear across each other out. You handicapped them. the pasture or kick at each other. This method You said, “OK, boys, until you two can works with an overly aggressive horse as well. learn how to get along and play fair, I’m You can attach sidelines to him so that by the going to put you each at a disadvantage.” time he’s able to walk across the pasture to kick another horse, that horse is long gone.

76 – Turn out for a healthier horse Make the Instruction Most of Your Situation

n a perfect world, we all have forty acres Ifor our horses to run around on, but unfortunately, that isn’t a reality for most of us. Not every horse owner is fortunate enough to keep horses on their own property or have enough acreage to provide turnout. You may live in the city or are in a situation in which you have to board your horse, and he doesn’t get as much turnout as you would My horses live in 20-foot by 100-foot runs attached to two-sided shelters. I like. If your horse spends the majority of his keep blankets on my show horses to protect their coats from the weather. time in a stall, there are a couple of things you can do to help him feel more comfortable. are meant to graze twenty-four hours a day, eating small frequent meals. At the ranch, I give all of my horses free access to hay. If Stall Design you’re worried about the horse becoming overweight, you can feed I prefer stalls that allow horses to touch a low quality hay so that he still gets the bulk and fiber but not the each other or at least see each other. I don’t high calories that will add weight and give him more energy. like solid wall stalls because they make a horse feel like he’s in solitary confinement. Allowing stalled horses to see each other will often keep their stress level down. Horses are meant to be running around in whenever horses are isolated, a herd so whenever they’re isolated, they’re “ taken out of their comfort zone and feel they’re taken out of their mentally and physically uncomfortable. comfort zone and feel mentally Toys When horses are kept in their stalls twenty- and physically uncomfortable. four hours a day, they miss out on mental ” and physical stimulation. A lot of people have found that providing access to a toy or a safe object (like a ball or traffic cone) the horse can play with in his stall helps to keep Companion Animal him happy. He can spend hours pushing it People often use goats or other small animals to keep their horses around in the stall, stimulating his mind. occupied and help them feel secure. A couple of years ago, I had a reining mare that I sent to a trainer who was really anxious in her Free Access to Forage stall and started weaving. Because the stall she was kept in had solid You can also provide free access to forage. walls, she couldn’t see the other horses and started to feel insecure Eating and digesting food stimulates the because she was all by herself. The trainer decided to put a goat in horse physically, and by nature, horses the stall with her, and instantly she relaxed and stopped weaving.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 77 Colt Starting YOUR Questions Answered Starting a colt is one of the most rewarding things you can experience as a horseman. But in order to lay a solid foundation for your horse, you have to be confident in your ability and knowledgeable enough to handle any situation that occurs. Remember, the most important thing when training horses is your safety and then the horse’s safety. Below, I answer some of the most common questions I’ve been asked over the years about starting colts.

What is the right age to start a young expect him to do chores and not let him lay Qhorse? I’ve heard various recom- around the house all day playing video games mendations from horse people and trainers until his mind and body are full grown? The throughout the years with answers ranging obvious answer is that the younger children from the start of the horse’s 2-year-old year to are, the better they learn. Your 18-year-old waiting until he’s 5- or child is more than capable of learning and 6-years-old. cleaning up after himself. The same holds true for your horse. While you have to wait This is always a until your colt is at least 2 to start him, controversial subject, there is plenty of preparation you can do and whenever it to prepare him for his first ride long before comes up, there are you get on his back. I’m a huge believer in usually two lines of imprinting foals and starting their education thought. The first is the moment they enter the world. That way, that it is unnatural by the time you’re ready to ride them, it’s not to ride a horse before a big deal – it’s just a natural progression. he’s full-grown, and you should wait I’ve seen you demonstrate the Stirrup to start him until QDriving Exercise – what is it and why his body is done should I do it with my colts? developing. The There’s no exact date second line of thought is that the earlier you when it comes to start a horse, the better he’ll progress. While starting colts. Rather, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, I it depends on the personally don’t ride my horses until they’re horse’s physical and at least 24 months of age. However, deciding mental capabilities. when to start a horse really depends on his size and maturity rather than his age. All horses mature differently both mentally and physically. But as long as I feel that the horse is mentally capable of handling the information I’m teaching him and physically capable of carrying a rider at the walk, trot and canter, then I feel he’s ready to start.

Think of your horse’s training just like Stirrup Driving is both a sensitizing and your child’s education. Why not keep your desensitizing exercise that will prepare your kid home from school until he’s 18? Why colt for his first ride. It will help the colt

78 – Colt Starting: Your Questions Answered Instruction

understand how to move off of pressure to overreact by bucking or galloping forward from the stirrup and will desensitize him and getting scared about the whole thing. to the flapping sensation of the fender, both of which are important concepts for him to The more you can prepare the horse on understand before you get in the saddle. the ground, the better your chances are of having a successful ride. Anything As a sensitizing exercise, it teaches the that I teach the horse under saddle, I try colt that when you use the stirrup to apply to teach him on the ground first. I would driving pressure toward his belly, he should much rather deal with resistance on move his feet forward. Teaching the colt to the ground than up in the saddle where move forward when you touch his side with I am in a more vulnerable position. the stirrup mimics how you’ll ask him to move forward when you’re in the saddle; What’s the importance of starting a you’ll gently apply leg pressure to his sides. Qcolt in a hackamore, and when is it time The exercise also teaches him to yield his to switch to a bit? hindquarters off pressure back by his flank, which will simulate your leg when you ride. I like to ride all of my colts in a hackamore The softer you can during their first ten to fifteen rides because get a horse in a As a desensitizing exercise, it will take a it gives them a chance to learn how to give hackamore, the softer lot of the spook and jump out of the colt. and soften to pressure while I’m up on their he’ll be in the bridle. Remember that horses are prey animals backs without having and are frightened of objects, especially to deal with a bit just those that move and make a noise, which yet. It also allows a the saddle does both of. To help desensitize smooth transition the colt to the saddle before you get on his for a colt going back, you’ll flap the stirrup up and down from responding as he moves forward. Many horses will get to a halter on the scared when you start flapping the stirrup ground to responding up and down and will try to run away from to the same type it. That’s the reactiveness you’re trying to of pressure under get out of them. A lot of people get bucked saddle. The softer off when they first get on a colt because the you can get a horse colt isn’t comfortable with things flapping in a hackamore, the around his body and gets frightened. You softer he’ll be in the want to make sure that if you bump your bridle. The hackamore colt in the belly, he understands that you is also more mean to go forward, but you don’t want him forgiving and allows for mistakes on the

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 79 rider’s part. In the early stages of riding, especially for more inexperienced riders, you don’t want to haul on the colt’s mouth or pull when you shouldn’t be pulling. If I prefer to start all of the horse is wearing a hackamore and you my colts in a hackamore accidentally pull when you’re not supposed because it allows for to, you’re not going to damage his mouth. a smooth transition from responding to a Even if you have good feel, timing and You want to teach halter on the ground experience, I still recommend starting with “ to responding to the a hackamore to develop that softness in your your horse from day same type of pressure colt before moving to the snaffle bit. I don’t under saddle. When put a bit in a horse’s mouth until I have him one to be respectful. I do switch my colts flexing well from side to side, I can stop him ” over to a snaffle, I let by sliding one hand down the rein and he’s them wear the bit to following his nose in the hackamore. When a get used to having colt can do all of those things, then I switch it in their mouth. to a smooth mouthed snaffle bit. I move all of my horses out of the hackamore at this time because I think that you can get more softness and collection in a bit compared to the hackamore. Now, that isn’t to say that you can’t start a colt in a snaffle bit straightaway. I certainly have started plenty of colts this way, but I think you get a better result if you start the most difficult things to do when starting in the hackamore first. colts is getting them to move forward. If you just walk and trot, what usually happens is Before discovering your training you’ll ask the colt to canter on day four, and Qprogram, I was taught to only walk he’ll kick up with his back legs. The whole and do light trotting the first couple of times thing becomes a fight. You want to teach I got on a colt. While watching you start a your horse from day one to be respectful so colt on RFD-TV, I heard you say that you that when you say, “Go.” He says, “Yes, Sir!” prefer to walk, trot and canter a colt in his first ride – why? I’ve heard you say when riding colts Qto “act like you’ve been drinking.” I I want my colts to walk, trot and canter on know you’re not being serious, but what are day one because it teaches them to move you saying? forward and frees their feet up. When you get a horse’s feet moving out in the very That’s just a little bit of humor I use to plant beginning, he is a lot safer, his attitude is an image in people’s minds of how they better and he’ll progress quicker. The more should act on the colt’s back. When you get you babysit him and do a little bit of walking, up on your colt for the first time, you should a little bit of trotting – what I call the cutesy, be loose and relaxed. I want you to be moving cutesy stuff – the worse his attitude will get. all over in the saddle, rubbing and patting The worst thing you can do with a 2-year-old all over his body. You should slap your leg is treat him like a 2-year-old – meaning that with your hand, take off your hat and wave it you really don’t do much with him. One of around him, etc. The worst thing you can do is

80 – Colt Starting: Your Questions Answered When you’re up on your colt, don’t act Instruction like a closed pocket knife and not move around. I always tell people to act like they’ve been drinking. Move all around in the saddle, rub the colt with your hand, wave your hat around, etc.

sit up in the saddle like a closed pocket knife quit you and not to work them so hard that and be afraid to move. If you never move you completely run them out of air. When and then one day reach down to adjust your a horse runs out of air, you have to let him stirrup, your colt will get scared and react. stop and regain it. Think of your horse as When you start your having a gas tank. At the beginning of every colt, I recommend If I say, “Act like you’ve been drinking,” an lesson it is set on full, and there’s only a having a knowledgeable image of somebody moving all around in the certain amount of fuel in the tank. When assistant with you. saddle comes to mind. You should be loose so he runs out of fuel for the day, you have Your assistant will that you’re relaxed, but prepared to slide your to let him rest and rebuild it. So it’s not so be responsible for hand down one rein to get the horse to stop much about how long you ride the horse as controlling the colt’s in case he gets out of control. If you’re sitting it is about not completely exhausting him. movements while you up on his back hanging onto the saddle horn can act like a passenger, for dear life, you shouldn’t be up there in the What do I do when my colt refuses letting the colt get first place. If you’re scared or worried, your Qto move? used to having you on colt will pick up on that and get frightened. his back. As the colt You’re his confidence and need to prove to When riding a colt for the first time, one of gets more comfortable, him there’s nothing to be worried about. the hardest things to do is to get him to move you can start taking forward. That’s why I recommend having an more control until How often and long do you ride your assistant on the ground to help you when you eventually you don’t Qcolts during their first few months first get on the colt’s back. When I apprenticed need the person on under saddle? with Gordon McKinlay, that’s the way we the ground. Here, my started all of our horses because it keeps both Professional Clinician, I ride all of my horses six days a week no the rider and the horse safe during the first Shana Terry, helps me matter if they’re colts or advanced horses. couple of rides. The person on the ground will redirect the mare’s feet. Horses are creatures of habit and learn be responsible for best with consistent repetition. The more controlling the colt’s consistent you are in your horse’s training, movements so that the faster he’ll learn. However, just because the rider can act like I saddle and ride my colts six days a week a passenger and let doesn’t mean that they get worked as hard as the colt get used to my finished reining and cow horses. I spend having someone on anywhere from half an hour to an hour riding his back. Gradually, the colts and gradually add more time to their as the colt gets more rides as their fitness and ability improves. comfortable with having someone The most important thing to remember on his back, the when working with colts, or any horse for rider can start that matter, is to quit them before they taking more control

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 81 until eventually, there’s no need for the Should I be concerned if my colt bucks when assistant on the ground. The person on the QI first put the saddle on him? ground should be relatively experienced because they will keep you out of trouble. The first time I saddle a horse, he’s allowed to Don’t have an inexperienced person or buck. As soon as I get the saddle on him, I’ll practice someone who is scared of horses help Lunging for Respect Stage One and just let him you. You want somebody dependable so get used to wearing the saddle. A lot of horses that if something would happen, they’d will stand calmly while you do up the cinches, but be able to step in and keep you safe. once they start moving and feel the cinch around their girth area, they come unglued. If the colt is When you’re going to buck, I want ready to ask the him to buck as hard horse to move, as he possibly can to you’ll signal try to get the saddle him forward If the colt is going to off his back. He needs by squeezing “ to realize that he can with your legs. buck, I want him to buck buck as hard as he If he doesn’t wants, but he’s not move, you’ll as hard as he possibly going to get rid of the cluck. If he still saddle or the pressure doesn’t move, can to try to get the around his girth. you’ll continue to squeeze with saddle off his back. However, the second your legs while ” time I saddle him, and your helper each time after that, applies pressure he’s never allowed to by spanking the buck again. I’ll still ground behind the horse’s drive line practice Lunging for with the Handy Stick, string and plastic Respect, but anytime he bucks, I’ll redirect his feet bag. As soon as the colt moves forward, by yielding his hindquarters and sending him off immediately take away all of the pressure. in a new direction. The first one’s on me, but after Anytime he stops moving, apply pressure that, if he tries to buck, I’ll redirect his feet. That’s (squeeze, cluck and then the assistant why it’s so important to establish a solid foundation will spank) until he goes the speed you of groundwork with the colt before introducing want. Eventually, the colt will learn that the saddle. As long as you can control his feet, when you squeeze with your legs, he should move forward. Gradually, you will The first time I saddle a horse, he’s allowed to buck. In fact, I want him to start taking over the spanking as well and buck as hard as he possibly can to try to get the saddle off his back. The the assistant will only help as needed. second time I saddle him, and each time after that, he’s not allowed to. If he tries to buck, I redirect his feet by yielding his hindquarters and sending him If you don’t have a helper to assist you, off in a new direction. and your colt doesn’t move off a squeeze or a cluck, you’d have to really get after him to get him to go forward. But with a helper, all you have to do is sit up in the saddle and be a passenger. That also makes learning how to pack a rider around easier for your colt. Instead of having to worry about learning how to move forward off your signals, he only has to worry about listening to the helper on the ground, and if you prepared him correctly, he should already know how to respond to her cues because of the work you did with him in the roundpen.

82 – Colt Starting: Your Questions Answered Preparation Instruction is Your Key to Success I usually spend about a week working with a colt on the ground before I even think about getting on him for the first time. Here I’m demonstrating a couple of desensitizing exercises I use before getting in the saddle.

Plastic bags are one of the greatest desensitizing tools. With the horse’s head flexed to the side, I slap the Shaking the bag up above the saddle will get the horse saddle with my hand. I don’t want the horse to used to seeing something above his eye level in the be frightened of any sound the saddle makes. position you’ll be sitting in when you get on his back.

hen I was apprenticing with Don’t ever get on a horse because I usually spend five to seven days WIan Francis, he used to say somebody is pressuring you. I don’t working with a colt on the ground to me all the time, “There are a lot care if it takes you two days or a before I ride him for the first time, of heroes in the graveyard.” What he whole month before you get on even if he’s really quiet. Colt starting meant by that was too many people the horse; take the time you need isn’t just about desensitizing your get on horses that aren’t ready to be to prepare him now so you don’t horse, but sensitizing him as well – ridden and get bucked off. They break get into trouble later. If you’re not getting him to move his feet, yield their necks and die because they ninety percent sure it’s going to be and soften to pressure. If you have didn’t use their head. Preparation a textbook ride, don’t get on. And I to spend two weeks preparing your is the key. To add to that, Gordon say ninety percent sure because with colt, spend two weeks. There’s no McKinlay also has a great saying that colts, you can never be a hundred hurry to get on. You’ll regret getting has stayed with me. He says, “The percent sure that everything is going up in the saddle if something more times you pick yourself up off to go according to plan – remember, happens and one of you gets hurt. the ground, the better your ground- they’re like small children – they’re a You’ll be kicking yourself thinking, work gets.” It really is true. Every time bit unpredictable to a degree. If you’re “Man, if I’d just spent an extra day I got bucked off a colt it was because not confident in your ability or in your or two on the ground this wouldn’t I did a poor job of preparing him for horse’s ability to handle you being in have happened.” You only get one the ride. Groundwork exercises are the saddle, there’s no need to get on body and you have to take care of designed to get control of your horse’s his back. Your brain is telling you that it. Always remember: Safety first. feet and mind on the ground before you need to do more preparation. getting in the saddle.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 83 you’ll keep yourself safe and be able to stop any unwanted behaviors such as bucking. Never let a horse get into the habit of bucking with the saddle every time you tack him up. Remember, horses are creatures of habit. The first time you do something to a horse, you plant a seed in his mind. If you do it again, it becomes a habit. If you do it a third time, then it becomes an ingrained habit. If it’s a good behavior, it’s a good habit. If it’s a bad behavior, it’s a bad habit. It’s that simple. The The key to successfully saddling a horse for the first time is to get his feet moving forward. After I’ve worked the colt, I’ll keep the saddle on First him and turn him out in the arena or another safe area to let him wear the saddle for several hours. The worst thing you can do is saddle a Six colt up and then take the saddle straight off. You never want to take the saddle off until he is absolutely convinced that he can’t get Weeks rid of it and it’s not going to harm him. How do I know if I’m ready to olt starting can be Qstart a colt? C tremendously rewarding. I love working with colts When it comes to starting colts, you need to be as because it’s like a clean slate. realistic of your ability as you possibly can be. One All you have to do is show of the first requirements is having an independent them the right things to do seat, which and they’re happy to do it. The means that you first six weeks of a horse’s can walk, trot When it comes to starting life under saddle is when he and canter on a “ learns the most. He learns loose rein and colts, you need to be as how to pack a rider, turn left, you don’t need go right, stop, back up, soften, to squeeze with realistic of your ability as move off your leg, etc. He your legs or pull learns an incredible amount on the reins to stay you possibly can be. of information in the first six in the saddle. It’s ” weeks under saddle. You want important to have that to be good information, an independent not bad, so that he learns to be seat because colts are going to do silly things from soft, supple and relaxed, not time to time. They’re like kids – you love them to pushy and disrespectful. death, but they’re going to do things that drive you insane and embarrass you at times. Colts will jump left and right and do things you aren’t expecting. And when they do it, they’re not going to send you a big telegram five minutes ahead of time saying, “Hey Fred, I’m going to jump left in twenty seconds.” A good horseman can always feel something coming, but there might only be half a second before it happens. An inexperienced person or someone who hasn’t started many colts isn’t going to be in tune with a colt to that degree and can quickly find themselves in dangerous situations. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to stay with the horse, then you’re not ready to start a colt. Instead, you need to spend more time gaining experience on a trained horse.

84 – Colt Starting: Your Questions Answered BROUGHT TO YOU BY

DISCOVER THE METHOD IT ONLY TAKES TWO DAYS TO BECOME A BETTER HORSEMAN. BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TOWARD REAL HORSEMANSHIP, ATTEND A WALKABOUT TOUR STOP NEAR YOU. CALL FOR TICKETS OVER $6,000 IN PRIZES GIVEN AWAY AT EACH TOUR STOP! CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER ADMITTED FREE.

JAN 16-17 KANSAS CITY, MO JUNE 12-13 LAS VEGAS, NV PRESENTED BY FEB 27-28 LEXINGTON, KY JULY 10-11 HARRISBURG, PA MAR 13-14 FORT WORTH, TX SEPT 11-12 MADISON, WI APR 10-11 REDMOND, OR OCT 9-10 DENVER, CO MAY 15-16 KISSIMMEE, FL NOV 6-7 MURFREESBORO, TN

DOWNUNDERHORSEMANSHIP.COM • 888-287-7432 Tour Spotlight

he 2010 year is already off to a great start with Clinton and the Downunder Horsemanship crew having brought Tthe Method to Kansas City, Missouri, Lexington, Kentucky, and Fort Worth, Texas. Our fans in the upper Midwest always come out in big numbers to support Clinton, and as our first tour stop of the year, they didn’t disappoint. In mid-February Clinton presented at the Kentucky Horse Park for the first time. We’ll be back to the Horse Park again in September for the World Equestrian Games. And of course, with Fort Worth right in our backyard, the tour there was a resounding success.

Whether you want to see the results you can achieve with advanced riding and groundwork, banish fears or limitations once and for all, or watch the incredible bond between horse and human, the 2010 Tours offer something for everyone. Be sure to take advantage of your five free tour tickets as a member of the No Worries Club and come and enjoy the weekend!

Upcoming Tours: April 10-11 Redmond, Oregon June 12-13 Las Vegas, Nevada We’re back! Clinton and crew were last in Dubbed the “Vegas Tourcation,” Ian Francis (Clinton’s Redmond three years ago. We hope to see mentor from Australia) will be working with Clinton some familiar and new faces in April. throughout the weekend. Be sure to keep an eye on the club site as a member’s exclusive V.I.P. event is planned. Location: Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center Hooker Creek Event Center Location: South Point Equestrian Center http://www.expo.deschutes.org/ www.southpointcasino.com Parking Fee: N/A Parking Fee: N/A Host Hotel: Comfort Inn and Suites Host Hotel: South Point Hotel 2243 SW Yew Ave 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South Redmond, Oregon 97756 Las Vegas, Nevada 89183 541-504-8900 702-796-7111

May 15-16 Kissimmee, Florida July 10-11 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania The Kissimmee Tour marks Clinton’s only The Harrisburg Tour marks Downunder appearance in the southeast for the year, and as Horsemanship’s only stop on the East Coast for the an added bonus, Mickey is just down the road! year. We’re hoping for an even larger crowd that showed up in 2007 when we were last there! Location: Osceola Heritage Park Silver Spurs Arena Location: Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex – Large Arena www.ohpark.com www.pafarmshowcomplex.com Parking Fee: N/A Parking Fee: N/A Host Hotel: Hampton Inn and Suites Host Hotel: Wingate Inn 4971 Calypso Cay Way 1344 Eisenhower RD Kissimmee, Florida 34746 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17111 407-396-8700 717-985-1600

86 – No worries JOURNAL Meet the Downunder Horsemanship Road Staff Catch a glimpse of the people who work behind the scenes at tours. Ken Barnes

19-year veteran fire fighter, currently the captain in charge of training Aspecial operations teams at the Glendale Fire Department, Ken has been a permanent fixture on the Road Staff for the past two years. On tour, he can most likely be found at the mecate display or answering questions about saddles, halters or even DVDs. His whole family is involved with horses, competing in team penning, calf breakaway roping, barrel racing and pole bending. When Ken discovered Clinton and his Method and started applying the techniques to his own horses, the results he saw amazed him. “I took a horse that had no trust in people to a barrel horse that my daughter won close to a thousand dollars on in the first month she raced him,” Ken relates. Now a devoted student of the Method, Ken looks forward to working with other members of the Road Staff and interacting with horse owners just like himself.

Melanie Moran

ong before Clinton had an official road staff, Melanie was helping him behind Lthe scenes. The first time she watched him work with a horse at an Equitana demonstration, she knew she’d found the knowledge she’d been missing her whole horse life. The two struck up a friendship and soon Melanie began traveling the country with Clinton and continues to today. If you spot her at a tour, you’ll more than likely see her selling tack and making mecates, and “every once in awhile filling in as an arena assistant,” she says. When she’s not on the road with Clinton, Melanie owns two businesses – one as a horse trainer and instructor and the other as a hairstylist at her salon in Wisconsin. She likes to ride her horse, Ray, out in the fields and on trails with her two black labs in tow. A former hunter jumper rider and trainer, her main focus now is on helping other people fix their horsemanship problems and raise their expectations of what they can accomplish using Clinton’s training.

Brenda Boots

n avid trail rider, Brenda was first introduced to Clinton and his Method Awhen she attended one of his clinics. “It was the best thing I ever did!” she says. “I was at a low point in my life, and when I left that clinic, I had gained a lot of confidence in working with my horse, and that carried on over into my personal life.” Her only regret is that she didn’t know about Clinton’s Method sooner in her horsemanship career. A native of North Dakota, Brenda used to belong to the Bismark Mounted Police. “I wish I would have known Clinton and his Method back then. I would have had a much more respectful horse!” she says. Brenda has been on the Road Staff for five years and can usually be found behind one of the cash registers. “It’s great to see how excited his fans are about his Method and hear how he has changed their relationships with their horses,” she says. When she’s not on the road with Clinton, Brenda works at Batrus Hollweg, Int., a talent management consulting firm based in Texas.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 87 Is It Time to Move On?

et’s say you followed my advice when you Lbought your first horse. You went out and got the 23-year-old crippled gelding (not really of course, but he was a dead broke, experienced horse with lots of miles under his feet), and he’s been nothing short of a saint for you. He endured your learning curve good naturedly, turning a blind eye when you accidently hit him with the Handy Stick and survived your bouncing in the saddle while you learned to post. He’s packed you around the arena and pasture and even been Mr. Dependable on trail rides. You knew that getting an older, experi- Don’t forget why you started riding to begin with. The time you enced horse would build your confidence and spend with your horse should be fun and enjoyed by both of you. increase your skills as a horseman. And today, you have good balance and can confidently canter on a loose rein in the arena or out on the trail – all thanks to him. But lately, those If either of those scenarios sound familiar, don’t worry, you’re not alone. rides that used to give you so much pleasure Both examples are common situations that take place in the horse have turned into a chore. The harder you world each day. Unfortunately, if you spend enough time in the industry, try to get your horse to advance to the next and are committed to advancing yourself, you’re going to be faced with level, the more of a struggle it becomes. the Million Dollar Question: Is it time to move on from this horse?

Or, maybe you’re an experienced rider If you’re a beginner rider that has spent time learning the basics on an that bought a young prospect with the goal experienced, well-trained horse, the answer is fairly straightforward. of competing in your chosen discipline. At But, if you’re trying to bring a prospect along, how do you know first, he excelled in his training, meeting if he can’t get any better or if he’s just holding out on you? each new challenge head on. But as you advance, you can feel him not quite stepping It’s time to move on… up to the plate. As the maneuvers get more • If riding or working with your horse has turned into a chore. The technical or the level more difficult, the same time you spend with your horse should be enjoyed by the both eagerness and try he had before seem to be of you. You put too much time, effort and money into building a missing. And instead of feeling elated at the partnership with your horse not to have fun working with him. end of your training sessions, you leave the ring feeling frustrated and disappointed.

88 – Is it time to move on Instruction

The perfect beginner’s horse is safe and When you’re ready to advance to a new horse, dependable. He builds a rider’s confidence and use common sense. Find a horse that’s more adds to their knowledge. challenging, but won’t wreck your confidence. As your skills progress, you’ll be able to teach horses what you know.

• If the horse doesn’t have a good attitude or the willingness to Horses Teach People, and compete at the level of competition you desire. There are some Then People Teach Horses horses that are just sorry-minded and poorly bred. We all know I firmly believe that horses teach people, kids who come from good parents, who were raised right, but and then people teach horses – in that exact have bad attitudes. Some horses are like that too. Every horse I’ve order–meaning that when you first start riding, worked with over the years has been trainable to an extent, but not you should buy a horse that will actually teach every horse is capable of being as good as the next one. What you you. The horse that you start with should be need to decide is why would you want to train a bad-minded horse safe, controlled and respectful. He’ll build with no talent, no ability and no work ethic when you could train your confidence and teach you the basics. a good-minded horse in half the time and get twice the results? Once you’ve reached a certain level of riding ability and confidence, you’ll more than likely • If your horse is physically limited to staying at the level he’s outgrow that particular horse’s ability. at, but you’re ready to advance. For instance, you might be ready to move up to the 3’6” height division in hunters, but I always tell people to look at their first horse your horse is only physically capable of jumping 3’. as nothing more than a business transaction. That may seem cold-hearted, but it’s the truth. • If you’re going into a discipline your horse has no desire or ability Most of us don’t have the first horse we learned to do. For example, you may want to get involved in cutting, but to ride on. Some people do of course, but unless your horse has the natural desire and ability to read cows, most of us don’t. Think of it like this: Do you he’s not going to be the right match for you. While your passion have the first bike you ever got? You probably lies with cutting, his might be in completing a reining pattern. don’t because more than likely, your first bike had ribbons, a bell and training wheels on it. • If your personalities don’t mesh. I’ll be the first to tell you that I’ve You’d look pretty silly riding around on it now. met some horses that I didn’t like. Their personalities just rubbed Why was it important that it had training me the wrong way. Could I train them? Yes, but I had to make myself wheels? Because you didn’t know how to ride like them. If you have to make yourself like a particular horse, it it. Your balance wasn’t good enough at the probably isn’t going to work out very well. Remember, horsemanship time and without the training wheels, you should be fun. You should look forward to going out to the barn would have kept falling off – and that would to work with your horse and he should look forward to seeing have ruined your confidence. As your ability you. If you don’t enjoy the time spent with your horse, chances improved and you became more confident, are, you won’t be as motivated to progress your horsemanship. your parents took the training wheels off and

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 89 Not every horse suits you graduated to a slightly bigger bike. And you feel confident riding your experienced every course. Just like when you mastered that one, you moved on horse that has been there and done that, it people, horses’ attitudes to an even more challenging bike. My point is, doesn’t mean you’re ready to ride a green- and abilities vary from when you first started riding bikes, you didn’t broke 2-year-old. Rather, you’ll move on to one to the other. It’s not learn on a ten-speed racer with skinny wheels. something that’s more of a challenge, but fair to you or your horse You started with a bike that would build won’t wreck your confidence. Horses are to try to make him into your confidence.L ook at your horse like your tremendous confidence builders. One day something he’s not. first bike. Eventually, if you want to advance they’ll make you feel like a million dollars your skills, you’re going to outgrow him. – you’ll leave the barn and walk back to the house thinking your God’s gift to horses. But When you do move on to your next horse, they can also wreck any confidence you have you’re going to find one that’s a bit more of a in a hurry. They can be completely terrible at challenge and has more athletic ability. He’s everything and act like they don’t remember a going to take your horsemanship to the next single lesson from the day before. Then you’ll level and then you’ll move on to a horse with feel miserable and think you’re a complete even more ability. That’s where the second failure. By following my Method and selecting part of that saying comes into play – “People the right horse for your skill level, the good teach horses.” Once you’ve ridden a variety days will far outnumber the bad days. of horses and have continued to build your knowledge and confidence, then you’ll start You Can’t Change Who He Is teaching horses what you know. You might If you’re like the majority of horse owners, purchase a green-broke 2-year-old and you’ll have a hard time admitting to yourself take him through your desired discipline. that you’ve outgrown your horse or he no Eventually, you’ll have enough experience longer suits your needs. If it feels like work to start a horse from the beginning. riding your horse and spending time with him, it’s a sure sign that it’s time to move on. The thing to remember when selecting a horse The most important thing to keep in mind is to honestly evaluate yourself. Just because is you can’t – or shouldn’t – change him.

90 – Is it time to move on Instruction

Just like people, horses are a million times happier in their jobs if they enjoy what they’re doing. It’s important to find your horse’s niche.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 91 The Beginner Horse The type of horse that is best suited to a beginner is a confidence builder. These horses are generally cold-blooded, lazier horses and are very easygoing. They have the perfect personality to teach a rider who is new to horses. But at the same time, they’re a little stiffer and not as soft and supple as a younger, more athletic horse. Horses that have been there and done that have their own way of doing things, which is OK because their main job is to be your babysitter. When you’re learning to stay balanced in the saddle, a good beginner’s horse doesn’t dart out from under you every time you lurch to the right or left. Instead, he knows his job is to stay under you on a straight line. A more sensitive horse would react each time he felt your body weight shift, and you’d be left dusting sand off your jeans. So in other words, the older, experienced horse’s purpose is to build your confidence, increase your balance and help you become a better horseman – all while keeping you safe. Once you have accomplished those things, worked fine when all I needed was a car to get Just because your you’re ready to move on to a horse that’s a me to the grocery store and back, but if I want horse’s sire and dam little more athletic and has more ability. This to get on the highway and go a little faster, with are champions in a will probably be a younger horse that can take better brakes and turning ability, I’d need to get given sport doesn’t you into a certain discipline and help you a better car. At that point, I might move up to mean that your horse reach the next level of your horsemanship. a full-sized car and then in a couple of years, is going to have a sports car, and then a Ferrari. But I didn’t go the same ability. The important thing to keep in mind is that straight from the Beetle to the Ferrari, I gradu- you’re not going to change who your horse is. ally got there as my ability increased and my You’re not going to get a 19-year-old gelding needs changed. It’s the same thing with horses. that’s been stiff and lazy his whole life to be an athletic, soft, supple, talented machine. It’s just The Prospect not going to happen. I can’t turn a Volkswagen Just like people, horses’ attitudes and abilities Beetle into a Ferrari. The fact of the matter is vary from one to the other. The saying: “Horses I have a Beetle – it isn’t a Ferrari. The Beetle for courses and people for horses,” also holds When It Just Isn’t Right hen I was 9, my grandparents bought the game. While my passion for the sport increased, Wme my first horse, and I was the Casey became more belligerent with each game. She happiest boy in the world when they gave absolutely hated running down the field, stopping hard me Casey. That happiness soon turned to and turning fast. She would have much rather been out frustration when that old mare started trail riding, picking her way through obstacles. Her sour showing her true colors. When I’d go out to disposition got worse and it was becoming hard for me the barn to work with her, she’d bare her to progress in the sport. Finally, my parents made the teeth and try to bite me or she’d swing her decision to sell Casey and buy Bess – a mare better suited hindquarters around and aim a hind leg at to my level of ability and to the sport of polocrosse. me. Because we didn’t know any better, we assumed that I’d be able to handle her and Bess took my confidence and game to a whole new level. eventually she’d become a good mount for In fact, I qualified for a position on an Australian national me. At the time, I had just started playing junior team and Bess was named Jr. Horse of the Year. polocrosse and was getting wrapped up in Instead of fighting me every step of the way and hating

92 – Is it time to move on true. Not every horse is going to suit every course. Some accept the fact that I was never going to horses are more naturally talented at a certain task than be as fast as the other guys. The same can Instruction others. Sometimes that is the hardest thing for people to be true of your horse. Just because his sire realize. They go out and purchase a well-bred horse for and dam are champions in a given sport their discipline, but when they start training the horse, they doesn’t mean that he’s going to have the same ability. Not realize he has no talent for that particular sport. every one of my reining horses is capable of performing That’s reality. on the national level. While those horses might not fit my program, it doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t make a great I might breed reining and cow horses, but not every ride for someone interested in local or regional shows. horse I breed wants to be a reining or cow horse. Some of them want to be barrel racers and others want to Don’t Involve Your Emotions do team penning. Just because a horse is bred to do a The biggest mistake people make with decisions involving certain job, doesn’t mean that he as an individual wants horses is letting their emotions get involved. When deciding to do that job. The thing to keep in mind is that you can’t whether a horse is right for you or not, you need to base keep banging a square peg into a round hole. It’s not fair your decision on your needs rather than your emotions. to you or the horse to try to make him something he’s I think a lot of times, when people buy a horse, they feel not. When you’re choosing a performance horse, you obligated to keep the horse for the rest of his life. You don’t always run the risk of it not working out, but that doesn’t have any obligation to be stuck with him, but you do have mean that the horse can’t be used or be valuable in a an obligation to take care of him, treat him with respect different discipline than what you were planning on. and look after his well-being while he’s in your care.

Horses are a million times happier in their partnership with Now don’t get me wrong, emotion certainly has its place you and performing their job if they like what they’re doing. in the horse world. I think you need to have compassion for A horse that loves the challenge of working cattle on a ranch your horse, the ability to experience enjoyment, a passion probably wouldn’t be well-suited at performing a dressage for what you’re doing and so forth. But unless you’re willing test. A horse that dreams of jumping fences isn’t going to be to use your head instead of giving in to your immediate happy doing a reining pattern. People are the same way. If feelings, you’re also going to experience emotions such you like crunching numbers and analyzing problems, you as disappointment and frustration. Riding and owning wouldn’t be happy working on an assembly line in a factory. a horse can be a tremendously rewarding experience, but in order to continue to add to your knowledge and Not only are horses suited to courses, but they also have stay safe while doing it, you need to make sure you’re varying abilities just like humans. Even though I wanted paired with the right horse. Selecting a horse whose to be a track star in high school, the reality is I’m not ability gives you confidence and increases your skills as a very good runner. I worked hard and listened to my a horseman is the key to enjoying your partnership. coach, but I could never run as fast as the better athletes on the team. Even if I had trained with an Olympic coach, he couldn’t have turned me into a Marion Jones. I had to

the sport like Casey did, Bess was cooperative and genuinely loved galloping down the polocrosse field. As soon as I got her, my confidence went through the roof because I had a horse that wanted to help me.

That experience taught me an important lesson at a young age. If you want to advance your skills and knowledge, you have to have a horse that will allow you to do so. While today, Casey wouldn’t be a problem for me because I now have the ability to handle a disrespectful horse, back when I was first getting involved with horses, she terrified me At a young age, I learned that having the right horse for your and wrecked my confidence. On the other hand, ability and skill level is important not only for your safety, Bess was willing to let me learn and because but adding to your knowledge and confidence as well. Here, she was well-trained, my confidence soared. Bess carries me down the field during a polocrosse game.

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 93 Clintonize [klin-ton-ize] verb. to clintonize, To Clinton Anderson and his staff at the Ocala Clinic: clintonized Awesome, Awesome, Awesome. I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful time that I had at the clinic, even with the heat. 1. The act of making a fat, disrespectful horse It was worth every hot minute and every penny. The staff was pour sweat from every part of awesome and that really made it over the top! Even though I had his body. done a lot of the exercises, all the extra hands-on help was what “My horse was mean until he got Clintonized I needed. I now know how hard I really can work my horse and every day for a week straight.” myself and how much work I need to make myself better and that makes my horse better. Just to let you know, I have been 2. To simplify something, i.e. a method or one of the fifty percent that has contin- way of thought. ued working my horse and have even “Clintonize your mind you must, young started on my husband’s Belgian Draft/ Tennessee-Walker.” Quarter Horse mix. Oh yeah, fat and lazy.

3. adj. Exhausted yet renewed in state Again, I want to thank all of the staff of mind. and crew for the wonderful experience. “She returned from the clinic totally Clintonized!” Diane Quinn From JakeLundahl - NWC forum Bell, Florida

Clinton Anderson’s Method has been awesome. When I got my first horse to train, I thought that it was going to be easy. I did not realize how much time and work went into training a horse. At the time, I was 16, and I bought a 3-year-old untrained colt named Dusty. I came across Clinton and his Method one day and I could understand what he was saying. I attended Greetings, one of his Walkabout Tours and came home blown I am a new No Worries Club member. I realized that away with all the information I got and started right Clinton’s instruction via his clinics, DVDs and TV away. Two years later, I have a horse that I can trust. shows were continuing to be the BEST investment Both Dusty and I have learned and grown together in I could make in my horses and in my horseman- training. I just got done with a local rodeo series and ship, so I joined. I am submitting two photos of placed thirteenth. It was Dusty’s first time doing any my registered Arabian, Sabiaana, taken at age 3.5 of that, and I never had so many people ask me how months and again at 3.5 years of age. After imprint- old he was and how he is a very good horse for being ing her when she was born, I started learning and 5-years-old. I now teach my younger brother how to using the Clinton Anderson Method with her. ride using Dusty. Dusty takes very good care of him. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching her mature from Thank You Clinton for sharing your Method with a curious little filly into a willing and well-adjusted us, spending hours working to help others with their young riding horse. This photo was taken during her horses and having the help right there if we need it. first trail ride and water crossing. She is the first filly from our breeding program, and the first horse I have Jessika McCollian ever started under saddle. Doing this with lake County, California her has been one of the most rewarding things I could imagine, made possible with a lot of help from Clinton. I thank him sincerely for sharing what he knows in such a clear and well-organized fashion and for making it possible for the average owner to safely train their own horses.

Ellen May Winslow, Arkansas

94 – NWC Member Letters Hi, My pony used to stick his I have reached the end of an extremely wonderful season with my Quarter nose out in front of him Horse “Miss Lucky Retreat” aka Penny. I refer to it as the end as we live in extreme when we were under saddle. northern New York state and it is getting very cold here now. It is not the end of I started flexing about two “horse season” as that never ends, but riding is pretty much over for a few months. weeks ago, but I hadn’t really noticed what a difference I board my horse at my dear friend’s home with her horses. She has had horses it had made because I’m in her life for sixty years. I consider her and her family among the best of horse always the one riding. handlers around here. She has taught me so much about horses and their nature, and I am eternally grateful to her for it. When I bought Penny (with her guid- I was riding in a dressage ance and advice) I thought I had hit the jackpot. I finally had my own horse! In and jumping clinic last week- researching Penny’s paperwork I learned she was 6 years old, and I was her fifth end with a German-trained owner. Needless to say, I had yellow flags waving in my mind, but I surged on. instructor. At one point during the dressage portion, We discovered that Penny had a problem with pulling back when tied at the he asked whether I lunged my hitching post. We tried everything from using a collar (to remind her that she pony in sidereins. I answered can’t get away) and using various items to sack her out each time I was with no, just a rope halter and 14- her, to simply using the ground tying method anytime I wanted to saddle her foot line (much to his horror), up. Nothing seemed to work. What I did notice after awhile was her “extreme and he replied, “Well what- respect for men.” It took me a little while longer to realize that was not it; ever you’re doing, you’re doing she had extreme respect for ANYONE who handled her with confidence. right! His frame is beautiful!”

After three years of trying all of Carol’s tricks in her bag, she finally said, “I don’t He also used to race around have anything else up my sleeve to help you with Penny. Let’s look for something the ring, almost uncontrol- else.” I had seen many of your shows on RFD-TV and was very impressed, but at lably. I had just done the that point, didn’t think I could learn all of it and remember everything when I actu- Cruising Lesson with him ally had her with me. So we joined your No Worries Club and purchased the DVDs. the day before the clinic. So when I got into the ring with I studied them and concentrated on learning “Lunging for Respect Stage the instructor, I was surprised One and Two and started using it on her. She couldn’t figure me out at first, to find that I couldn’t get but there was a point that I could see she thought I had something. I worked him to go! The entire lesson with her at least five days/week, and within three weeks it was obvious I was trying to get my boy we had something. She was a very quick study and learned very fast. to go faster. I’m going to work on it, because he does I also purchased your tie ring and what a lifesaver that is! I can saddle her need to pick up the pace if now without too much of an issue – we have a very bad habit to break there. we’re ever going to compete, In the past, she has pulled back and actually reared up multiple times. I but the fact that he was too think it will take a little more time before she stands really still for tacking slow was amazing. I never up, but we are still working on it with the tie ring with continued success. I thought that would happen. always loved her and I knew she tolerated me, but she really looks to me for leadership and I know she respects me now. You taught me those leader- Thanks Clinton! Using ship skills which have enabled me to totally enjoy one of the most precious your Method, I hope to train things in my life. I haven’t moved very far beyond Lunging for Respect, but I my pony for eventing! am reviewing your episodes to determine where I want to go with her next. Ariella Gibson I am truly and eternally grateful to you for your Method and philosophies. I rock Hill, SC actually looked forward to every day I spent with her this year. This is the first year I can honestly say that. Carol and her family are very pleased with the progress I have made this year with Penny, and we look forward to the next riding season. She is an AWSOME trail horse – absolutely bomb-proof. It’s easy to tell she just loves it! It is my goal to get her to be a respectable riding ring horse. Right now she prefers her trail rides and resents ring work. I plan to overcome that next year. I will continue to study your DVDs and further my education with your Method. I cannot say “thank you” enough for what your Method has done for me and Penny.

Sally Manor

SPRING 2010–No worries Journal 95 Diane Lenard and Quincy Mary Gunn and Dusty doing poles

Clarissa Gann and her 7-year-old, Quarter Janet Freeland of Stagecoach, Nevada and Deanne Simons with Tornados Midnight Fox Horse gelding, Emmett Sugar nailing a stop at one week old

Amy Bommer and Princess Fiona at a Fun Show Lee Smith with his 9-year-old gelding Sonny

96 – NWC Member photos Donnia Barrow of Burr Ferry, Louisiana and Holiday Kaitlin Longino reading the Fall Journal with her yearling filly Bellina

Traci Woodard and her 6-year-old AQHA gelding, Go Lucky Executive C. Lee Anderson of Benton, Kentucky and Shiney

Stephanie Lilly and her 12-year-old Quarter Horse gelding Vinyards Julie Richards and Sooty at the Monmouth County ‘A’ Show – very Dandy Dude (Dually) happy and ready to go

W.E. Dowdell and Cee Cee Jean Gravning and her horse Maddam Fancy Pants (Maddie) showing off their new Clinton Anderson Equipment

SPRING 2010 – No worries Journal – 97 Member to Member: What Kept You Motivated Throughout the Winter?

We asked you to share your tips on what keeps you motivated to work with your horses throughout the winter and early spring despite cold temps and bad weather. Here are some of the answers you posted on the NWC Forum:

NeverDull Ranch: Just the sight 7791 (Jeri Geary): DUH Motivates Tricia1: Husbands, housework of them standing out in the cold me to work with my horses at and kids. The more the house looking longingly at the house. least five times a week because: needs to be cleaned and the more kids that come over, the more “Are you going to come A. I love to see my horses feet motivated I am to find my Under and play with us?” move in the direction of my Armour Cold and go out and ride request, lightly and willingly. – in an indoor arena of course. “We’re SO BORED out here freezing our ARSES off!!!” B. My horse will keep two eyes on me and enter into the rela- They get enough calories to tionship. It’s a great feeling! stay warm, but I can’t bear the BarnBum2010: The drive to thought of those bright little C. To feel a supple and more better my relationship with my minds just gathering dust during balanced horse under horse, and the fact that I don’t the dark months. And when me is wonderful. sweat all my energy out in the Frisco (a.k.a. Einstein) is bored, winter. Plus, Rio seems to be that’s when mischief happens… D. When I ride I am the leader. in a better mood in the winter anyway–easier to deal with. E. My horse has no worries therefore I don’t either! BeckyNorman: Once I’m out there in the cold months, the horses are their own motivation. Bmccain: Results * I just enjoy being with them and Responsibility * Loyalty spending time with them, even Meghansmombo: All it takes to if it’s just to take a walk down make it all worthwhile is seeing I’ve been following Downunder a dirt road or groom them and that fuzzy, muddy, bright-eyed Horsemanship for five years have my gelding tuck his head face come toward me from the now and have been amazed into my arm to get those cold pasture when I call. No matter and excited about the results ears of his out of the wind. how cold and grumpy I am, I have gotten with my horses. the moment he gets within 10 I worked really hard to get But the initial motivation to yards of me, I can’t help smiling. my horses where I have them actually get out of that warm Then I sit with him while he at right now, which is safe, house and head out in the cold eats, and I love to watch him respectful, willing riding is anxiety about what type eat. I’m just enjoying him so partners, to let winter ruin what of “idiots” I’ll have come the much it’s not much effort to I’ve worked so hard to achieve. summer if I DON’T get out walk up to the arena and do there and do some groundwork half an hour or an hour of with them at least a couple groundwork, liberty work, etc. of times a week! Both of my Sharon S-R: I put in a horses have come a long, long Downunder Horsemanship way since being introduced to DVD and that really inspires Downunder Horsemanship, and me to get out to the barn! I definitely do not want them to regress to that disrespectful, “wild” state that they were in when I first got them.

98 – Member to member: NWC Forum Essential Tools to Aid in Training 10 City Tour to Discover the Method Clinics to Learn the Method One on One

No secret formulas. No Magic. No fluff. Clinton anderson’s method can teach any horseMAN how to develop safe, responsive, and willing horses.

VISIT Downunderhorsemanship.com for more info 2285 N US HWY 377 • Stephenville, TX 76401