Cow Horse

Get to know the editors of Horse&Rider and co-hosts of The Ride podcast in this unique episode of The Ride.

Struggle with lead departures? Brad Barkemeyer is here to help.

Whether you’re a beginner at fencework or need to school a chargey cow horse, this exercise from NRCHA professional Brad Barkemeyer is safe and efficient.

Knowing where your markers are within a pattern is extremely important. Brad Barkemeyer breaks down how you can practice this at home.

The key to training a good cow horse—or a good horse in general—is consistency.

Does your horse need more practice on cattle? Brad Barkemeyer demonstrates the exercise he uses on all of his horses.

New to working cattle? Here’s a drill Brad Barkemeyer likes to do to help you learn how to read cattle.

Once a rider is comfortable with having a cow present in the arena, it’s time to start working it.

The next step when introducing a rider to the working cow horse is having them work a pattern with cattle present.

Once a rider is comfortable working the flag, it’s time to practice working an imaginary cow.

When you come from a different discipline over to the working cow horse, it’s important to start on the flag before working with an actual cow.

Bought a new horse? Here’s how to assess his skill level.

This episode of The Ride brings you a profile on Benny Guitron.

If you compete in an event like the cow horse, it’s important that your stirrups are the correct length.

Do you know how to properly hold and use romal reins? Brad Barkemeyer breaks down the basics.

Don’t let your horse change directions just because he changes leads. Use this drill to keep your horse straight after a lead change.

Brad Barkemeyer shows you how to use your leg, rein, and voice to properly cue your horse to spin.

Learn how to successfully train and maintain a flying lead change.

Bud Lyon explains what scotching is and how to prevent it.

Know where you are in the arena at all times.

Brad Barkemeyer explains what not to do when going down the fence.

Brad Barkemeyer demonstrates how to guide your horse while circling a cow.

Don’t have access to cattle? Try working an imaginary cow with Brad’s exercise.