Reining/Cow Horse

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.

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.

Use this straight-line-to-circle exercise to plus-point your reinerʼs fast-to-slow speed transitions. World champion trainer Clint Haverty shows you how.

A mother’s world-show triumph on her late son’s talented performance horse is an act of love and tribute.

Bud Lyon talks about his feeding program, Brad Barkemeyer shows you his favorite back-up drill.

Maintain longevity in your older performance horses using these insights from Bob Avila.

This week on Horse&Rider OnDemand

Bob Avila discusses the finer points of the finished rollback.

Use this rollback exercise at home to ensure that you stay out of the penalty box when you go show.

A precise end to a set of spins keeps you out of the penalty box and prevents your horse from developing bad habits.

Carol Metcalf has earned her reputation as a top performance horse trainer with talent, determination, and hard work.

The hackamore plays a pivotal role in traditional training for reined cow horses, following the snaffle bit. It allows you to use direct-rein cues, just like a snaffle, but begins to introduce the concept of neck reining. That concept is further honed with the two-rein setup and then eventually the bridle. But the hackamore isn’t exclusive to reined cow horses. You can incorporate it into your training program, no matter your area of interest.

Not reaching your riding goals? The key might lie in letting your horse do his job.

Pat Denton rode jumpers, reiners, and cow horses, plus modeled, acted, and did stunt and double work for television and the movies. An extraordinary life? You decide.

Enhance your show experience and extend your performance horse’s skill set by adding ranch riding to your repertoire.

There’s a secret subtlety when it comes to turns for any type of riding. It involves you following your horse’s movement and staying out of his way. Really—it’s that simple. Your horse notices everything you do in the saddle, so you can inadvertently get in his way without even knowing it. Here I’ll explain how something as simple as turning your torso away from the turn hinders your horse’s turning ability.