Reining/Cow Horse

Bob Avila discusses the finer points of the finished rollback.

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.

She grew up on Arizona’s famous Bar U Bar Ranch and has been riding and showing great horses ever since. Today, Laurel Denton lives the ultimate Western life while excelling in the sports she loves.

Hall-of-fame horses are few and far between. I was fortunate to ride one his entire career.

Step up your horse’s walking stride without breaking gait.

A world champion shares her core training secrets. An H&R exclusive adapted from Sandy Collier’s book, Reining Essentials: How to Excel in Western’s Hottest Sport.

Cynthia Rucker gives tips on riding the first two maneuvers of NRHA Pattern 3.

Is the artificially low-headed fad in the reining pen here to stay? NRHA Futurity champ Bob Avila talks about it.

Trainer and judge Jill Newcomb offers tips for executing a square corner when called for in a pattern.

Use tactics to prevent lead-change anticipation, as well as reap other benefits.

Many patterns, from horsemanship to reining to ranch pleasure, require straight lines. Use this exercise from LaRae Powell to keep your horse on track.

This relaxing exercise will help you learn how to be more confident and supple at the lope.

Get involved in cow horse competition with a division that’s designed for newcomers to the sport.

Top judge Maryann Willoughby guides you through the first two maneuvers of NRHA Reining Pattern 2.