Reining/Cow Horse

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 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.

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.