Reining/Cow Horse

A smooth backup is something all riders strive for, no matter your discipline.

Bob Avila discusses the finer points of the finished rollback.

Crossfiring—when your horse is on the wrong lead behind—will get you a penalty in many events. But when working a cow, it can jeopardize your working cow horse safety.

Teach your young horse solid rollback fundamentals for a foundation to build a stellar show horse.

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

A top trainer debunks common western horse training principles you may have been taking as gospel.

Trainer Crystal McNutt helps a reader who struggles with setting up her horse for walk-to-lope transitions.

Use this exercise to improve your straightness for lead changes.

Learn how to control your horse’s speed and direction with subtle riding cues.

Use this exercise to prepare your horse to stay straight through all of your lead changes.

Teaching your horse to turn will allow you to have more steering ability and control anytime you’re in the saddle.

When it comes to horse headsets, everyone has opinions. Before making up your mind, consider these factors.

Don’t let an increase or decrease in speed at the lope put you in the penalty box. Learn how to prepare your horse for speed transitions at home so you can show mastery of them when it counts.

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

Can you put each of your horse’s feet where you want them? Learn how with my tips.

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.

This exercise challenges and promotes your in-saddle balance so you can begin to develop a truly independent seat.

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.

This creative exercise is easy, fun, and guaranteed to get you focused on your riding—instead of your nerves.

Perfect your horse’s turnaround with these helpful tips and troubleshooting pointers.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, ride trails or rails, effective speed transitions are an essential part of your horsemanship. Controlled, smooth changes of gait make for a more enjoyable ride for you and your horse—less bouncing around, fumbled cues, and confusion for your horse. And they net you a better score if you compete. Here I’ll explain how one of my young riders works on her transitions to eventually make them effortless and almost invisible.

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.

Balky horses have reasons for their behavior. Here’s how to recognize root causes and overcome the different varieties of balkiness.