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Brad Barkemeyer’s Tips for the Show Pen Video Series:
Want to be competitive in reined cow horse? Mastering the stop is essential—it’s one of the most important maneuvers in the discipline.
In this video, brought to you by Absorbine, Professional Horseman Brad Barkemeyer breaks down the mechanics of a correct stop—and explains why it is the one of the most fundamental skills in the reined cow horse.
Brad Barkemeyer begins by emphasizing the importance of getting your horse in tune with both your body and voice, ensuring your horse responds to the word “whoa.”
Photo by Nichole Chirico
Mastering the stop requires a combination of cues, including body position, seat, leg pressure, and using your reins. The cow often provides the first signal to stop, and a well-trained cow horse will naturally respond to that movement. However, when first teaching the stop, or for a horse that is less cowy, your physical cues become crucial. A loose rein signals forward motion, while picking up the slack, releasing leg pressure, and adjusting foot position cue the stop.
Watch Brad’s Tips for Perfecting Your Stop:
WATCH OTHER VIDEOS FROM THIS VIDEO-TIP SERIES:
Master Your Turnaround with Brad Barkemeyer
