NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019
VAQUERO STYLE THE PHILOSOPHY AND TOOLS OF COLT STARTING WITH MAÑANA IN MIND
HOW TO STOP BARN SOUR BEHAVIOR THINKING OF ADOPTING? READ THIS FIRST YOU CAN SPEAK DRESSAGE AND WESTERN AND BE A BETTER RIDER HOW TO GET YOUR HORSE RESCUE-READY
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Learn about the effectiveness of humane, science-based training skills to develop your horse’s motivation and trust. In our Weekend Clinics and Intensive Workshops at Terra Nova Equestrian Training Center, legendary trainer and equine behaviorist Shawna Karrasch will show you how to unlock the power of Positive Reinforcement with horses. Take home a new outlook and practical ways to truly address problems like trailer loading, spookiness, and far more. Your horse will love you for it!
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Cowgirl logic. If you are a cowgirl, you have used it. If you are a cowgirl’s husband, you have heard it. If you are a fantastic cowgirl’s husband, you have embraced it. Here’s how it works…. Cowgirls use all sorts of logic to get that first horse. My logic involved stress, lack of happiness, depression, and a horse as the cure-all. “If I had a horse, I wouldn’t be as stressed out from my business and employees, and therefore would be happier.” Maybe my husband ran with the thought…a stress-free, happy wife means a thoughtful wife, one who might even bake him a casserole. “Absolutely, let’s get a horse!” Three days later there was a nervous Arabian gelding at our newly-booked stall at a boarding stable. Then, the logic for the second horse. “I want to learn how to ride Western as well as Dressage and therefore need a quarter horse.” A month later there was a trainer-checked, vet-checked, sorrel mare in my second stall. Despite the professional reviews, she turned out to spook and spin at every stump on the trail. These two horses were just the beginning. Then came the second and third Arabians, another Quarter Horse (yearling), a Tennessee Walker, a Missouri Fox Trotter, and a Kentucky Mountain Horse. Cowgirl logic was the foundation of every purchase. “I can’t believe I can get such a quality Arabian at that price!” “At least one time in my life I need to experience raising a baby.” “I’m riding longer trails and need a smoother, gaited horse.” “YOU need a gaited horse so you can keep up with me.” My herd brought me to the holy grail of all cowgirl logic. “Think how much money we would save on boarding if we bought a ranch.” When my friend’s husband heard that I had used this logic on my husband, he jumped right in, quoting his wife: “It will be an investment.” My girlfriend added the logic she had used, “I work hard for my money. Why should I give someone else the boarding check when I can be giving it to my family?” Cowgirls, after all, are so selfless. To best understand cowgirl logic, you must understand how many cowgirls see ourselves. Because I am comfortable with dirty fingernails, greasy hair, and living for a week without a single electrical outlet in sight, I consider myself a low-maintenance woman. I don’t need gems or fancy vacations to be happy. All I need is at least two horses, a custom-made saddle, 15 pairs of riding boots, a weekender trailer, a one-ton, 4-wheel drive truck, and a horse ranch. Oh, and did I mention a Yeti cooler? So boyfriends and husbands, nod your heads at our logic and agree with us when we insist that we are low-maintenance. You will have a happy girlfriend or wife, and during the breaks between summer, fall, winter, and spring riding seasons, you might even get a surprise casserole.
Cecilia Kayano I don't need fancy handbags or diamonds as my accessories. I just need my custom-made McKenna trail saddle and the shimmering of the aspens. PHOTO BY JOAN LATTNER
New Mexico Editor/Publisher CECILIA KAYANO Associate Editor PEGGY CONGER Facebook/Events SUSIE SPICER Manager Contributing Writers KATE AUSTIN & Photographers JENNIFER BLAKE SUZANNE DE LAURENTIS THOMAS GARCIA BARB KIIPER RUDY LARA, JR. BECKAH LARSEN JOAN LATTNER ALLEN POGUE CINDY ROPER KATRIN SILVA SCOTT THOMSON Photojournalist EVELYN BEMIS Graphic Design/Layout MARIE ANTHONY Advertising & Sales
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www.horsearoundnm.com Well-written informative articles and high-resolution photos are welcome. Submissions will be considered and are subject to editing. The next issue, the Get Ready Issue, appears at New Mexico outlets on March 1, 2020. The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2020. The deadline for ads is February 1, 2020. For information contact Cecilia Kayano, HANM Editor, 505-570-7377, HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, www.horsearoundnm.com
Need more trail riding details, horsey events and equine inspiration? Check out our expanded Facebook page. Make sure to like us! COVER PHOTO: Rudy Lara, Jr., rides SC Spanish Perks, a mare owned by Thomas Garcia, in the Vaquero style. PHOTO BY EVALYN BEMIS.
BEST OF NEW MEXICO ISSUE
KNOW BEFORE YOU ADOPT / EXPERIENCE THE GILA WILDERNESS
14
FEATURES
8 Colt Starting In The Vaquero Style
20
Learn the philosophy and tools that Vaquero horsemen use to train horses in this classic way
14 The Barn Sour Horse
How to control this behavior on the trail and how to cure it
20 Mustang Savvy
Thinking of adopting? Here's what you need to know
24 When Disaster Strikes
This winter tune your horse up with skills he'll need should the unthinkable happen
28 The Feel Of The Gila
Experience New Mexico's wilderness gem through the eyes and hearts of three men
34 Western And Dressage Communication
A Western conversation with your horse is brief with pauses, Dressage is almost constant, both are important
PLUS
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38 Horse Services Directory 38 Upcoming Horse Events
Horse Around New Mexico is printed five times per year: Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec. Submissions of articles and photos from all around NM are welcome! See our website or email/call for submission standards/deadlines: www.horsearoundnm.com, HorseNewMexico@gmail.com, 505-570-7377. Horse Around New MexicoŠ2019. All rights reserved. Horse Around New Mexico and Horsearoundnm.com are copyrighted, trademarked, and the sole property of Cecilia Kayano. Individual content copyright belongs to the author. All the opinions expressed herein are the sole opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect bias or belief on the part of the editor, publisher, distributors, printer, advertisers, or other contributors.
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Collection 101 Clinic with Demonstration Friday, November 22, 5-7 PM Saturday November 23, 10-5 PM Arrowhead Ranch, Santa Fe, NM When are you and your horse ready? What are the benefits? How do you do it? Explore different philosophies and methods of obtaining collection with your own horse or a leased horse. Eight participants maximum Participants $350 + tax Auditors welcome $50 + tax 505.231.5353 lynn@lynnclifford.com lynnclifford.com/events
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The Philosophy and Tools of Colt Starting in the
Vaquero Style BY THOMAS GARCIA
Main photo by Jennifer Blake. Inset photo of Rudi Lara, Jr., by Evalyn Bemis.
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A
Rudi Lara, Jr., uses the Garrocha to desensitize SC Spanish Sierra to objects crossing over the top and seen with the other eye. This is one way that Vaquero style training prepares the horse to be mounted. PHOTO BY THOMAS GARCIA.
s the last rays of the setting sun turned the northern New Mexico mountains their signature red, my friend Rudy Lara, Jr. and I sipped a couple of ice-cold beers and discussed the progress of a couple fillies we had started.
“What, in your opinion, makes Vaquero style colt starting different than any other method?” I asked Rudy. Rudy, who in 2019 won both the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo and Western Heritage Classic, 3-day colt starting championships, thought for a minute then answered with one word, “Mañana.” Mañana literally means tomorrow, but in this context it means, “Not today.” That was the perfect answer. In traditional Vaquero horsemanship there is no hurry.
There are no futurities. There are no deadlines to meet. You do things when the colt is ready, when he shows you he understands what is being asked of him and is ready to progress to the next step. The Californio Vaquero took whatever time it took to train his colt. Starting with the ring snaffle, progressing through the series of Bosals and finishing out in the spade or other Spanish bits, the process took what it took. There was plenty of time to accomplish this and the result was
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horses, sound of both mind and body, that worked well into their teens and beyond. In today’s world of big money juvenile events, colts are pushed beyond the capability of their young minds and immature bodies. Three-year-olds are getting hock injections or chiropractic, or their minds are so fried they have nowhere to go. I have a friend who purchased an OTTB, and spent thousands of dollars in chiropractic work, special shoeing and trips to various re-trainers. The horse is still pretty much useless. In contrast, Rodolfo Lara Sr., Rudy’s father, placed fourth in the 2018 Cowboy Dressage World finals out of over 130 entries, on Regalo, a home trained 18-year-old gelding. My 17-year-old stallion can still spin, slide and trot
backwards in the spade and looks nowhere near his age. Both are testaments to the relaxed and gentle methods of Vaquero training. In starting a colt in the Vaquero style, one uses certain tools that, although not that different from other disciplines, do offer their unique twist. The equipment is used in a fashion that lets the horse help train himself, lets him find the sweet or comfortable spot versus making or forcing him to do something. Since Vaquero horsemanship has its roots in classical riding, many of the exercises are what one would consider Classical Dressage training. Shoulders in, haunches in, turn on the haunches, turn on the forehand, two track, and the half passé are all part of the routine. The difference is the emphasis on lightness, balance and control of the horse’s body. The tools used go back to Old Spain and beyond. Techniques and equipment have been modified along the way.
Tools for Vaquero Horsemanship Training Roper halter with knots First in the line of tools is the tied rope halter with knots. Many clinicians would like to be credited with originating this halter; however, it is an old tool from way back in Vaquero history. The halter with strategically placed knots puts pressure on a horse and also offers quick release. It is used to work a horse during different maneuvers from simple leading to exercising, desensitizing, and many times through the first rides. Reata In the desensitizing process the Reata is used. The Reata is a braided rawhide rope usually 3/8” diameter and 60+’ long. Being braided it has a softer texture and is gentler on the hide of a horse than a nylon rope. Another use of the Reata is to use it around the horse’s body on the pressure points to simulate the tightness of the cinch, the pressure of the rider’s legs and to desensitize the horse to the flank cinch. Other uses of the Reata are teaching the horse to accept hobbles, accept the rope being swung off of him and accepting the pull from the saddle horn.
The Reata is used on SC Spanish Perks to put pressure on the barrel simulating cinch/rider's leg pressure and also to desensitize a horse to the rear cinch. In the position in the photo, the Reata is simulating the pressure from a rider's legs encouraging the horse to move forward. PHOTO BY THOMAS GARCIA. Garrocha A unique Vaquero tool is the Garrocha. The Garrocha is a pole about 2 ½” diameter and 12-14’ in length. It goes back to the lance the knights carried into jousts. It was adopted by Spanish stockmen to move cattle and test the valor and merit of the fighting bulls. It came across the Atlantic with the Conquistadors and was used on the California haciendas, first to carry a loop at the end to place over cattle or horse’s heads then later with a crescent moon blade attached to the end to hamstring cattle and put them down.
Hobbles made out of a lead rope secure the front legs of SC Spanish Perks. All Vaquero horses are hobble broke, using lead ropes or the tail end of Mecate which teaches them to stand still. These hobbles are softer and safer than traditional rawhide hobbles. Once the horse is hobble broke the rawhide hobbles will be used as the horse will not fight them. PHOTO BY THOMAS GARCIA.
It has evolved into a tool with many uses -- from using it as an extension of one’s hand, to running it up a horse’s side across the saddle thus allowing a horse to see something crossing the saddle to his other side as will happen when first mounted. It is also used as a compass to allow the horse/rider team to make
perfect circles. On a finished horse a beautiful dance on horseback can be performed. Ring snaffle Next comes the ring snaffle. Many purists will say the snaffle has no part in Vaquero horsemanship. Nonsense! Photographs
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SC Spanish Sierra has a soft, relaxed look in her eye, has accepted the hobbles and accepts the loop being tossed over her. She's on her way to becoming a Vaquero-trained horse. PHOTO BY THOMAS GARCIA.
from the great California ranches -- the Tejon, San Emideo, Miller and Lux -show Vaqueros in snaffles, and they are mentioned in the writings of Ed Connell, Arnold Rojas and other writers of the period. The ring snaffle serves several purposes. Per its design, the mouthpiece slides down the radius of the rings. It encourages a horse to pick up and hold the mouthpiece. It makes the horse carry the bit. The horse holding and carrying the bit feels the slightest signal from the rein and also won’t be gaping his mouth. Fixed mouthpiece snaffles allow a horse to be lazy and not hold the bit in position or run around with an open mouth. Another benefit of starting with a ring snaffle is it teaches a horse to have a bit in his mouth prior to introduction to the spade. Once the horse gives and flexes in the ring snaffle he is double reined into the Bosal. Once the horse is guiding in the Bosal the snaffle is removed.
Bosal The Bosal is used for one thing and that is to protect the horse’s mouth during the training process. On green horses one must sometimes grab a hold of the horse’s head and turn them around as in the case of a horse wanting to buck or run away. With a bit, injury to the mouth can occur while it does not with the Bosal. Another of the Bosal’s functions is to, by starting off with a heavy, large diameter Bosal, encourage a horse to carry his head vertically, finding the sweet spot.
driven or not, and only progress to the next step when they are ready. Many times, in the starting and progression of training, we had to sit back and rethink the situation and sometimes go back a step or two and let the fillies we were working tell us when to move forward.
A large diameter Bosal, however, puts less pressure on the nose than a smaller one. As the horse's training progresses a smaller and smaller diameter Bosal is used until the horse is in a 3/8" Bosalito and the two rein with Bosalito and bridle is used.
Thomas Garcia is the owner of Spanish Creek Performance horses. He has been a world class Quarter horse breeder for over 25 years. Spanish Creek Horses have amassed over 200 championships from Halter to Performance and Versatility Ranch Horse.
Proceeding when ready
The main aspect of Vaquero style colt starting is Mañana, not today -- when the colt is ready, we will proceed to the next phase. Colts are desensitized, ground
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The results are two young fillies that are riding soft and willing and will make tremendous mounts in the Vaquero tradition. May you always ride a good horse.
n
Thomas has been training and riding in the Vaquero tradition for over 25 years.. He is currently training two Spanish Creek fillies with Rudy Lara Jr.. Thomas is owner of Taos Tack and Pet Supply in Taos, New Mexico. He can be contacted at thomas.garcia1@juno.com
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CONTROLLING AND CURING
THE BARN SOUR HORSE ARTICLE BY SUZANNE DE LAURENTIS AND ALLEN POGUE PHOTOS BY KATE AUSTIN
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It’s so disheartening to ride a horse that is absolutely bent on getting back to the barn. There are no “quick fixes” that work yet with patience it can be done.
icture yourself in the middle of a great trail ride – gentle wind blowing, flittering aspen surround you. The day is so perfect that you forget for a minute what your ride home will be like. At the exact moment you turn your horse toward home, he transforms into a bundle of nerves, jigging, nervously calling out, hopping or rearing. I’ve had this happen to me and it is disheartening to say the least. I honestly can’t recall a particular incident that would have caused my horse to become barn sour, but he sure was. I eventually was able to change his attitude. But it took some time and planning. If you have a barn sour horse, here are some possible causes and solutions.
Start them right
Expose them at a young age Horses can easily develop separation anxiety or a fear of being alone because they are herd animals. Their need for companionship is absolutely hard-wired in their being. Anxiety will be less likely if young horses are given many diverse experiences and a solid education. Get them out seeing the world – by ponying them, hand walking or trailering to different places.
Wean after six months Keep length of rides reasonable Studies show foals that are weaned Young trail horses can become barn sour earlier than six months can be timid or if they are ridden distances beyond their insecure. They need time to be nurtured physical ability. If they become overly and taught by their dam. A horse that tired or sore in their initial rides, it’s easy is weaned after six months has more for them to develop fear of riding that can time and help from his dam to develop last their entire lives. Start slowly. Horses confidence. 16 HORSE AROUND | November/December 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com
are not physically mature enough for long rides until they are at least two or three years old. Foster independence I rotate my younger horses through a variety of housing situations to help them socialize and develop many friendships. This seems to help them become more independent than if they have only one or two steady pasture mates.
Re-training steps
Before beginning any remedial training, be certain that pain is not the undercover culprit. Pain, especially when caused by riding equipment, can contribute to the desire to rush home and other defensive behavior.
All remedial fixes take time. Gradual training is always your best bet. Quick fixes and gimmicks don’t have any place in real horsemanship. I can’t predict what will work best with your horse or how long a fix will take. I can only explain what’s worked for me with my horses. Above all, be patient and consistent. A horse that rushes home really needs your understanding and help. Warm up before the ride Get your horse ready in a round pen, arena or open area near the trail. Work on exercises your horse enjoys or does well, so you have a reason to praise him and raise his confidence. When you have your horse’s attention and cooperation, ride toward the trail. Ride and return Ride him a very short distance from home, then return. Sit quietly for a few minutes or take a break by tying him. Then repeat the short ride, going a little further, even a hundred feet more. Keep the sessions short and within his ability to cope and stay calm. Over the next few sessions, increase the distance slightly with each ride and vary the number of times you go back out on the trail to keep him from anticipating the sequence. Never use the same turn-around point. Stop and sit on the trail As your rides become longer, stop and sit quietly, praise your horse, or even offer him a food reward. If you offer him a food treat, do it prior to the turn-around point. Always use a verbal cue such as “cookie time” as you offer a treat. Feeding food treats without using proper preparation and conditioning can lead to unwanted behavior. Do not use a food reward when you return to the barn. Food is an earned reward, not a bribe. Play leap frog on the trail For the horse that gets a little crazy when horses pass him or go out of sight on the trail, enlist your friends’ help. Play leap frog with other horses and riders. This game helps to get a horse acquainted with changing speeds and positions in a group. Take turns walking quietly or standing as riders pass each other, constantly changing positions as you gradually increase the distance between horses.
Food treats can be used as a tool with a diminishing reward system. Using a vocal cue establishes the expectation that a treat will be forthcoming. Treats lose their effectiveness if used freely rather than as one element of a reward system.
Hand grazing your horse for a few minutes when he’s really distracted and trying to rush home can diffuse heat of the moment for both of you.
Hiding a few handfulls of your horse’s favorite feed can help give him something to focus on and look forward to within a few sessions. Don’t put the bucket in the same place and remember the goal is to eventually switch to the reward of stroking or a few minutes of grazing. Refocusing your horse’s attention with the “expectation” of a reward can be powerful. www.horsearoundnm.com | November/December 2019 | HORSE AROUND
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At first, have your friends stop just short of disappearing from sight. As your horse gains confidence, try having one rider go out of sight for very short periods of time and gradually increase the time. When each horse can tolerate having the others out of his sight, ride short distances from the group before returning. Over time, the horses should be able to tolerate more time spent out of sight of each other. End the ride right It’s helpful to end the trail riding session with a little arena work or tie your horse, remove his tack and just let him chill. Or, go back out on the trail. Resist the urge to give your horse a great rub down and a nice meal of his favorite feed. This turns the act of being home into an extremely pleasant experience. Who can blame him for wanting to get there quickly? Taking these steps at the end of the ride will diminish your horse’s urge to rush back to the barn. Returning home won’t be quite as appealing if it doesn’t signal the end of his workday.
The return to the barn should not be the end of a horse’s workout. We try to focus on making a trail ride non stressful and fun and don’t provide feed or rewards upon return. If you tie your horse after a ride, remove the bridle and be certain your saddle can’t get rubbed or damaged. Don’t leave a horse unattended for long periods while tied. As with all training, slower is almost always faster. We just can’t get in a hurry to find a solution when our partner communicates in pantomime!
n
Suzanne De Laurentis and Allen Pogue recently relocated their business, Imagine a Horse, to Pie Town, NM, from Texas. Best known as Master
What if he won’t leave the barn? Refusal to leave the barn is also a common riding problem. To help your horse gain confidence, start by riding small circles at the point where you want to depart from the barn. Start as small as it takes to keep your horse calm and under control.
Trick trainers, their methods were developed by blending modern and classical horsemanship into a fun and comprehensive training method designed to increase the intelligence, adaptability and predictability of today’s companion horse. Visit imagineahorse.com or call 512-736-3208.
Teach More Than Tricks Looking for a fun way to foster willing obedience and communication in your horse? Trick training is a fun and foundationally sound discipline that brings out the desire of almost any horse to interact on a new and higher level.
At the farthest point of the circle, stop for a few minutes and stroke him or otherwise reassure him before you complete the circle. It may take several sessions over numerous days until you can make larger circles. It may take even longer for him to be able to hold still.
The Trick Horse Companion from Imagine a Horse combines classical horsemanship elements with applied behavioral principles. The methods presented have been proven over dozens of years and thousands of horses. In other words, the learning path to success is guaranteed.
Day by day, session by session, increase the size of the circle, stopping always at the farthest point to just chill. Don’t give up if you have a relapse! Repeat until your ride area gets bigger and bigger. When you are able to get on the trail, practice the steps in the main article.
The book contains concise instructions and full color photos that go light years beyond the simple mechanics of “how” to train tricks and illuminates on the “whys” of how this form of higher education can benefit your horse. For more information visit imagineahorse.com
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MUSTANG SAVVY WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ADOPT BY BECKAH LARSEN
Delaws Lindsay, a trainer for Jicarilla Mustang Alliance, ponies a youngster during an early stage of training. 20 HORSE AROUND | November/December 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com
O
rganizations that facilitate mustang adoptions regularly see horses re-homed because the adopters did not realistically consider their own qualifications as a mustang owner. Many horse lovers, even ones with years of experience, find themselves unprepared for the challenges of adopting a mustang. The two biggest obstacles to permanent adoptions are: not understanding the amount or type of training a wild horse requires; and, being unprepared for the financial burden a mustang can pose. The price of caring for a mustang is similar to that of a domestic horse, but may bring the additional cost of hiring a professional trainer. This article will focus on the training factors potential adopters should think about before embarking on the amazing journey of mustang ownership.
Know the levels of training Several terms are used to describe the amount of training a wild horse has received. Here are general definitions for some of these descriptors, but please be aware that there is much room for variation of interpretation by individual trainers. The best way to assess the horse’s level of training and your compatibility is by observing the horse being handled and interacting with the horse yourself.
Wild – These are horses coming straight out of BLM or Forest Service holding that have no training at all. The only human contact these horses usually have is the amount needed to process the horse for adoption such as branding, castration, vaccination and tagging. Processing is done in a squeeze chute with minimal human contact. This helps keep the horse from developing excessively negative associations regarding people. It is recommended that only adopters with plenty of patience and experience training many different horses, including foals and horses with behavioral issues, tackle the challenge of starting a completely wild mustang. Gentled – A gentled mustang will have had weeks or months of handling. This term refers to a horse that can be
haltered, leads to some extent, and can be touched over most, or all of its body. A gentled mustang will often let his feet be handled and will trailer load, but these skills can’t always be assumed. A gentled horse still needs a very knowledgeable handler to continue its training and create a successful adoption. Saddle Started – A horse can be called saddle started if it has been introduced to basic tack but has not been ridden yet. While it might mean the horse has been driven from the ground, or even carried the weight of a rider, it is best to ask exactly what the trainer has done with the horse and what experience the horse actually has. Green Broke – Some object to using the word “broke” when describing a horse’s training, but this is still the most common way to express that a horse has basic riding skills. A green riding horse should be able to carry a rider calmly at a walk and trot. Not all trainers will have cantered a green horse or have ridden it outside a confined area. The horse should understand basic control cues for halt, back up and turn. Observation and detailed discussion about the horse’s riding background with its trainer will help an adopter decide if they have the skills needed to continue the mustang’s training.
Have the right space to train
The right facilities for handling a mustang are fundamental for their schooling. BLM requires adopters have fences six feet tall or higher for housing wild mustangs to prevent them from
If you decide to adopt, make sure you have a place to continue your mustang's training, such as a round pen or a safely-fenced area. www.horsearoundnm.com | November/December 2019 | HORSE AROUND
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escaping. It is important to have a pen of the right size when teaching a horse to be caught: too large and the mustang will easily avoid any contact with humans, and; too small and the mustang can feel trapped and react violently when approached. Even gentled horses can feel pressured and become combative in enclosures that are too small or learn to evade handlers in a pen that is too large.
Bring your love, patience and time
Until a mustang approaches willingly and is extremely comfortable being in close quarters with people, it should be placed in an appropriately sized pen prior to handling. A round or square 300-1,000 square foot pen is ideal. As with any horse, fencing made of solid, horse-safe material is vital.
Beckah Larsen recently obtained level 3 of the Parelli program. She spent two decades studying the use of psychology in gentle training methods. In 2013 she joined with Jicarilla Mustang Alliance so she could practice what she learned by taming wild horses. She is intrigued by the individual temperaments and characters of horses. She is devoted to tailoring unique training programs to each horse.
Get help from a mustang-savvy trainer
Even experienced mustang trainers occasionally run into roadblocks that cause them to seek help. If you adopt a mustang, be prepared to have the advice and expertise of a professional trainer at your disposal. When choosing a trainer to work with your mustang, it is best to seek out someone who has previous practice with wild horses. A trainer who is only accustomed to putting “polish� on finished horses may be of little help to you with your wild horse. If you are unable to find a trainer with mustang experience in your area then consider a colt starter, or someone who rehabilitates horses with troubled histories. While videos and books are wonderful ways to learn training techniques, when you are faced with challenging behaviors there is no substitute for having someone physically there who can read the horse and the situation to offer advice.
Training a mustang takes a lot of time and patience. Before adopting a mustang, be sure you have the time to invest. Every horse learns on its own timeline. If you want your horse to learn quickly, then teach very slowly! Remember, adopting a mustang is an act of love. Linger and enjoy the journey. If you do, you will have a fulfilling relationship like no other.
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Barb Kiipper helped provide the photos for this article. She is the founder of the mustang adoption non-profit, Jicarilla Mustang Heritage Alliance. Contact her at the website jicarillamustangs.org or Facebook, Jicarilla Mustang Heritage Alliance.
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION These horses are available to adopt from Jicarilla Mustang Heritage Alliance. Get more information at jicarillamustangs.org This black mare is 8-9 years old with a pretty head. Easy going, loads, ties, leads well. Good with feet and has had a rider, no buck. She is considered green broke. She will need a good handler to take her forward. 13.3 H. This bay mare is 8 years old, very sensible, leads, loads, easy to be around. She has a wonderful long stride and likes to walk out. She will be a great trail partner. Not had a rider yet, but saddles nicely, no buck. She is considered saddle started. 13.3 H.
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WHEN DISASTER STRIKES BY SCOTT THOMSON
few years ago, I attended a two-day seminar on large animal rescue in disaster and emergency situations. There were many photos of situations that required sophisticated and creative techniques to rescue a horse in an emergency. As a trainer, I took away some important thoughts for anyone who wants to get their horses better prepared for what could happen in an emergency, whether it be the constant threat of fire here in New Mexico, a flash flood, a trailer accident or a serious accident on the trail. You can’t possibly be ready for everything and accidents do happen, but you can certainly reduce risk by using good judgment and better planning. 24 HORSE AROUND | November/December 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com
I don’t have the space here to discuss many of the good ideas that came up about emergency preparedness, but it occurred to me at the time that good horsemanship says all of this is really just a part of thorough foundation training – and continuing education for your horse – if you want a safer, more trusting working relationship with your horse.
Questions to ask
When thinking about getting your horse rescue ready, ask yourself these questions:
Instead of taking a few months off this winter, use the time to give your horse some handy, and possibly life-saving skills...
• Is your horse truly halterbroke? I can promise you every
owner says “yes” to this question because they can walk out, put a halter on their horse and lead him somewhere. Instead, I’d like you to think about it like this: Can you lead your horse, softly, from any body part? That is the real definition of a halter-broke horse. Can you lead him by an ear, by one leg, by his tail, by his chin? In many of these disaster situations, you may not be able to get a halter on the horse, but you might still have to get movement or repositioning. You may only be
able to get a strap around a single leg, maybe even just the tail. This is easy but over-looked training – and critical for a rescue-ready horse.
• Does your horse really give or yield softly to pressure, wherever it is applied? A horse that yields and
comes softly off of pressure will be much easier to handle in an emergency, especially with some of the slings and straps necessary to rescue the animal.
• Can you tie your horse and have him stay calm under pressure? A halter-broke horse that gives to pressure is not as quick to pull back in panic if he is tied. In an emergency, your horse may get tied to an unfamiliar object, and maybe by someone who doesn’t know a quick release knot or simply ties incorrectly in a chaotic situation. If you can’t tie your horse and create a lot of energy around him – noise, machines, loud voices, lots of movement – then you need to work on improving this. Do it safely and correctly with progressive desensitization.
• Have you done enough high-pressure sensory work? It is your responsibility to
help your horse live in our world, with all the sights, sounds and surprises that can be frightening to a flight animal. Learn the techniques for the safe presentation of objects and pressure, and constantly challenge your horse with new things. This is what teaches your horse to trust your guidance and decision-making under pressure, and it will make a big difference in an emergency. Just shaking a bag at your horse a few times doesn’t do it. He needs to be able to deal with noise, power tools, ropes, plastic, and noise/ movement above, below and behind him.
• Can you ground drive your horse? Why would this be
important in an emergency? In the seminar, I was immediately struck by the number of rescue techniques that required ropes, straps and web slings to move the horse in ways that mimicked what you would do in ground driving. The rescue worker might be 10-20’ away, for safety reasons, holding straps and applying pressure to get the horse to move, either forward, backward or sideways. There may be straps all around the horse’s body. This is exactly what we do when we teach a horse to ground drive, and a horse that is comfortable with it will be much easier to handle and safer for the rescue team.
• Is your horse comfortable in both eyes? I’m still amazed
at the number of horses that get nervous or excited when you do anything in their off eye, usually the right side. Imagine if your horse is in an emergency situation where you can only work from his off eye? No owner should let their horse go through life without being trained to handle real life on both sides of his body.
• Can you blindfold your horse? The eye of the horse is
amazing – it is the largest eye of any land mammal – it is made up of mostly motion sensors and it is very sensitive. In a heavy smoke situation, it will literally seal itself shut and cannot be reopened without being flushed. Given this, it is entirely possible that you may have to blindfold your horse to protect his eyes from smoke or possibly sparks from a tool being used to free him. This is great training for you and your horse even if you never have to do it. I suggest doing this in small steps, using old fly masks. It is very simple to sew on material that will make each mask darker, and maybe have 3-4 masks that go from normal vision in the mask to no vision. The horse is already comfortable in a fly mask, so this approach works well for training. Don’t advance to a darker mask until you and your horse are comfortable working together at the previous level.
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TOP PHOTO: Kelly Gifford easily leads Rohan into a horse trailer. The family keeps their horse trailer in good working order with properly inflated tires and working brakes and lights.
• Can you move your blindfolded horse? The second
A horse that leads softy and calmly, with his focus on the handler, will be easier to help in a sticky situation. PHOTO BY EVALYN BEMIS.
step of blindfolding is probably the most important. After you blindfold your horse, you need to be able to do something with him. Just blindfolding your horse and having him stand will not help – many horses can do this but simply freeze, or explode, when asked to move.
So, as you try each different mask on him, each one decreasing his vision a bit more, make sure you do some ground work with him. Ask him to back, walk over a tarp, over ground poles, maybe step in or out of your trailer. This is a great place to add some verbal cues that will mean something when he has no vision at all. As with most things involving horses, this is all about the amount of effort you’re willing to put in to help your horse in an emergency situation, one that comes with lots of energy, anxiety, fear and
risk for you, your animal and the people who have come to help. Whatever steps you can take to help your horse be better prepared, the more likely the outcome will be a happy ending. Even if you never face such a situation, your efforts will lead to a
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much better prepared horse, one that has confidence in you.
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Scott Thomson lives in Silver City and teaches natural horsemanship and natural riding. You can contact him at hsthomson@msn.com or 575-388-1830.
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THE FEEL of THE GILA ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY CECILIA KAYANO
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T
Stopping to water the horses and mules before a long climb.
he Gila was the first designated wilderness in the world and is still one of the largest wildernesses is the US. But it is much more than 550,000 acres of wild country in the southwestern region of our state. The Gila has its own feel, because of the ancient people who assembled curved dwellings perched along rock walls...because of the hardscrabble settlers who eked out livings in the remote meadows. If you enter the Gila, you cannot help but exit it as a changed person. The history and vastness of the place elicits feelings of wonder. We can connect to people long gone. This remote, raw land is like a portal into the past. The calendar date becomes abstract. Past regrets and future worries fade away and we can live in the moment.
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The steep trail out of Trotter, once a settlement deep in the wilderness.
Remoteness
impact. It’s like you left the human world behind and entered the natural world in its eternity.”
If anyone can help you understand the feel of the Gila, it’s Jim Mater. He’s the owner of U-Trail adventures and outfitting business, and over 30 years has guided about 2,000 trail riders, packers and hunters into this wild land. In 1984 Jim moved from California, where he was a statistician consultant for NASA, to Glenwood, a village on the west side of the Gila. He bought a mule and a donkey and started learning how to pack from a man called One-Eyed George. He met other old-timers who knew the Gila, learned trails and techniques, then embarked on his own. He says he has ridden every trail in this wilderness. “There are totally different landscapes from deep, awesome canyons to mountains. There’s no monotony being in the Gila, and there is very low human
Ray Bouton is a horse/mule packer who helps Jim on trips. He has cowboyed in Wyoming, Colorado and Arizona and now lives in southern Arizona. He is fairly new to the Gila but is already enthralled by the magic of the place. “The Gila is so vast it’s mind boggling. Whenever I ride into it, I think about stopping at any moment and I wonder what it would take to ride out on my own, with no help. It’s overwhelming. You had better have skills and up your game because it could take two days to get out.”
Wonder
On a recent guided trip, Jim and Ray led a group of guests from Aeroplane Mesa Trailhead into a small canyon on the northern edge of the wilderness.
They rode seven miles then set up camp near a narrow stream surrounded by canyon walls. Jim says that this was the birthplace of Geronimo. History shows that Geronimo, Cochise and other Native leaders lived in the Gila. In this canyon there are petroglyphs, cliff dwellings, and places of early settlements. When you come upon them, you can’t help wondering what the wilderness was like years ago. You imagine the Mongollon and Apache living there and can feel their lingering presence. Dave Gifford owns Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service with his wife Kelly and was one of the guests on a recent pack trip. He rode a U-Trail horse named Red (whom Dave nicknamed Red Neck) up to a rock wall that displayed a petroglyph then on to a wide meadow called Trotter, which at one time had a settlement and mail service to Snow Lake.
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Change
To experience a five- or six-day pack trip into the heart of the Gila means you will change. Ray says he usually sees two types of guests, one who has a long bucket list, and wants to check off the Gila and move on, and the other type who has only one item on the list -- a pack trip into the Gila Wilderness. No matter, both experience change.
TOP: Jim Mater leads the way through a rock portal. LEFT: Jim's favorite mount -- an 18 hands high mule named Cisco. On the third day of the 6-day trip, he rode with the group up to the canyon narrows, hiked up a hillside and explored a well-preserved cliff dwelling. “I imagined being in the day of Geronimo when the area was even more pristine. I could almost see the people living in the dwellings and the valley.” Even though Jim has ridden here many times, it is always new, and always gets his imagination going. “I wonder, how could they live like this? Then I realize everyone lived like this at one time. These were everyday people just trying to make a life.” 32 HORSE AROUND | November/December 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com
Jim says its hard to explain to people how the wilderness will change them. He just lets it unfold. “People gain confidence in life. Nature boosts them up. You come away with a better outlook. We ask ourselves, Why do we worry so much? Then we look at the stars, look at the vastness.” Dave is a laid-back businessman who probably has a lot of stress percolating in him somewhere. He covers it up well but admits the Gila helped him. “I went back home knowing everything is OK. I was more aware of my horse and more aware of my wife Kelly. I was able to help folks be in the moment.”
Ray rides his favorite mount, a U-Trail mule named Sally, through the meadows at Trotter.
TOP: Ray at the cliff dwellings near Geronimo's birth place. BELOW: Dave by the Middle Fork of the Gila River.
Life lessons
It was on June 3, 1924 that the Gila was designated the first wilderness in the world. At that time trails were almost non-existent and grizzly bears still roamed. Now, there are about 800 miles of trails and animals ranging from black bear to mountain lions inhabit the area. The elk are the largest in the state because of the minerals and nourishment found in the Gila’s soils and grasses. Because it's a wilderness, there are no roads here, and when you are in its center, the closest one is 10-20 miles away. How fortunate we are to have this magic place in our state. If you decide to go, you will experience remoteness, wonder, change and life lessons. Like Dave who says, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Take a deep breath and relax,” or Jim who says, “My worries are not so big,” or Ray who says, “Let go of the little things and listen to your horse chew its grain.”
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Cecilia Kayano is the editor of Horse Around New Mexico magazine. She can be reached at HorseNewMexico@ gmail.com Contact Jim Mater by visiting U-Trail.com or emailing UTrail@gilanet.com www.horsearoundnm.com | November/December 2019 | HORSE AROUND
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Horse-Rider Communication In Western And Dressage ARTICLE BY KATRIN SILVA, PHOTOS BY CINDY ROPER 34 HORSE AROUND | November/December 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com
R
iding horses is a form of communication, a dialogue between horse and human. Just like in human-to-human conversations, sometimes both parties understand each other perfectly, sometimes less so. The type of tack a horse is wearing, be it Western or Dressage, has nothing to do with the quality of that horse-rider conversation, but the style of riding does influence its tone. For example, Western riding is based on a working tradition, with practical goals like roping a steer or checking a fence. Horse and rider have to focus on something other than riding at least part of the time. Because of this, they need mutual trust without constantly needing to check in with each other. Here’s an example of a conversation I had when I was on a trail ride with a friend on the ranch her husband manages. I was riding an old buckskin horse named Big’un who really knew the terrain and his job: “Hey, Big’un?” “Yeah?” “Let’s jog up that fence line.” “Sure.” “Just follow Christina’s horse.” “You silly person. I would have done that anyway.” (ten minutes pass) “Turn left.” “Done!” (time passes) “Do you think we can lope for a while? Otherwise it might get dark by the time we get home.” “I don’t see why not.” “Thanks!” (time passes) “Whoa. Time for a walk break. Don’t want you to get home all sweaty.” “It’s about time! Thank you.” You get the idea. Like the dialogue in an old Western movie, Western horserider communication uses few words and wastes none. Pauses in the conversation feel comfortable. They don’t need to be
filled with idle chatter. A good Western horse knows his job and does not need constant reminders on how to do it. No talk is better than small talk because both conversation partners may have other things to worry about, like a rope or a cow or even a simultaneous conversation with a friend on a relaxing trail ride. In Dressage, the opposite is true. Riding happens for the sake of riding, not for any other, more practical reason. Horse and rider can focus exclusively on each other. Their conversation demands every bit of both partners’ attention, which is why there are more words, longer sentences and fewer moments of silence. This is a conversation I had with a bay Quarter Horse named Houston that I used to show at second level in classical Dressage. Houston was always eager to please but could be a bit of a worrywart when we entered at A: “Hey, Kat to Houston, are you listening to me?” “What? Oh, sorry, I was daydreaming. Now I’m listening.” “Are you ready to trot up the centerline?” “Yes, of course! Turn now? Now?” “Okay, let’s go! . . . No, not like that. You’re shuffling. Pick up your hind feet!” “Like this?” “Yes, but don’t rush, either.” “Okay, I get it. Like that?” “Yes, but don’t wiggle. Stay straight.” “Geez, make up your mind. Like that?” “Yes, thank you.” “Well, hallelujah! Are you finally happy with my trot?” “It’s great now, except we need to halt
at X. Almost there, get ready!” “Got it! Now?” “Not yet . . . now!” “Was that good?” “Yes, it was, thank you, but your left hind foot is parked way out behind you. Bring it up, please.” “Yeah, yeah . . . Trot again? I know you want to! Can I? Can I?” “Wait until I’m done saluting the judge!” “Are you done yet? Hurry up, I want to trot!” “Not quite . . . okay, now.” “What’s next? Oh, wait, that judge looks scary. I don’t want to go that way!” “Don’t be such a chicken! She won’t eat you.” “She looks like she might!” “Please move forward!” “No, I won’t!” “Houston, don’t be ridiculous!” “Okay, okay, I guess you’re right. She just looks scary. I’ll scoot by her booth and throw her a dirty look.” “Thank you! Ready for the shoulderin?” “Yes, you know this is my good direction. Like this?” “A little more bend, come on, I know you can do it! No, not just your neck, that’s cheating.” “I was hoping you wouldn’t notice. Okay, is that better?” . . . and so on. Again, you get the idea. In a conversation between a Western horse and his rider, words are few, but every word means something. The moments of silence in the dialogue can have a reassuring, confidence-boosting
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effect. On the other hand, too much silence and too many unsaid words can become a source of misunderstanding. When horse and rider don’t check in with each other often enough, communication can break down. Horses can stop listening to their riders, sometimes without their riders noticing, and just go on autopilot instead. In the conversation between a Dressage horse and his rider, the opposite extreme is a bigger risk. Constant reminding, constant checking-in with the horse, can easily turn into constant nagging. A horse quickly learns to tune out and ignore his rider’s signals, which leads to unwillingness and resistance. Micromanaging a horse does not build the kind of trust and respect we all seek. On the other hand, neither does disengaging. Instead of thinking of Western and Dressage as two completely different styles of horse-rider communication, I have learned to think of successful horserider communication as a sliding scale, with actual ranch work on one side and classical Dressage practiced as an art form on the other. Both can work, but neither is right 100 percent of the time. Good riders know when to talk, and when to shut up, but they also know that the horse they’re on and the situation they’re in dictates which one they choose to do. There is no reason why horses can’t benefit from the best of both worlds. Every well-trained horse should be able to focus on his rider in the way a good Dressage horse will, just because it feels so amazing when it’s right, which is about 10 percent of the time if you’re lucky. But every good horse should also be able to go on a loose rein down a trail without constant reassurance from his rider. Similarly, every good rider should develop enough feel, timing and coordination, along with enough mental focus, to have a subtle, polite and ongoing conversation with his horse. On the other hand, every good rider should also have enough trust in his horse and enough mental discipline to leave him alone for a few strides or a few minutes. Trust, respect and harmony can develop only in the interplay of words and silence, the lines of dialogue and the deep breaths between them.
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All riders can improve using communication skills from Western and Dressage. Sometimes we need to communicate more with our horse, sometimes less. Horse-crazy since she can remember, Katrin Silva grew up in Germany, where she learned to ride dressage. At age 19, she moved to the US and apprenticed with a couple of Western trainers for several years before starting her own horse business. Katrin feels equally at home in both types of saddles and works
with horses and riders from all walks of life. A professional equestrian since 1990, she has won her fair share of blue ribbons at the regional and national level, but her true passion is creating partnerships between horses and riders that last a lifetime. Visit KatrinSilvaDressage.com
NEW BOOK ON BENEFITS OF DRESSAGE Many trail riders, Western riders, or endurance riders believe that Dressage is not something they need for training their Arabian or Quarter Horse, or the pony they adopted from the local horse shelter. The opposite is true: Dressage work is especially good for horses that are not Dressage horses in a traditional sense because it makes them healthier, happier, and more fun to ride - all horses, no exception. Katrin Silva's new book, Dressage for The Rest of Us, explains why we should incorporate Dressage work into any type of riding and gives a step-by-step approach for how to do it. Visit Katrin's website: KatrinSilvaDressage.com and order her book on Amazon.
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EQUINE RESCUE RESCUING HORSES FROM PERILOUS SITUATIONS Four Corners Equine Rescue, located in Aztec, NM, has been giving horses second chances for over 13 years. Please come visit us to see our herd of adoptable horses. Check out our website to find out how you can make life better for horses by volunteering, adopting, sponsoring, or making a taxdeductible donation.
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HORSE SERVICES DIRECTORY
Listed here are horse-related services provided by the November/December 2019 issue advertisers. They are experts in their fields. Many of the business owners are also horse owners and enthusiasts. They are the reason Horse Around New Mexico magazine exists and why the magazine is growing. If you enjoy this free publication, please show your support by supporting our advertisers. BARNS/CORRALS Ironhorse Pipe & Steel, page 22 BED AND BARNS Wind Horse Rancho, page 27 BOOKS Is Your Horse 100%?, Margret Henkels, page 23 CLINICS Collection 101 Clinic, page 7 NATURAL PRODUCTS Pharm-Aloe, holiday season wishes, page 3 Pharm-Aloe, distributors, page 13
MASSAGE & BODYWORK Conformation Balancing, page 23 RESALE STORES The Horse Shelter, page 13 RESCUE/ADOPTION Chance of a Lifetime, page 19 Four Corners Equine Rescue, page 37 SILVER AND SADDLES John McKenna Saddlery, page 13 Mortenson Silver & Saddles, page 7 SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Santa Fe Chapter of Back Country Horsemen, page 6
SPECIALTY SERVICES Albuquerque Pet Memorial Service, page 27
TRAINING FACILITY/CLINICS Terra Nova Training Center, page 2
TACK AND FEED STORES Horsemen’s, page 37 Miller’s Feed, page 27 Paul’s Veterinary Supply, page 23 Taos Tack and Pet Supply, page 39
VEHICLE/TRAILERS Hal Burns Truck & Equipment, page 37 Sandia Trailer Sales and Service, page 40
TRAINING & INSTRUCTION Heart of the Horses Sanctuary, page 19 Lynn Clifford, Collection 101 Clinic, page 7
VETERINARIAN Cameron Veterinary Clinic, page 37 James Travers, DVM, page 7 Western Trails, page 19
UPCOMING "DON'T MISS" HORSE EVENTS November 2 Volunteer Orientations & Tours The Horse Shelter www.thehorseshelter.org Santa Fe....See ad page 13 November 2-3 Clinic November 1 & 4 Private Lessons Centered Riding® ~ Lucile Bump www.lynnclifford.com Arrowhead Ranch Santa Fe....See ad page 7 November 10 Christmas de los Caballos Parade Corrales Equestrian Advisory Commission Facebook page Corrales November 12 Monthly Meeting Back Country Horsemen of Santa Fe www.bchnm.org/santa-fe.html Santa Fe....See ad page 6
November 15-16 Meditation with Horses: Self-Care at Year's End ~ Lynn Clifford www.lynnclifford.com Arrowhead Ranch Santa Fe....See ad page 7 November 22-23 Collection 101 Clinic ~ Lynn Clifford www.lynnclifford.com Arrowhead Ranch Santa Fe....See ad page 7 November 23 Barn Tours/Volunteer Orientations Four Corners Equine Rescue www.fourcornersequinerescue.org Aztec....See ad page 37 December 7 Volunteer Orientations & Tours The Horse Shelter www.thehorseshelter.org Santa Fe....See ad page 13
December 10 Monthly Meeting Back Country Horsemen of Santa Fe www.bchnm.org/santa-fe.html Santa Fe....See ad page 6
February Membership Month Four Corners Equine Rescue www.fourcornersequinerescue.org Aztec....See ad page 37
December 14 Barn Tours/Volunteer Orientations Four Corners Equine Rescue www.fourcornersequinerescue.org Aztec....See ad page 37
February 11 Monthly Meeting Back Country Horsemen of Santa Fe www.bchnm.org/santa-fe.html Santa Fe....See ad page 6
2020
January 14 Monthly Meeting Back Country Horsemen of Santa Fe www.bchnm.org/santa-fe.html Santa Fe....See ad page 6
March - October Positive Reinforcement Clinics & Workshops ~ Shawna Karrasch www.terranovatrainingcenter.com Terra Nova Training Center Santa Fe....See ad page 2
January 27 Annual Eq-Wine Dinner at Restaurant Martin Fundraiser for The Horse Shelter www.thehorseshelter.org Santa Fe....See ad page 13
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Horse Around readers, contributors and advertisers. We hope the 2019 issues have brought you information, inspiration and joy. 38 HORSE AROUND | November/December 2019 | www.horsearoundnm.com
www.horsearoundnm.com | November/December 2019 | HORSE AROUND
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