CONSISTENT ROUTINES WITH OUR HORSES

By Ted Howard, Ted Howard Stockmanship, Production Animal Consultation

Irecently returned from a week in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I enjoyed roping in the World Series of Team Roping event. While in Las Vegas, I enjoyed watching all the horses compete at very high levels, whether in the amateur team roping or in the NFR. What came to mind was the consistency in behavior of the most successful horses.

To achieve consistent behavior in our horses, we must have consistent routines with our horses. I want a horse to be willing to meet me at the gate each morning. When a horse is willing to meet you, he is confident in what is expected of him in the day’s work.

The first step in my routine is to examine my horse. I make sure he has all four horseshoes and no cuts or abrasions. A curry comb and brush are used to clean him off, and then I run my hands down his withers, back, and cinch area to ensure there are no sore spots. A horse will flinch when you run your hand over a sore spot.

The second step is to examine my saddle blanket/ pads to make sure they are clean and free of any debris. I use just enough blanket/pads to keep my saddle gullet from touching my horse’s withers. I then check my cinches for cleanliness, weak strings, and worn areas. Tighten the front cinch just enough to keep the saddle from slipping until you are ready to mount, then tighten just enough to ride a short distance. The back cinch should only be barely touching your horse’s belly. After I ride off a little way, I will dismount and then tighten the front cinch slightly more as my horse has relaxed. I want my saddle just tight enough that it does not roll across my horse’s withers.

How I enter a feedlot pen is the third step in a consistent routine. Always open the gate the easiest way possible for your horse so he does not have to struggle. Try to never back a horse through a gate when the ground conditions are muddy. This is a good way to cripple or have your horse pull a stifle. Look over the pen when the ground conditions are challenging to determine the best route for your horse that still allows you to see each animal in the pen.

The fourth step in my consistent routine is at the end of the day. I curry my horse and wash his legs, especially in the winter with dried mud. I will wash my entire horse in the heat of the summer. The last thing we do at night will be the first thing they look for in the morning.

Scolding our horse is our fault for allowing him to make the mistake. We have to help our horse through repetition of our expectations. Do not scold your horse; just continue on and ask him again and through proper horsemanship help him to not make the same mistake. Riding a confident horse will allow us to take sick cattle to the gate easier as well as our other horseback duties like shipping and pen moves. Repetition in our routines helps establish this confidence in our horse.

Even though I enjoyed some time in Las Vegas, I did not win enough money in the arena or at the poker table to retire, so I will be seeing you at a feedyard, ranch, or clinic in 2022!

Ted Howard’s life has always revolved around the horse. He holds a deep respect for the horse and has always made his living with one. Twelve years riding pens allowed him to recognize the importance of the horse in relationship to handling cattle. Ted has owned a horse shoeing and training business and currently owns and operates a cow/calf operation. Running cattle on grass and in stock fields allows him to use stockmanship principles in an environment different from the feedyard. In 2013, Ted was offered the opportunity to consult with Production Animal Consultation’s Animal Stewardship division. By specializing in horsemanship, Ted can help others utilize the horse to become better stockmen in the feedyard industry.