Reining circles demonstrate control, willingness to guide and degree of difficulty in speed and speed changes. Circles must at all times be run in the geographical area of the arena specified in the pattern description and must have a common center point. There must be a clearly defined difference in the speed and size of a small, slow circle and a large, fast circle; also the speed and size of the circles should be the mirror image on the second side of the pattern.
For credit earning circles they must:
Be accurate – meaning the pattern placement must be correct beyond just being mirror images from side to side, but also the slow down should be within the middle three strides (meaning one stride before, one stride dead center and one stride after the center). That goes for the lead change too. And, as if that’s not hard enough the circles should intersect within a few feet of dead center.
Have degree of difficulty – The speed should be challenged with the big fast being big and fast and the transition to the small slow taking place smoothly with no resistance, within the middle few strides.
Have a smooth lead change – within that box (a stride before center, at center and one stride after), and within the same stride front and back change and again with no resistance.
Usually, a judge scores each circle in their head (for instance big fast + transition to small slow, then small slow + transition to big fast circle, then the big fast circle + lead change). Let’s say the first big fast and transition is +1/2, the small slow isn’t quite accurate for a 0. Then, the next big fast and lead change is a +1/2. That set of circles would be marked +1/2.
The more accurate you are and the higher degree of difficulty you perform them at, the higher your score for that maneuver.
Here are a few tips for credit earning circles:
Have a Plan
It’s very important to pick landmarks out in the arena. Before you show your horse, plan where in the arena you are going to go. While looking at the arena, pick out four points on each side of the arena you are going to try to hit when showing to ensure you execute the pattern accurately. For instance say to yourself, “when I lope off, I’ve got to go from this point to that banner right there to the back gate over there and then to that banner on the other side.”
You know exactly where you are at, and you’re always looking where you’re going.
Look Up
To maintain the same size circles, you must be aware of the arena while you’re showing.
Remember a rider looking up is the sign of a confident rider. It will make you feel confident as well as show the judge that you are.
It will also help you navigate and hit your marks.
Know Your Horse
Check in with your horse using subtle movements (closing your fingers around the reins or minute bumps on the bridle) to check and make sure your horse is listening to you. The best way to know whether a horse is dialed in or not is if his ear is perking back on you every now and then.
You’ll be surprised what those ears will tell you. Your horse will tell you if he is listening or not.
If you have a horse that is a little on the hot side, don’t challenge your speed too much. Go a medium speed. Keep him where he is comfortable and don’t push it. If you’ve got a horse you know you can run, then go ahead and show him off and ask for more speed.
Everyone has a certain way they like to sit for going fast and slowing down. Do whatever is comfortable for you and that helps your horse respond well.
Judges don’t have a preference. They want to see you show your horse. So, do what works for you. One thing that really helps me is to exhale audibly for my slow down for a few reasons. My horse can hear it, so it’s another subtle cue. It makes my body relax down into my horse (another subtle cue). And, it forces me to breathe and stay calm.
Pick Your Speed
The circles should always start slow and controlled with you checking in with your horse as you move up in speed to be sure they’re listening to you.
However, sometimes when you lope off, you don’t have that feeling. Then you want to back off a little until you feel your horse come back to you and relax. Also, if you have a seasoned horse that anticipates, you’ve got to be able to adapt. If in that right circle, he gets excited and wants to take off, you need to back off a little. Get through that maneuver, and you can go a little faster on the other side.
I think non-pros are better off going a nice medium speed, a speed that they can master and feel comfortable. There’s nothing worse than seeing somebody trying to go 100 miles an hour when they aren’t comfortable with it.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice your circles every day. You learn to run circles mostly from feel and practicing. So, you need to practice circles a lot.
Don’t be scared to practice those fast circles.
You can’t run away from any of the maneuvers, including circles. You’ve got to practice all of them.
It seems like after every major event, the topic of excessive herd help comes up. It was covered really well in Dec at the NRCHA Judge’s Seminar, so I thought before the Celebration of Champions, I’d recap what is allowed to do without consequence to the exhibitor vs what will result in a reduction of their score.
The herd holder’s duty is to contain the herd giving the cutter the opportunity to demonstrate their horse’s ability to cut a cow cleanly with little or no disturbance to the herd and to drive the cow up out of the herd to the middle of the working area. They then should make sure all the cattle are back in the herd and move to the side where they can control the herd yet not distract from the run.
Any excessive action by the herd holder can result in a reduction of the score for that run. For instance, if the action of the herd holder “saves” the contestant from incurring a major penalty (such as losing a cow or getting a back fence), or the herd holder cuts down the width of the pen, or in fresh cattle, drives the herd out for the cutter, a penalty may be applied.
Here are a few examples of what can and can’t be done without penalty.
If the exhibitor is ready to get off, but the cow won’t turn away 1) as the cow approaches the side of the arena and the exhibitor is in position, the herd holder can move up and turn the cow away without penalty. However, if the exhibitor is behind and has lost control, and the herd holder turns the cow away thus saving the exhibitor from losing the cow, a penalty should be applied.
If the exhibitor loses control while making a cut and the herd holder prevents the cow from being lost, a penalty should be applied.
After the cut has been made, if the herd holder doesn’t move over to the wall causing the cow being worked to be influenced by his presence, a penalty may be applied
If the herd holder is sitting in the corner as the cow approaches the corner, the herd holder moves slightly, no penalty. If he comes out of the corner and obviously attempts to stop or turn the cow, the run content should be reduced.
The general rule of thumb is when a major penalty is saved by the action of the herd holder, the judge can deduct up to ½ the value of the penalty that was going to be incurred. So, for a back fence, it would result in a 1.5 point deduction. For a loss, it would be 2.5 points. This is taken over on the far-right side of the judge’s card and is deducted from that particular cow’s score, not subtracted at the end like a back fence or a loss would be.
All that said, the job of the herd holder is to help the exhibitor, and we’d all rather lose 2.5 points instead of 5 points. The key is to stay in the position of control and if you’re not, don’t be surprised if you see an excessive herd help penalty on your card.
A thoughtful horse trainer understands how horses think and prepares them thoroughly to be able to “know the answer before you ask the question”.
This was highlighted on my recent trip to Australia. There was a particularly good rider with a very nice horse who had never been able to do flying changes on him. I explained to her how a horse has to be able to move their front end separate from their back end, in essence rub their tummy while patting their head, to change leads correctly. I asked her to do a few simple exercises that help get a horse really good at that. For those of you that took Barb’s and my Lead Changing webinar a couple of months ago, you should be familiar with those! For those of you who missed it, it’s still available though it won’t be live but it’s all there (you can access it here: Unlocking Lead Changes). Anyway, I’ve always been a firm believer in educating my horses by teaching them how to move all their body parts the way they’ll need to to perform a maneuver.
Then, I teach them any corrections that I might use if they need some extra reinforcement. All of this before I even think about asking for the maneuver. This way they know how to “answer/respond” correctly to my cues before I ever ask. They are planning to say “yes”, because they already know how. They’re like a kid in school who is well prepared and when the teacher asks the question, can hardly wait to volunteer the answer.
This method has never failed me, and I really feel like it helps to develop a confident horse who always knows that no matter what is asked, there is a correct answer followed immediately by reward.
Back to my story though. We prepared this horse thoroughly with lateral moves, good lead departures, counter cantering, collection etc, then put it all together and presto! We had several pretty flawless lead changes! It was seamless, stress free and just old-fashion gimmick-free, good, schooling.
I encourage all of you to harken back to your school days and remember what it was like to be thoroughly prepared and confident vs full of dread and anxiety when you weren’t. Which way helped you learn better? Were those the teachers that you liked better and felt like they had your back and made you want to try harder for them? Me too! I believe horses are no different to us in that regard.
This week I wanted to give a big shout out to one of the finest horsemen, great showman, kind and resilient, yet tougher than nails, and cowboy extraordinaire. If you’ve never met Doug Williamson, just go right up and introduce yourself! He’s one of the most friendly and approachable trainers in the NRCHA. I could on and on, but no one could say it better than Lindsey Stornetta of Platinum Performance. Please take a minute to read this article about him and then make it a point to meet him. You’ll be glad you did!
Do you ever come across someone who oozes self-confidence? In today’s post, we are going to talk about what mentally strong people do and what they don’t do. They seem to have this incredible mental strength that sets them apart from the rest. But what gives them that mental strength?
They aren’t set back by past mistakes Mentally strong people try things and challenge themselves. They aren’t sure if something will work the first try and they’re ok with that. They’ll keep at it until they either come up with a better plan or realize it simply won’t work and move on to something else. And they’re ok with that too!! They also don’t let their past mistakes deter them from trying new things and new ways.
They take risks They realize they may have to take risks, really big risks, in order to achieve something, and they will. It’s not that they aren’t afraid of taking risks or stepping out of their comfort zone, they just realize that it is something they MUST do in order to attain/learn/achieve something. They know that taking risks also brings about new opportunities too! Embrace change is their motto!
They take responsibility for their actions Not everything works, and they aren’t right all the time, and sometimes they mess up. They know this. They aren’t perfect. They will admit to wrongdoings and take full responsibility for a situation if it was their fault.
They look at the whole picture They will take a situation or issue and see both sides of the problem before they make a decision or form an opinion. They are not quick to judge or throw a fit. They will take a step back and look at the whole picture before a conclusion or resolution is reached.
They practice kindness If someone is being mean, rude, or ignorant to them, or anyone else for that matter, they won’t lash back with the same rudeness. They will take the high road and kill someone with kindness, smile and walk away. They know that hate doesn’t cure hate, love does. Mentally strong people know this. They can control their emotions in tough situations.
They’re not afraid to ask for help In order to have great mental strength, you will know when you have to swallow your pride and either ask for help or admit you’re wrong. Swallowing your pride is a great character trait for many people and something you should practice. People will tend to have more respect for you when you can do this. Not only that, but when we have the right support systems in place, we all win!
Don’t quit when the going gets tough Let’s face it, we all have moments where we want to throw in the towel and walk away from something that is causing us too much frustration. One of the most important things mentally strong people do is ‘not quit or give up’. They keep at it and learn what they need to in order to move ahead. Remember, not everything is going to go our way. And that’s ok.
They set firm boundary lines They have no problem setting a strong and firm boundary line around themselves. They know it’s totally ok to say no to others and yes to themselves. They aren’t people pleasers. They are wise and self-respecting. They know that their mental health and happiness come first before anyone else’s
They help others succeed They know life isn’t a competition. They understand that we are all in this together, and there is great strength in numbers. They want others to succeed too! We all remember our first failure and what it feels like. The achievements of others truly make them happy and bring them great joy. They cheer people on, lift them up, encourage them, and do whatever it takes to help another person. We celebrate other people’s success with them!
They practice gratitude daily They know how vital daily gratitude is. They remember to stop and take a look around them to see how blessed they truly are. Whether they journal their gratitude daily or do gratitude meditations, or simply whisper to God or the Universe, “thank you,” they make sure to do it each and every day.
They leave the past behind Mentally strong people know they won’t succeed in life, in any area of life, if they drag their past and all the negative emotions that go with it into the present and future. Instead, they will deal with the demons from the past any way they can and let them go. They know the past has no place in their present life.
They forgive the people who hurt them They don’t hold grudges, anger, resentment or any other ill feelings towards the people who hurt them. Like the past (and leaving it behind), they know it’s important to let go of all hurt and anger in order to move forward. Mentally strong people don’t become strong by holding onto grudges. They let it all go and move on.
They take some alone time Self-reflection and peace is super important to them whether they want to take time and sit quietly or take themselves on a solo road trip, mentally strong people make sure to pencil in some alone time. Being with friends and family and loved ones is great but it’s so important to decompress and recharge away from all the chatter and noise.
They continue their education They know learning is important, and they take any opportunity to learn new things, no matter how hard it is. Mentally strong people embrace learning.
They practice compassion and have empathy Life is tough for so many of us, not to mention that the past two years really hit some of us hard. People who are mentally strong understand this and know what tough times feel like. They show compassion and have great empathy for people who are going through hard times, and they do it with grace.
They maintain their integrity Mentally strong people will honor their word, respect others, treat others kindly, and maintain their integrity. Integrity is as important to them as it is their business. It is one of the main things people will notice about them.
They work on their weaknesses They know their weaknesses. They also know how to learn and grow from them. Someone who has great mental strength will take the time to work on their weakness. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and though you may not strengthen all of yours before you die, at least try to make a big difference.
They drop bad habits Whether it be smoking, drinking, biting your nails, eating bad food, or whatever it is, mentally strong people will take time to work on dropping their bad habits. It’s the really detrimental ones that need to be worked on. And a mentally strong person will do that.
They accept people as they are-no judging We are all equal, and we all deserve to be treated equally, with respect and compassion/kindness. We are all battling demons no one knows about. A mentally strong person doesn’t judge or point fingers at anyone. They give respect to everyone they meet and accept people for exactly who they are, as they are.
