Our Blog
Building Mental and Emotional Muscle
We talk about mental, emotional, or physical training, but the reality is that the mind, body, and emotions are one. When we think about something, it impacts our emotions and our body. When we do something physical, it affects our thoughts and feelings. And no matter...
2-point Reining Penalties
I received a lot of good feedback after I did the 1-point reining penalties article, so I thought I’d cover the 2-point reining penalties in this article. If there’s a lot of interest, I’ll continue with penalties in the other events. It’s a 2-point penalty for...
Smooth Out the End of the Cut
One of the most challenging aspects of making cuts in cutting and herdwork classes is how many things are going on at the same time: Staying with our plan and slow on the inside Navigating our horse Making good decisions amid constantly changing cow flow scenarios!...
Identifying Common Breeds and Color
In this video, a Lesson from Barb's CowSmart Course, she walks you through identifying the colors and characteristics of some of the most common breeds of cattle (and crossbreds) often seen in cattle classes. Barb also suggests the following exercise to help you...
1 Point Reining Penalties
The NRCHA uses the NRHA penalty system with an exception for the “scotch” on the approach to the stop. The NRCHA has this penalty, but the NRHA doesn’t. Horses are required to be on the correct lead throughout the circle maneuvers. Circles are divided into 4 equal...
Herdwork Tips – Using Your Feet in the Turn
I have a short video that explains a common error when riders make cow turns. They tend to release a horse from remaining on its hindquarters before the turn is complete. This often happens towards the end of the turn. It's caused by using your feet too soon, or...
Rating
Rating is probably the least understood and undervalued part of run content in a fence work, yet besides position and control, could be the most important. Rating is a skill that both horse and the rider can and must develop. It is crucial in steer stopping, cutting,...
Making Bad Cows Good Down the Fence Part Three
During the run down the fence, if your cow tries to come off it and you are right there, it probably won’t try again. Whatever a cow gets away with once, it will usually try again. Also try to make the first run down a long one to give you plenty of time to set up...
Set Yourself Up for Success in the Show Pen
There is a big shift happening in the world of horse competition today. The old model of "I'm an uninformed amateur who's messing up my horse, and I'll never get it" is fading in the background. The days of 'there's only winning and losing' are becoming a thing of the...
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