Reining Horse Training for Longer Sliding Stops! - Let’s talk about how the ground affects a horse’s slide. It never ceases to amaze me how normally intelligent people can’t figure out that a long slide ain’t gonna happen on bad ground. So, for the sake of clarity let me describe what good sliding ground is. Good sliding ground consists of a hard, packed base that is smooth with two or three inches of loose, fluffy dirt on top.

Choosing the Right Saddle For Your Reining or Cutting Horse - Horn and swells: This is the main difference between a reining saddle and a cutting saddle. In reining your rein hand needs to be able to move unobstructed. Too high a horn or swells will get in the way. I’d want the horn no higher than 31/2”. And the swells no higher than 8”. I also like the horn to be small in diameter. In a cutting saddle, I like the swells and horn to be a little higher, around 81/2 or 9". And the horn to be tilted a little forward. Actually, here on the west coast, a lot of folks will show their reiners in a cutting saddle.

The Essentials of a Good Trail Horse - When looking for a trail horse, age is always a factor and younger is not necessarily better. I personally prefer to buy a horse that I can get on and ride from day one. But other people like to train their mounts rather than correct someone else’s training. If I find the right young horse (one with the qualities I first mentioned), I am willing to put in a little time on him. I don’t fancy myself a trainer, but in these situations, I think there is nothing better for young horses than to be out on the trail behind a steady, experienced horse. I have a favorite trail for training young horses that is fourteen miles round trip and offers a variety of experiences including creek crossings, a short bridge and mud. 

Horses - Getting Started with Barrel Racing - When deciding to barrel race, you need to know a few things. Time and effort from you and your horse are required for training. Your horse should already know at least simple leads. Backing up, knowing whoa and other acceptable leads are very important. He will need these commands for going around the barrels and keeping his balance. Running at full speed to a slow trot to turn a barrel tightly, back to full speed, makes these horses some of the most athletic horses there are.