Bit Troubleshooting – English Edition
The choice of bits for English classes can be overwhelming with a seemingly infinite combination of mouthpieces and cheek designs. English bits are commonly considered to be either direct rein or snaffle bits. However, some have shanks, use leverage, and are regarded as curb bits.
The search for the right bit is an ancient one. Archeologists now speculate that humans probably became equestrians at least 6,000 years ago, and riders have spent the intervening millennia trying to figure out how best to communicate with their horses. Early bits were made of vastly diverse materials, such as animal horn, bone, wood, sinew, rawhide, and rope. The appearance of metal bits coincides with the Bronze and Iron Ages, roughly the time between the 8th and 14th centuries BC.
Continue reading …Turning Technique – Teaching The Turn
March 28, 2024 Comments Off on Turning Technique – Teaching The Turn
All eyes were on Dan Huss and Ms Dreamy in the Senior Reining Finals at the AQHA World Show last year. Many came to their feet to cheer for a run made famous by a bridle malfunction, resulting in an unplanned bridleless run.
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Back in 2008, before a young Cody Parrish could even drive, he was on his way to the Redbud Spectacular with his mom, Candy Parrish of Parrish Quarter Horses in Pavo, Georgia. “Bret didn’t want me to drive the whole way to Oklahoma myself,” Candy explains, “so he had us stop at Masterson Farms and spend the night.” It was there in Somerville, Tennessee where Candy first saw KM Hot Number–who was born that night.
Continue reading …How To Properly Tie a Hackamore For Perfect Fit and Function
February 7, 2024 Comments Off on How To Properly Tie a Hackamore For Perfect Fit and Function
Whether using a hackamore as a training tool at home, or getting a young Western Pleasure horse ready for the show pen, having it tied correctly and adjusted to your horse will either make or break your success with this piece of tack.
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Competitors might have heard whispers about a new pilot program that’s being called the AQHA Sanctioned Shows Jackpot Program. The Redbud Spectacular was the first show to test the pilot program where exhibitors earned money through 4D jackpots in Trail, Showmanship, and Ranch Riding. During this first test run, each class had $1,500 added across four divisions (4D) with 4-5 places being paid in each. It was so well-received that the current plan is to test the program at the Texas Classic in Fort Worth and the Fall Championship in Arizona.
Continue reading …Kellie Hinely – Trendsetter Performance Horses
October 26, 2022 Comments Off on Kellie Hinely – Trendsetter Performance Horses
Professional horseman Kellie Hinely is the owner of Trendsetter Performance Horses in Chino Hills, California. Located at Canyon Hills Ranch, a magnificent full-service facility set on 26 lush acres nestled in the hills of Orange County, Trendsetter has a sterling reputation for turning out top quality horses and riders specializing in All-Around competition.
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As Championship Season rolls around, it can mean an increase in time spent on the road for exhibitors and horses. This requires a lot of pre-planning and communication between all parties to ensure that everything is clean, packed, and ready for use at the next event.
Continue reading …Maintaining the Older, Finished All-Around Horse
October 22, 2022 Comments Off on Maintaining the Older, Finished All-Around Horse
Owners and trainers of older, finished all-around horses have made incredible investments of time, effort, money and more into making their equine partners reliable and accomplished show mounts. Maintaining those seasoned horses to keep them sound, in shape, and ready to show well into their teens and beyond may seem like a daunting–perhaps even impossible–task, but it is possible with teamwork and thoughtful planning.
Continue reading …EC Trainer Profile – Cody Conover
October 20, 2022 Comments Off on EC Trainer Profile – Cody Conover
Horses are in the blood of twenty-nine-year-old Cody Conover. This champion grew up on his parents’ ranch, Conover Quarter Horses, in Anthon, Iowa. Together with his parents, Kelly and Traci, and his brother Drew, he showed the family’s horses on weekends throughout the greater Iowa region. Conover racked up show miles and titles starting in Leadline before moving on to a pony named Roani, and then on to Quarter Horses.
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