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Horses That Act Like They Don't Want To Work

I’m not a big fan of Pat Parelli – not necessarily due to his “horse sense”; I have trouble with the macho manly charisma, big chaps and handle bar mustache – I think (smile). However, I love this quote from him, “If your horse says NO, you either asked the wrong question, or asked the question – the wrong way.”

What that means to me is something like - change the question or give options, would you rather do this (counter circle for example); or it means my hand positioning, legs, - something isn't correct for them to understand the ask (want I'm wanting). 

The quote - could NOT be more true…have a horse with confidence by supporting your horse with patience, clear – very clear communication via your body, and a LOT of consistency (strategic slow practice) – they will gain confidence!

Horses get confused, frustrated, upset, pissed off, and combative because people expect them to do something – they haven’t been taught and/or haven’t practiced enough – that they are able to execute what you're asking - in a good way.  Yes, you can say "they've had long enough" but we are working on their time and God's time - not our time.  Period. Slow down and explain everything again with a NEW attitude if you want to reach maximum altitude (results). That’s love, that’s respect, that’s a teacher (trainer) – that is the spirit of wisdom and success in the saddle…

After that…go take a walk in the pasture (and smile/enjoy)!


With much gratitude,
Go ahead - ride right!
Theresa

Too Much SET on a Barrel Horse!



This is an awesome picture that shows a "right"
body position - I call it a right stop!  (see right nose)
It would be the perfect body position
 for the 1st barrel (right barrel).  See that
back right leg - it is slid up underneath but is
also in position - to DRIVE. 
Hope you've learned something...if I can help
please call or write.  Much gratitude, Theresa

 Client, one of my biggest fans and a super good woman and friend – Tracy Chissoe (Kynder Starr’s mom) ask me a questiong the other day, "if I put so much SET on ONE of my student’s horses because she was young?" (Age 10 when we started, 12 now).

And, I said yes – but now that I think about it – I lied (smile). Not on purpose or maybe on purpose – because I’ve been criticized for putting too much SET on a horse but the truth is – I like a lot of set on barrel horses and here’s why:

When a barrel horse gets their butt up underneath themselves – they don’t feel the need to drop a shoulder. Dropping shoulders comes from feeling insecure and trying too hard to make the turn happen. When their butt is good it is less likely they’ll “feel the need” to drop shoulders OR they are less likely and easier to correct.

When a barrel horse gets their butt up underneath themselves – they can turn more comfortably and easily. Four legged animals have to sit on butt in order for the front legs to come around – logistically speaking – it’s a must.



When a barrel horse gets their butt up underneath themselves – they can run like the wind – in MUD (slick wet dirt)!



When a barrel horse gets their butt up underneath themselves – they can run like the wind and handle sandy arenas (loose dirt)!



When a barrel horse gets their butt up underneath themselves – it frees up their frontend to turn and their backend is in position to DRIVE!



When a barrel horse gets their butt up underneath themselves – they stay light in the bridle (bit) and easy to manipulate (bend & flex) – like using the right brake or the left brake on a tractor to turn SHARP (you country girls know what I’m talking about).



When a barrel horse gets their butt up underneath themselves – they are NOT afraid of the task – at full speed (I see a bunch of freaked out barrel horses – everywhere I go). Freaked out barrel horses are afraid and freaked out because they were not taught how to use their body. Because most people do not know…the logistics – of how it works and works well.


When a barrel horse gets their butt up underneath themselves – they’ll run for years and seldom lose their body positioning which is vital for long-term consistent RESULTS!




And, last but certainly not least - When a barrel horse gets their butt up underneath themselves – you can ENJOY and you will ENJOY – riding that set out of them rather than tugging, pulling, jerking, begging, hoping, praying, etc. that you can get that sucker to sit down and turn (smile). That is when running barrels is FUN!!!

Ride with a coach – Learn from a coaching – the information is like all continued education – it will SERVE you forever!

PS: if the butt is not in the ground – the frontend is – that’s why it feels heavy, and down, and tough in the bridle, and won’t give the head left or right or both, can’t or won’t scoot over and give more room – dropping shoulders – it’s because the whole frontend is DOWN. To get the frontend up – the backend must be down. Makes sense? If not call me…love to talk to smart people about logistics.

PSS: Learn something BIG / NEW by looking at the picture (and text below them) about body positioning!

Ride Right,

With much gratitude for the trainers who helped me over the years...

Theresa

S.M.A.R.T. Goals Help You Hit Your TARGET!

S.M.A.R.T. Goals


Specific – Specific Goals are the details – that move you toward – the place you want to be. Be SMART about your mind focus… In the horse business most all events require a knowledge base of at least understanding 1) circles, counter circles, correct leads, correctly stopping, backing, and a knowledge base related to the ability to teach your horse respect and how to get into the bridle while working on all the above. If you’re not 100% sure of what I’m referring to in the above then – you want to hire a coach – so add that to your “goals” list!

Measurable – Measurable goals exist once you’ve implemented the ground work and that is what allows you to measure your goals. Here’s an easy example: I’m working with a student currently and she is working with an inexperienced horse (very well trained! former reiner) teaching the barrel pattern and all the “dry work” that precedes working on the pattern. The last couple of lessons have been about a LARGE circle around a barrel and riding in – to about 4 ft from the barrel and around – then back out to LARGE circle. At first – it was HARD and HORRIBLE for both the horse and rider HOWEVER 3 lessons later – it was REALLY nice! (this am) So we set the GOAL and worked in slow increments to reach the GOAL. It was measurable and took practice but was achieved. Now the horse OR the rider will not be so fearful, uncomfortable – because loping that small of circle is pretty difficult and takes much practice especially to accomplish good stationary balance and flow. Now – we will continue working on that piece of the “dry work” until it is super easy for both while working on our other goals as well… Mission Accomplished!

Attainable – Attainable goals are ones that are feasibly within reach – your goals should be a stretch but should be very believable as far as reaching them. In the above example – the rider was saying things like, “I can’t do that” or "it's so hard" but with practice she found that she IS doing it and doing it very well...Don’t cut yourself short just know that every “exercise / goal” can be achieved it just takes practice, determination as a mind-set and slow steady clarity on how to accomplish it…

Relevant – relevant goals are focused on the big picture you have – your underlying purpose to achieve goals. In the example above – the relevant piece – is – that a barrel horse and rider MUST be able to execute a small circle and understand that it takes, practice, balance for horse and rider, drive and coordination on the horses part plus the riders part and so on – but VERY relevant to performance and the BIG picture goal.

Time Bound Goals - Time sensitive goals – I’m going to do ___________ this month – someday doesn’t work EVER. For the most part – I believe we have to push ourselves and I’m teaching students how to set goals and work through the HARD parts until they're easy. I didn’t know how long it would take before the two as a team became comfortable with small circles (see above) but my goal was a week or two. They got there in just 3 lessons or 3 days. This horse is a great athlete and this rider is a really good rider so I’m glad it worked out for them so well…the point is stay with the GOAL and set a reasonable amount of time to “get’r done”!

Smart goals are a nice frame work for you to implement into your riding program and your event specific goals…now here’s a little Secret: Add feeling to your goals when you set them YES – feel as if – the goal has already been attained and NOTE how “it feels” (usually brings on a big smile). This little secret will attract “success” to you in no time flat – yep – feel the feeling of accomplished goals. Make a movie in your mind of that very accomplishment or success!

What does it feel like – let yourself experience the feeling!

Ride Right, & Think Right

Theresa

Barrel Racer(s) BlackOUT

How long have you been having these blackouts?

Why do I keep “blacking out” and can’t remember anything about my run?

As a performance coach working a lot with youth clients – I work with a lot of  “emotions” – some will call it butterflies, some call it sick at their tummy, some will not remember anything about their run, etc. I’ve developed a “system” to help them stay tunned in – and it works!

This issue of Blacking Out comes from disconnecting (mentally, physically and emotionally) – if you can’t remember anything about your run – what was your mind doing / thinking? Most don’t know the answer – so we give the mind something to do…

My students get in the habit of positive mind control by saying quietly to themselves (in their mind for example); with every stride – they’ll say ride, ride, ride, ride, sit, slide, horn, (headed to 2nd barrel) ride, ride, ride, ride, sit, slide, horn, (headed to 3rd barrel) ride, ride, ride, etc. (all in rhythm with the horse and the run). NOTE: implement whatever you need to do to support your horse, your run, in your self talk or mind control dialogue.  It fills the mind / brain with the exact “information” needed to stay conscious in the moment – every stride. Simply, use the technique until staying in the moment becomes a habit – something you do naturally.

Students practice this in their dry work and get in the habit of “giving” their mind, body and spirit – a focus. How do I know?  Because they start by saying it out loud. 

Hope this helps…Let me know if you liked the concept and then let me know how it worked for you! It will probably take 2-3 months or 20 runs I’d say – to really feel the difference – positive mind control makes.

Ride Right,

Theresa

How I see the starting and finishing of a barrel horse with LONGEVITY in mind!

A gal called the other day from somewhere in Arkansas that I’d never heard of – wish I would have written it down and wish I would have saved her phone number – cause I can’t get our conversation off my mind. Wondering if she really got what I was saying…how the “tips” are working for her, etc.


Because she found me on the web via my blog – thought I’d write this and if she checks back in – she’ll think to call me (smile).  Plus, I've been wanting to get this in writing and haven't for awhile now.

Her question – if I remember right – was that a barrel horse that she is just starting is not handling adding “speed” well. For the most part – I told her – that – that means he’s not ready. My inspiration today is to attempt to put into words – how I see the starting and finishing of a barrel horse with LONGEVITY in mind! Meaning – starting a barrel horse – for the long haul – to keep – to compete on for years – long term.

So here I go…

1) Prior to Barrel work make sure your horse 1) walks, trots and lopes great circles – big, small and in between, can move in and out of those circles with ease. Gives in the bridle, is soft and supple, can bend easily left and right (including bending the rib cage), can execute counter circles w/ease, stops well, does roll backs w/ease. And, I even like a little 360 spin on my horses because many times if a barrel horse is having trouble “closing or coming on around” I’ll work a 360 spin or 6 right there “Johnny on the spot” Now…on to the barrels! Speaking of which – in the beginning I’ll use the barrel pattern (or pole pattern) to cool my horse out and relax after working.

2) Then I bring a barrel or 4 into my circles – start with one and when they master loping around the barrel bring in another on the other side of my circle – then bring in a 3rd and 4th. Now this is really really a work out for a horse so you need some “blow” time in this. Blow Time: stop and let a horse relax and just blow (catch his breath)

3) Walk the barrel pattern – say 6-10 times (the objective here is to let the horse go, make mistakes, correct and work to have a horse that will walk the pattern correctly and independently)  NOTE: for future reference - for every run you make - walk your horse 5 times - forever.

4) Trot the barrel pattern – say 6-10 times(the objective here is to let the horse go, make mistakes, correct and work to have a horse that will trot the pattern correctly and independently)

5) Then start the process of loping – making sure to get the correct lead. Lope to the first – stop in the pocket – walk around lope to 2nd – same for 3rd – then home at walk, trot or lope. In my opinion it doesn’t matter is you walk, trot or lope home – it needs to be very relaxed as it is the 1st place you’ll start to add speed later in the process – when you do – you will also incorporate the walk, trot and lope as well. Teaches the horse to listen to your body regarding what you want – walk, trot, lope or run.

6) Lope to the first – stop in the pocket – lope around 1st – stop or pause which ever you need – to switch leads – lope to 2nd – stop lope around – lope to 3rd – stop – lope around and walk, trot or lope home (mix it up).   Note: you might say, "that is a lot of stopping" and I say "yes, it is"; I love a horse that uses his backend around the barrels, for balance, safety, drive, etc.  makes a GREAT horse regarding longevity. 

7) Now – I think the biggest mistake people make with barrel horse is – they decide all the sudden to make a run. That is not cool. Speed is taught just like all the other gates. Teach it. I teach it first – on the way home. Then going to the 3rd, then add it going to the 2nd and LAST – going to the first. It is not something you have to spend a lot of time teaching – they “get it” pretty fast – the biggest challenge is teaching speed and keeping “the rest”- all the foundational work. Good stops, appropriate lead changes, rating in the pockets, shoulders up, flexible, supple, etc. So after adding speed – you really go back and forth to the “fundamentals” until they can learn to DO BOTH. Ride correctly – with speed.

8) I like a very patterned horse – a horse that knows the pattern and would probably finish it if you fell off (smile). I like a very collected, controlled beautiful pattern with zero flaws – and that takes time and lots of coming back to the fundamentals. The challenge is – when a horse starts performing – you want to go with it – and you can – right UP until – something goes wrong – even slightly wrong. You MUST go back and work on the fundamentals having to do with “what when wrong”. If they start dropping a shoulder – you do counter circles and counter moves to instill – keep that shoulder up. If they leave a barrel wide – you slow it down and show them through collection HOW to stay up under themselves and finish turns, etc.

9) I like a walk, trot, lope, run forward motion coming into the arena. That takes a work.

10) One of the first things that happens is a horse will get an "I got it” kind of attitude, where they more or less with their body language and attitude – say “leave me along – I got it” AND that is a BIG no no.  Many coaches will say "leave them alone" I say "oh no no no".  You have to be concious of how you're handling them but you can help them or correct them any time you want.  Period.  That's like a 2 year old telling you "no".  Doesn't fly with me.  You have to teach speed, collection and the pattern with the understanding that YOU are in charge and will always be in charge. However, you will grant them the ability to run independently as long as they can be respectful about it. The way I do that – is shut it down and go back to basics in the moment. Constantly teaching them to listen and be respectful.

11) I like a slow down after you are through the gate (finished), lope and then a complete stop. I'm pretty picky about this little feature.  Complete stop, drop and blow.  I think it is vital to the longevity of your horse being respectful after a run. Simply, come to a complete stop at some point, let the horse blow for 5 seconds then walk it out. I do not believe is getting off immediately and if the run was not good – I believe you can go back to riding as soon as the horse has caught his breath. If the run was good – walk it out 20-30 minutes, dis-mount and walk to trailer or barn. I’m a never EVER ride to the barn. Never EVER ride to the trailer kinda girl.

12) I like to see riders use the horn around the barrels – I believe you have the best ability to balance with the horse,  and I believe that helps the horse tremendously – the more the rider is balanced in the turns - the better the results.

Okay – enough for now…

Ride Right,

Theresa

Charmayne James says it all... “Don’t Get Mad at the Horse – Get Educated!”

BHN Article: The question was, “Have you ever seen a horse that was started too fast on the barrels before all the fundamentals were in place?”


CJ: A horse asked to work at speed before he is broke right will be frustrated and won’t usually hold up under the pressure. The horse hits barrels, blows off the turns or develops many other bad habits that are hard to cure, and it’s all because he was pushed too fast – too soon. Funny things is – it’s exactly the same with people!

                 Theresa’s Comment: Just last month I had a student’s mother ask me – why I’m making such a big deal about her daughter keeping her seat – while she is learning to run barrels & poles. She said, “Everyone is out of the saddle that’s running barrels & poles.” When a student learns to sit and ride correctly – what they are really learning – is – the “feel” of a horse. And, as the lessons progress and the speed progresses – the student will adapt appropriately! Horses really need “guidance” in their runs and that only comes from a great rider with amazing – balanced riding, skill and feel…


CJ: Any time you have a chance to ride with a good reiner or cutter that can teach you basic horsemanship skills – like how to sit for a stop, get in a “go” position, feel the horse’s hind end in a turn and position the horse’s body correctly for a turn – I encourage that.


CJ: Perfect Circles – People without the experience to guide their horse correctly tend to lope in an oblong circle when asked to lope a perfect, round circle.

               Theresa’s Comment: It is so so crucial as far as foundational basics to be able to – even WALK a perfect circle. Asking a student to walk a perfect circle tells me everything about their knowledge base. It is the perfect circle that is the foundation of barrels and poles and it is working those circles that create the perfect body positioning and feel for horse and rider – regarding the end result! The bottom line is IF you laid out a circle of LIME (like white chalk) and learned to walk your horse on that circle of LIME – you will start to feel stepping in and stepping out at the smallest most minute level – which is the KEY to prefect circles – which is the KEY to perfect runs. I know – not that many people are interested in doing it correctly – I see it all the time – most just want to have fun.


Analogy: Not knowing the fundamentals in the saddle and trying to run barrels & poles is the equivalent of

•  Putting a 16 year old behind the wheel of a car and expecting them to parallel park – they can’t evaluate the front end from the back end of that vehicle

•  Putting a 16 year old behind the wheel of a car and expect them to make split second decisions going 70 mph – and it is tragedy if they UNDER correct or OVER correct

Ride Right,

Theresa
References: March Issue / Barrel Horse News / Page 8 "Hard Habits to Break"
Charmayne James: http://www.charmaynejames.com/ / 11 Time World Champion Barrel Racer

Do You Have a "They Love Me" File?

Ever once in a while - I will struggle.  I think everyone does at times...I pray, journal, ask forgiveness, talk to a trusted friend, etc. until I can gain my mental & emotional strength again.  And, then sometimes someone sends me a "little note" that means the world - I keep all those little notes as a sign that I do make a difference - in a file I like to call "They Love Me".  You know it is okay...to care for yourself, to love yourself, to give yourself some credit where credit is due.  Inspired thought...is precious to me.

Here's my latest powerful "They Love Me" note:
I haven't talked to you in a while but I want you to know that I think about you every day and you're still so inspiring to me! Not just with the horses but as a person, as a woman! I can't even put it into words! You are just one amazing person! End of story! You're as special as they come! Your love for life and desire for something amazing makes me strive for the same thing! I love you T!! Hope you're doing well!  ~~Kambri



Thanks Kam - love you, too!!

Is Your Horse BALANCED?

When you working your horses on the ground and when you’re in the saddle – it is vital to make sure you are working both the left and the right side because the brain is divided into two sections (left and right).


Yesterday I was working with a horse that is much more comfortable and supple on the left and it’s because the person who had been working him – didn’t work very much on the RIGHT side. The right side is what we “horse trainers” refer to as the “off side”. A lack of balance on the “off side or right side” is a very common mistake in the horse business – I notice it often.

Many people ask if – are horses are like people – left handed or right handed. I believe so…I also noticed while working another colt – that he was much more fluent at the lope to the right – and I call that right handed. So when I lope for the first time – I would lope this particular horse to the right first, building confidence as I go – by choosing his good side. Setting horses up for success is just as important as setting my students up for success (to me).

So in closing, I’d like to ask you to check yourself – check your work by approaching your horse from the front then – his right side. If you find resistance – just spend some time balancing that out…

Ride Right,

Theresa

Top Notch Students Put Their HEART into their HOMEWORK!

Working with TOP NOTCH students – is a BLAST!

I just gave homework to one of my students following a competitive rodeo last weekend. She is 9 – yes I said 9 – and her homework was to “review” her video’s (barrels & poles) and write down – 10 ways she could improve her run (each / total 20). Her review, her run, her words… (Yes I told mom NOT to help or to help as little as possible)!


We just got off the phone reviewing her lists (her homework) – it was brilliant – she is perfectly capable - having learned by riding with me for the last 9 months - in knowing exactly when, where and how she can SHAVE seconds off her runs / times and improvements needed before the next competition.


I love my dedicated, smart, intuitive, flashy, showy, brilliant, devoted, students!! Rock on – sistah and thanks for putting your heart into your homework!

I added two more steps to the list - #11 always review your video's looking for way to improve and #12 write down 3 things you learned from the review to implement next run...
 
Ride Right,
Theresa
Email: TheresaThompsonTraining@gmail.com
479-633-4769