Definition of a "Broke" Horse

The last few days have been "good rides" for my horse and I. We have had some good moves on the cattle, a few short slides, some honest canter departures, good trail manuevers and jumps. The best thing of all is Napoleon's demeanor is happy, happy, happy! Zane thinks he is getting fat and that is amazing because he gets a lot of riding each day. He is a good eater with a good appetite and he conserves his energy in the field. He never bucks and plays, just walks leisurely enjoying his grass, his water, and his hay and grain. I am thrilled that he is filling out and really looking like a 6 year old..(Morgan /QH cross?)

Today I enjoyed riding him mostly one-handed. We had lots of little jobs like turning back and opening awkward gates. We coached the kids while Zayle learned how to jump and also while she practiced her barrels and poles. Napoleon did lots of demonstration of proper technique for Zayle and Dawson's horses. He is riding like a "broke" horse.

That got me thinking about my definition of a "broke" horse. I was blessed with some good ones as a kid. Back then, horses got a lot of riding on the ranch and were really used. Even my show and rodeo horses got several hours of riding almost every day of the week. As kids, we just rode and rode and rode. (Without much parental supervison, I might add ;) I took it for granted that neck reining and lead changes were really that easy! My kids are fortunate enough to ride a few hours a day. It makes a huge difference in their abilities and a huge difference in how their horses work for them.

Now, what is a "broke" horse? First of all, it is a horse that can complete a daily job with ease-no fights, no drama, no anxiety-just work honestly. Second, it is a horse that will pull through for you in a tight spot. Such as when you have to cross deep water or get pressured in an alley full of cattle. Lastly,it is a horse that will continue to learn and refine their movements making them a joy to "drive" with one soft hand, like a Mercedes, not a Ford Pinto with a 4 speed! Now, of course the question is: How do we progress to the "broke" horse?

The first step to a broke horse is to ride it and treat it as such. When it makes a mistake, just re-direct and show the horse the right way. PATIENT REPETITION. Of course, there are exercises that build up to riding the horse one handed. One of the most important in our program is the side-pass. (LOTS and LOTS of side-passing). Then, there is vertical flexion and also the ability of the horse to follow the direct rein when he is pulled through a turn. It is important that his feet move with his nose! (We skip just the holding the nose in part that exercise isn't practical for a working horse. )When the horse is moving easily off your feet and following the rein without trouble and giving at the poll, I start riding them one-handed with crossed reins and a short-shank snaffle. I tip their nose, follow with the in-direct rein and press last with my calf to finish the turn. (Don't spur through the turn, it makes for an unhappy horse.) Then, it's lots of repetition. A horse doesn't learn to ride one-handed, unless you ride them that way! (I know it seems obvious, but many people that have ridden with us have to have their off-hand tied to their side to force them to ride one-handed.)

So, as I work on "finishing" Napoleon, (yes, it is still a ways off we only have 100 days, you know!) I keep in mind patient repetition and I keep working towards the goals of a "Broke" horse.

A Small Set-Back

It is finally warm in Montana! Napoleon is doing well. He is spending most of the day in the pasture. Zayle (my daughter) can easily catch and handle him now. Yesterday, one of the girls in the barn saddled him for me. All great stepping stones for a mustang in training. I had a small set-back on Friday morning. It didn't involve Napoleon, just me. We got up early to move cattle and I was brushing one of the stallions, as I walked around behind him to brush his other side, he squealed at another horse and kicked. He kicked me right in the thigh and sent me flying. First time in my entire life of working with horses that I have been kicked. I still rode Napoleon Friday evening and Saturday morning, but boy, is my leg sore! Made it harder to ride effectively and made it really hard to mount and dismount. Napoleon was patient with me though as I flailed around trying to get in the saddle without using my thigh muscle. Good thing he is short. I finally stepped up on a bucket and slid my toe in the stirrup that way. He is feeling really, really good. Maybe a little too good! He was giving me playful bucks when we started out yesterday. This week we will concentrate on all our class events for the competition. I will work each class everyday. (Rail class, pattern class, trail class, cow class.) I also need to format my finals routine and music this week. If we are fortunate enough to make the finals, I will be prepared!! The GREAT news is that a local girl is coming to work for us this week and that will take the pressure off of me so I can concentrate on Napoleon.

A Purpose

On Monday and Tuesday, I rode Napoleon out across the range over the wide open hills. You could tell he just loved it. It was just great to get out and really travel. It was our first time out of the arena and fields. He is able to tolerate it now that he has shoes. Napoleon was very good and I found him trustworthy and quiet. It's fun to feel him just easily lunge up little hills and embankments with confidence. He also traveled out so nice and straight. No weeble-wobbles like most 45 day horses would have! We ride by ourselves as I don't want him to become dependent on a buddy. He really worked up a sweat easily on the first ride, a good, honest, sweat. After breezing him over the hills and just riding for fun, we did a little arena work and continued to progress in our circles, simple changes, and stops. I rode him in a little shank snaffle on Tuesday and am really reinforcing the neck rein.

Today, we spent three hours in the cutting pen turning back for Zane. I find working the cows really gives a horse purpose. Zane works out of a circle, so Napoleon and I keep the cows circled up and then when they are settled, take the outside and turn back for Zane's horse. It was a great time to reinforce all of our work so far. We even ponied a few horses from the barn. The first one Napoleon wasn't very happy about as it was a recently gelded stallion who kept nosing Napoleon's rump. The other two were a more mannerly gelding and mare who kept up beside him better. He was much happier with them. After Zane was done, we were able to take a cow down the fence and work on just coming through the turn on the fence and accelerating through the turn after the cow. Once we wore the cow down a little, we were very successful at this exercise. So, again, Napoleon had a great day and a great work-out. The muscles on his shoulders are starting to ripple. I should have measured his rear gaksin, as I am sure it has grown with work too.

I also have to add that yesterday, Zayle was able to catch him in the pasture by herself! :)

Friendly

Just needed to leave a short note to say that Napoleon trotted up to me in the pasture this morning when I went to catch him. That is the first time he has came to me. He usually stays stock still and lets me come to him. It brought tears to my eyes. He did well at 4-H camp his last day. We did all the trail obstacles and he is one of those who will hesitate and really check the obstacle out, smelling it and testing it carefully with his feet-then just walking into or over it nicely. He doesn't really snort or blow sideways. Very happy to see his disposition stay steady as he is tested more. We are in for a busy couple of weeks as Zane is short on help and the kids and I will be helping in the barn full-time. I'll probably be crawling out of bed early each day to ride Napoleon first. He'll also be doing some turn-back duty as well.

Recent Photos of Napoleon

Still Riding

Napoleon and I are doing well at horse 4-H Camp. His schedule is cushy compared with mine though!! I am tired. Don't know where kids get all their energy. On Wednesday morning he got his first set of shoes. Had to have those because of how tender his feet are. It was amazing how good he was for the farrier. He did not move a muscle. (No, not one!) He didn't try to jerk his feet away during the nailing either. He was a dream. I was so proud of him and the farrier was amazed at his good manners.

After our shoeing session I loaded Napoleon in the 6 horse slant for the first time. He has been in the 2 horse stock trailer twice but not in the slant load. It was more difficult for him because it has a back tack and he had to negotiate the narrow entry into the trailer. It took a little coaxing but he loaded within 5 minutes and then unloaded and reloaded three times without trouble.

When we got to camp he had to stay on the trailer for part of the day. (Don't worry, it's not hot here. In fact I am wearing a fleece, vest and coat as I write.) I wanted to leave him on until I had time to settle him in and intro him to everyone. 4-H is all about safety and I didn't want someone introducing themselves too abruptly and causing an issue. It was cute because when I did take him out to ride everyone assumed he was a "reiner". (They think we are reiners even though I try to explain that reined cowhorses and reiners aren't the same :) He has such a cute, refined head and long, reiner mane. He is shiny and showy looking too. People were shocked when I say, "No, he's a mustang." Then I get to explain all about the Extreme Mustang Makeover and Mustang Heritage Foundation and encourage them to go to their websites. They probably didn't believe me when I said it is was his 18th ride Wednesday.

Napoleon saddled up and rode well. Even negotiated the novice horse and rider traffic without any trouble. We worked again on lots of loping and yesterday he did some perfect canter departures. Proud of him! He also settled in and ate and drank well in his new environment. I dressed him in a cute burgundy sheet and he looked stellar!

Today I worked him at in-hand trail and he did well. I am not a big in-hand person. I really like to do the riding portion of training more. So, although my horses lead well and have good ground manners, the whole in-hand routine is not my thing. But, I worked him through the trail course and he did well. Very proud of him. A little hesitation at the bridge, but it is was narrow. I did two short sessions today of riding. We are still building body condition and stamina for Napoleon so I find two shorter sessions are better than one long one. He is not protecting his feet and is moving out better at the canter. His right lead is improving daily and today we started working on straight run downs. His transitions are getting stronger and more spot on too. I had Zayle snap a few pictures so I will add them when we get home tomorrow night. I have to get up early to ride in the morning as I am tied up in classes all day and will be judging the show at the end, but if my stamina holds out ;) I'll ride here again before we leave tomorrow afternoon.

a Mustang at 4-H Camp

Tomorrow, Napoleon will be attending horse 4-H camp for the week. I hope we have a good time! We will have the opportunity to practice many skills and he will meet lots of new folks. He rode well the last two days, a little broncy on Monday, but we won't hold it against him, it was Monday! He gets shoes tomorrow which I am looking forward to. Then we can really get out more and travel. His poor tender feet can't take any traveling now. I promise to take pictures the next few days and post if I can. We will be in Red Lodge, Montana.

Fancy Digs

Napoleon got to move into fancy accommodations tonight. Zane is off to Paso Robles for the NRCHA Derby. Napoleon gets to stay in Reymanator's stall while he is gone. Hopefully some of that winning charisma will rub off on him! :)He is looking very shiny all of a sudden. It makes every little blemish on his coat stand out. He has little scars here and there. Probably where he has been bitten and harassed. Still has a sore on his nose. It is smaller than a dime now. Anxious for it to be all healed up.

We took a few pictures tonight. My photographer, (Zayle, age 11) did a good job. They are a little dark because we are riding inside again due to the heavy rain. Not the best angles, but if you're curious, have a look!

What a fun ride!

Today I had such fun on my horse. We were gathering, sorting, and processing cattle today and Napoleon and I were the main gatherers. He was just excellent. The only thing that gave him a start was the chain rattling against the gate when we went to close it, but it was just a little shudder on his part, no big bolts or anything. You would have to ride him to believe it but the little guy is just so cowy. He really watches the cattle and moves with them. So fun! We also crossed some dry ditches and jumped up and down an embankment made with railroad ties. He felt like an old, broke horse, handled himself so well. It made the day enjoyable!

Differences

What are the differences between training a mustang vs. a breeding registery horse? Well, in the beginning - a lot. A mustang takes a certain level of experience. Although, many first-timers survive it, I am amazed at the novice level trainers who manage to get it done. Some of their success depends on the actual disposition of the mustang they adopt or are given. I know when we received our mustangs in 2007, a novice person could have easily trained Chopper, he was very curious and very bold and not really scared of a person. When I look back at the mustangs Zane trained for the BLM in 1999, there were a few that many trainers could have handled, and several in the bunch we were given that would darn sure eat your lunch! The mares in that lot were extremely difficult and although we broke them to ride and tie, they weren't easy and they just weren't pleasant in their demeanor either. I would not have wanted to own one of those mares. That was a factor in deciding which horses to bid on in this competition. I didn't even look at the mares, although I am sure there were some nice ones in there. (And by the way, I am a Mare person, but cautious of owning a mustang mare.)

The first few weeks of mustang training are time consuming and can be dangerous. Most mustangs aren't down right aggressive, but their instinct to flee is very strong so if cornered or threatened they will do almost anything to get away. Your timing and handling techniques have to be dead on. If they feel really threatened they may also strike. Zane used to always wear a protective vest when working with them. Although he was never struck, it was a good precaution. THey are unbelievalby fast when they do. We start out by just walking around them in a small pen. We use a small square corral and we move slow so the horse doesn't run. We try to move by them and around them and let them go by us, all the while trying to keep it slow. When they stop and face us, we give ground and encourage them to step forward. We have found working in a small square pen where a horse can actually stick his rear in the corner and face you works better for a mustang than a round pen. The round pen keeps them going around and around, and a mustang can do that all day long. With the amount of horses we have, we just don't have all day long. Although this style may go against all a hard core natural horseman has been taught, letting the mustang corner up makes him feel a little safer in the beginning. We work with them until moving around them in arcs gets less threatening to them. WE keep encouraging them to take a step forward and back any pressure off when they do. Sometimes the first day they will take a step to us and in some cases will reach out their nose and let you carefully touch it.

The next day we build on them coming to meet us. Some mustangs are bold and not afraid and will eventually come forward and greet you. We get a loop on them at this point and work them the same as if the rope wasn't there. We eventually keep working the arc until they will let us in close enough to tie a halter. Then, we use the halter to keep reinforcing the "meet and greet". At this point we use a stuffed glove on the end of a stick to start touching their neck and shoulder. They ususally won't allow you in close enough with your body to touch them yet with your actual hand, but by using the fake hand, we get them used to being touched. We alternate side to side rather quickly so they don't get one sided right off the bat. (THey really want to be one sided). (You can watch Monty Roberts videos on You Tube for more in depth info on the "hand"). We just keep working on getting in closer and closer. This takes some time although they can be surprisingly tolerant once they are unafraid of you handling their head.

Once we can rub them all over with the hand and that means up and down their legs, back, and buttocks, we work on touching them with our real hands. Usually this is enough for one day. The next day we come back and repeat all the above and start working on picking up their feet. Zane doesn't ride them until you can pick up all four feet. He uses the same method again, as Monty Roberts. (Or at least the method Monty once used :) He gets them to where he can loop a rope around their foot and they let him hold it with the rope. Once they allow him to use the rope (Usually a soft lead rope) he progresses to actually touching the foot and holding it with his hand. Once this is accomplished on all four feet, we move to the saddling portion. Again, working both sides of the horse equally, we sack them out with the pad, and saddle. (If a horse is especially difficult, we start with a surcingle, then an Engish Saddle. )Zane always uses a hook to "grab" the cinches as it is unnerving for the mustang to reach under him and then for him to feel the squeeze of the cinch, so for safety we use the hook and if he kicks or bolts we just steady the saddle and the cinch and keep working with them until they are connected.

We put the snaffle bit in and let them pack it around at this point too. We move to the round pen for the saddling and riding portions. Once the horse is saddled and bridled, we move him around until he is comfortable packing everything and spend some time roping the saddle and horse and letting him pack the rope around and let him feel it around his feet and legs, turning him with it as we go. Then, we bit the horse up on each side usually with a snap rein that snaps from the saddle to the bit. If a mustang is pretty good about his feet and the ropes and things, we will drive them, but if they are pretty ouchy about all that, we just do the bitting up portion. When the mustang accepts all the above, they are ready for their first ride. We accomplish this with a pony horse for safety and "buddy" comfort for the mustang. This part can be a little exciting at times, and sometimes no big deal at all to the horse.

All the above can happen in a few hours, a few days, or in some mustang's case, up to a week. We just try to keep everthing calm and slow, it faster to be slow:)

Once the riding begins, the mustang really starts to learn to trust his rider and the trust that you build is also what makes him different from a domestic horse. It is amazing how fast the trust will take a horse in his training. Once a mustang decides that no matter how silly the thing you want him to do is- he is willing do it and he starts to trust you completely, the sky can be the limit in what you teach him. The best thing is, that you don't have to go over and over the same lessons like you do on a young domestic, if a mustang learns to sidepass left, the next day he can sidepass left still :) .

Once the mustang is progressing well under saddle the differences in training are very few. We have found you have to be cautious with riding into new open areas and make sure your mustang is stopping and turning well before you do. You don't want any "run off" episodes because they take time getting over. Once a mustang runs off, he will attempt to do so at any open opportunity and it takes a lot of training to overcome. The running off can be much more of a problem than any "bronc" rides. Most mustangs just don't buck, but they do choose to run when faced with something scary.

Another major difference is acceptance of other people. We expose are mustangs right away to as many people as possible and try to work them equally between us in the beginning. THey can become extremely bound to one person. Like a one man dog. When this happens they are fine and broke with you, but another person can't do anything with them. Some people might really like this but if you train for the public, be aware of it.

I have found a few differences in working with an older mustang vs. a 3 year old last time. The 6 year old was harder to gentle in the beginning. It took a lot longer than I though it should to get him halter broke and saddled and the first ride was not very pleasant. He really slammed me around. However, once we were through the first few weeks, the maturity of his mind has helped me teach him things faster and he is very trustworthy and gentle to be around now.

Let me know what your experiences and words of wisdom are in mustang training!

Cow Pony

"Oh, I've got a pony, the fastest thing around.." He's not quite like the old western folk song but getting closer :) I need to get some pictures to update his "riding" status. The funny thing is, we're both doing "two a days". Him in his riding sessions, and me in my exercise sessions. This makeover is good for me too, since I need my body to fit his body - and he is pretty petite.

Today we got up early and worked fence cattle. After Zane wore them out with his futurity horses, I got to "box" them, track them, and get a few slow turns on the fence. My horse has a good aptitude for it. It's good for his riding exercises too as it gives the loping, turns and stops a purpose.

So much to do, so little time! The cow class is just one phase, but one we can really excel at.

This evening we had a short riding session. Worked on loping circles, transitions, and canter departures. He is really enjoying his pasture turn-out. Can you imagine, he hasn't had green grass to graze in years!! And he is sweet about letting me catch him

End of Week 4

Saturday marked the end of week 4 in Napoleon's training. I really felt like we made quite a break through in his canter work on Saturday. He seemed to really struggle in both his movement and control at the canter, but finally on Saturday- great improvements in both. I was really quite concerned with his athleticism but finally his canter gait smoothed out both directions.

He has turned up his nose at his grain for the past 3 days. Not sure what's up with that unless his mouth is sore from getting his teeth done. He didn't have any wolf teeth or broken teeth but did have razor sharp points, especially on the right side. Got those smoothed out. I am going to try him on some rice bran pellets today and see how he likes those. Even our finicky eaters in the barn seem to like them and they are very high in fat.

Napoleon got to be turned out in the pasture for the last two nights. (He will let me catch him there easily which is why he gets to progress to pasture turnout)

Today we will get to turn back in the cutting pen and follow cattle for several hours. He is very cowy and I think that will be his main focus and his talent.

A Brief Note

It's late, and I'm tired but just a brief note to say Napoleon got his feet trimmed and rasped today. The farrier, Dave Brown, was very patient with him. Took lots of time to meet him and get checked out by the mustang. He does have evidence of a recent abscess which may be one reason he is so foot sore on the gravel. Will need shoes as soon as he's ready to tolerate it. Was great with the farrier tools, even the hoof stand. I will spend more time holding his front feet between my knees like the farrier does to prepare him for his shoeing. So proud of Napoleon.

He takes a road trip tomorrow to get his teeth looked at. Hope there's no surprises lurking in there! Lots of loping done today. Progress there.

Outside Ride

Today it was dry enough to ride in the big outdoor arena. (Won't be tomorrow, though, it's pouring rain right now!) I rode Napoleon for quite awhile. He is getting good at his trot,keeping a better cadence on the rail. He was great to mount and dismount. He was calm with the other horses and cows moving around as well. There were guests here today roaring around on their 3 wheelers and motorcyles and he was good about that too. We worked on a lot of sidepassing again, as well as turns on the haunches.Worked on some leg yielding. We had some struggles with the lope. He really wanted to completely run off - rubber necked big time - and wanted to run down into the gate. Zane helped us with that and we were able to progress with control at the lope by the end of the session. Lots of loping will be the plan again for tomorrow. On Thursday, he has his first official trailer ride and we have an appointment with the equine dentist. The farrier will be working in the morning and I have plans for him to maybe hold and rasp his feet. (baby steps :)