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.