Fact Friday

Fact Friday: You want to ride from training, not from strength. - Jane Savoie

Things My Mom Says

Things my mom says; We are at a horse show and my mom who is new to watching me show says to me as I'm about to enter the show pen.
Me: Chomp, Chomp, Chomp (I'm chewing a piece of gum)

Mom: (leaning in close to me with her hand covering her mouth so no one can hear) Do you need to spit out your gum so you don't get into trouble?

Me:(laughing) Who an I going to get into trouble with, the bubble gum police?

Ya gotta love her. :)

Theory Thursday

Theory Thursday: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER; Being able to understand how your horse moves, functions, and thinks is the only true way to improve your riding and training skills. Gimmicks and short cuts will only result in causing yourself, frustration and more work in the end usually never curing the issue or problem. Understanding horses and horsemanship will not only save you money and keep your tack room less clutered, it will teach you how to use your brain, your most important tool. Remember the more band-aids you apply to a cut will not make it heal any faster, they only serve to cover up the problem and make you feel better. - Steve Kutie

Tech Tip Tuesday

Tech Tip Tuesday: It's great to have good stratigies for getting things accomplished. But without good excution, good stratigies aren't worth much.

Show Time, Sorta?

Every now and again I get to show one of mine, even if they are a bit out of shape. With all of the customer commitments it makes it tough to go show one of your own.

Nap time in Stephenville, TX

Jax just catching a quick nap after a hard day of showing.

SHOT Champions for Stephenville, TX Show

Congratulations again to Roberta Johnston(owner)and Steve Kutie(rider) and A Royal Busy Bee(horse) for continuing their winning ways, by winning the Junior Horse All-Around title this weekend at the SHOT Show in Stephenville TX as well as remaining undeafeated in the Cowhorse, and placing 2nd in Trail and Reining, as well as 4th in Pleasure. Congrats Bobbie, Buzz is a pretty nice ride!

Motivation Monday

Motivation Monday: The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

Theory Thursday

Theory Thursday: When you add personal disipline to a commitment toward open-mindedness, you increase your chances of success. The choice to be disiplined is the choice of winners. - Bob Avila

Wisdom Wednesday

Wisdom Wednesday: A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion. - Chinese Proverb

OKSHA Green and Novice Champions

Congrats to Roberta Johnston(owner), Steve Kutie(rider) and A Royal Busy Bee(horse) for winning the Trail, Pleasure, Cowhorse and finishing 2nd in the Reining as well as capturing the Green Horse All-Around Title at the OKSHA show this weekend. Also super job to Kellie Herrington and Radar for winning the Novice All-Around as well as all four events, great job!

Motivation Monday

Motivation Monday: Shut up, Work hard, Be patient. Becoming an overnight success, usually takes a lifetime. - Steve Kutie

10 Simple Steps for Finding that Perfect New Reiner.

Question: I am a novice rider and want to purchase a reining horse on a shoe string budget. I'm getting all sorts of advice from friends but I'm not sure if I should purchase a green horse or a finished horse.
Answer: Looking for the perfect non-pro reiner can be a daunting task if you are not properly prepared. Take some time before you ever saddle that first horse and make a checklist on paper of exactly what you are looking for, your short and long term goals. Evaluate your current skill level, being honest with yourself.
-Create your pre-purchase checklist and rank it order of importance: conformation, mind, ability, pedigree, looks, color.
-Buy skill and ability not color, looks or pedigree alone: Everybody wants to own a pretty horse and looks are important, but I would rather ride a horse that is a little plain looking and full of talent and ability than a pretty horse that can't get out of his/ her own way; Look for a good minded horse who WANTS to stop. A rule that I always remember is that; you buy the stop, the rest you can train.
-Avoid: Horses that are bad minded, pin their ears, or ring their tails. These are all signs that the horse is hurting or hates his/ her job.
-Conformation: Straight legs, short backs, low hocks, low headed/ necks, clean throat latch, moves smoothly and pretty while loping are all attributes that a horse is born with and can't be changed. Conformation is important when looking at the longevity of your prospect. Having the horse vetted with a pre-purchase exam will help ease your mind. Horses are like people, they all have a little something wrong, so don't pass on the near perfect horse just because of a small problem. Consult with your vet to see if the issue is something that can be easily maintained.
-Remember: There is no perfect horse, they are flesh and bone with a mind of their own. They all come with their own set of personal issues, the key is finding the issues that you are willing to live with and maintain.
-Ask: Ask around about a horse that you're interested in, just because he's winning doesn't mean that he's not for sale. Friends and trainers are also a good way to network in the search of a new ride. Ask for the health history report of the horse from their owner and vet. Ask to show once, if possible, before you buy. This will allow you to see and feel first hand what you are looking to buy.
Watch: Watch the horse being shown by the current owner/ non-pro. Trainers make their living by keeping the not so perfect show horse going run after run. The biggest problem with buying a show horse, is "ring sour" or "show smart" they ride well at home or at the trainers's barn, but new issues crop up in the warm up pen and show ring.
-Price: Price can be the biggest factor in your search. Bsically, the more the horse has won or done the larger the price tag. If you find a horse deal that seems to good to be true, it probably is. With the economy in the dumps and the price of hay going through the roof, there are good deals to be found, but buyer beware! You don't want to buy someone else's mistake. You get what you pay for.
-Don't: Don't be pressured into buying something that you wouldn't want to own for the rest of your life. Try to find a horse that hasn't been over shown, but is finished enough to go to the show pen without spending extra money on more training. We all want instant gratification, but buying a green horse just because he is cheaper at the start will cost just as much as the higher priced horse when you factor in additional training, hauling, and entry fees to get the horse seasoned.
-Enjoy: Enjoy the search for the perfect new horse. You have a chance to ride a ton of horses and get to take a sneak peak into the training programs of some of the successful trainers and non-pros that you have seen in the show pen. The bonus is that you will learn more about yourself and your riding abilities, the more horse you get to try out. Just remember always be respectful of the seller or trainers time since you are just trying the horse out while you are there, not taking a free lesson.
Spending the time and effort to research your perfect horse, will make you confident in your purchase and the price will be less of an issue. A good minded, well broke, willing show horse will always be a good investment.

As Always.... Ride Hard, Be Safe, and Have Fun. - Steve Kutie

Theory Thursday

Theory Thursday: Would a fly without wings be called a walk or ride?

Simply The Truth

When you think you're not happy with you're life, always remember, someone is happy simply because you exist.

Wisdom Wednesday

Wisdom Wednesday: Our fears are more numerous than our dangers, and we suffer more in our imagination than in reality. - Seneca........ Never let you, limit yourself!

2011 SHOT Novice All-Around Champion

Congratulations to Roberta Johnston 2011 SHOT year end All-Around Novice Champion.

Tech Tip Tuesday

Tech Tip Tuesday: Be more concerened with your character than your reputation because your character is who you truely are, but your reputation is merely what others think of you.

Motivation Monday

Motivation Monday: I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. - Bill Cosby

Anti-Gimmick Clinic March 31 - April 1, Nacogdoches, TX

You still have time to rearrange your schedule. This is probably the most fun, entertaining, and educational clinic that we do all year. Hosted by the Stephen F. Austin Horseman's Association as a fund raiser to help cover some of the expenses for the colleges stock horse team. Come out and enjoy a great time as well as put a little bit of knowledge in your noggin. Bonus, you get to hang out with me for the weekend, for no extra cost!

Selecting the proper Headstall, It could be a life saver.

A shank bit on a one-ear headstall with curb chain.

A snaffle bit on a headstall with brow band and throat latch. A slobber strap is used with a snaffle.

Question: I was told that I had the wrong headstall on my ring snaffle bridle. Does it really matter? How do I choose the proper headstall?
Answer: I have always noticed the small things that people tend to do when it comes to their horses and their choice of equipment, and I have to ask myself, "Do they not know, or do they just not care?" Watching people ride in the warm up pen at a recent show, I noticed the number of riders that had the improper headstall for the bit that they are using. Headstalls were designed with a specific purpose in mind, to keep the bit hanging in the correct position in your horse's mouth and to allow you to pull on the reins and not have the headstall slip over their ears.

The hardest thing to overlook, from a safety standpoint, is when one is riding a horse around in a snaffle bit hung on a headstall that has no throat latch. When pulling on the reins, a headstall that has no throat latch and browband will tend to lift off of the horse's poll and possibly slip off over their ears(not the best position to be in when your horse spits the bit, literally). The throat latch is designed to keep the headstall in the proper position by securing it behind the horse's jaw with the brow band laying across the forehead just in front of the ears. The throat latch should be adjusted with 2-3 fingers width between it and the horses throat.

If using a bit that has leverage, a one ear or split ear headstall will be fine since they are being used with a curb chain(a headstall with a throat latch and brow band will also work, but I personally think that it looks out of place when paired with a leverage bit). The leverage bit, when pulled on, rocks forward in the horse's mouth. This allows the curb chain to apply pressure under the chin and slight pressure over the horse's poll, keeping the headstall in place.

Snaffle bits should be used with a slobber strap attached to each ring that runs under the horses chin. This is so a rider is able to pull the bit left or right without having the rings slide around into the horse's mouth, where we lose control. I also tend to ride all of my horses, when schooling, with a cavasson or noseband to keep them from gapping their mouth open and trying to get away from the bit pressure. The noseband is not used to keep the horse's mouth tied shut; it is just an aid that allows the bit to function properly without allowing any bad habits to start. It is always easier to keep a problem from starting than to have to go back and figure out how to correct it. The use of a noseband when showing is illegal equipment in most classes.

Proper fit for a snaffle bit depends on the horse's mouth conformation. I will start a colt in the round pen with the bit hanging a little lower in the horse's mouth so that the colt learns to carry the bit with their tongue. Once I start riding, I will pull the bit up so that I have 1-2 slight wrinkles on each corner of the colt's mouth.

There are entire books dedicated to the theories and principles of bit design, function and placement. Remember that every horse will prefer one size bit over another, like how tight or loose the curb chain is, as well as how high or low the bit hangs in their mouth. All trainers and riders are looking for a certian feel or response from a particular bridle or bit, just take it slow when playing around to find out what works best for you and your horse. My general rule of thumb is that it takes about 10-12 rides to see and feel exactly how the new bridle or bit will perform. The most important point that I would like to stress is that the bridle or bit are only as severe or mild as the hands that are using them.

As always...Ride Hard, Be Safe and Have Fun. - Steve Kutie

Fact Friday

Fact Friday: Unless you faint and die, keep going. If you just fainted, when you come too, get going. If you died, I understand that. But, I can't understand your quiting. - Steve Kutie

Theory Thursday

Theory Thursday: When it comes down to it, I let them think what they want. If they care enough to bother with what I do, then I'm already better than them. Be the first of you. - Steve Kutie

Wisdom Wednesday

Wisdom Wednesday: Prospect shoppers compare what's available, and it's not their problem when your performance prospect's dam doesn't compare well. It's your problem, and you created it the day you bought or bred the mare. - Bob Avila

Tech Tip Tuesday

Tech Tip Tuesday: It is easier(better) to have to drive a horse forward, than to always have to pull him back.

Baby Holster, to hold your puke shooter

I just ordered two of these, so I can look extra badass. There will be a new Sheriff in town carrying a locked and loaded puke shooter, watch your back and shoulder. FYI the shoulder holster is on back order.

Motivation Monday

Motivation Monday: Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months, years they spent preparing for it. - T. Alan Armstrong

ASHA Stephenville Winners

Congratulations to Steve Kutie(Rider) and Roberta Johnston(Owner) and A Royal Busy Bee(Horse) for winning the the cowhorse, 2nd Trail, 4th Reining, 6th Pleasure and for finishing Reserve Champion in the Green Horse Class at the ASHA show this weekend. And GREAT job to Shelly Logan for winning the limited non-pro cowhorse as well as Marcy Blakley for finishing 2nd in the Novice Reining. AWESOME job to everyone!

Your Horse, Your Questions, Your Money. What to ask the trainer.

Question: I'm getting ready to move my 2 year old into a new training barn. I don't want to offend anyone and get off on the wrong foot, but is it ok to ask questions? I don't want any surprises.

Answer: With 2012 just starting, and spring being just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about getting your two year olds and futurity prospects into training. So what I done is compiled a list of questions to ask any prospective trainer, the list will be easy to print and keep handy. Some of these may be ones that you haven't thought to ask.

I hope this list assists in the process of tracking down a trainer that you can feel comfortable with and will trust to do a super job with your baby. The relationship between the trainer and the owner is built on friendship and trust, but above all, it is still a business and honesty is the best policy.

1. What is your training cost per month?
a. What is the due date for the payment?
b. What are your late fees?
c. Are lessons included?
d. Who is responsible for the vet and farrier? Do you bill me or do they bill direct?
e. Who is responsible for insurance on the horse in training?
f. If a horse is sick or injured, is there a discount rate?

2. How often is the horse worked?
a. How long is a typical work session?
b. How many days per week of riding?
c. Is the trainer or the assistant trainer going to be riding the horse?
d. Do you have a minimal requirement of the days for starting a colt?

3. Feeding Program
a. What type of grain is fed?
b. What type of hay is fed?
c. How many times per day are they fed?
d. Who is resonsible for supplying the supplements?

4. Show fees and expenses
a. What is the rate charged per mile?
b. How are the show fees covered? Deposit or credit card?
c. How are the winnings split between the owner/trainer?

5. What shots/vaccines/etc are horses required to have when coming into training?
a. Flu/rhino?
b. rabies?
c. tetanus?
d. strep?
e. coggins?
f. VEWT?
g. Deworming schedule?

6. If a horse is sold while in training, what is your commission rate?
a. Who is responsible for paying a split commission if another trainer is involved?
b. Do you, the trainer, get a commission if the owner sells the horse while in training?

7. Scheduling Visits
a. Do you require an appointment for me to come and watch my horse being worked?
b. Do you work horses the same time everyday?
c. Am I able to drop in anytime?

8. What other information do you require?
a. License?
b. Club membership papers?
c. Insurance, if applicable. *be sure all are current.

9. What type of notice do you require if a horse will be taken out of training?

10. Goals
a. How long should I expect my horse to be in training before being able to show?
b. Long term goals?
c. Short term goals?
d. Rider goals?
e. Horse goals?
f. Who's going to show the horse? Trainer/rider?

Putting a colt or new horse into training is a very exciting and expensive venture, so be sure that you ask whatever questions are on your mind. Ask; you will really hate yourself when the question that you never ask ends up costing you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Remember that horse training is a free enterprise and every trainer has their own set of rules and standards. So, if you are uncomfortable with them, or their training methods, you don't have to do business there.

As always; Ride Hard, Be Safe, Have Fun - Steve Kutie

Fact Friday

Fact Friday: Success is getting up one more time than you fall.

Theory Thursday

Theory Thursday: The best color on a horse is fat.