Ask Cari

All of the participants of the recent clinic training with Rex Peterson at Windrock Farm was a tremendous success. Each horse and rider combination discovered a new way of communication for better results. Through a series of excercises the horses learned to respectfully listen to their owner. Some of the problems solved included horses who were difficult to bridle, refused to stand while mounting, had never been ridden, refused to accept the bit, did not know how to canter under saddle, spooked at any movement, reared and bucked. Rex was extraordinarily patient with both the horses and the owners so that everyone progressed in a safe environment.

One enthusiastic participant remarked “That’s no clinic, Cari, that’s Cowboy Boot Camp!!! I’ve never been so sore and tired in my life. I’ve never ridden a horse for more than a 45 minute lesson or hour hack. We’ve never ridden in a ring with six other horses all doing different things. Dang. What a blast, and a huge confidence builder. I didn’t know I could push myself or my horse that hard and have it be productive. Had a two hour nap already, and I’m working on some beer and advil, looking forward to tomorrow!”

Check the web site for upcoming clinics at Windrock Farm with Rex Peterson– www.cariswanson.com.

On a recent trip to Sun Valley I met the famous Brentina and her rider Debbie McDonald at their beautiful stable in Hailey Idaho. The mountains are a gorgeous backdrop to the outside arena. The weather was perfect for riding and it was a treat to see this world class training facility. The proud owner Parry, was a gracious host who says that of the top 40 or so international-quality dressage horses in the world, he’s “got three of ‘em in his barn in Idaho,” referring to Brentina, Donatello, and rising 5-year-old star, Felix. Parry refers to Felix almost as a freak; he is so elastic and athletic. His hind-foot overreach at the walk is almost a full foot, and his overall 5-year-old class score in LA was a whopping 9.5. They think he may be the best one yet.

Beau jumps around Fitches corner with Kayla Burns, recently imported from Ireland and purchased by Kayla on her birthday, he is from the Ginger Dick line of jumpers.

With time and patience you can teach your horse to accept anything around his head, neck and body, thus preventing any spooking out on the trails or in the arena. There are several simple excercises that will help you develop trust and confidence with your horse.

Safety is the most important thing to always consider when introducing something new to your horse. Stand at his shoulder, use your right hand to place on his neck and your left to hold and control the rope. Place a short piece of rope around your horses poll, through his mouth like a bit and feed the end through a loop at the other end of the rope. (See photos for clarity). Take care not to allow the rope to drape to the floor or you may step on the end of the rope resulting in punishing your horse at the wrong moment and setting you back in your work.

First start with the rope excercise to lower your horses head, put your hand on your horses neck and gently ask him to lower his head, if he resists simply put pressure on the rope by pulling downward, the second he drops his head release the pressure and repeat until all you have to do is rest your hand on his neck just below his ears.

Gradually put more pressure on him by using a plastic bag or a piece of plastic wrap to rub on his neck and body, never release the pressure if he is tense and moving away from you.

Working on the ground will improve your work in the saddle tremendously. This is a highly effective excercise with any horse at any time in his training.