Happy Blue Moon New Year!

New Year's Eve, Thursday Dec. 31st has a blue moon. A 2nd full moon of the month. And it's partially eclipsed.

(photo courtesy NASA http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap040731.html)

It bodes well for the new year 2010!

Happy New Year!
I wish the best for everyone!
Reinersue
©Copyright KISS Reiners

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope everyone is filled with the spirit of the season.

Hold on tight to everything that makes your heart glad!


All the best!
Susan - Reinersue!

I Want To Make A Correction

You need to put your thinking cap on for this topic. It might take a bit of thinking to wrap your head around this one.
Got your cap on?.... let's go.

Let's imagine - if you will - a nice, warm, comfy viewing lounge where we can all sit and kibitz. Exchange ideas, have fun and learn something at the same time! Now that's the life! :)

2-Way CommunicationI don't like the old style of teaching (the way I was taught) - to shut up and just listen to the coach - and do as you are told! I was always the student that kept asking: why? why? (And I don't like being told what to do... :)

I wanted to know why I was being asked to cue a horse a certain way. 'I don't know why it works. Just do it!' doesn't work for me. Does it work for you?

So when it came time for me to teach students, I prefer to encourage a 2-way dialog. (Even with the horses! ....Of course...)

Consequently, I want my students to equally participate and 'own' their education. We are a team. It lets me know that the student and teacher are on the same page with their goals in mind.

So when a student, while we were talking about 'a fix' to a horse's incorrect response wanted to know more about 'a correction' - I thought it was a good topic for an article.

 
To-ma-to -vs- Toe-mat-toe

A Fix....
A Correction...
'Wait a minute.... Aren't they the same thing?', you might ask.

"Are you splitting hairs on this one?"

No.

To Fix An Incorrect Response - A General Term
The horse is not responding well. You've asked the horse to do something and you get the wrong response.

As a rider - what do you do? - you fix it. I use the term fix as a general term to mean that the rider has to do things or try other cues in order to communicate to the horse what it is that we want from them. In other words.... the correct response.

The current cues are not working. Simply asking the horse again and again -getting the same wrong response again and again - ain't going to work. We can see that. I want my students to learn to fix incorrect responses. 'To think outside the box.'
Otherwise this develops bad habits for the rider and horse. They both will eventually need a tune up. See article series here.

Lastly, as a trainer, while I'm riding a horse, I will wait and sometimes bait a horse to respond incorrectly so that I have something to fix.

To Make A Correction - Specific Cues
So the rider knows the general idea to fix an incorrect response. How does that work? Exactly how does a rider do that?

The rider makes a correction. They correct the horse (or the response).

The rider doesn't punish the horse. The rider doesn't wallop the horse.
The rider doesn't reprimand the horse.
It's a correction.
I teach my students to 'match the correction to the wrong doing'.

If the horse didn't understand your cues then simply ask again.
If the horse is repeatedly not understanding the cues then change your cues.

If the horse shows resistance than apply different cues to correct the resistance.
If the horse gets pissy or really tests the rider just to see what they can get away with, then the rider has to correct the bad behaviour.

I don't like the words punishment or reprimand unless it's under the extreme case of the rider's safety being in jeopardy (and then I would try to never have a situation get that bad).
If the horse rears to get you off their back or comes at you with the intention to harm or worse! - then you do need to reprimand or punish them. And then I would tell the student to sell the horse to someone more advanced after we have corrected the problem.

That's effective horsemanship. The lead horse would NEVER take that kind of behaviour from another horse.

So there you have it! Something to think about....
Questions and comments are always welcome.
Putting my spin on training philosophy.
Reinersue
©Copyright KISS Reiners

Tune Ups By The Hour - Option 5

This article will be short as the topic is short - in time - that is.

I have discussed 4 other options to be proactive with regards to tuning up your horse. Or what we mean by the horse needing some brief training as a result of a persistant lack of responding well. It could also be to re-establish respect from the horse.

As you can see from the Tune Up Spectrum above, there are a few options to choose from depending on your budget and your interests.

If you are into training the horse yourself, the options can range from learning to train the horse yourself while you are in a lesson, or with the aid of a trainer to DIY.

If you're not into training or fixing a horse's problems yourself, or are not at the stage yet, you can send the horse to a trainer.

What if the horse doesn't need a full month's training to fix the problem? What if they only need a quick tune up. Or a reminder?

Perhaps your budget won't allow for a full month's training or longer?

Maybe you just don't want the horse to go any where. You prefer the horse to stay on the farm.

I would recommend Horse Training/Lessons By the Hour or Session. I started this service last winter.

Basically it's like monthly horse training but it's done one session at a time. One ride at a time.

It's great for a quick tune up when you need your horse to be riding well just before a show or just before a long trail ride or a cattle drive.

It's a quick refresher. Great for when the horse is for sale and needs to brush up on their skills.

So....I hope you've enjoyed this series of articles on tune ups. Tune ups work great in the winter too. They're short, they're fun and you get a great sense of accomplishment.

Questions and comments are always welcome.

Putting my spin on tune ups or teaching a horse respect.

Reinersue

©Copyright KISS Reiners

Tune Up With A Coach - Option #4

One of the best ways to prevent problems from starting is to be proactive - to 'nip it in the bud' so to speak. As Dr. Don Hogland would say: "Horses can't unlearn." So... one of the ways to prevent your horse from getting to the point of not responding well and needing a tune up is to be proactive about it. No one wants a horse that is disrespectful either.

This article continues with the series of articles on tuning up your horse - fixing their problems - but from a different perspective - a coach.

Tune Up Scale

So far we have discussed options involving fixing the problems yourself to the complete opposite end of the scale of sending it to a trainer. See drawing above where I show the two opposites.

Here is a review list of options so far:

1. You can learn how to train your own horse and therefore fix their problems with the help of a trainer (Option #3), if you're into that sort of thing like I am.

2. Similarly, you can learn to train your own horse/fix problems all by yourself - the DIY option (Option #2). This is the extreme end of the Tune Up Scale or spectrum.

3. Or you can send it to a trainer (if you're not into training) whether it's for a tune up or more serious problem solving. (Option #1, Does My Horse Need A Tune Up?).

Let's look at some options in the middle of the scale.

Tune Up Spectrum
What I'm really talking about is a spectrum of options or choices. As you can see from my drawing below, I have and will talk about 5 options ranging from Send-To-A-Trainer to DIY.

Horse Lessons will be covered in the next article. So this article talks about the Lesson/Coaching option.

Tune Up While You Are In A Lesson

A lot of my students, especially the intermediate to advanced ones, are interested in learning to improve their horsemanship skills in the area of training.

 

Once a student learns how to ride, their goals reach further towards keeping their own horse tuned up - just a little. They often want to try fixing their horse - just a little - to see if they like it. They don't want to make a mess of it - yet, it would be a good skill to have for a rider.

So while I am teaching students how to ride or how to rein or how to handle their horse better - any type of coaching - I will provide the student with the 'how to' on keeping their horse tuned up.

Being Aware

I teach the students how to become aware or notice when a horse is not responding well. It's not a one time thing. It's when the horse is repeatedly not responding well despite all the rider's efforts to get the horse to do as they ask. You would almost think the horse is developing a bad habit. - It could lead to that. A lack of respect perhaps?

This is the time where the horse needs to be tuned up. RIGHT WHEN IT HAPPENS.

So most of my students are quiet happy to learn to correct the problem before it gets worse.

It's quick.

It's easy.

It just becomes part of their learning how to ride.

And their horse stays tuned up in the process. Great eh!

Next article I will complete the series of tune up articles with the horse lessons.

If you are interested in getting innovative coaching and lessons in this manner, please contact me.

Putting my spin on tune ups and teaching styles.

Reinersue

©Copyright KISS Reiners

Train The Trainer Teachings - Option 3

I can't wait to talk about this one! I was going to write about this option tomorrow but I was too excited to wait! :) I really think this is a great option for most people. It suits all kinds of needs and budgets.
And it's one of my specialities.

Option 3
'I want to fix my horses problems myself but need help.'
'I want to learn to train my own horses rather than sending them out."
'Two heads are better than one.' 'I just need another pair of eyes.'
'If only I had someone to bounce ideas off of.'
'I just need someone to give me a hand when I'm stuck.'

You're fixing problems on your horse before it gets out of hand; or trying to. The horse will, from time to time, just not respond well enough. You know your horse needs a tune up. You've tried doing it yourself but it's frustrating (Option #2). You could use some help from a familiar respected face.

Or you're training your horse yourself. You've reached a plateau. Sending the horse to a trainer is not an option - yet. (Option #1). You are determined to do it yourself but you could use a trusted mentor or trainer for help.

Or, better yet, you want to learn to train your own horse and don't know where to start. You like one-on-one learning and want to find someone that you get along well with.

I'm here to help.

There's plenty of information on the Internet. There's plenty of information everywhere. It's the information age. I couldn't tell you right now the number of training DVDs I have. Or the number of training websites like Larry Trocha, Bob Avila, Stacey Westfall & Clinton Anderson that I check for training information. (See side bar for links.)

Or the number of books I have on training. On my coffee table is Bob Avila's book, Win With Bob Avila by Juli Thorson, he says: "There's an old saying ... You're only as good as your help." (chp. 4. pg. 49). He also adds: "In my opinion, most people also will benefit from some sort of professional trainer." (chp. 4 pg. 49).

Bob elaborates in the chapter on professional trainers.
"I honestly don't believe you can achieve maximum success in the horse game without the aid of a pro. Even if you're talented enough to train your own horse, prepare him, and get him shown well without help, you still need someone on your team who has a professional's perspective." (chp. 4 pg. 53).

Train The Trainer Teachings
At times we can all benefit from a 2nd perspective. I would love to be able to have a mentor close by all the time. My coach went back to Quebec a couple of years ago so I rely on clinics, DVDs, books and the internet until I can find another trainer to mentor.

I would be pleased to help in whatever why I can with regards to your horse's problems.

I call it 'train the trainer' teachings as I am training you to learn to train or fix your own horse. Whether it's to fix problems, train your own horse from start up, or some helpful advice. Whether you need a little bit of help or you need a lot, I believe it really helps to have someone you trust, respect and get along with. it makes it more enjoyable and fun.

It just helps to have a 'live body' to relate to rather than non-personal venues like the internet etc....

Finally, the benefit from the DIY - do it yourself option (#2) and this option is that you are becoming a trainer which can be applied to all your horses.

Still more options to come as we continue on this series of articles on tuning up your horse.
The next article will be from a different perspective.

Need someone to chat with about horse problems or training? Please contact me. Free advice on what to do given willingly.
Reinersue
©Copyright KISS Reiners

Fix/Train All By Yourself - DIY - Option 2

To recap.... you have a horse that isn't responding well - it's getting bad - you're going to do something about it and sending the horse to a trainer is not an option at this point. (Horse isn't that bad yet. You don't have the cash; it's xmas. You think that trainers are too expensive for what you get.)

Ok.... so you've decided to fix the problem yourself.... (The complete opposite of option#1 - send to a trainer).

Option 2

'Oh my --- aaah' , you think to yourself.

Frankly, you just don't know how to go about fixing the problem. You don't know where to start. Or you've tried tiny little bits and they've blown up in your face. So they don't count.

Actually.... you have ruled out physical problems, equipment problems, and all other problems but you and/or the horse. That helps. You've narrowed it down to two possibilities.

The Journey Begins
You've read tons of material on the Internet. You've done lots of research. You've gone to clinics. Watched your favorite trainers on DVD. You like this stuff. (the aggressive approach)

Or you've researched nothing. It's not your thing? (the passive approach)

So you go ahead and try a few things. Some were successful. Some not. So you try some more. Some were successful. Some not. And still you try more. Some were successful. Some where not. On and on and on....
Time passes.

'It sure looks easy when the trainer does it on the videos.", you reflect.

Through perseverance & trail and error - still more perseverance and trail & error - and on and on and on - you are finally able to make a bit of progress with your horse. Yea! Congratulations.

This is definitely an option. The total do-it-all-by-yourself - DIY- way to fix your horses problems. You now have learned how to fix some problems on any horse you own. That's definitely an asset. Good for you! It's a great confidence boost.

I do that myself when I don't have someone to mentor with. I love it cause I love to train and teach. As I always say: "Let the horse tell you the answer" (that's for another article).

Some people who are not into it, however, call this 'watching paint dry'.

The drawbacks are that it's really slow going a lot of the times when you don't have someone to bounce ideas off of. Can someone say - patience? And for a lot of people.... it's just too slow to get the results you need when you need them. You thought this was going to be a simple, quick way to fix problems from looking at what trainers do. They make it look so easy.

It's the cheap way - money wise. It's also a very satisfying way; to know you did it yourself. But still, its slow going and tiring.

Maybe you can begin to see why people pay trainers to do it. (Option#1.)

It's not cheap when it comes to time and commitment, however. A lot more than you thought. A lot more. (The ole time vs. money scenario.)

You have to be into it. If you've found out that it's not your thing, then go to plan B and send it to a trainer.

What if - this wasn't quite what you had in mind. This option may be adding to your frustration but you like the idea of training it yourself.

Please don't give up and revert! You are heading in the right direction. I'm here to help.

Next article I will describe one of my best options for doing it yourself....

If you need help. Frustrated. Need someone to bounce idea off of, please contact me.
Reinersue
©Copyright KISS Reiners

It's Tune Up Time! - Option 1

Time has passed.
Your horse isn't responding the way they should. For far too long.
You've asked yourself a ton of questions, considering all different angles to no avail. You've asked your horse friends or they've told you to do something or get help.

Or, on the other hand, you haven't done anything and are just trying to put up with it. You don't want to draw attention to it. 'All horses just get like that'.
Or, still, you decided that getting tougher is the solution to it.

It being that you feel you aren't having a good time riding. There is too much work & all the frustration just to get the horse to do what you ask them to do.

You're at the point where you've slowed down your riding to the point where you're making excuses not to ride. Secretly it's become a little too uncomfortable to ride (dare we say scary). (the passive approach)
Or you're now quite physical or rough with your horse because you feel you have to get the horse to 'do as they are told'. This is creating more problems. It escalates. (the aggressive approach)

It's nothing physical. It's not your equipment. It's not the ground/footing. It's nothing outside of you or the horse that can take the blame.

What to do? You want to do something. What are your options?

Stop riding all together; some do. The horse becomes a lawn ornament. You lament over not being able to ride anymore because you don't have the 'knack' anymore. Years later, you begrudgingly give away or sell your horse for next to nothing just to get rid of it.

Sell the horse right away; some do. Then you buy another. Same problem arises now with this horse. A vicious cycle happens. Then you stop riding all together. (See point above).

Or you keep getting stronger and stronger bits to 'control' your unruly horse. You refer to your horse as a 'bee otch'. Or s-o-b. You feel that man handling is the only way to get the horse to behave. You don't realize that your methods are creating worse problems. The horse gets so bad to handle that you stop riding all together. (see point above).

Are these good options? No. The problem of the horse not responding, that, in the end, you get rid of, is now - a very badly behaved horse - is not the answer.

Of course. Who wants to create a very bad, unruly behaved horse? No one. But it happens. We're human. We make mistakes. Very often the rider/owner just doesn't know how to prevent this from happening.

Option 1
So, here is my first option to consider in this situation. I'm continuing from the article I wrote yesterday on knowing if your horse needs a tune up.

Why I'm bringing this option up first is because I will refer to it in my other options as a plan B. The option, of course is, to send your horse to a trainer.

If you feel that you are not able to do for whatever reason (just not into it, not your thing, don't have time, going on vacation, ...), any of the other options I will mention in the next few articles, then do yourself a favour and send it to a professional.

Why? It will prevent the horse from getting to the point of being a very, bad unruly horse. It's unkind to the horse to have them get to that point when you see my other options. They are so easy to do that it's a shame really.
They are not sellable too at that point and might end up at slaughter.

So, if your horse has gotten really bad and your safety is at risk trying to correct the problem, then send it to a trainer.

Don't you feel it's worth the money? Your safety?

It also maintains the horse's value.

Or better yet, you get to keep the horse because obviously you liked it well enough to own it in the first place.

Ok...here we go... so we're now going to look at some other options to fix the problem yourself (in the next few articles).

If you have any concerns, please contact me and I can help you with this. I'm here to help.
Putting my spin on tune ups.
Reinersue
©Copyright KISS Reiners

Does My Horse Need a Tune Up?

Do you sometimes feel that your horse is getting harder and harder to do what you ask them to?

The horse has done it before but now - they seem - well - different. They're just not the same nice horse you once knew.

You're puzzled & frustrated. Not having a good ride. In fact, it's been a while since you had a good ride or great ride. You're getting a nagging feeling that you should address this.

You're having to ask the horse over and over and over before the horse gives a half-hearted attempt to respond. It's getting to be a lot of work to have a good ride.

What gives? They are regressing but you don't know why. Other people's horses get like this too, you noticed. So, you let it go for a long while. You just don't know what to do about it. You were never taught what to do.

But the problem is still there. Slowly getting worse & worse. Darn. You really do need to address it now...

Are they getting amnesia? Sick? Tired? Sore? Bo Bo?
No. All physical problems ruled out - so? What's next?

You're mentally going through the list of things to check that could possibly not be working right.

Does your horse need a tune up? Could be. But how do I know? And trainers can be expensive for what they do. Can I afford to send my horse away to be 'fixed'? And is that permanent? What if it just happens all over again?

You might also entertain the idea that your horse is all used up. Past their prime. No hope to turn them around now...

Still more questions..... humm.... Time to sit & really think this one over....

Or could it be you? Are you asking right? Do you have all your body parts in the right place? Is all your equipment working properly? Are you inadvertently hurting them?

On and on and on the list of questions go around in your head... The list seems endless when you're stuck - your horse isn't responding well - and you're starting to loose interest in riding your horse because of it. And you're not quite ready to get rid of them - yet.



No use.


You throw your hands up in the air, totally frustrated. You're not going to ride cause it ain't fun any more.
What to do?

I'll discuss a few options in the next few articles to help you through this.

Questions? - please feel free to contact me by emailing or commenting to this article. I'm here to help.
Reinersue
©Copyright KISS Reiners

Reining Bloodlines

Here's the press release for the 2009 NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Championships, Shawn Flarida and Gunnatrashya.

http://press.nrha.com/2009/12/06/12-05-09-gunnatrashya-and-flarida-continue-their-winning-ways/ I congratuate both of them on their victory.

What's so exciting for me is the bloodlines of the horse, Gunnatrashya. His sire is by Katie Gun. His dam is by Trashadeous.
And so is my yearling filly SpooksGottaStarlight or Cleo. As you can see from their pedigrees, they have simliar breeding.

I'm very excited about this filly. I will be showing her in the Ontario Sired Stakes Futurity next year.

Update: Sold Dec. 17/2012
Upward and Onward

Reinersue

©Copyright KISS Reiners

Team Penning Benefits from Foundation & Reining Training

Dave Fraser, a very successful team penner from southern Alberta in his Nov/09 Trainer Tips newsletter comments on how reining horses are being used in the sport of team penning. When asked about team penning prospects (in a horse) he says:"Today there are quite a few horses that become penning horses that come out of cowhorse, reining or cutting programs. These horses have been broke and trained specifically for these events, giving them a good foundation for when we start penning on them. This sometimes makes it easier for us as they will usually go where you want and respond to what is being asked of them."
(http://www.westernshop.com/store/content/46/Trainer-Tips/)

I like how he goes on to mention about reinforcing the basics for horse and rider.
He says: "Taking time out to improve your horsemanship will reinforce a lot of basics to you and your horse. He will become better broke and more controllable, with you both being more confident when the pressure is on during competition. Spend time just riding your horse. Simple things like riding him up into your hands with your legs, moving off your legs, speed transitions, or just stopping and standing still, will reap rewards later during your runs. To be able to get him to speed up, slow down, stop, bend and flex, respond to leg pressure, and be soft in the bridle takes time, but is usually time well spent."

And, of course, I agree whole heartily. I firmly believe that reining training and foundation training will greatly improve a penning horse (or any horse for that matter!)

I attended a Dave Fraser clinic a couple of years ago here in Ontario at Jackie&John Gowing's farm. I learned a lot about team penning that day.

One thing is for sure as Dave Fraser explains "Having a well broke horse makes for a lot more enjoyment and a good relationship between a penner and his horse." And I would say that for all horses!

I've been learning how to team cattle pen on a friend's horse for a couple of years now. I wanted to learn how to read cattle as I want to get into the reined cow horse events. (I took this year off to setup my farm.) The photo above is the buckle I had Tom Howe make from the money I won in 2007 in the drawpot (beginner) class of the Western Ontario Team Cattle Penning Association. A great bunch of people. It was a blast!

My penning got better as the horse Pretzel got better trained using my body control foundation reining techniques. The horse and I got better at our communication. It really makes a difference whatever you do on a well trained horse!

Questions and comments are always welcome.
I plan to work cattle in my new indoor arena coming early in 2010!
If you want to learn more about penning or the foundation that can be used in penning, please contact me.
Reinersue
©Copyright KISS Reiners