Lately, I’ve been investigating a few tips to help me with my horse. While Milo is basically a good horse… he does have some quirks that I’d like to iron out. I’ve been very lucky with Panama and before him, Willow. They each had a light touch, turning with the minimum of rein pressure. Milo steers like a Mac truck.
For quite a while, I’ve been watching videos on YouTube by a man called Pat Puckett. An older cowboy with a soft and gentle touch, I enjoy his insights and his old time cowboy wisdom. His interests lie in the Californio style. While I wouldn’t want to pursue that training with Milo, the basics would work. His YouTube videos aren’t on a schedule so I follow him so I can get alerts when he posts.
Then, not long ago, a friend put me on to Eddie Landers. A fast talker from Arkansas, his videos can be found on Facebook but he is switching over to Rumble. He has the perfect technique I can use with Milo to polish up his steering. He is down to earth with great southern stories and an infectious manner. His basic training also includes a cue to have your horse side pass to you so that you can mount. I’m definitely teaching Milo that! He posts every day, so there are many videos to go through.
I am hoping to clear up those pet peeves of mine and begin to enjoy more of my time with Milo. I like riding, but when you end up fighting your horse, it’s not enjoyable. Hopefully, I can clear up our disagreements and have a good, enjoyable horse again! Go check these guys out, (it’s very easy to get Rumble to watch Eddie) and you may pick up a few things you might use with your horse, your dog, or even people!
Where is Panama now? Did the grandkids inherit him? Hope he is still living his best life!
Many times when a horse is heavy and hard to steer it’s because it’s heavy on the forehand and can’t turn well. If you can engage the hindquarters so he’s carrying himself better the handle will dramatically improve. The more engaged the hindquarters, the lighter the front end becomes. There are a variety of ways to show the horse. Turning into a solid fence can encourage the horse to rock back on the hindquarters. You don’t need to be fast or quick to teach it. Just patient and giving the horse the right amount of space to encourage engagement of the hindquarters. Out in the open you can stop, backup a step or two and turn. Of course you need a good backup and a good backup encourages hind end engagement.