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Bitless Riding & Driving

Some Thoughts on the Hackamore
By Gwynn Turnbull Weaver

There are many different ideas floating around the country about the hackamore and how it is to be used. Its very makeup seems to be a mystery to many and its function even more elusive. How such a simple concept became so complex is beyond many dyed in the wool traditionalists but, be that as it may, some information about the hackamore is outlined here.

The snaffle bit came into play late in the game, in vaquero terms - showing up en mass when the British came onto the scene. Until then, the hackamore ushered most new mounts onto the payroll. It is no mystery to most that horses were started later in life in our not so distant past. Genetics, feed and the rigors of ranch life deemed it so. “Older blooded” horses were colder blooded horses - maturing later both mentally and physically. Feed, at least in many arid regions, fluctuated with the seasons and sparse times, along with long outside winters, held growth in check for many colts. It was not uncommon then for horses to grow substantially, well after their fifth or sixth year on earth.

What seems to stump most folks is the reasoning behind schooling the horse with the absence of a bit. Since the use of a bit is the end result down the road and since the horse has, in most modern day cases, already accepted the snaffle bit in its mouth, why then would we “change up” in mid stream and go to the hackamore? The most basic answers can be found straight from the horse’s mouth.

The Changing

One concept that fostered and continued the advocation of the hackamore was the changing nature of a horse’s mouth; particularly during the years that the teeth doing the changing are the ones directly involved with the bit. This seemed to line up with a horse’s coming four to coming five year old years. The changing of teeth marked the time a horseman did well to keep out of Mother Nature’s way and steer clear of their horse’s potentially sore and sensitive mouth.

Unfortunately, most modern-day trainers ignore the changing of a horse’s teeth. The best of horsemen are sensitive to the horse’s demeanor, ever searching for the subtle hints that indicate and instruct him on his journey. Only the keenest of horsemen, while paying attention to the messages their horse sends to them, understands that the condition of the animal’s mouth is one message he would do well to consider.

The hackamore was the obvious solution; it afforded the horseman the freedom to continue using and advancing his mount through the changing of his teeth. What most horsemen never counted on, however, was the added benefits the change offered them, while working through the differences the hackamore brought to light.

Horsemanship Exposed

What most good hands soon learn when using the hackamore is the simple fact that there are maneuvers and exercises that a horse might be “made” to do in a snaffle bit, but the hackamore requires that the horse be “taught” to do them.

The most valuable contribution the hackamore makes in the training process is the deficiencies it reveals in the rider. Few know or understand this principle. When using the hackamore it is essential that the rider set up his maneuvers correctly and fully support the cues he gives his mount. The rider’s body positioning, weight placement, timing and sensitivity must be correct in order for the hackamore horse to translate those cues.

The message the actual hackamore itself can offer is so subtle that the horse will feel for the accompanying cues from the rider’s legs, weight and posture to confirm the message before acting on it. If the rider is out of position or offering inconsistent cues elsewhere, the horse will quickly lose confidence in the hackamore’s cue and become muddled and confused.

This unique characteristic of the hackamore might possibly be its greatest contribution to the equine world. It requires a level of horsemanship and handiness to operate it successfully. A cowboy must know and understand all of the peripheral cues used to position his horse as he should before he can support the hackamore the way it must be supported.

The hackamore is a key phase for this reason. It trains or reinforces the concept in the rider that the horse is to be taught to respond to messages, later called signals, in the final stages of putting a horse in the bridle. It is extremely important that the rider know how to set up, support and deliver his cues consistently with all the tools he has to work with.

Editors note:a riding halter can substitute for a hackamore because the same principles apply. Stacey Westfall demonstrates bareback and bridleless:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wLikusmCEA

Para-Equestrians: the path of valor

by Jerrilee

Heroes are those people who risk their own lives to help others in harm’s way. Their bravery and selflessness teach incredible lessons. Yet there is another kind of hero. One whose path in life challenges nature and redefines the words innovation and perseverance. Mike Richardson of Broken R Ranch found his place in the saddle once again after a tragic accident left him a paraplegic. Unable to use traditional tack, his determination to continue riding inspired him to develop a specialized saddle that kept him steady and in balance with the horse.

Video from the Equine Expo

Currently he teaches and trains at his ranch in Texas. Mike’s inspiring experiences are shared through his public appearances throughout the country. His speaking schedule is linked herePara-equestrians are other equestrians with similar physical complications. They participate worldwide in the newly developed Paralympics, where they match their skills on their talented mounts to compete both in jumping click play button on video for jumping
(second rider is blind) and in dressage (shows different levels including one rider who uses reins in her teeth) and click play button on video for dressage. These heroes lead the way as they reinvent fresh ways to train and teach both horses and riders. They lead without arrogance, they inspire without pretense, they succeed without notoriety. The talent of these riders is slowly gaining recognition, however, as Para-Equestrian events have finally been scheduled into the Kentucky 2010 FEI Games. These events should put a new face on the world of horsemanship!
Elie Wiesel, a holocaust survivor, wrote: “It takes a certain amount of confidence and courage to say; “I can do something. I can change this and make a difference.” Our fellow para-equestrians are daily living this change and making this difference.

Doma(equitation) Vaquera(Cowboy)

by Jerri Streeter

Doma Vaquera is a Spanish phrase that defines the individuals in Spain who work with the cattle and bulls on the ranches and out on the hillsides. The doma vaquera is a person who has a special manner, or style, in which they dress. There is special riding tack , and a unique, individual way in which their horses are taught and ridden that distinguishes them from other riding disciplines. In Spain, some Doma Vaquera still go into the bullring to challenge the bull and still others demonstrate their skillful riding as they guide their horse in their work among the cattle. Included with the regular gear that a doma vaquero works with is the use of a garrocha. The garrocha is a long wooden pole used as an extension of the doma vaquera’s arm to activate, push, and guide cattle along the hillsides. In countries outside of Spain, the Doma Vaquera has evolved into a riding discipline that simulates the pattern work and movements of a working bullfighter mount. The rider still wears the traditional outfit and saddles the horse with the traditional gear to practice a combination of lateral jumps, sudden stops, and pirouettes which are used by today’s working doma vaqueras. There are even riding competitions where participants can show their horse’s special abilities in performing the patterns and movements of the doma vaquero horse. This includes the garrocha which, when used in the competition arena, can be an artful, breathtaking performance, especially when the rider works through the maneuvers without the use of the reins. A demonstration of this can be viewed on the video provided on the La Garrocha link. (To preserve the purity of the performance the link has been kept in its original Spanish format.)
Click here for La Garrocha then click on video to begin demonstration
Click here to learn more about Doma Vaquera.

The Vaquero

The Vaquero, or Mexican cattle herder, came from Mexico and was an employee of the cattle and/or horse ranches in the southwest. It was considered a lifetime job and many vaqueros were born and raised on the same ranch where they worked and even brought up their own families there. The beef industry was a powerful market in those days and was rising to its peak in the nineteenth century. The daily duties on horseback for a vaquero required strenuous livestock management and the transportation of cattle through rugged, raw territories to bring the cattle to markets where they were sold and shipped. The vaquero was also responsible for the breeding, branding, and safety of all the cows/horses on the ranch as well as the maintenance of the fencing and stabling. In those days the western United States was still Mexican territory and the ranchers carried a lot of influence as they were the providers of the food and the mounts for the Mexican Calvary and eventually the US Calvary. As eastern settlers migrated into the western territories they watched and learned the vaquero methods of cattle ranching and used these methods when establishing their own ranches. After the western territories were adopted into the United States many vaqueros stayed on even though many of the elaborate Mexican ranches were dissolved. The vaqueros kept their distinct dress and rugged outdoor lifestyle and eventually evolved into the modern day American Cowboy that we see on ranches and in rodeos today.
Click to learn more about the Vaquero.

Dressage Insights from Kyra Kyrklund

photo from eurodressage.com

When working with the young horse, Kyra eagerly clears up misconceptions regarding rein contact, impulsion, obedience, in this interview with Horse Magazine. It is a must read for horse enthusiasts!

click: http://tinyurl.com/5n4ngw

Liz Hartel: Therapeutic Riding Founder Passes

In 1944, at age 23, Hartel was paralyzed by polio.

She gradually regained use of most of her muscles, although she remained paralyzed below the knees.  Her arms and hands also were affected.

Against medical advice, she continued to ride but needed help to get on and off the horses.

After three years of rehabilitation, she was able to compete in the Scandinavian riding championships.

In 1952, she was chosen to represent Denmark in the Helsinki Olympics.   Prior to this time women were not permitted to compete in the Olympic Equestrian events.

Even though she required help on and off her horse, Jubilee, she won the Olympic Silver Medal.

Following her stunning performance, as Lis was helped down from her horse, a gentleman rushed to her side. It was the Gold medal winner, Henri Saint Cyr. He carried her to the victory platform for the medal presentation.

It was one of the most emotional moments in Olympic history.

Lis Hartel at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki.
She became the first woman ever to share
an Olympic podium with men.

Lis Hartel was the first Scandinavian woman entered into The International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in New York, and was named one of Denmark’s all-time top 10 athletes in 2005.

In 1992, Hartel was included in the Scandinavian country’s Hall of Fame.

Lis Hartel is widely credited with inspiring the therapeutic riding schools that are now located throughout the world.

Shortly after winning the Olympic medal, Lis Hartel and her therapist founded Europe’s first Therapeutic Riding Center. This soon came to the attention of the medical community and Therapy Riding Centers spread throughout Europe.

By the late 1960’s equine riding was accepted by the America Medical Association as an “invaluable therapeutic tool”.

Today, the spirit of Lis Hartel lives on around the world.

Through her inspiration countless handicapped children and adults have become heroes in their own lives through their work with horses.

Published on February 23, 2009 at 5:08 pm in: simplymarvelous wordpress

Exploring the Origins of Horse Whispering

by Jerri Streeter

At the turn of the 19th century remote agrarian districts were just replacing their oxen for draft horses making horsemanship skills a valuable commodity. In particular, in the rugged hills of northern Scotland, anyone who could train these massive, stubborn animals could earn a good wage. Seeing this potential, a group of horsemen in Scotland formed a group called The Society of the Horseman’s Word which was based on the order of the Freemasonry. They set fees and boasted supernatural powers that made their members ‘gifted’ over and above the traditional horse trainers. Exclusively for anyone in the horse trade, all blacksmiths, horse tamers and dealers, were invited to join. As a member of the Word, these individuals could learn special incantations and rituals said to be imbued with magic that controlled wild, or vicious horses. Farmers called these club members the ‘horse-witches’ after the way they circled the horse with enchanted objects and whispered chants that were supposed to bring out good temperament and hard work from the horse. Eventually the phrase ‘horse-witch’ became ‘horse whisperer’, reflecting the way the men whispered to the horses. Thus the phrase “Horse Whisperer” became an official title and an accepted method of horse training. The popularity of the Society of the Horseman’s Word spread throughout Scotland and into parts of England, and eventually moved off the continent. It began to wane at the turn of the 20th century and had mostly dissolved by the 1930’s as the automobile and tractor began to dominate farm work.

But horse whispering appears in differing forms throughout the ages. For instance, during the mid 1600’s, a young Neapolitan called Pietro, encountered a wild barb horse named Mauraco and wanted to tame him. He decided to win the horse ’s confidence through a friendly, rewards incentive approach. Although he did not use a bridle or saddle on Mauraco, Pietro trained the horse to be ridden or do tricks by watching and obeying the movements of his teacher’s hand. It was not long before Mauraco began accepting any command Pietro gave him and the two began traveling the European continent giving exhibitions. Some of the public favorites in the performances were watching Mauraco sit, kneel, lie down, jump through a series of two and three hoops, and even take a glove from Pietro to someone he pointed out in the audience. Bystanders were amazed at the performance of the brilliant horse controlled only by the voice and hand of its master. The point of the show was to demonstrate how kindness, not cruelty, won the horse’s respect. But not everyone was amused. When Pietro and Mauraco performed in the city of Arles, France, his show terrified the townspeople. Watching him control his horse with the wave of a hand and a whisper in the ear was not training to them, but ‘black magic’. Pietro was not a hero, but an evil sorcerer, and his horse was accused of being possessed with demons. Sadly, both horse and master were burned to death on the spot.

The story of Pietro is significant because it exemplifies man’s unending quest to bond with the horse. The use of horse whispering, though undefined as such until the 19th century, is one of those elements of horse training that is consistently misunderstood, tragically so for Pietro. Yet horse whispering manages to survive each misinterpretation due largely to the coincidence of rediscovery and partly from the empathic understanding of the individuals handling the horses. Alexandre the Great, and Xenophon the horse master, both of the time period between 320 - 355 BC, were greatly esteemed by their peers for the calming effect they had on vicious horses. Both horsemen endorsed a quiet approach to horse training, preferring the co operation of the horse and the capture of its trust, the easing rather than the exploiting of the horse’s fear of danger. Xenophon was the first to write a book explaining the path of encouragement/reward training for horses, making his the primary origin of horse whispering. Although reward training is not necessarily horse whispering, it clearly contradicted the barbaric tendencies typically employed for training animals and endorsed the empathic approach, and this is an element of horse whispering. Furthermore, Xenophon advised riders to match the strength and boldness of the horse to the logic of human intent, to capture their willingness and to make them happy to work. Certainly an ongoing challenge to meet even for our modern day horse enthusiasts.

Today’s horse whisperers have more recognizable names. Many may remember Alois Podhajski, or Nuno Oliveira, Tom Dorrance, or Buck Brannaman (whose training was the basis for the movie “Horse Whisperer”). The accomplishments of these riding masters prove their art, but they have also left a legacy of valuable articles and books preserving their stories and training work. Another favorite whisperer, Monty Roberts, wrote in his book, “The Man Who Listens To Horses”: A good trainer can hear a horse speak to him. A great trainer can hear him whisper.”

Herein lies the key for those wanting a definition of horse whispering: listening and hearing what the horse has to tell, rather than imposing the human assumption. Monty, whose discovery that horses have their own body language which they use to communicate between themselves, used this ‘language’ to assist the horses in understanding what humans wanted from them. Allowing the horse to understand his handler through its own body language bridged the gap between the human and the equine, creating a common ground that connected the horse straight to the human intent. Defining the text of horse whispering this way clears away much of its mystique. It also places a new burden upon the general horse owner of today to move and expand beyond just a typical grunting, reactionary saddle buff and instead to try to connect with their animal. Most certainly this is what the noble Pietro was trying to share with the world through his work with his special horse Mauraco.

Monty Roberts & horse

References: Xenophon,”Treatise on Horsemanship”; 350BC

Delcampe,M. “Ecuyer de la Grande Ecurie Du Roi”; 1661

Nolan, Capt. L.E., “Training of Cavalry Remount Horses”; 1852

Hutton, R.”Triumph of the Moon”;2001

Title photo of Nevzorova & horse courtesy of Lydia Nevzorova

2008 Paralympic Games Medals Awarded/FEI News Media

A resounding cheer for Brasil’s bronze medallist Marcos Alves at the prize-giving ceremony this evening

The fifth and final day of the equestrian events of the Paralympic Games saw the last of the freestyle medals awarded in Grades Ia, Ib and III. It was a day of mixed emotions as the excitement of watching the last riders perform their freestyles blended with the notion of an imminent close to what has been an amazing experience for all that have been here in Hong Kong. This applies to everyone, the athletes, their coaches, trainers, grooms, physiotherapists and families; the stewards, judges, officials, and highly dedicated volunteer staff as well as the many guests and spectators for whom this was a first and unforgettable Para-equestrian experience. At every level, the 2008 Paralympic Games have set a new standard and it is with genuine emotion that many will be leaving tonight, wondering and hoping whether it could ever be reproduced.

Everyone you meet tells you how amazing the experience has been, how wonderful the dedicated volunteer staff have worked around the clock and how the facilities as well as all the accessibility features throughout Hong Kong have been remarkable. It’s a huge success for the Equestrian Company and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and even more so for Hong Kong and China for having delivered an amazing backdrop for the sport.

Much as Ricky Balshaw, Grade Ib silver medallist aptly said “It’s a team effort at the end of the day not just an individual one”, these Games and their lasting legacy is a reflection of all that is good in sport and in people – the ability to give and to share. To respect each other for having made it, to compete and try to win, but to encourage and congratulate those that do is what makes Paralympic sports so unique.

AMAZING CROWDS

The figures for the number of spectators that have attended the Para-equestrian events since the opening day on Sunday 7 September is well over 30,000 – an unprecedented feat which has certainly added to the wonderful performances by the athletes.

THE MEDAL COUNT

Great Britain maintain their leader position in the sport with a total of TEN medals – five gold and five silver. Germany’s slots into runner up position with a very respectable three gold, one silver and two bronze coming to a total of 6 medals.

Third on the medals board goes to South Africa - A great achievement with two gold medals in their name

Some other remarkable results should also be noted, and in particular the newcomers to the All-time Equestrian Paralympic medal count: both Brazil and Singapore will be leaving Hong Kong with two bronze medals awarded to Marcos Alves and Laurentia Tan respectively, thus becoming Para-equestrian success stories not only for their countries but for South America and Asia as well.

And as Norway’s chef d’equipe remarked as she sat alongside Great Britain and Germany during the team medal press conference, “we are a small country and an even smaller country in terms of horsesport, so being here with Great Britain and Germany, and winning the team bronze medal makes us very proud for all we have achieved.”

But it’s not all about the medals, as most athletes will tell you just getting here is a success in itself.

An Olympian Returns Home!

photo by Ken Braddick

To read this great article from Horse Magazine go to

http://tinyurl.com/4zsen2

We feature Steffen Peter’s training skills in our first four videos on our Equi-TV page.

Comanche: an equine war hero/survivor of Little Big Horn

by Diana Linkous

Comanche was a 15 hand bay gelding, thought to be part mustang and part Morgan. He was bought by the U.S. Army in 1868 in St. Louis, and sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was a good looking horse, and instead of being kept with the regular cavalry, Captain, Myles Keogh, bought him for $90 to use as his personal mount. He normally rode his horse Paddy on marches, Comanche following with the other extra horses. Comanche was the horse Captain Keogh rode into battle, the horse being fresh because he was only mounted at the last moment before the fighting began. He was a war horse.

Captain Keogh was in Custer’s 7th Cavalry. In the fall of 1868, his unit fought the Comanche tribe in Kansas. During the battle, the horse was wounded, but the Captain did not know that and continued to fight from his back until the battle was over. Afterward, he discovered an arrow broken off in the horse’s hindquarters. The wound was treated and after the horse recovered, he had earned the name Comanche for his bravery in continuing to carry his master despite his own pain.

In 1870 during a battle again against the Comanche tribe, the horse was wounded in the leg. He was lame for over a month this time, but recovered. Then, in 1871, Comanche was wounded in battle once more, this time in his shoulder, and once again, he recovered quickly. The cavalry was very proud of this brave horse who continued to go into battle despite being wounded so many times.

In 1876, Captain Keogh rode Comanche into the valley of the Little Big Horn and the battle known as Custer’s Last Stand. This time they were fighting the Soux and Cheyenne tribes, and it was the last great battle for the Native Americans. They defeated the 7th cavalry and killed every soldier. The only member of the 7th cavalry left alive after the battle was Comanche.

Comanche was found two days after the battle with many wounds, and was very weak and barely able to stand. He was taken in a steam boat to Fort Lincoln, where he was so weak he had to be supported by a sling. He was nursed back to health, once again recovering from his battle wounds.

Comanche was officially retired and it was ordered that no one would ever ride him again. He was called “the Second Commanding Officer” of the 7th Cavalry. His only duties were to be lead in the front of official parades occasionally. It is said he developed a fondness for beer in his later years, and was such a pet at the fort that he was often indulged in this habit. He lived to the age of 29, and when he died his body was mounted and put on display at the University of Kansas, where it stands to this day.

photo: US Calvary,cir. 1869

A reader’s comment:      Captain Miles Keogh was an Irish mercenary. Early in his career he had served as part of the Pope’s private Vatican Army. He was awarded a medal, that he always wore on a chain around his neck. When the Cheyenne killed him on the Little Big Horn, they discovered the medal. Recognizing it as a religious device, they left his corpse alone. He was the only 7th Cavalry KIA whose body was not mutilated. During the US Civil War Captain Keogh served on the staff of the great cavalry officer, Brigadier General John Buford (1st Cavalry Division). They intercepted the leading elements of Robert E. Lees Army of Northern Virginia in front of Gettysburg on June 30, 1863 and held them up until the rest of the Federals could arrive on the field. Hence, they were instrumental in the Union victory in that important battle. Captain Miles Keogh introduced the famous cavalry canter song “Garry Owen” to the 7th Cavalry Regiment. It remains so to this day, and the slogan and greeting among members of the 7th is “Garry Owen.” It is a very stirring tune. Aloha, Mark Mallory.