THE HORSE GAZETTE training achieving harmony with your horse Training without force


By Mary Rose, FBHS © 2013 The feeling of being


completely connected and “one” with your horse is what all our training is geared to- wards achieving. Our goal is to have all the beauty and expres- sive gaits of the horse literally part of our own bodies, so that we “think” extension and go floating over the ground, and then “think” collection and immediately exhibit grace- ful suspension in a collected frame. Achieving this harmo- ny is not so difficult as you might think and those moments when we briefly experience it are what keep us going in our training – always seeking that feeling again.


The first step is to


visualize ourselves having achieved complete ‘oneness’ with our mount. Young chil- dren do this almost automat- ically if adults don’t get in the way and scare them about possible dangers. As a child I rode bareback most of the time for years and even now there is no better way to develop your ‘feel’ on your horse.


I


know it isn’t always possible or practical or perhaps even safe, with some horses, but it is a great way to truly expe-


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rience the movement of every muscle in your horse’s back and shoulders. Short of going without your saddle try riding at least part of each session without your stirrups. Be sure to have a neck strap or to hold the front of your saddle should you lose your balance – do not, under any circumstances, use the reins to hold you in position! Spend time with your


horse on the ground, grooming, massaging, leading him out to graze for half an hour, working in hand or lunging before you ride and all the time looking at your horse, listening to him, with no interruptions from cell phones or tweets (except from the birds). One of my mentors, Molly Seivewright, used to say “go out and ride in the fields, listen to the birds, listen to your horse, stop trying to ‘do’ some- thing all the time” and it was good advice. Work on developing


a strong, balanced, indepen- dent seat. Seat is the ultimate gimmick, the secret weapon. Until you can stay with your horse’s movements completely without your hands you really should be very careful of using the reins. A ‘strong’ seat does


barrel clinic


Barrel trainer andy cowan coming to san marcos in sept.


horse trainer Andy Cowan will be heading south to share his knowledge during a weekend clinic September 13-15 at Hayes County Civic Center in San Marcos, TX. While Cowan may not be a household name to barrel racers in Texas he is no stranger to the horse industry. In addition to competitively racing barrel horses for over 20 years he has amassed a well-rounded knowledge of other disciplines; including dressage, reining, and western pleasure.


background has significantly influenced Cowan’s methods as a professional trainer. “My specialties are


This diverse


putting a solid foundation and pattern on a horse,” said Cowan, “helping horses with ‘issues’ and helping riders to gain confidence through proper horsemanship. My involvement with horses has enriched my life in so many ways and my goal is to share that knowledge and experience.” Cowan prefe rs


straightforward methods when working with horses and clients. “My approach to producing such horses is based on proper horsemanship and a no-nonsense approach to the pattern. When finished, one need not be a trainer, trick rider, or acrobat in order to


Maryland barrel


ride a horse from my program. My goal as an instructor is to demystify concepts and present them in a manner which is easily understood. Knowledge and confidence grow together.” To say that this


simplified approach has proven successful for Cowan and his students would be an understatement, as his program has produced numerous 1D and 2D winners at the national level. Most recently, Rock It Red, a 4 year old piloted by Cowan, placed 10th


at the 2012 NBHA Open World Show and was later named 2012 Virginia Open 2D State Champion. “Rocko” is now consistently placing in the 1D level with new owner Chloe Gray. Horses trained by Cowan have also earned 1D and 2D placings at Colonial Nationals, Southern States Triple Crown, and NBHA Full Tilt with both youth and amateur riders aboard. Skips Watch Joe Lady and owner Carol Payne are another successful product of Cowan’s program. The team won the 2012 ACBR Master’s 1D saddle and finished the year 3rd


standings. “Josey” is currently placing in the Youth 1D and open 2D at numerous Super Shows. Riders interested in


learning Cowan’s horsemanship- based training program can register now for the weekend


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WWW.HORSECOURSESONLINE.COM Visit us at: www.HorseGazette.com


Design Firm: JASON ROBERTS & ASSOCIATES, Inc. | San Antonio, Texas (O) 210.340.2033 | (M) 210.789.2033 (T-F) 866.202.1650 email: JR@jasonroberts.biz www.jasonroberts.biz | www.jasonrobertsphotography.com


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in the association’s 1D (2D) in the 21 Race


clinic. The event is limited to 20 horses/riders to ensure that each participant receives the specific instruction necessary for successful learning. Participants may pre-enter by August 30th


discounted fee of $250. Entries will be taken on a first- come basis and will be allowed the day of the clinic provided that spaces are still available. Those wishing to audit-only may attend for a daily fee of $25.00 and the weekend fee does allow for an additional auditor as well. RV hook-ups will also be available.


will begin with a “meet and greet” dinner event coinciding with check-in Friday evening. Participants will then work with Andy in their assigned groups throughout the day Saturday.


conclude with a “fun run” to allow riders to practice what they have learned in a stress- free environment. Group instruction will continue on Sunday with a 100% payback jackpot race concluding the weekend.


welcome and encouraged to register.


in participating may contact Yvonne Harless at 830-557-


Those interested


3182 or Andy Cowan at 443- 944-1043.


All levels are The day will The clinic schedule 30 YEARS OF SERVICE to receive a Client:


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254-546-2276 Bracken Equine Clinic


Horse Gazette (insertions as needed) Qtr PG: 5" wide x 8” high 1-color: Blk (grayscale) 08/21/12


C O M M I T TE D T O


not mean gripping or having tight legs on the horse, in fact, quite the opposite. Your legs should simply drape, in a re- laxed way, along your horse’s sides. They should only move with your horse’s sides. Your pelvis should be in an upright position and should move only as much as the back of your horse moves. Your core muscles should hold you erect and your hip joints and waist allow you to follow easily the movements of you mount. Learn to breathe deeply and in rhythm with your horse. Shallow breathing, just bring- ing the breath into your chest, makes you and your horse tense but breathing all the way into your tummy will help you let go of tension.


Achieving this seat


is a lifelong work – no matter where we are we can always improve but we need the help of a good instructor, a well- trained horse and lunge les- sons.


You can contact


Mary at Cell: 512-589-3796 • Home: 512-894-4536 or visit her website at www.maryrose- dressage.com.


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