Apr 17 2021
Shorter or Longer…….. stirrups? There are two basic methods of using stirrups, a shorter stirrup to allow more mobility and a longer stirrup to allow greater control. The stirrup itself is similar, but the length of the stirrup leather is different. In each case, the stirrup length allows the rider to remain over the center …
Permanent link to this article: https://cowboydressage.info/shorter-or-longer-stirrups/
Dec 02 2020
“Daddy left me his old saddle” “Daddy left me his old saddle The day that he passed on And these words are etched into my mind Just like they were in stone. Don’t ever sell your saddle Never owe another man Watch where you spit on a windy day Don’t use words you don’t …
Permanent link to this article: https://cowboydressage.info/daddy-left-me-his-old-saddle/
Dec 02 2020
“It isn’t the bit that creates the softness, it is the hand.” “8″. This is an example of the two-handed Western bit. It is broken in the middle so each side moves independently. The shanks are also loose, as opposed to fixed, allowing for more variations in communication. There are multiple variations of this …
Permanent link to this article: https://cowboydressage.info/it-isnt-the-bit/
Dec 02 2020
“It isn’t the Hackamore that creates the softness, it is the hand.” “8″. The Hackamore Tradition: Bosal or Hackamore? “The vaquero’s hackamore comprises a headstall, or hanger, the mecate rein, and a braided nosepiece, commonly referred to as the bosal. Traditionally, however, this term was not used in the sense it is today. In Spanish, …
Permanent link to this article: https://cowboydressage.info/bosal-or-hackamore/
Nov 14 2020
The Hackamore Tradition: Bosal or Hackamore? “The vaquero’s hackamore comprises a headstall, or hanger, the mecate rein, and a braided nosepiece, commonly referred to as the bosal. Traditionally, however, this term was not used in the sense it is today. In Spanish, bozal literally means ‘muzzle’ and originally referenced only the pencil bosal, or the …
Permanent link to this article: https://cowboydressage.info/the-hackamore-tradition/
Nov 13 2020
“It isn’t the bit that creates the softness, it is the hands.” As any artist or skilled craftsman will tell you, the tools of your trade are of great importance in the creation of the art. For the serious horseman, the selection of tack is no mere passing fancy at the mercy of whims or …
Permanent link to this article: https://cowboydressage.info/two-handed-western-bit/
May 03 2020
Playing The Snaffle The greatest musical instrument given to a horseman is the snaffle. It’s easy to play with, all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will create magic. (fig1.) “The most common bit choice in Cowboy Dressage for all ages and stages of horses …
Permanent link to this article: https://cowboydressage.info/playing-the-snaffle/
Mar 26 2020
I NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM The tradition of having to “earn your spurs” reaches back to the beginning of the cavalry. When green Troopers first arrived at their new cavalry assignments they were assigned a horse with a shaved tail. This led to the nickname “Shave Tail” for newly assigned, spur-less Soldiers. These new …
Permanent link to this article: https://cowboydressage.info/i-never-leave-home-without-them/