Pushing the Barrier with Speed Williams – September 2009

I’m going to start this article by re-emphasizing something I said last month: Remember, most of the problems we have with our horses are things we, or previous owners, have taught them in the practice pen.

Complete Legacy protection from Classic Equine for all four legs.  Take the guesswork out of booting your horse with this complete package.  Matching front, hind and bell boots for complete coverage

• Booting all four legs can prevent over compensation issues
• Protect your investment, aka the hay burner, and save training down time.  Training time loss due to injury not only keeps you on the ground, it can set back your training schedule.  Stay on track.
• Look stylish and sharp - pick your color or even go with a cutting edge print.

On July 11th and 12th 2009, we held our 1st Annual “Rope for the Cure” benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). With your help, we raised $9600.20. What an awesome thing we all accomplished. We are truly amazed at the outpouring of support, donations of time and money, and contributions to the silent auction and concessions.

 Some great new headstalls from Weaver Leather have come in recently, and I wanted to take a second to point them out.  They are made with Weaver's harness leather, and all have a super feel.  Lots of body - but not stiff.  This leather has such a wonderful mellow feel, especially considering it's thickness.  I have some Weaver pieces made with this leather and I can testify that it just gets better and better with age and use.  From left to right, we have the Classic Collection Slide Ear, Stacy Westfall Browband with easy change buckle bit ends, Stockman Slide Ear, Stockman Slide Ear with Dots, and the Stacy Westfall one ear with buckle bit ends.

One of Coolhorse's own, Logan Dee Harkey, has some feed back for all of you out there wanting to know more about the NEW Synthetic Grass rope by Dub Grant.

 Pushing the Barrier by Speed Williams - August 2009

Drills for the Practice Pen

Athletes in most sports utilize drills of some kind. It only makes sense to do the same thing with your horse, also an athlete. I use the Hot Heels in my practice drills for my horses. I can lope my head horse up to the dummy and keep him in my hand through the turn and keep him in control, whether we move left or right.

On a mechanical dummy you can teach a horse to speed up or slow down without forcing him by kicking and pulling. This is a great way to teach a horse to engage with the steer and eventually do it automatically.