Auditing a horsemanship clinic offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into training methods and the nuances of horse-rider communication. Pat Puckett, known for his “Disciplined Ride” approach, focuses on “horsemanship through the eyes of a cowboy and a bridle horse man.” Attending his recent clinic in Agua Dulce provided a firsthand look at his philosophy and techniques, emphasizing kindness and patience in training horses of all backgrounds.
The clinic, structured over three days with ten horse-and-rider teams, allowed Puckett to assess each horse and rider individually. On the first day, horse-and-rider pairs worked independently, focusing on fundamental exercises. Saturday saw Puckett riding each horse, demonstrating simple maneuvers like side-passing over poles, turns on the haunches, and changes of bend and direction. During these demonstrations, he offered insightful commentary on the horses’ strengths and weaknesses, sharing his “feel” as he rode.
Puckett’s teachings are rich with practical advice, often shared as concise nuggets of wisdom. One key principle he emphasizes is to “Work your horse out the gate, not on the way home,” advocating for purposeful work from the beginning of a session. He also advises riders to maintain a horse’s head in a natural position, “with its head down but not below the withers.” For riders who may feel fearful of the horse or the terrain, Puckett suggests a practical solution: “If you are fearful of the horse or the terrain, dismount and drive the horse from the ground.”
Two particularly resonant pieces of advice from Puckett highlight the importance of mutual respect and rider awareness. He stresses the need to “Work to earn your horse’s respect,” underscoring the collaborative nature of training. Equally crucial is the rider’s own state of being, as he reminds them, “The rider must breathe. If you hold your breath, you panic the horse.” This highlights how a rider’s tension can directly impact the horse’s emotional state.
Puckett also shared practical tips for preparing to ride. He recommends tightening the cinch three times before mounting, a common practice to ensure the girth is secure and comfortable for the horse. For bit selection, Puckett favors a solid snaffle bit equipped with a “cricket” roller, an innovative design that provides auditory feedback to the rider. The sound of the cricket offers valuable insights into the horse’s state of relaxation. A constantly “chirping” cricket may indicate a tense horse, while a complete absence of noise could suggest the horse has “balled up its tongue” for protection. Occasional chirping, however, signals a relaxed and content horse.
Addressing the common issue of “hammock horses” – those with low backs and high heads – Puckett explains that such a posture indicates a lack of collection and connection. He is a strong proponent of long trail rides, especially at a trot and over uneven terrain. The trot is favored for its safety, as it always keeps at least two legs on the ground. Furthermore, navigating uneven terrain encourages the horse to engage its mind and develop better balance and footwork.
For those interested in learning more about Pat Puckett and his training methods, further information is available on his website, www.TheDisciplinedRide.com. His YouTube channel also offers a comprehensive collection of videos from clinics and his ranch.
Event Calendar Updates Amidst Pandemic
The Horse Talk event calendar has faced challenges in recent months due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many clubs have had to adhere to directives from local, county, and state authorities, leading to the postponement or cancellation of numerous spring events. However, as summer approaches, there are signs of a gradual resumption of rides and shows.
This upcoming weekend, Dusty Spurs is hosting its June gymkhana at Triple E Arena, located at 10164 White Road in Phelan. The gates will open at 8:30 a.m., with activities commencing at 9 a.m., beginning with the Lil Spurs division. A detailed schedule can be found on the Dusty Spurs Gymkhana June Show page on Facebook. According to the club, it is still possible to join and compete for year-end prizes. Ribbons and buttons will be awarded for places first through fifth, along with High Point and Reserve prizes. The event features several divisions, including AAA, AA, A, Future Champion Adult and Youth, as well as Lil Spurs lead line classes for the youngest participants. A crucial safety regulation requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. Online sign-ups are available, and interested individuals can contact Deborah Jasper at 760-508-3100 for more information.
It is important for event organizers to remember that not all riders are active on social media platforms like Facebook, and some may be hesitant to use online searches for event details. Therefore, submitting event information, show results, photos, and ride reports directly to Horse Talk remains a valuable way to ensure widespread communication. Whether readers receive a print edition or an online subscription, they will be kept informed of upcoming equestrian activities. Horse Talk can be accessed online at www.VVDailyPress.com.
