CJ Wheeler

CJ Wheeler is a professional equine photographer that loves horses, dogs, and taking photos.

She and her husband Rick live on the RR Ranch which backs up to The Cleveland National Forest, 60,000 acres of open land where she has blazed many trails on her horse Tango. When she is not riding or taking photos for her business “running horse pictures“ she is the Executive Producer of a number one rated talk radio show heard throughout all of Southern California. She has a rich Southern background with family living in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma.

Editor- Chenay Jordan-McDowell

Photographer - CJ Wheeler

Cowhorse Ranch

Located off the dirt Rancho Ballena Road, in Ramona, California (near San Diego), the Cowhorse Ranch sits in a lush green valley between two majestic mountains.

To get there, you will have to drive through the quaint downtown of Ramona, and then follow a winding country road (Highway 78) with endless rolling golden hills.  On the way you will pass by an endless number of cow ranches and upscale horse breeding farms. You can even stop at the road side stand for some farm fresh eggs.

The moment you arrive, you will find that the Cowhorse Ranch is simply charming.  From the blue eyed cow dog that greets you with a kiss, to the warm sun slowly setting behind the mountains, and the horses… everywhere.

Owned and operated by John Mallon and his wife Stephanie, the Mallons’ offer ranch visitors two lifetimes of equine knowledge and with their easy going, warm nature, it’s easy to see why even the most novice equine enthusiast feels welcome here.

John has conducted equine seminars worldwide, written and published hundreds of articles, and even sings country music and plays the guitar.  Also insightful about equine behavior, he says the most common mistake horse owners make is: “People treat their horses like they are dogs. They talk to them like they are dogs, like the horse has some interest in pleasing them, or cares about them. They don’t. The horse just cares about being comfortable and feeling safe. So if you think your horse is trying to outsmart you or is being stubborn, take that stuff out of your mind. It doesn’t exist.”

He adds: “Your horse is hardwired to be super cooperative. But they are not looking for a buddy; they are looking for a boss. Your horse is looking for a nice, kind, benevolent dictator.”  For more information about the “Mallon Method” visit: The San Diego Equine Exchange.

Stephanie is also very involved and teaches ranch sorting.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, a sorter, a cutter, or a roper, the Cowhorse Ranch is a facility that is fully equipped to suit a number or events and disciplines.

Boasting four arenas that are guaranteed to be dust and rock free, the Cowhorse Ranch lets patrons rent the arena of their choice by the hour, half-day, or full-day as well as the use of either their mechanical cow or their live cattle, which are rotated out regularly.

By appointment only, you can book a Ranch Sorting Practice or a Cutting Practice.  Fees are based on standard arena rates and turn back service is always available.  A great way to introduce young horses to cattle in a non-hostile environment, tune up seasoned horses, or improve your own riding/sorting skills.

Weekends at the Cowhorse Ranch are busy with both Ranch Sorting and Ranch Roping, and “you’re guaranteed to have a good time or your money back!”

Every Saturday (weather permitting), the Cowhorse Ranch Cattle Club hosts its Ranch Sorting & Shootout.

Ranch sorting is an equine sport that is rampantly becoming popular among equine families and is now an approved event of the American Quarter Horse Association.

The Shootout event is Ranch Sorting “individual style” and is an equally exciting event to participate in.

A Seasonal Membership for the Cowhorse Ranch Cattle Club can be purchased for $25. During the event, members pay a $5 fee for each run they participate in.  Non-members can also participate for a mere $6 per run.

Sponsored prizes are given for the best Ranch Sorting time of the night and the Shootout has a 50% payback.  Jackpots and Buckle Runs are also hosted throughout the season.

Signups start at 1:30 p.m. and Sorting starts at 2:00 p.m.  Between 4-5 p.m. the Shootout will begin, with Sorting continuing immediately after.

Saturdays are no doubt an entire day of ranch fun for the whole family.  Not to mention, the incredibly friendly atmosphere at these events makes for an ideal learning environment for beginners and provides friendly competition for more experienced riders.

But Sundays don’t slouch either.  Visitors on Sundays can expect to participate in Ranch Roping.  Times and rates for Roping Practices vary so be sure to call ahead.

And if you’re not local?

The Cowhorse Ranch offers overnight accommodations for both you and your horse.  Stay in your horse trailer, your truck, or your tent and put your horse up in one of their corrals.  And, if roughing it isn’t your style, try a B&B in nearby Julian or Ramona.  John and Stephanie can help you find one that suits your needs.

Lessons and training are also available at the Cowhorse Ranch for “novice to intermediate horses and for riders who wish to start or improve their cattle working skills.”

If you don’t have a horse suitable for working cattle but want to get involved, John and Stephanie have a number of horses for use as well as prospects for sale.

No matter when you visit, before you leave the “world” of the Cowhorse Ranch, be sure to drive the mere 10 minutes to the World Famous Julian Pie Company.  A slice of delicious apple pie is a marvelous way to recoup after spending a day (or days) at the ranch.

Afterward, loosen your Wranglers by walking across the street to Donna Sherrill’s Antique store. Packed with fascinating antiques as well as great jams and jellies from the orchard Donna runs, the shop emanates a nostalgia many will recognize.
Make sure to pat Donna’s dog “Becky” on the head while you’re there.

You will probably have to step over her to get in the door.

For more information about the Cowhorse Ranch, visit their website at www.cowhorseranch.com.

Appaloosa - Horse Rescue

A Skinny Appaloosa: A Horse Rescue Story

Written by Jan Hoadley

A search for a horse brought a phone call about a “skinny appaloosa” who needed a home. She was in a pen with two dominant Arabians and if she didn’t finish her food before they did, or if it was too close to them, she went hungry. The story was her teeth needed work, and she needed a home. Sierra went through times that would kill ordinary horses.

I went to see her and the description did not prepare me for what I saw. She was beyond skinny. She was a skeleton with a hide draped over it. Without a trailer, I had to ride several miles to get her, then stop multiple times to let her rest on the trip home. She was put in a field to eat. For the first month I thought she would die. Plenty of grass with a little grain was her diet, and it was a case of easy on the grain for fear of colic or laminitis. Her teeth were done and she was wormed and checked over by a vet who proclaimed the only thing wrong with her teeth was not getting enough to eat.

A month later she was still alive. Two months, three months passed and she started filling out. Her backbone and shoulder no longer showed visible bone. She had muscle over her hip and it was no longer a matter of pushing on her and she’d stumble sideways. As she gained weight I wondered if she’d gain attitude but in time I found not only was she good to clip but she’d allow her ears done without a twitch. Someone, somewhere along the line thought a lot of this mare. The muscles came back and there were fewer shadows and bones showing. It was clear she would live.

She had finally gained sufficient weight to stand light work so short rides a few times per week were in order. While she definitely had her preferences she didn’t have a nasty attitude. After many months and much food went through the system there was a faint trace of rib left to show of her ordeal. Her feet told the story if anyone looked, but one anonymous know it all left a nasty note on the door of “people like you shouldn’t own horses.” It made me wonder what the point was in even spending the time and money to build her back up then I’d go work with her and the nasty note didn’t matter. People assuming anything and accusing without a shred of a clue of the facts didn’t matter.

Sierra was a joy to ride but was not pushbutton. She had the heart to cross whatever waterway she was pointed in, no matter how deep. She would carefully navigate hills and natural trail obstacles. Her short term mental meltdown at balloons and shopping carts was humorous, her fear of drainage grates was a quirk to not pick a battle over. She’d calmly walk along the road as drivers came close enough to reach out and touch with my foot.

She’d pony other horses, but didn’t have patience for their attitudes. It was when a lesson horse was needed that she found her calling. In particular a young man I’ll call “Tim”. To say Tim was quiet was like saying Sierra was a little skinny when I got her. He’d answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but that was it. His mom brought him for lessons and although I questioned using her sometimes, Sierra would ride that balance of enough to be a challenge and sensing when to calm down. Because of her background that was known, and how much wasn’t known, she was a substitute lesson horse. Except for Tim.

In a ‘game’ to teach emergency dismounts it was a point to Tim if he got off before Sierra stopped and a point to her if she stopped before he cleared the saddle. Not only could he get off at a gallop and land on his feet, but he’d spend time just being with Sierra. She’d close her eyes and lower her head. He was the only person besides me who she clearly 100% trusted.

It was not until months later I found out what Sierra already knew - what she had sensed and “zoned in on.” Tim not only had been horrifically abused by an uncle, but his demeanor when I first met him is how he was all the time. Because of Sierra he gained confidence - he initiated conversations in time. She reached where counselors and testing and people could not. Much as she trusted few, so did he. His mom later privately pointed out that until he started taking lessons she wasn’t sure how to reach him and credited my teaching with his change, but I knew the truth. I had nothing to do with it - it was Sierra.

She tolerated almost everything including competing in a scoop shovel race. For those who haven’t lived this is an entertaining event involving two people, one horse, one rope and a scoop shovel. The rider snubs the rope, tied to the shovel, down while the other person must sit on or hang on to the shovel the entire length of the arena and back. The fastest time down and back with both people in their respective places wins. We didn’t win but she did her part.

Some time later someone thought it would be funny to open a gate and turn some horses loose. Sierra was hit on the highway and had to be euthanized due to an inoperable break below the hock. She was a throwaway horse that gave her heart every time it was asked and should have had many more years hanging out in the field, begging for treats and drooling on anyone silly enough to stand next to her after handing her an apple. She is buried in Oklahoma but her memory lives on. A part of me and several people she taught to ride went with her, but as long as that memory is alive so is a part of her.

Jumping Horses

An Overview of Jumping Horses

Show jumping is an equestrian sport that entails following through a set of jumps organized within a ring. Show jumping is also being merged with several combination competitions, like the modern pentathlon and eventing. Jumping horses go through a variety of challenges within this sport. In an event, jumping horses need to have the speed as well as the stamina and flexibility to perform adequately. Additionally, jumping horses need to be able to work will with their rider. Competition rankings are based on how many faults are built up and the overall rate at which the course is accomplished.

Faults are built up in several ways, and it is nearly impossible to finish an entire course without mistake. If jumping horses kick or throw off a jump, this is already a fault. Based on the type of show jumping, the course may either be organized as simple or complex. The Grand Prix is known to be the highest level of show jumping, and it displays complex and daunting hindrances such as a wide spread: hedges and ditches. Jumps may also be organized so that they are complicated and even more challenging to beat. Jumping horses in this case have to be highly skilled and adaptable.

Jumping horses need to have the capacity and as well as the courage to jump big fences. They also need to have the athletic ability to deal with sharp turns and sudden acceleration in speed needed to travel through the most challenging courses. Several breeds of horses have been winning jumping horses, and even some horses of unsure breeding have been winners. Most jumping horses are lofty horses, measuring up to over 16 hands. Most are often of Warmblood or Thoroughbred breeding, although horses that are 14.1 hands have been included in Olympics teams from different nations, and have become champions.

It is said that there is actually no association between the size of a horse and its athletic capability. It is also being said that taller horses do not necessarily hold “more advantages” when jumping. However, taller jumping horses may make a fence look less intimidating to the rider.

Choosing Your Own Jumping Horse

Most horses are actually able to become jumping horses especially when the obstacles are small. But if plan to seriously pursue competition, then it is really important to take time in choosing a jumping horse of your own. While certain breeds do appear to fair better in general, you should focus on analyzing the individual set of skills of each potential jumping horse. Novice riders need a horse that has already been trained to jump a minimum of about 3 feet, while more experienced riders may opt for a horse with the basic skills, but without extensive training. Jot down your top breeds of preference and narrow to just one. Good jumping horses include thoroughbreds, lusitanos and hot-blooded horses. Call local jumping stables and ask for inventory, as it’s simpler to review many horses in one barn than having to go to several barns to look at just one horse each time. Ask owners to “test ride” their horses to observe any lameness or lack of experience in jumping. Ask to test ride the horses yourself. Make an appointment for vet tests to determine the fitness of the horse.

Cutting horses are often referred to as quarter horses. However, Morgans, Paints, Appaloosas and Arabians can also be cutting horses. Cutting horses are usually smaller horses. Successful cutters are usually about 15.1 hands.

Cutting Horse

Canadian Cutting Horses

There are several types of cutting horses and these include Canadian cutting horses. The Canadian cutting horse has some similarities in appearance and temperament with the American quarter horse. They have been bred to be athletic, speedy, composed, eager and clever. Both horse’s heads are well-balanced and have gentle and bright eyes. Their ears are attentive, and their necks are curved and sit well on the shoulders. The chest is wide and deep. The back is even and the quarters strong and brawny. The legs are stout but powerful, tendons tough and feet outstanding. These horses are about 15.2 to 16.1 hands high.

The Quarter Horse

The quarter horse is deemed as the most popular of all cutting horses. It is a full sized horse and is termed for its capacity to dash a quarter of a mile quicker than any other horse worldwide. It is also recognized for its brawny build, well balanced temperament and athletic capability and adaptability.

The American Quarter Horse

The American quarter horse derives from the Turk, Arab and Barb breeds that were transported to North America by Spanish voyagers and merchants. The real start of the breed was in 1611, when a first-rate set of stallions from Spanish breeds where transported to England. The ensuing combination developed a new kind of horse that was very muscular and able to sprint short distances quicker than any formerly recognized breed.

Over selecting for certain traits such as performance, speed or cutting ability in Thoroughbreds can have undesirable effects on other traits. The lean and fine boned conformation of a number of racehorses may be unintentionally associated with an exceedingly reactive nervous system and fretful disposition. Over selecting may also have an effect on mothering capability. Cutting horses that display obvious faults are likely to be the result of dangerous levels of inbreeding. While all purebreds are inbred to an extent, many are inbred to a point that it compromises the welfare of the breed.

Misconceptions About Cutting Horses

First of all, cow horses aren’t necessarily cutting horses Just because a horse chases a goat or dog around in the backyard doesn’t mean it is a potential cutting horse. Cutting horses need to work well with their rider, and horses that chase animals around or engage in play don’t always have a rider with them. Next, riding a colt and guiding and grouping cattle will not necessarily be enough for competitive cutting. Whether a horse is fearful of cattle or not does not determine its future as a great cutter. It takes individual training to train a horse to become a good cutter.

Another misconception is that foundation bred horses could make them future champion cutters. The truth is, old foundation horses were actually cow ponies. While these horses could cut cows, they may not be able to keep up with modern day cutting competitions. Finally, having an “expert” train a horse and expecting it to automatically become a good cutter in just a few months is unrealistic, unless if you are struck with luck. It often requires a minimum or 18 months of training for most to become good cutting horses.

The Wild West reminds us of many things like cowboys, broncs, ranchers, cattle, horses and roping! Cowboys and their horses paint a picture that is particularly unique in our Western History. Aside from branding, working the ranch, and checking fence, riders out on the field also like to rope their next calf. Thus, roping horses hold a special place not only at ranches but also now in modern competitions.

Roping Horse

Calf roping is known by many people to be the ultimate test of a horse’s cow work skills and experience. This is due to the fact that roping calls for the highest level of partnership between the rider and his horse. The horse must stay facing right ahead toward the calf constantly! In calf roping, riding good roping horses is a must just as in ranch work, and this is enhanced by the intuitive partnership that progresses between the rider and his horse, who have to both move persistently as a single entity with one goal. In this case, roping horses need to be as clever and willing as their riders.

Quarter Horse

There are several kinds of roping horses available today. The quarter horse could definitely make a good roping horse. As the quarter horse breed continued to increase in popularity, its temperate character resulted in it being used as a riding horse. Their strength proved them to be very good riding horses as well as “work” horses that can do all sorts of tasks in several of the early farms. The breed appeared to have a natural ability for working with cattle, too. When settlers started raiding west in the 1800s, the quarter horse breed was the horse of preference of the first cowboys. Quarter horse breeds were being trained to help round up cattle, as they were quick and nimble. Soon cowboys started using this breed more and more for everyday tasks on cattle ranches. Just like with many other activities conducted by the early cowboys, the tasks done by them and their horses eventually shifted into a contest, building the foundation of rodeo riding. Quarter horses had become excellent roping horses, as they performed barrel racing and team roping. These days, quarter horses are still well sought after for these affairs.

Andalusian Roping Horses

Andalusian horses have also been known to be great roping horses. Andalusian is the term coined in the United States and other countries for the breed referred to as “Pura Raza Espanõla”, which means “The Spanish Horse.” This name is attached to horses who have succeeded the strict Spanish prerequisites for documented bloodline and conformation. Andalusian horses today are admired all over the world for their versatility and set of highly desirable traits, which include athleticism, endurance, agility, lightness, trainability and willingness, intelligence, courage, gentle disposition and loyalty. These horses can work in bullrings, dressage arenas and cattle ranches of Spain (and other parts of the world) as roping horses.
When conditioning roping horses, there is no easy answer. There are several things to think about first. For instance, elements such as age, level of training and current musculoskeletal issues should all be evaluated in creating an individual scheme.

Gaited horses are breeds that have the innate penchant to gait, which means the capacity to execute one of the intermediary speed four beat horse gaits, known as ambling gaits. Breeds of gaited horses include the American Saddlebred, Paso Fino, Icelandic horse, Missouri Foxtrotter, Mangalarga Marchador, Racking horse, Peruvian Paso, Spotted Saddle horse, Rocky Mountain Horse, Walkaloosa and Tennessee Walker.

Nearly all breeds that are “gaited” happen to have an ambling gait as a genetic trait. Although, one should realize that in rare cases a supposedly gaited breed may not necessarily gait. Several horses can both trot and amble, and other instinctively trotting horses may have ambling capabilities, especially with specific methods of training. Some horses pace besides amble, rather than trotting. But pacing in gaited horses is usually not preferred. Some horses do not have the natural ability to trot or pace without difficulty, and they favor their ambling for their conventional intermediate speed.

The Four Major Gaits

There are four major gaits, and these comprise of the walk, trot, canter and gallop. The type of gait depends on how many beats there are in each gait. For instance, the walk involves a four beat gait, where each of the horse’s foot touches the ground one at a time. On the other hand, the trot involves a two beat gait, where diagonal feet touch the ground simultaneously. There are horses that can conduct one or more other gaits instinctively on their own. Many of these gaits are esteemed since they provide the rider with an exceptionally smooth travel. This is one reason why many gaited horses are still being used as modes of transportation in the modern world. Competitions are held to assess which gaited horse performs the smoothest.

Gaited Horse - Peruvian Paso

Breeds of Gaited Horses

The Peruvian Paso is a popular breed of gaited horses. This breed is outstandingly smooth and has great stamina. It isn’t a large horse nor is it skittish, thus making it a fitting mount for anyone. Another popular breed is the Icelandic horse. This horse often excels in the “tolt”, which is similar to the foot series of the walk, except that it is more emphasized and amazingly smooth. Standardbreds, which are those usually found in racetracks dragging the carts, do extremely well performing the “pace”, which is similar to the trot except that it is the set of legs on the same side that hits the ground simultaneously. A rare breed from Brazil is the Mangalarga Marchador, which is a breed of gaited horses that excel in a strange four beat gate called the “Marcha,” where three feet hit the ground for just a split second at a time. The Andalusian, another breed of gaited horses, can be trained unconventional methods of traveling like the Spanish Walk, where certain natural gaits may be exaggerated.

Gaited horses are generally more efficient since no energy is wasted combating gravity and free fall. Also, the smooth travel is a benefit for the rider. However, these skills don’t always come naturally. In fact, what makes a good gaited horse is through good breeding as well as training. Consistency is key to training your gaited horse well.

Understanding of Draft Cross Horses

A draft horse is a large horse bred for power and strength. There are actually many draft horse breeds and while they all share similar characteristics, they participate in various kinds of activities. Draft horses are widely utilized for ploughing and other farm work. They are also widely employed in crossbreeding methods, generally to light riding breeds like the Thoroughbred to generate sport horses. While the majority of draft horse breeds are utilized for intense tasks such as driving, there are draft cross horses that can be exceptional riding horses and show competitors under the saddle.

Draft Cross Horse

Draft Horses are Built for Work

Draft horses are quite familiar breeds due to their lofty physique and brawny body type. Most of the time, their shoulder has a more aligned structure, allowing for more vertical action and conformation that is most fitting for dragging heavy loads. They also have the predisposition to have backs that have reduced length with sturdy hindquarters, which is great for pulling. Furthermore, draft horse breeds often have a heavy bone structure and lots of feathering on their lower legs. However, there are also many other draft cross horses that don’t have feathering on the lower legs.

Crossbreeding Draft Horses

Draft horses mixed with light riding horses develop the height and weight to resulting draft cross horses, and may further advance their strength and span of movement. Fascinating results usually occur when animals are crossbred. For instance, we may see several variations in the appearance of puppies whose parents are of different breeds. On the other hand, we may also see crossbred puppies that are surprisingly uniform. These occurrences could be possible in the crossbreeding of horses. However, a big difference is the fact that mares normally give birth to just one offspring each year. This means it is more challenging to notice results in draft cross horses.

The dissimilarity we can literally see between two types of horse is known as the phenotype. What we can observe underneath is a genetic base known as the genotype. The genotype establishes the phenotype. In crossbreeding, there is the probability of substantial variation in both genotype and phenotype, even between young from an identical pair of parents.

For instance, the genotype of a 75 percent Brabant horse could differ between 50 and 100 percent, resulting in the 75 percent Brabant designation with just an average assessment of the genetic type of the crossbred. This eventually leads to the fact that about half or more of Brabant-American Belgian mixed horses will not appear similar to each other.

Draft cross horses have become an essential in the creation of a wide range of Warmblood horse breeds. By mixing Hot Blooded animals such as the Thoroughbred or Arabian draft horse, more size, strength and sturdiness have been applied to draft cross horses. Draft horse breeds that may ensue draft cross horses include the Clydesdale, American Cream, Belgian, Ardennes, Breton, Boulonnais, Irish Draught, Dole Gudbrandsdal, Shire, Mulassier, Percheron and Suffolk Punch. Draft cross horses have been winning competitors even in international FEI competition to the Olympic Equestrian level.

Harness horses are also generally draft cross horses. They are lighter versions of the heavy draft horse. These draft cross horses include the Friesian, Cleveland Bay and Hackney.

Dressage Horses

DressageHorses

Before one can determine the right dressage horses, a fundamental understanding of dressage must first be established. Dressage is loosely translated as training but many also now regard it as a form of horse sport. In any case, dressage involves the horse’s execution of precise and specific movements in response to commands and signs from the rider. The main purpose behind this discipline is to develop the athletic capacity of dressage horses and make them more agreeable to do as they are told especially in the performance arena.

The history of dressage horses dates back hundreds of centuries ago to as far back as ancient Greece. There is some evidence that the ancestors of modern dressage horses were really military horses. These horses needed to be trained to become more obedient and manageable. When war horses were no longer in vogue, dressage eventually transformed into a popular sport.

Picking a Horse

Dressage is a discipline where all horses are given fair chances. A horse owner therefore may opt to have his horse compete regardless of breed or type. In most cases though, warm-blooded horses are preferred for the discipline because their traits are most ideal for dressage.

During the middle ages, war horses were originally large and unwieldy. Eventually though, as the techniques and modes of war changed, there arose a need for war horses that were lighter and leaner. These horses became the direct descendants of modern warmblood dressage horses.

Warmblood horses are sought after for dressage because they are naturally athletic. Their lightness, fine form and beauty also enhance their impressive appearance and performance in the ring. There are many different warmblood breeds. Among the most popular in dressage competitions are:

• Lipizzaner- At approximately 15 hands, these horses have a natural grace and lightness that make them best suited for the difficult dressage techniques known as airs above the ground. They are also natural show horses with high knee action. They excel in dressage so much that the Spanish Riding School of Viena exclusively use Lipizzaner dressage horses.

• Andalusian- This breed is an old Spanish breed. Andalusian horses are characterized by lean bodies, strong necks and long shoulders that make them proud but perfect specimens of beauty in the dressage arena.

• Hanoverian- Hanoverian dressage horses are generally calm and willing but can sometimes also be moody. Nonetheless, at 16.2 hands, they are perfect for dressage because they have lean and muscular structures. They also excel in elastic and showy gaits.

• Oldenburg- This breed is a cautious but manageable one. Like other dressage horses it has a compact and lean body. It tends to have shorter legs though in proportion to its structure even though it towers over other warmbloods at 17.2 hands.

These are only some of the most popular dressage horse breeds. Other notable dressage horses include Trakehner, Westphalian, Holsteiner, Dutch Warmblood, Friesian and Swedish Warmblood.

Reining Horses

Reining Horses

Among horse riders and owners, reining is considered the American version of the English dressage. This is simply because reining horses, like dressage horses, are required to execute precise movements as prompted by the riders. The movements performed in reigning however differ from those in dressage. The stops and spins performed by reining horses are typically of a Western flavor and are necessary for cattle work.

Reining and the horses used for it were developed from actual practical needs. Cowboys and cattle herders needed horses that could move fast, respond to subtle orders, stop immediately when ordered and quickly change direction. These trait requirements were born out of the challenges and difficulties of cattle handling and herding. Horses had to run after cattle, help direct them and move appropriately even when riders couldn’t hold the reins because they were busy with roping, waving or other tasks.

Reining Horses

Any horse can be trained for reining. The preferred breeds however are of the warmblood and stock type. Horses used for reining must be agile, powerful, intelligent and willing. Some of the most preferred reining breeds are:

• American Quarter Horse- These horses were particularly developed by early American settlers for short racing purposes. They are ideal reining horses because they have been known to be one of the fastest horses at short distances. This is crucial for chasing after cattle. Quarter horses are also muscular and compact and are neither too short not too tall at a minimum of 14 hands and a maximum of 16 hands.

• Appaloosa- This breed is an old American horse breed. It was developed by the Native American Nez Perce tribe from the first Spanish horses that came to the continent. Appaloosas are best known for their spotted coats. It is not their characteristic color however but their strong and lean bodies that make them perfect for reining. They are also very sturdy and enduring horses which means they can best survive the rigors of cattle handling.

• Arabian- This horse breed is one of the oldest and most spirited of the warmbloods. They can make great reining horses though because they are naturally hardy. They are also solid and sturdy but light enough for quick movement. Although they may sometimes have a willful nature, a skillful and respectful rider will always be able to develop gentleness and willingness in an Arabian.

• Morgan- Morgan reining horses are another all American breed. They are typically fast, strong and enduring which makes them perfect for reining and cattle work. Morgan horses are also generally more manageable and have milder temperaments than some warmbloods.

Reining horses truly posses some of the most desirable horse traits. Although many horse breeds can be trained for reining, it only seems right that horses used for traditional Western disciplines be used. Reining is after all a Western event.