tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:/articlesHigh Minded Horseman2011-09-24T18:43:15ZHigh Minded HorsemanTracytag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/32010-05-12T09:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:08ZTracy SchumerFish out of Water<p>We all like to think of ourselves as “good riders”. It’s all too easy to live inside that comfortable view of ourselves- the one that says; <em>I ride better than that guy</em>. If we’re lucky, something in our environment changes and we find ourselves outside of our comfort zone. This is always an opportunity. It doesn’t matter if the outcome was different…<a href='/2010/05/12/fish-out-of-water' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/52010-05-11T09:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:09ZTracy SchumerOde to the Spur<p>Few pieces of a cowboy’s gear seem to raise more hackles, spark more arguments, yet be more indispensable than a good set of spurs. Spurs are the stuff of passionate debate as well as endearing admiration. People who’ve never even owned a horse collect them as works of art but what about the serious horseman who uses them daily…<a href='/2010/05/11/ode-to-the-spur' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/72010-05-06T09:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:09ZDenise ShireyWhen Ladies of a Certain Age Ride Colts<p>I’m a mid-level kind of rider. After being fortunate to have had a horse when I was a teenager, I didn’t ride again until I was in my early forties. Now as I near 51, I’m heading up to take a “test ride” on my three-year-old quarter horse filly, JR’s Blonde D. In Florida, we’re lucky to have as a resource, the dynamic duo of Tom & Trina Curtin…<a href='/2010/05/06/when-ladies-of-a-certain-age-ride-colts' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/12010-05-02T09:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:08ZTracy SchumerGround Work<p>Every lesson with Derek Frank begins with ground work. My lazy habits of the past are showing once again. How many clinics have I attended back in the <span class="caps">USA</span>? So many, I can’t count actually. How many ground work sessions have I eagerly taken part in- only to have those clinic lessons slip away once I’m home again? Far too many…<a href='/2010/05/02/ground-work' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/42010-05-28T16:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:09ZTracy SchumerOut From The Indoor<p>Spring at last- fantastic! Four months of dressage lessons over the winter season are now behind me; most of the riding has been indoors. This particular indoor arena is fairly typical, a cavernous wooden box with pigeons populating the high rafters. When it’s seriously winter outside, its comforting to be inside, the lesson can always go on…<a href='/2010/05/28/out-from-the-indoor' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/22010-05-08T09:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:08ZTracy SchumerSpeed Five<p>Trotting, lots and lots of trotting- this appears to be the foundation of traditional dressage. Experienced dressage riders are no doubt gagging right now. I struggle to sit the horse correctly, my legs flop around uncontrollably, yet my instructor Derek Frank is patient. He must be amused because even with his hourly rate for a lesson…<a href='/2010/05/08/speed-five' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/132010-05-05T09:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:11ZJackson WaldScrat's Mother<p>Alright, here’s an ordeal I was involved in lately. We’ve started calving about full time here at the place. Well, we had a cow that calved sometime between our night checks and her calf ended up in the creek and was frozen in the ice by morning. Reminded me of the character “Scrat” from the movie “Ice Age”…<a href='/2010/05/05/scrats-mother' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/112010-05-28T23:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:10ZMike CapronThe Two Event Man<p>This cowboy has chosen to enter the wild cow roping contest but his horse has entered the bucking horse event. Cowboys will never pass up a legit reason to rope a cow, of course he’ll seldom ask for his horses’s permission first. So some horses, being strong minded, choose a different approach…<a href='/2010/05/28/the-two-event-man' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/102010-05-12T09:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:10ZMike CapronRopes, Ropers and Rope Horses<p>My good friend Cotton said , “All there is to cowboyinʼ is ridinʼ and ropinʼ”. Ropes have quite a reputation, both good and bad. They have been around long enough to have survived lots of opinions. They are a tool, just like a gun, or a feed sack, all of which require discretion, and can be easily abused…<a href='/2010/05/12/ropes-ropers-and-rope-horses' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/92010-05-07T09:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:10ZMike CapronLoose Latigo<p>A loose latigo can turn a rather simple ride into an extreme event. Mr. Horse starting out fresh and full of energy steps on an unfastened latigo. He thinks that someone has come out of a hole and kicked him in the belly. Mr. Horse is quick to take offense, as he is looking for an excuse to unload Mr. Cowboy, so he can make a dash back to his buddies…<a href='/2010/05/07/loose-latigo' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/122010-05-03T09:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:10ZJackson WaldEddie<p>So, the new addition to my ever-growing herd of equines is ‘Eddie’. Eddie is a half-shire, half-Quarter horse and is originally from Small, Idaho; where he was raised by Butch Small. I started wanting a half-draft one calving season when a good part of our cow herd was made up of old, sorry, counterfeit, stubborn, and mean red angus witches…<a href='/2010/05/03/eddie' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/172010-06-09T10:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:11ZTracy SchumerClick to Enlarge<p>Visitors to <span class="caps">HMH</span> may have noticed the banner photos that decorate our home page. Drawn from my own portfolio, they change with every new log-in. I’ve taken over fifty-thousand film and digital photographs…<a href='/2010/06/09/click-to-enlarge' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/322010-08-03T10:00:00Z2010-08-04T12:37:49ZTracy SchumerPolo’s Argentine Influence<p>Argentina is a nation with a passionate horse culture that is an important component of their national identity. Polo came to Argentina in the late nineteenth century and it has enthusiastically embraced the game ever since…<a href='/2010/08/03/polo-argentine-influence' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/152010-05-28T10:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:11ZJackson WaldVaquero Horsemanship Part 1<p>I would like to explain the way my dad and I start and train all of our horses on the Wald Ranch. Dad and I follow the Californio Vaquero style of horsemanship and training which originated in Europe and Arabia for war horses. It was then transferred to the Americas by the conquistadores and practiced in the Spanish settlements of Mexico…<a href='/2010/05/28/vaquero-horsemanship-part-1' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/582011-01-03T03:00:00Z2011-01-03T12:58:18ZMike CapronMr. Sharp Horn<p>We were gathering bulls to sell to a rodeo contractor and had about reached our time limit for the delivery date. We split up forces in order to cover more country and to make another stab at several we had missed on previous attempts…<a href='/2011/01/03/mr-sharp-horn' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/562010-12-26T03:00:00Z2010-12-26T12:27:24ZTracy SchumerParelli Tournament Switzerland<p>Attending the Parelli Tournament here in Switzerland was a unique experience on lots of levels. A group of us from our local barn traveled north together by train- that was fun! The trains here are fantastic and given that heavy snow had already covered most of Europe, it was also safer as a big chunk of the Alps lay in our path…<a href='/2010/12/26/parelli-tournament-switzerland' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/182010-06-12T10:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:11ZTracy SchumerAre Clinicians Great Horseman?<p>The sheer fact that a clinician has hung out their shingle in the realm of professional horsemanship leads folks to believe the shingle hanger is an experienced, expert horseman. Sadly, this is not always the case. Some clinicians are better showman than horseman, others are neither expert horseman…<a href='/2010/06/12/are-clinicians-great-horseman' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/252010-07-18T10:00:00Z2010-07-19T13:40:15ZMike CapronMakin’ Tracks<p>Any excuse will do to get a cowboy to saddle up and go somewhere. He’ll cross unthinkable canyons and climb unbelievable mountains for the slightest reason and be glad to do it on the shakiest of horses.…<a href='/2010/07/18/makin-tracks' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/572011-01-02T03:00:00Z2011-01-02T14:03:28ZTracy Schumer2010 Round-Up and Favorite Photos<p>One year ago, New Years Day 2010, I was hard at work creating the design, concept and content that would become HMH. Now here we are with our first year complete and in the can; it’s been a remarkably rewarding experience. The work hasn’t slowed but things have certainly gotten smoother…<a href='/2011/01/02/2010-round-up-and-favorite-photos' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/222010-07-01T16:30:00Z2010-07-02T08:30:24ZJackson WaldVaquero Horsemanship Part 2<p>For those of you who didn’t catch my last post, I discussed the history of vaquero horsemanship as much as I know it. This time though, I will talk about how the snaffle bit and traditional hackamore are used in starting colts. The snaffle came to America from England and Europe and is a direct pressure bit.…<a href='/2010/07/01/vaquero-horsemanship-part-2' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/232010-07-04T10:00:00Z2010-07-02T20:00:00ZMike CapronMen Who Dance in the First Light<p>Men who dance in the first light are a bunch of overpaid fools sleeping on the ground, eating more beans than beef, leaving in the dark, riding some ole’ shaky stick that is probably wilder than he is tame and doing everything he can to make leaving camp difficult…<a href='/2010/07/04/men-who-dance-in-the-first-light' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/262010-07-19T18:00:00Z2010-07-20T02:44:07ZJackson WaldVaquero Horsemanship Part 3<p>For the last few weeks I’ve described the history and gear of the vaquero in my own words and from my own experiences. This week will be the final topic; the vaquero’s headgear. Last time we talked about the snaffle and hackamore, this time the two-rein and bridle will be the objects of discussion.…<a href='/2010/07/19/vaquero-horsemanship-part-3' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/242010-07-11T12:00:00Z2010-07-13T05:22:14ZTracy SchumerLady Weirsdale<p>The horses stood calmly while the grooms, in full livery; coats neatly pressed and boots polished, bustled about them seeing to every detail of their harnessing. Carefully, precisely and efficiently these masterful attendants readied the team of elegant black Friesians with amazing quickness.…<a href='/2010/07/11/lady-weirsdale' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/462010-10-11T02:00:00Z2010-10-11T02:55:04ZTracy SchumerRare Breed Encounter; Suffolk Punch<p>Just as the name suggests, this horse really packs a lot of power. I had the opportunity to see this remarkable rare horse breed in action on its home turf while visiting the East Anglia region of England recently…<a href='/2010/10/11/rare-breed-encounter-suffolk-punch' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/212010-06-29T10:00:00Z2010-06-29T19:31:28ZTracy SchumerFit for a King?<p>It was very much a privilege the other day when I was able to see in person this magnificent set of harness. I’m not permitted (unfortunately) to divulge the name of owner or the location for security and privacy reasons. Owned today by the same family who originally had it made, this is truly a cherished treasure.…<a href='/2010/06/29/fit-for-a-king' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/302010-08-01T10:00:00Z2010-08-01T16:14:08ZMike CapronA Six-Pack Says He'll Turn Her<p>Here’s a trick that’s been around a long time, but you won’t see it too often. I’m not sure what you call this maneuver; looks like a collision in open country and that’s exactly what it is, except it is planne…<a href='/2010/08/01/a-six-pack-says-he-will-turn-her' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/292010-07-27T10:00:00Z2010-07-28T06:34:38ZTracy SchumerConcord Stage Coach<p>An icon of the American West, the heyday of the Stage Coach lasted from the mid nineteenth century to around 1900. A specialized vehicle, it was the off-road utility transport of its day…<a href='/2010/07/27/concord-stage-coach' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/162010-06-06T10:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:11ZTracy SchumerThe Things We Do<p>In my travels I often come across interesting tidbits, artifacts and pieces of information. Perhaps it’s simply my nature as a journalist but I feel compelled to share them; both good or bad. Sometimes the bad has more educational value. Case in point is the ubiquitous snaffle bit. Archeologists have unearthed bronze snaffle bits that date as far back as 3000BC…<a href='/2010/06/06/the-things-we-do' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/272010-07-25T12:00:00Z2010-07-26T13:34:00ZTracy SchumerArena Polo Excitement!<p>The charming lakeside village of Ascona in southern Switzerland formed the backdrop for an arena polo tournament. When people think polo, they often have visions of fast horses carrying colorful players across large areas of fresh turf but this is arena polo- it’s quite different…<a href='/2010/07/25/arena-polo-excitement' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/482010-11-18T03:00:00Z2010-11-19T16:12:45ZBetsy KelleherZenyatta; A Mare’s Heart to Win<p>Zenyatta is one of the great mares in racing history. Her owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, planned to retire the six-year-old after the 2010 Breeder’s Cup Classic in Louisville, Kentucky on November 7th. Instead of retiring with a perfect record of twenty wins, which would have been the best of any American horse in the history of Thoroughbred racing, she came in second…<a href='/2010/11/18/zenyatta-a-mares-heart-to-win' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/312010-08-05T10:00:00Z2010-08-03T09:47:56ZDenise ShireyWhen Ladies of a Certain Age Ride Colts Part 2<p>So one might ask why a woman of my age has only ridden young stock since she climbed back into the saddle again after so many years? I ask myself that question and my answer is always that it’s the joy of the change, the personal challenge, the consistent improvement with each new two-year-old prospect I take on…<a href='/2010/08/05/when-ladies-of-a-certain-age-ride-colts-part-2' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/342010-08-15T03:00:00Z2010-08-12T12:45:43ZMike CapronBranding at Wimberly Well<p>Lots of different ways to restrain a bovine in order to get his physical adjustments made. I would prefer to work on an outfit that chooses to invest their money in a good crew as opposed to a squeeze chute or other forms of torture chambers. I’m not much on things made of steel, rubber and grease…<a href='/2010/08/15/branding-at-wimberly-well' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/332010-08-09T03:00:00Z2010-08-08T13:27:29ZTracy SchumeriPad Ready, Smokin’ Fast and Much More<p>It’s a constant process of improvement here at <span class="caps">HMH</span>. Being a webzine has its advantages and we’re making use of each and every one of them. Interactive articles are a major part of our format whether it’s the ability for our readers to easily and painlessly leave comments, enlarge photos, link for further research or instantly share our site on a myriad of social networks…<a href='/2010/08/09/ipad-ready-smokin-fast-and-much-more' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/372010-09-15T03:00:00Z2010-08-23T08:23:16ZMike CapronListo<p>In my book horses rate right behind ladies and dogs on the man chart. They have a lot in common with these other divinely created creatures. All of them require a considerable amount of time and without proper attention, all three can cause a lot of trouble but I find them all worth the effort…<a href='/2010/09/15/listo' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/712011-04-04T03:00:00Z2011-04-01T13:49:12ZJackson WaldKessler<p>Well, I have a four year old colt that I got from my friend Clint Branger. He’s out of an AQHA registered ‘Kessler’ mare and by one of Clint’s bucking horse studs, so he’s not exactly saddle bred. So here I am, trying to make him a saddle horse…<a href='/2011/04/04/kessler' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/392010-09-02T03:00:00Z2010-08-30T09:48:34ZTracy SchumerWhen You're Not Riding a Horse<p>Interesting things can happen as I found out the first time I climbed aboard a camel or stepped onto the back of an elephant. For most of us, our riding experiences outside of pure horsemanship tend to be with animals closely related to horses such as mules and donkeys. This experience too is not to be taken lightly as the anatomy and attitude of a mule or donkey is different from that of a horse…<a href='/2010/09/02/when-you-are-not-riding-a-horse' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/352010-08-15T03:00:00Z2010-08-16T04:04:25ZTracy SchumerTCAA 2010 Show Sneak Preview<p>Since 1998, the last weekend in September has been setting the world of western craftsmanship on fire; igniting the imaginations of collectors, cowboys and the public at large. Hosted annually by the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, the 2010 Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition & Sale will demonstrate once again that this level of craftsmanship is also fine art.…<a href='/2010/08/15/tcaa-2010-show-sneak-preview' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/362010-08-15T04:00:00Z2010-08-16T07:06:24ZCary SchwarzTCAA 2010 "A Saddle Story"<p>Discriminating cowboys have always had a flare for blending function and art. They need a saddle that is serviceable but they want it to make a statement that tells a story as well; a story that connects them with a particular tradition.…<a href='/2010/08/15/tcaa-2010-a-saddle-story' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/402010-09-17T03:00:00Z2010-08-31T14:05:05ZTracy SchumerSantos "The Stallion"<p>It actually wasn’t that much of a surprise this morning when I pulled into the barn (the <em>scuderia</em> as it’s known in these parts) for my weekly Dressage lesson with Derek Frank. He was standing outside holding a big sorrel horse. I was instantly stuck by the obvious, “I’ll bet I’m not riding Casimere today”…<a href='/2010/09/17/santos-the-stallion' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/412010-10-01T03:00:00Z2010-09-28T04:44:46ZMike CapronTakin' the Girls Home<p>Takin’ the girls home in the fall after shipping time is the cowboy’s pride. These are the cows that have produced a paycheck by raising a calf and have managed to get their baby brought along through to shipping time…<a href='/2010/10/01/takin-the-girls-home' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/62010-05-04T23:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:09ZTracy SchumerThe Amish and the Modern Horseman<p>Standing in front of a long row of large barns at the Georgia National Fair Grounds, I look on with interest as dozens of horses: draft, light harness, saddle horses, mules and ponies were paraded about in the parking lot by mostly Amish and Mennonite handlers. A large number of them had been hauled in from Pennsylvania…<a href='/2010/05/04/the-amish-and-the-modern-horseman' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/752011-04-18T03:00:00Z2011-04-18T05:35:40ZMike CapronSweet Talkin’s Over Part 1<p>The cow business has a long history of profit and loss and this little story is a small example of this illusive pursuit. I never did name one unique individual of a bovine brute, can’t tell you why, just wasn’t ever a thought. I was too busy trying to figure out a way to get her in the pen…<a href='/2011/04/18/sweet-talkin-s-over-part-1' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/382010-09-01T03:00:00Z2010-08-23T13:27:52ZMike CapronWho’s Herding Who?<p>Well, who’s herding who is the way it usually starts out gathering bulls in heavy brush. Bulls come in a wide variety of disposition so you have to be ready to make a decision on how much pressure you need to apply in order to get this bull to conform to your wishes. These bushes are is home and he feels mighty comfortable using them to his advantage in order to stay there…<a href='/2010/09/01/whos-herding-who' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/422010-10-15T03:00:00Z2010-09-28T05:13:13ZMike CapronPretty Forked Kid<p>I’ve heard it said that a cowboy is born and not made. I’m not sure what that means. I’ve seen kids grow up around good hands and learn to become good hands themselves. I have also seen youngins that were flesh and blood of some of the best and none of it rubbed off…<a href='/2010/10/15/pretty-forked-kid' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/192010-06-20T16:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:12ZTracy SchumerDisplaying Trophy Buckles<p>There are many creative ways to display trophy buckles other than wearing them. Once, several years ago, I was visiting the home of Bill Horn; National Reining Horse Association’s first “Million Dollar Earner”. He and his wife Kim (also a top <span class="caps">NRHA</span> competitor) had an impressive trophy buckle collection.…<a href='/2010/06/20/displaying-trophy-buckles' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/442010-10-02T03:00:00Z2010-10-01T13:23:57ZJackson WaldJoe Wolter Clinic<p>Labor Day weekend was especially fun this year for a few people; those that attended the Joe Wolter Ranch/Horsemanship clinic at the Wald Ranch. Hosted by Nate and TJ Wald, the clinic was a great learning experience as well as a fun get-together for fifteen friends…<a href='/2010/10/02/joe-wolter-clinic' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/472010-11-15T03:00:00Z2010-11-04T09:05:17ZTracy SchumerHorses In London<p>There is perhaps no other major city in the world that has as healthy a horse culture as London; mounted police force- check, public riding trails- check, fabulously impressive royal stables and palace horse guard- check and double check. For horse lovers in particular, a visit to London isn’t complete without touring the stables of the Household Cavalry located at Whitehall…<a href='/2010/11/15/horses-in-london' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/452010-10-01T03:00:00Z2010-09-29T07:41:36ZTracy SchumerFive Days at Swingletree<p>Jessica, a flea-bit grey Connemara pony, is up in her bridle; moving at a nice brisk trot. “she’s edged out to the center of the road again,” Susan Townsend is sitting next to me in the instructor’s seat of our small carriage…<a href='/2010/10/01/five-days-at-swingletree' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/432010-11-01T03:00:00Z2010-09-28T05:20:25ZMike CapronChamp<p>Some horses have to be in the lead all the time. They’re never satisfied being in the middle of the pack and at the back is plum out of the question. Champ got his name because of this nature…<a href='/2010/11/01/champ' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/512010-12-04T03:00:00Z2010-12-05T10:25:32ZTracy SchumerPutting The Odds in Your Favor<p>Riding into competition on a green horse generates its own unique pressures. Aside from the normal nerves, a host of anxieties often get tossed together during those last few minutes of warm-up when your number has just been called. Then there are those stubborn insecurities jabbing through the back of your brain as you head through the gate and into the show pen; is this horse really ready for this?…<a href='/2010/12/04/putting-the-odds-in-your-favor' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/502010-12-01T03:00:00Z2010-11-28T13:36:38ZTracy SchumerPat Parelli in Portugal<p>It wasn’t the usual packed house that Pat Parelli is accustomed to. The small crowd attending the 3rd International Dressage Forum in Portugal, November 6-7, 2010, numbered just over one hundred but they were a tough bunch to please. Pat Parelli was on the schedule as a speaker during the conference held at the famous Daniel Pinto Academie De Dressage Portugal…<a href='/2010/12/01/pat-parelli-in-portugal' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/522010-12-06T03:00:00Z2010-12-06T15:20:18ZJackson WaldWeaning Colts and Winter Work<p>There’s a small period of time in-between the fall works and the middle of winter when you’re feeding cows twenty-four-seven; when you don’t have a whole lot to do on the place. The calves have been shipped and the cows are turned out. Well we are now past that time and our cows got brought home a little early this year…<a href='/2010/12/06/weaning-colts-and-winter-work' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/492010-11-19T03:00:00Z2010-11-20T12:03:00ZMike CapronRed Sky Take Warning<p>Cowboys and Sailors have a lot in common. Sometimes when a storm is brewing, about all you can do is batten down the hatches and try to ride it out. Cool, breezy mornings make young horses fresh and frisky and if the cowboy is looking for a little excitement, well, it won’t be hard to talk Mr. Storm into obliging him…<a href='/2010/11/19/red-sky-take-warning' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/552010-12-24T03:00:00Z2010-12-23T12:35:53ZTracy SchumerIn The Land of the Lusitano<p>The Iberian peninsula, a well traveled crossroad that’s been a stage of human cultural theatre for a thousand centuries. The actors have been many, when the Neanderthals arrived in 70,000 BC for example, they were far from being the first to call this place home; more would follow…<a href='/2010/12/24/in-the-land-of-the-lusitano' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/542010-12-19T03:00:00Z2010-12-19T15:56:13ZTracy SchumerHappy Holidays from HMH in Austria <p>A weekend excursion to visit traditional Christmas Markets presents us with an opportunity to send a little holiday cheer from across the pond. While exploring “old town” Salzburg, we came across the local carriage concession…<a href='/2010/12/19/happy-holidays-from-hmh-in-austria' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/592011-01-17T03:00:00Z2011-01-18T08:29:46ZMike CapronKeep Your Eyes on Flaxy<p>Keep Your Eyes on Flaxy…That is what I was telling myself while this little episode was unfolding. It’s Spring and Flaxy has had the winter off. He’s a five year old with limited experience and his previous schooling had consisted of a few days in the round pen and one Fall season of cow works…<a href='/2011/01/17/keep-your-eyes-on-flaxy' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/612011-02-01T02:00:00Z2011-01-30T14:07:18ZTracy SchumerKnowing The Horseman Inside Yourself<p>Old horses and old saddles are nice to have around; they’re easy to ride, generally don’t cost much to acquire and previous owners have kindly put the time into breaking them in and mellowing them out…<a href='/2011/02/01/knowing-the-horseman-inside-yourself' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/532010-12-15T03:00:00Z2010-12-11T13:22:03ZMike CapronLa Reyna<p>The “burro lady” and I spent a lot of time together in west Texas. We never rode together but I spent a lot of time thinking about her while we traveled similar trails. She was always on her favorite burro and I was in my pick-up going up and down the highway…<a href='/2010/12/15/la-reyna' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/602011-01-21T03:00:00Z2011-01-21T10:41:26ZJackson WaldLearning the Ropes<p>Ok, just to say this before I start, I am no expert on this subject! This time, I’m gonna talk about the different kinds of ropes that I know about. Catch ropes are made out of many different kinds of materials; from dead cows to plastic and made in any length the roper likes…<a href='/2011/01/21/learning-the-ropes' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/652011-02-15T03:00:00Z2011-02-08T10:26:09ZTracy SchumerA State of Grace<p>The big red mare had a pleasant attitude, this was greatly appreciated as in her current condition a lot of other horses may have been more difficult to handle. She was suffering from an acute allergic reaction; her body covered from end to end in large protruding welts…<a href='/2011/02/15/a-state-of-grace' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/632011-02-17T03:00:00Z2011-02-06T17:15:12ZMike CapronHe Should Have Called In Sick<p>Some cowboys try to cover all the bases at once. They’re trying to punch cows and get rich at the same time. I knew one enterprising cowpuncher that was day-working, hauling for hire and trading every chance he could. He had plenty of ambition and a deal working all the time…<a href='/2011/02/17/he-should-have-called-in-sick' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/622011-02-02T03:00:00Z2011-02-02T06:07:04ZMike CapronMy Friend Uncle Arb<p>Uncle Arb was my friend. He was born in Texas, raised in Arizona, then moved back to Texas and that is when we became friends and neighbors. It was the late 1970’s and we were both running yearlings on neighboring outfits…<a href='/2011/02/02/my-friend-uncle-arb' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/662011-03-05T03:00:00Z2011-02-08T09:37:22ZTracy SchumerFast Food Horsemanship<p>If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the go. Like an old fashioned record player that has the speed set too high for the song, our lives seem to be running at an ever faster pace. Things move by so quickly, we wake up, start our day, then next thing, we’re saying goodnight and we’re back in bed; where did the day go?…<a href='/2011/03/05/fast-food-horsemanship' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/682011-03-17T03:00:00Z2011-03-18T08:43:57ZJackson WaldCalving in February<p>Well February is here and so are a few chilly calves… more than the Wald ranch expected anyway! We were caught a little off guard, as our normal calving season isn’t supposed to start until March, but it seems that our cows decided they’d get a head start on us. What with this lovely tropical weather and all…<a href='/2011/03/17/calving-in-february' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/672011-03-12T00:00:00Z2011-03-06T11:13:03ZDanielle Boyd2011 Road to the Horse<p>Chris Cox captures his third Road to the Horse title and is named the first Legends of Colt Starting Champion. It was without a doubt the most electrifying event in the eight-year history of Road to the Horse; The World Championship of Colt Starting…<a href='/2011/03/12/2011-road-to-the-horse' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/82010-05-02T09:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:10ZMike CapronWhen Bull Headed Meets Burro Stubborn<p>This is a fine example of how cowboys call on their animal buddies to give them a hand. Burro’s make handy lead animals, they will head to the house as that is where the feed bucket is. Feed buckets have gentled as many animals as any tool that man has come up with. Things may start out a little rough for the Maverick bull…<a href='/2010/05/02/when-bull-headed-meets-burro-stubborn' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/642011-03-02T03:00:00Z2011-02-06T17:27:30ZMike CapronJames Kenney and The Cowboy Way<p>Making a cowboy is kinda like making a cake. There are a lot of different ingredients that go into creating both of these little delicacies. You have to mix everything just right and then let her bake…<a href='/2011/03/02/james-kenney-and-the-cowboy-way' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/722011-04-11T03:00:00Z2011-04-01T14:28:06ZTracy SchumerThinking Dressage with Kyra Kyrklund<p>Kyra Kyrklund is a fixture in the world of Grand Prix dressage and for for over twenty years she’s been consistently ranked amongst the world’s top dressage riders. Kyrklund has competed in six European Championships, Two World Equestrian Games and is a five-time Olympian…<a href='/2011/04/11/thinking-dressage-with-kyra-kyrklund' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/692011-04-01T03:00:00Z2011-03-21T14:31:40ZMike CapronMidnight Rider<p>It was late one evening on the fall works. We were running behind schedule so our commute home was a long and late one. This was pre-gooseneck days so the options were slim; ride your pony home in the dark, walk and lead him, or spend the night there alone and try to catch up the next day somewhere on the drive…<a href='/2011/04/01/midnight-rider' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/732011-04-17T00:10:00Z2011-04-17T06:41:52ZTracy SchumerNatural Horsemanship Goes Mainstream<p>We receive dozens of press releases and news feeds every day here at HMH. Most cover mundane horse industry news but a few are really interesting. Occasionally, something really special comes in over the wire. The story below with accompanying video is well worth a look…<a href='/2011/04/17/natural-horsemanship-goes-mainstream' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/142010-05-10T09:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:11ZJackson WaldColts in the Spring<p>I’d like to talk about the colts Dad and I are riding right now. At the moment we have four; Jr. (Cause he looks just like his dad), Tiempo, Sleepy (after the dwarf), and Choc, all two-year-olds and the first batch by our young stud Stylish Tip. Jr. is a sorrel with one white spot in the middle of his back…<a href='/2010/05/10/colts-in-the-spring' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/202010-06-20T10:00:00Z2010-06-20T14:56:12ZMike CapronJoyridin'<p>Some people enjoy ridin’ when the conditions are in their favor, other fellers enjoy ridin’ no matter what the conditions. We will call these fellers who enjoy ridin’ under any conditions Joyriders. They will ride anything just to keep from walking.…<a href='/2010/06/20/joyridin' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/762011-05-01T03:00:00Z2011-04-28T15:00:15ZJackson WaldLeachman Sale<p>The beginning of this April there was a very large scale dispersion sale of the Hairpin Cavvy belonging to Jim Leachman. It consisted of roughly 800 horses: brood mares, herd studs, fillies, young studs and whatever yearlings and babies hadn’t been weaned…<a href='/2011/05/01/leachman-sale' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/772011-05-09T03:00:00Z2011-04-30T05:59:58ZTracy SchumerObservations on the Hair Rope Mecate<p>It’s been eighteen years since a friend gave me my first hair rope, it was a nice little sorrel and white mohair <em>Mecate</em> and at the time, I didn’t have a clue how to use it on my horse so it hung in the tack room as decoration. Years went by before I would begin to understand and appreciate how practical a simple hair rope could be…<a href='/2011/05/09/observations-on-the-hair-rope-mecate' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/282010-07-26T17:00:00Z2010-07-27T15:32:41ZJackson WaldBranding Camp 2010<p>Well last week I was having the time of my life at a branding camp here in Montana for about six days. We stayed up in a pasture with a horse trailer for a cook wagon and branded calves every day. We would get up about 4:00-4:30 every morning and have a light breakfast with lots of good coffee.…<a href='/2010/07/26/branding-camp-2010' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/792011-05-25T03:00:00Z2011-05-25T14:07:18ZMike CapronSweet Talkin's Over Part 2<p>Looking for my run away cow, where did she go? I left the house expecting to run into the black motley-faced cow not too far from where I last saw her. I hadn’t chased her or caused her to be alarmed in any way. All I did was unload my horse and get on him…<a href='/2011/05/25/sweet-talkin-s-over-part-2' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/782011-05-16T03:00:00Z2011-04-30T09:25:10ZTracy SchumerIntroduce the Hackamore to Your Horse<p>The traditional hackamore, known in classical terms as the Jaquima is a versatile tool that can be applied to any discipline and any breed of horse. First impressions are important, in order for your horse to accept and appreciate the subtlety of the hackamore, his first experience needs to follow carefully executed foundation work.…<a href='/2011/05/16/introduce-the-hackamore-to-your-horse' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/702011-03-28T03:00:00Z2011-03-27T13:47:02ZTracy SchumerAnxious Rider? Relax, You’re Not Alone<p>A recent survey of eventing riders found that none considered themselves overt ‘risk takers’, however, some did admit that they experience, “extreme fear and anxiety during competitions”. The survey was conducted by the University of South Australia and included riders aged 14-54 from beginner level to international competitors…<a href='/2011/03/28/anxious-rider-relax-you-re-not-alone' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/802011-05-27T03:00:00Z2011-05-27T13:55:21ZTracy SchumerHMH is One Year Old!<p>The month of May has been anniversary month here at High Minded Horseman. To celebrate in style we <del>hosted lavish parties in exotic locations</del> popped a bottle of Prosecco out back on the patio; it’s been a fun fascinating year. Numbers don’t lie, well at least the ones from Google Analytics are pretty reliable and what they tell us is exciting…<a href='/2011/05/27/hmh-is-one-year-old' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/822011-06-02T03:00:00Z2011-06-02T05:52:31ZTracy SchumerBuck Brannaman Film to be Released<p>It’s been a long time coming but finally, a major film documentary about trainer/clinician Buck Brannaman will showcase horsemanship through feel on the big screen. Already a multiple award winner including a recent win at the Sundance Film Festival, this film directed by Cindy Meehl, is already generating a lot of positive review…<a href='/2011/06/02/buck-brannaman-film-to-be-released' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/842011-06-06T03:00:00Z2011-06-06T03:52:43ZTracy SchumerHere’s Why You Should Wear A Helmet<p>Each year in the US, 70,000 people turn up in emergency rooms with injuries related to equestrian activities and of those 12,000 are head injuries. In fact, as hard to believe as this may be, horseback riders suffer the same injury rate as motorcycle riders…<a href='/2011/06/06/here-s-why-you-should-wear-a-helmet' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/922011-09-24T03:00:00Z2011-09-24T18:43:15ZMike CapronEagles Hate to Bathe<p>It was January 19, 1975, a cold front was in full force and the temperature was dropping fast but the wind was blowing even faster. Snow blowing in the wind at about 60 miles an hour and the temperature was bouncing around 20 degrees…<a href='/2011/09/24/eagles-hate-to-bathe' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/812011-06-01T03:00:00Z2011-06-01T11:30:48ZDenise ShireyOver Fifty and Still in the Saddle<p>As an older lady I consider myself fortunate to still be in the saddle, even more so to still be riding colts. When the action starts though, and riding a frisky three-year-old pretty much guarantees that, I’m reminded of Jack Nicholson’s line in the film The Bucket List “never trust a fart”- in this case it not only applies to the colt but to me as well…<a href='/2011/06/01/over-fifty-and-still-in-the-saddle' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/832011-06-06T03:00:00Z2011-06-04T16:19:10ZMike CapronSweet Talkin’s Over Part 3<p>As I returned to camp, I thought of all the different things that had happened during the past year. There was a long list of circumstances on how the cattle developed such conviction in their escape routines and to what extent they would go in order to hide and get away…<a href='/2011/06/06/sweet-talkin-s-over-part-3' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/852011-06-17T03:00:00Z2011-06-17T07:39:27ZTracy SchumerJune Feature Article Updates<p>The Florida Carriage Museum and Resort has been sold and Road to the Horse, the world championship of colt starting goes global…<a href='/2011/06/17/june-feature-article-updates' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/872011-07-04T03:00:00Z2011-06-26T07:02:03ZTracy SchumerAJ Mangum Unbridled<p>One of the best known editors in equine publishing, AJ Mangum opens up about life beyond Western Horseman , balancing his love of horses with his role as a journalist and the inspiring experiences he’s had along the way…<a href='/2011/07/04/aj-mangum-unbridled' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/862011-07-04T03:00:00Z2011-06-24T04:39:58ZMike CapronHey Bull!<p>Gathering remnant with a crew of dogs has always been a favorite chore of mine. Like most sporting events, a little hard to explain on the financial spread sheet but highly justifiable in my mind.The following events took place on some remote real estate of a mountainous nature and there sure was plenty of it…<a href='/2011/07/04/hey-bull' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/892011-07-18T03:00:00Z2011-07-02T06:40:27ZTracy SchumerHow do You Feel to your Horse?<p>An experience in Portugal last year permanently altered my concept of feel. Instead of always looking at feel from the direction of how the horse feels to me, it got me thinking instead about how I feel to the horse…<a href='/2011/07/18/how-do-you-feel-to-your-horse' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/902011-07-11T03:00:00Z2011-07-03T07:30:58ZTracy SchumerFirst Look at War Horse Movie Trailer<p>I had the opportunity to see the play in London which was brilliant. The life-sized horse puppets were beautiful works of art. The actors were even able to ride the puppets on stage which were so lifelike…<a href='/2011/07/11/first-look-at-war-horse-movie-trailer' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/882011-08-01T03:00:00Z2011-07-02T06:47:23ZTracy SchumerMeet 'The Maestro' Philippe Karl<p>Searching for a small riding faculty in Baden, Switzerland, we find the barn tucked away inside an industrial complex. A person would never guess there were horses here, much less one of the world’s most important dressage masters…<a href='/2011/08/01/meet-the-maestro-philippe-karl' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>tag:www.highmindedhorseman.com,2024:Article/912011-09-15T03:00:00Z2011-09-15T12:41:08ZTracy SchumerTCAA 2011 Show Sneak Preview<p>I recently had the opportunity to Interview Canadian silversmith and current TCAA president Scott Hardy. The big news is that for the first time the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association will be teaming up with the Cowboy Artists of America in a joint exhibition…<a href='/2011/09/15/tcaa-2011-show-sneak-preview' class='more-btn' title='Click to read this complete article'>More</a></p>