Horse Riding Training

We loaded up the RV and headed to Plant City for a course in Ranch Horse Versatility. There we were going to watch some cowboys cutting some cows. It was about an hour and a half trip in RV that Ken purchased for horse shows and it happens to double as a great way for his students to travel anywhere for that matter. So a couple of bathroom breaks, a food stop, some gas, for the RV that is and we made it to plant city. This is just a quick little video where the cowboy drops one of his reins right in the middle of his horse splitting the herd and cutting a cow. Sit back, relax and let the horse take over from here. Those versatile ranch horses are amazing and they really know their stuff.

For more horse photography go to The Native Floridan – Horse Photography

Horsemanship is very important to Horse Riding Training and so much moor.  Thanks, to good horseman like Tom & Bill Durrance, Ray Hunt, John Lyons, Dennis Reis and more, the term horsemanship no longer means grooming, leading and feeding. Now we think about things like “Unity, softness, & harmony” between the horse and rider. Now becoming obsolete, thankfully, are such devices as tie-downs, twisted-wire snaffles, lunge lines, side reins, mechanical hackamores.  Instead, through education and an understanding of the horses mind. We can help the horse feel confident and secure in our environment. This is our responsibility to the horse.  This new approach of working with the mind of the horse is a common-sense one.  There’s nothing mystical about it.

“Horsemanship” is the human’s ability to create unity with the horse from feel, timing, and balance.  This is achieved through understanding the mind of the horse.  The result is a calm, content horse that exhibits suppleness, straightness, energy (or” life”) and flexibility – all the things necessary for any discipline of riding. We need to develop the ability to understand what the horses are telling us by reading their expressions and, further, by fulfilling their need to be comfortable on the inside.  The horse is the best teacher there is if you can learn to listen, but for now you may need someone to translate the horse’s language into human terms.

Humility, time, dedication, discipline, patience, and self-awareness are the major ingredients to achieving a confident, soft, willing horse. This is a tall order to ask of oneself, but by thoroughly following this path to horsemanship you’ll not fail the horse.  Finally let the final judge of all work be the horse, for you can always believe what he says.  We begin the program by laying a foundation for Horse Riding Training.

Most horses would agree with me.  But after taking a closer look I think this one is giving me some attitude.  Here at Najorka Performance Horses ( Horse Riding Training ) we try to keep horses from giving you the hoof or in this case the zerbert.   Nothing better than a big wet sloppy horsey kiss.

Stephanie prerading to show Ruby in a Reining Horse Show.  One of many things we do at Najorka Performance Horses.

Horse Riding Training is my life. So every day I see lots of different long faces. I put together a collection of the great horses that we have fun with on a daily basis here at Najorka Performance Horses.  All are happy horses…..well most of the time.  There is this one named Smarty that is happy most of the time but sometimes she gets a little grumpy and carrys a scowl on her face.  If you look close you just might be able to pick her out of the lineup.  Here is a little hint…she has a brown face.  With all of the Horse Riding and training that we do around here, I’m sure you will see more videos similar to this thanks to the Horse Photography of Wayne Roth at The Native Floridian.

EQUINE SAFETY at Horse Riding and Training

Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship.

Handling horses can be dangerous. Whether mounted or working on the ground, safety should be a top priority. While accidents can happen when handling any horse, handling young horses or horses without much training require increased safety awareness. Because of the nature of the equipment used in ground training as well as the unpredictable outbursts characteristic of young horses, you may be particularly vulnerable during ground work and your horse’s first rides. During this early training things can quickly get confusing and dangerous. By practicing safe horse handling and riding practices you will greatly minimize your chances of accidents when working with a young horse. Most horse – related mishaps are caused by one of the following:

1.        A lack of understanding in reading a horse’s body language; lack of experience in handling horses; lack of ability or not having a way with horses.

2.        Carelessness, lack of attention, and over – confidence.

3.        Working in unsafe facilities.

4.        Inadequate or improper training of the horse.

5.        Inadequate or improper training and / or supervision of the handler or rider.

6.        Unsuitable horse.

7.        Equipment failure.

8.        Poor equipment fit.

9.        Bad luck such as a horse spooking, slipping, or falling.

10.    Handler or rider hasn’t planned for emergencies.

11.    Loss of temper.

12.    Presence of other horses and riders.

Short cutting proper safety practices is probably the number one cause of equine – related accidents. Do not try to teach a horse something that is beyond your own capabilities and do not attempt a maneuver that is far too advanced for a particular horse.  Keep the pace of your training schedule conservative and steady.



Here at Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship, Ken is the coach of University of Central Florida Western Equesterian Team, Najorka Performance Horse High School Team, Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Instructor as seen on RFDTV and we now have the American Ranch Horse Association of Florida

Horses and dogs

Many barns, stables and trail ride areas have strict rules against loose dogs. The reasons for this are valid-often dogs can either be aggressive to horses or accidentally spook them with rambunctious behavior. Either way, dogs and horses often don’t mix well. The reaction you experienced with your horse is not uncommon. In fact, I know of many horse related accidents that were caused by loose dogs getting after horses. I’m glad you were not hurt!

When confronted by dogs, many horses will become frightened and their natural flight response will be triggered. There are a few things you can do to help the situation. First, and most importantly, try to remain calm and relaxed- your apprehension can easily feed the horse’s instinct to flee. Even if you are frightened, you need to ãfakeä courage so your horse will have more confidence. Take deep breaths, keep your back and legs relaxed and try not to choke up on the reins. Sit deep in the saddle. Act like it is no big deal and your horse is less likely to panic.

Turn your horse to face the dogs as they approach. Use simple calming techniques such as stroking his neck, a crest massage or singing. Since what he probably wants to do is whirl and run, you need to give him something else to do. Some simple lateral work or disengagement of the hindquarters is good replacement behavior.

Often dogs will lose interest if the horse doesn’t run, so you need to try to prevent that. If the dogs do not lose interest you will need to get your horse to just quietly walk away. Once you are out of their territory they will probably leave you alone. Try to let the horse just take 2-3 steps at a time and then halt, so that you remain in control at all times.

Something to think about is that horses are herd animals so they generally feel safer in a group. This is one reason it might not be a good idea to ride on the trail by your self. ( I will not go on the trail alone) Always use good trail riding precautions, such as carrying a cell phone for use in emergencies. Some trail riders carry pepper spray- if you ride in an area where dogs are a real problem, you might consider that. Many areas have leash laws for dogs, so if you continue to have problems on certain trails you might look into what the local authorities can do to help you.

Remember, it can be very dangerous to run into aggressive or energetic dogs out on the trail. Be sure to spend the time enhancing the training of your horse and developing the relationship of trust that is so important in difficult situations.

Trail riding in Florida

Here at Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship, Ken is the coach of University of Central Florida Western Equesterian Team, Najorka Performance Horse High School Team, Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Instructor as seen on RFDTV and we now have the American Ranch Horse Association of Florida

A CHECK LIST FOR GROUND WORK

Can be caught easily

Can be haltered smoothly

Can be turned loose safely

Will walk alongside handler,  (Left and Right side)

Will perform the following maneuvers with handler on either side:

Stop

Turn Left and Right

Back

Turn on the forehand to the left and right from both sides

Turn on the hindquarters to the left and right from both sides

Halt on the long line from front, rear and both sides

Can be EASILY led with the bridle

Can be led with halter or bridle away from other horses

Can be led over obstacles such as:

Ground Poles

Plywood or platform

Concrete

Plastic Tarp

Can be led by obstacles:

Flag

Tractor

Plastic or fence

Can work gate in – hand

Here at Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship, Ken is the coach of University of Central Florida Western Equesterian Team, Najorka Performance Horse High School Team, Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Instructor as seen on RFDTV and we now have the American Ranch Horse Association of Florida

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Najorka Horsemanship , Horse Training, working with your problem horse. When a human and a horse stand facing each other in a training pen,  we do not  want to fight or be frightened.  If we want a long term relationship , then we need to understand a form of communication with our horse. We must watch each other  carefully, listen acutely, and respond honestly.  The trainer needs to make the rules and be in charge. But for a partnership to be successful, the rules should be based on natural instincts and talents of the horse.  For a human to win, It is not important for a horse to loose. We should not take away from the horse  but take the time to train him.

Najorka Horsemanship - Ken and Elle -

Positive and Negative Reinforcement, What is it?

Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship.

Positive and negative reinforcement are both designed to encourage a particular behavior in the future. Together they can be thought of as reinforcers – actions by a trainer to encourage desired behavior.

Things that a horse inherently perceives as either positive or negative are primary reinforcers. Examples of positive primary reinforcers are food, a scratch on the withers, a rest break; negative primary reinforcers are preasure on the mouth and a spur on the ribs. The horse does not have to be taught to feel good about positive primary reinforcers or bad about negative primary reinforcers  – his reaction to them is intrinsic.

Secondary reinforcers must be learned. Positive secondary reinforcers are much more common in Horse Training than negative secondary reinforcers. Although a gruff warning could be thought of as a negative secondary reinforce because the horse has learned that this sound means that he had better not do something wrong, a verbal scolding after the fact would technically be classified as punishment. Punishment is another discussion.

Positive secondary reinforcers are things which the horse learns to appreciate such as a part of a kind word. To teach a horse to perceive a secondary reinforce as a reward it should be initially linked with a positive primary reinforce. For a horse to respond to the trainer’s voice as a reward, consistent words, tone, and inflection must be used at times when the horse is receiving a primary reinforser. For example, if you were to say” good boy!” in a pleasant, praising voice as you fed your horse a treat or as you released the reins so he could stretch his neck, when you later used the phrase during a training situation, it would tend to elicit a sense of Contentment in the horse and he would likely relax and stretch.

It takes a trainer with good knowledge, a keen sense of feel, and good reactions to reward a horse properly and effectively.

Equine and Rider Accident

What is acceptable?

Here at Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship, Ken is the coach of University of Central Florida Western Equesterian Team, Najorka Performance Horse High School Team, Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Instructor as seen on RFDTV and we now have the American Ranch Horse Association of Florida

Through my work with horses and students in Horse Riding Training, Reining, Ranch Horses, English, and Universal Horsemanship I have worked with numerous large program operators ,that have virtually zero incident rates. I am not a believer in the statement that falling off and having injuries is just a part of the sport. I believe if you have that attitude then you will have wrecks and injuries.

I am not aware of any statistics that say how many falls or injuries are normal, but I think we should all have a zero tolerance policy. Without question, riding is a risky sport and there is nothing we can do to totally eliminate the inherent risk involved with horses. However, risks can be mitigated and with a serious focus on safety, there will be fewer injuries. Certainly some riding activities are riskier than others, such as jumping, and you would expect a higher fall rate with the riskier activities.

Whether or not there is an injury associated with a fall depends on many factors, however, many people advocate teaching people how to fall by relaxing and rolling into the fall rather than bracing against it. There are many good models for this in martial arts and it may not be a bad idea to address this with your students.

Every time there is an incident, whether someone is hurt or not, there should be an incident report made and careful scrutiny by managers as to how the incident might have been prevented. There are few, if any, freak accidents and almost every incident is preventable in some way. When incidents are reported and reviewed, they become excellent training tools for improving the safety record at the facility.

I have spoken with many instructors that share your frustration in seeing the opportunity to improve the safety record at a facility, but feeling powerless to take action. The best you can do is work within the system and be persistent in making suggestions on how to improve. If you have exhausted this approach and made no progress and you still feel that the safety at the facility is unacceptable, then you may have to consider resigning. If that is the case, you should write down all of your concerns and send them in a certified letter to the owner/manager and/or board of directors. Also send a registered copy to yourself, but do not open it, just save it for your files, in the event that any future litigation arises.

The most important thing is for you to keep your high standards in safety, maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward incidents and injuries and when incidents do occur, always examine them closely and find a way to prevent it from happening again

Guideline for a Training Session

Here at Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship, Ken is the coach of University of Central Florida Western Equesterian Team, Najorka Performance Horse High School Team, Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Instructor as seen on RFDTV and we now have the American Ranch Horse Association of Florida

The goal of Horse Training is to bend the horse rather than break him. Horses are much more secure if their role is made perfectly clear. Distractions prevent the horse in training from giving his full attention to the lesson. Expect the best from each training session, but expect the worst. A typical riding session includes preparation of the horse, warm – up of horse and rider, the training session, warm – down, and a post ride care of the horse. Your relationship with your horse begins with the first step you take toward him to catch him. Tie the horse or attach him to cross – ties in a manner so that he is safe for you to work on while you are grooming and tacking him. In order to keep control of the horse while bridling, untie the lead rope, remove the halter from the horse’s head , refasten it around the horse’s neck, drape the lead rope over your left arm and proceed to bridle. Leading to arena. Leading a bridle horse is different than leading a halter horse. When you reach the arena, stop your horse straight and square and give him the command to stand. A warm – up decreases the chance of tissue damage from sudden, unusual stress. A warm – up should consist mainly of an energetic trot at a slow rhythm, not explosive or configurationally demanding work. If you need help setting goals for a session, start by thinking of the session as several short portions of time rather than one long block of time. Depending on the level of training of your horse.  Forward movement , Gymnastics (Lateral and Vertical work).In the beginning don’t be afraid to use a watch to keep track of time.As you begine your work sessions start with what your horse knows, keeping calm and quiet. Taking rest breaks is good, but do not just throw your horse away.  New work session will have tougher thing for your horse to do.  As you cool – down your horse also consider his mental conditioning.  The warm – down does not have to be just a walk around on a long rein, flexing the back and loin is good to consider.  If your horse is vary hot , do not cool down to quickly.  Finish with good grooming occasional baths and a wipe down.

Here at Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship, Ken is the coach of University of Central Florida Western Equesterian Team, Najorka Performance Horse High School Team, Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Instructor as seen on RFDTV and we now have the American Ranch Horse Association of Florida

Guideline for a Training Session

Here at Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship, Ken is the coach of University of Central Florida Western Equesterian Team, Najorka Performance Horse High School Team, Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Instructor as seen on RFDTV and we now have the American Ranch Horse Association of Florida

The goal of Horse Training is to bend the horse rather than break him. Horses are much more secure if their role is made perfectly clear. Distractions prevent the horse in training from giving his full attention to the lesson. Expect the best from each training session, but expect the worst. A typical riding session includes preparation of the horse, warm – up of horse and rider, the training session, warm – down, and a post ride care of the horse. Your relationship with your horse begins with the first step you take toward him to catch him. Tie the horse or attach him to cross – ties in a manner so that he is safe for you to work on while you are grooming and tacking him. In order to keep control of the horse while bridling, untie the lead rope, remove the halter from the horse’s head , refasten it around the horse’s neck, drape the lead rope over your left arm and proceed to bridle. Leading to arena. Leading a bridle horse is different than leading a halter horse. When you reach the arena, stop your horse straight and square and give him the command to stand. A warm – up decreases the chance of tissue damage from sudden, unusual stress. A warm – up should consist mainly of an energetic trot at a slow rhythm, not explosive or configurationally demanding work. If you need help setting goals for a session, start by thinking of the session as several short portions of time rather than one long block of time. Depending on the level of training of your horse.  Forward movement , Gymnastics (Lateral and Vertical work).In the beginning don’t be afraid to use a watch to keep track of time.As you begine your work sessions start with what your horse knows, keeping calm and quiet. Taking rest breaks is good, but do not just throw your horse away.  New work session will have tougher thing for your horse to do.  As you cool – down your horse also consider his mental conditioning.  The warm – down does not have to be just a walk around on a long rein, flexing the back and loin is good to consider.  If your horse is vary hot , do not cool down to quickly.  Finish with good grooming occasional baths and a wipe down.

Here at Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship, Ken is the coach of University of Central Florida Western Equesterian Team, Najorka Performance Horse High School Team, Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Instructor as seen on RFDTV and we now have the American Ranch Horse Association of Florida

Beginner riders and Senior Horses

http://horse-riding-training.com - Sammy and Frenchie 1

Here at Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship, Ken is the coach of University of Central Florida Western Equestrian Team, Najorka Performance Horse High School Team, Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Instructor as seen on RFDTV and we now have the American Ranch Horse Association of Florida

Why do people insist on buying a young horse for there inexperienced rider?  It’s like the blind leading the blind.  It’s amazing, a friend of mine bought a BMW for her 16 year old son, and OOPS CRASH AND BURN totaled the car in a month and almost his life.  WHY do we do this stuff? How about we teach them how to handle the animal first.  There are so many great older horses that make great teachers.  Older horses give confidence to the rider.  In my years of training, the stories of injuries to horses and riders almost always lead back to human error. Lack of education for horse and human.  Horses forgive but they don’t forget. If they get hurt, scared it takes more to help them accept the good thing.  HMMM that the same with us.  You fall off your horse and you get hurt, it is harder to get back on the next time.  You do not want to get hurt again.

Some of the comments I hear in my travels helping horses with people problems:

I do not want to take care of them later:  It’s better than having a horse in you yard you never enjoyed at all because something went wrong.

I want my child to grow up with the horse.  It’s not a dog; it’s a big dangerous horse.  If you get hurt, he will be the lawn ornament you do not like and you never really enjoyed him, just spent money on them.

I don’t want to have to deal with death: That’s called life.  It happens. Oh darn you and the horse had a lot of great time, rather than a young horse you can’t do anything with.

I don’t want to spend money on vet bills:  Horses of all ages have vet bills and pass away.

The older horse might have health problems.  With TLC in this day and age it is amazing how a good Vet and Ferrier can keep an older horse sound.  We have a 23 and 30 year old that still works every day teaching beginners.  Like us if the animal is in shape the do better.  It is amazing, my senior horses and I take the same medicine to keep us going.

I want a horse now:  Learn to be patient now or your horse will teach you patients.

If you do not have patients: Stay away from any horse. (Buy a computer)

this horse is pretty: Pretty is as pretty does.  Just because that horse is pretty does not mean it is a safe horse to ride for a beginner.

He is to old to go on a long trail ride:  I bet your but can’t go on a long ride also.  Be patient and start a fitness program for the human and horse.  Just like going to the gym, you do to much to fast, humans quite and don’t want to go again.  Same in the horse world, if your young horse makes your ride miserable because your are messing them up because you do not know as much as you think you know. You will quite riding also.

In many areas after you learn to ride and acquire some education on horses. Senior horses are passed to the next beginner to teach them.

Senior horses have a lot to share,  they need your love and attention just like we do when we get older.  The seasoned senior horses are worth there weight in gold.

Here at Najorka Performance Horses, www.centralflareiner.com, www.horse-riding-training.com, Najorka Horsemanship.  This a great place to learn about Natural Horsemanship, Reining, and Just Good Horsemanship, Ken is the coach of University of Central Florida Western Equesterian Team, Najorka Performance Horse High School Team, Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Instructor as seen on RFDTV and we now have the American Ranch Horse Association of Florida

http://horse-riding-training.com - Sammy and Frenchie

RHYTHM and Najorka Horsemanship

At Najorka Performance horses, where we teach Natural horsemanship, reining and just good horsemanship rhythm play a big role in our program.

Rhythem is the steady tempo within each gate. A gate is pure when it conforms to a precise footfall pattern that has a regular metronome – like rhythm to it. Rhythm refers to not only the true two – beat time of the trot, the three – beat time of the canter, and the four – beat time of the walk, but also to the precise landing of pairs of legs within those time signatures.  For example, in the trot and canter diagonal pairs of legs are supposed to land together. If they do not, if the front landsfirst, then the rhythm is impure due to the fact that the horse is on the forehand.  The regularity of a horse’s steps is a very important component of riding. Each gait is like a simple musical piece written in its own time.  It is helpful when you are working on recognizing, establishing, and influencing a horse’s rhythm that you train yourself to have a very specific idea in your mind of what rhythm is. A regular rhythm will provide you with a predictable set of movements on which to base the delivery of your aids.  Rhythm is inherent to some degree but can be further developed in both the horse and rider through practice.

Ken Najorka

Najorka Horsemanship

www.centralflareiner.com

www.horse-riding-training.com