It really doesn't cost you anything to show a little "class", the respectable and nowadays seemingly lost act of self governance when dealing with another. In the sports world, true sportsmanship has given way to our dog eat dog mentality that purveys itself all through society today.
I have no qualms of competitive "ruggedness" out on the field, I played soccer through high school and into college level for awhile and I can assure you, there is no mercy out there in a game. Such as it was, once off the field I had no animosity, just well meaning, healthy support towards our own team! However the act of sportsmanship requires a certain measure of respect for those you oppose. Are they not in this game also? Without them would there even be a competition? No, there wouldn't, so unless I am aware or see outright acts against or dismissal's of the standards we strive to adhere to, those set out in the rulebooks, I will accept my allies and foes on a level board.
I have watched it happen to many and experienced myself the regularly dispensed discourtesies and even flat out rudeness at a show or facility by owners, clients, trainers and surprisingly even the occasional official. More than aloofness it is an agitational cloud that sets down upon the sport. I know I am only supposed to write good feeling posts, but this is something that crucifies sports and that's a shame because what is to be a healthy activity can turn ugly enough for some to quit the sport and that is so shameful to us all as a body.
There will always be bullies and people with bad attitudes but our society often seems to reward this activity, stuffy noses struck skyward and raining down impertinence without provocation. Wow, capitol "LOSERS" in my book, I wouldn't care if they are the richest or greatest riders on the day, it only lessens the sport and the minions who desire to chase a dream. The "more" of us should choose to not reward those behavior's, but openly, actively help one another, offer good words and support, genuinely root for everyone to do well, and then strive to best them with your own efforts. treat all that are struggling with encouragement and even lend a hand. I have many times stepped in to hold onto someone's horse, load some equipment at a show, there are too many to list.
This is what breeds a healthy co-operation and healthy respect amongst competitor's, our sports require us to strive always for sportsmanship as equal to safety, ensuring a healthy activity mentally as well as physically. It's a personal choice, but the "golden rule" would be well served to your self pride and to others, certainly upon your reputation.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
What a day!
Starting early just before the break of dawn, I climbed on to my catch ride for the day, goal was to just have a nice cruise and enjoy the sunny morning at HITS Coachella, hoping for nothing dramatic! This was no normal steed , but a sweet sleek old girl that had her experiences and was well tuned, given the nudge she jumped forward with a lurch and within a short blazing run we were airborne.... Literally!
My ride today had a breeding that was all about catching the soaring altitude, Cessna (stam) 310.... For those curious here's she is!
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Being that I had not flown in a small plane in some years even though I had flown a bit myself earlier in life as my dad had owned a plane, it never ceases to excite me to sliding in behind the controls and know I'll be up in the air soon, soaring the heights. The flight down was relatively easy until we were just about to leave the mountainous are NW of Palm Springs there we had a pretty "bumpy" flight for about 10 minutes, nothing that bothered me but I know some might have had a heart flutter, just like when your horse feels like they want to turn around on a very narrow trail on the side if a mountain! After the bumps and over Palm Springs everything became smooth, with the Salton sea in the distance and then we were on final approach for the Jacqueline Cochran regional airport and soon landed with a slight cross wind adjacent to the show grounds.
We grabbed a daily schedule and I had my goal to get to the GP berm and catch the 1.40 meter classes that were already beginning. Walking up the main lane and turning to the VIP area I saw a few familiar faces in the distance and it felt like a small desert homecoming to me, this is the horse show which first was located in Indio and where many of my friends and also competitors gathered for many seasons, not only to try and best each other in tactics and internal fortitude, but to share commonly the fantastic athleticism of our equine partners we all love and with whom many have dedicated a lifetime to.
Walking up onto the berm I first meet Ray Texel, a fellow local to my area, another lifetime equestrian, we quickly caught up on the latest and talked about the current show and the future plans we look forward to. On to the "gate" of the GP ring and as some who know me I can't help but be a joker, I noticed the area was clear of people, so I walked up to the booth and announced in a desperate sounding voice at I had 2 adds and they are getting off the trailer now! For those of you who may not know, a late added horse to a class is one of the frustrations at the gate! Along with a rather late arriving rider it is near the top of a list of pains, so I joke with gate sometimes and always they look at me at first in disbelief then just a grin, this time quipping "lol on that one"!
Lucky for me as I stepped behind a horse going by I met up with Richard Spooner, whom I have not spoken too since the Sacramento International some years back. Richard was all smiles and after introducing my friend and plane owner, we talked about various stuff, I told a story of how one day here at HITS Coachella, I was showing this cute little mare from Oregon. While standing at the gate third to go, how it was a long sleepy afternoon and I had just closed my eyes for a moment , then heard someone talking to my horse in soft tones., Opening my eyes, I look upon Richard, whom had her head cradled in his arms, sweet talking her and she was going fast asleep! I semi accused him of un-sportsmanship, it being a ploy to set our performance back, lol! We both laughed over that.
Moving on to the bleachers we had the opportunity to watch some great rounds by 1.40m riders and horses, in the break before the big class we took lunch in the cafeteria, a hubbub of spectators, equestrians, family and staff.Then a quick trip back to the stands to see the $30,000 Grand Prix class.
It was a real mix at this level of the experienced horse and riders just trying to get qualified for the AIG million on Sunday to the up and coming young horses and riders riding at the top of their game, testing the water at the 1.40 meter level G.P. Watching the efforts of the horses you can see the fantastic athleticism in each, the big gallops and the huge efforts to clear big spreads and adjusting for the problems the course designer set.
I was happy to watch both Richard Spooner and my friend and former teacher Richard Fellers ride with impeccable ability, of course I had to cheer on Mandy Porter on WT Leapfrog who happens to be a 1/2 brother (by Liocaylon) to my up and coming mare Bay Breeze.
There were many more riders I knew who gave a great performance on a nice track that was set with some areas consistently challenging more than a few, with often one rail down and a few unlucky eliminations, but 12 got qualified for jump off! In the end it was Un Diamant des Forets, ridden by Jim Ifko who laid down the burning track to first, followed by Ifko's second mount Celine la Silla for a one ,two finish. Third went to Ali Ramsey and CASINO and fourth with Hugh Mutch close up on Killossery Kuidam!
As it turned out it was a wonderful way to spend an otherwise work day, I rarely give myself that time off like a lot of self employed people I tend to go, go, go....till I drop! This day was great in so many ways, the satisfaction to do something that has been one of my greatest loves since childhood and that is flying coupled with another love that is horses and everything about them. It could be roping, cross country,working cow horse/reigning, jumping, extreme trail, freestyle or dressage, I love all aspects of horses! Though I am drawn to jumping it's just being with horses and horse people, that comadre and competition and seeing the wonderful athletes going for it.
Looking back after takeoff it seemed hard to believe the day went so fast, there in the distance and growing smaller by the minute the barns and arenas were slowly closing down for the meet.
"Heads up" for another adventure soon!
Ride on!
Clayton Jackson, April 2019
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Saddling and bridling; Why don't more get it right!
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| Clay and "Bay Breeze" |
In my observations a large percentage of my newest students are not giving enough attention to the preparation of the horse before climbing on. I usually start off in my first lesson about theory and the goal of establishing balance through correct position, however more often than not I see mistake's at an elementary level when tacking up. So I've gathered a few of them and will discuss them and hopefully more people will follow suit.
First off grooming: I see quite few barns that have professional groom thereby eliminating that step from horsemanship, that which we as teachers should be aiming at (another article). I suggest that all riders should get involved in that first process as it will teach them skills and I believe there are some lessons in empathy to be discovered at that point. What I have observed and coincidingly corrected was how each person prepared the horse, starting with grooming, then saddling and ultimately bridling.
There are a lot of people haven't the slightest idea that grooming is a function of basic horsemanship, that done correctly there are actual physical benefits not just making them look "nice". Correct grooming culminating into correct turnout is the first key area to teach! Make sure they (you) know how to stand properly when cleaning out the feet, which is staying closer to the horse with your body.
Making sure to groom under the horse as well (often missed) and to check for physical issues such as a swollen area or a abrasion/sore in some area where tack may rub and irritate, how evenly does the horse flex on each limb, hoof condition, eyes etc. This primary step is often the best to start up a relationship with the horse, get to know each other and the rider can ascertain the disposition of the horse. I teach and expect every student to show empathy, first off most horses are affected right away by the way we treat them and I believe they remember you, were you a jerk and unsympathetic or the opposite and left the horse with a good experience?
One could go on and on with the list, the point is that the first encounter in the grooming stall can establish goodwill and prevent an accident or injury by a simple discovering of a potential issue. On this I would like to expand a little.... how many instructor/teacher/trainers actively teach "WHAT" to look for? Do they even know themselves? By years of habit, I check over the horse as I am grooming and have by that habit discovered from time to time an issue that may not have shown up until I was out riding and noticed poor performance or unsoundness and it's often overlooked by many.
I realize that many will dismiss even scorn me for making such a "issue" over an elementary subject, However, I have, too many times, in teaching individuals and clinics, found myself facing a neglect to follow a good procedure in preparation to ride. I would venture that currently a large percentage of students have to learn it, as fewer instructor's seem to be teaching it. Few exhibit in action, what I would expect from any beginner rider. Many look the part of an equestrian but fewer act it out.
Frequently, I notice things like disheveled hair under the bridle at the poll, this often leads to head tossing and other "seemingly" rebellious activities. I wish I had a dollar for every time I had to correct this and other basics. How many times have I had to "educate" a groom or a student while tightening the girth NOT to set the girth tight in the grooming stall, my habit is to set the girth just enough to be snug (I can still get my hand easily under it) and then again before mounting, Ill check or tighten once mounted too! I have never created a "girthy" horse but have corrected that vice in quite a few by using this method. Not checking saddle fit is another of my pet peeves, realizing that the rider has no clue about it is amazing, this follows with bit choice and fit as well as subsequent bridle fit/adjustments... I am a real pain in the "tucas" aren't I? Well it's a fact that few teach it, so why am I surprised few exhibit it? Good grooming and saddling practices are essential to preserve the horse health and well being and ultimately safety
I know every student just wants to get to the end game, reach their threshold of experience on the horse, perhaps take home that ribbon and I myself admittedly can't wait to get to the jumps or the trail or whatever my goal is for the day.... but not a single time can one over look the basics and everyone should learn them and practice them and TEACH them. I will soon create some instructional video and text to encourage riders and teachers to promote good basics and ultimately share some of my insights in working with horses my entire life, I'll have about 55 years and several hundred horses of insight to share with you, hopefully it will be met with fruition and many more educated riders/trainers will emerge! First teach and require empathy in every case, each student, must learn correctness in preparation of the horse physically and as well mentally.
"Riding and teaching should be fun but not at the expense of the horse even at the slightest level."
Clayton A Jackson 3-2019
Monday, May 16, 2016
The good old days of a "paper chase"!
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| Penryn, California "Mock Hunt" |
I know they still have hunts around the country but I hear of very few if any anymore "Paper Chases" or "Mock Hunt". Not a sanctioned event with the hounds, more like a practice round. It would still seem to me appropriate and attractive to test your "Hunter" horses skills in the field. Now I am not suggesting the X-C as in the 3 day test, but just a countryside hack with a few obstacles. The picture above was from one that was put on in the sixties era up in Penryn, California. Sponsored in part by my old friend and mentor Judson Wright,
. I used to spend a week every year at the farm on my way to show in Indio and later worked out of Judson's farm in 2007-09 after his passing and then later made my move to Marin in the North Bay Area of San Francisco, now I am in the Wine Country of Santa Rosa and love the area. They trained on regular outdoor obstacles as well as in the ring 40 years ago you would find Amateurs riding Thoroughbreds across the fields and in the many show rings. Not so much anymore.
So I am thinking ,"Why do most Hunter/Jumper horses never have the opportunity to go do what they are purported to be so good at"? I know, because a large percentage of the riders often lack the skill set to deal with just a simple country hack, nor the horses. Why? Because it takes time to haul out for a country hack, trail rides are rarely sponsored or even suggested by most that I know. It is too risky some say, I know with the advent of the Derby it has been (greatly) an improvement, but I would still like to see Hunters and Jumpers out in the country, hacking in the woods. Jumping a natural obstacle in a real life setting is quite refreshing and your horse will appreciate the change from the endless circles around the ring. In this respect I support the Eventing discipline in that they do expose the horse to a more natural way of going on the X-C course, though there is often a little to be said of the technique in the stadium jumping arena.... Every disciple can learn something from the other!!!
So I am thinking ,"Why do most Hunter/Jumper horses never have the opportunity to go do what they are purported to be so good at"? I know, because a large percentage of the riders often lack the skill set to deal with just a simple country hack, nor the horses. Why? Because it takes time to haul out for a country hack, trail rides are rarely sponsored or even suggested by most that I know. It is too risky some say, I know with the advent of the Derby it has been (greatly) an improvement, but I would still like to see Hunters and Jumpers out in the country, hacking in the woods. Jumping a natural obstacle in a real life setting is quite refreshing and your horse will appreciate the change from the endless circles around the ring. In this respect I support the Eventing discipline in that they do expose the horse to a more natural way of going on the X-C course, though there is often a little to be said of the technique in the stadium jumping arena.... Every disciple can learn something from the other!!!
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| Clay schooling a young horse X-C Woodside, California |
Ten years ago I was bringing young horses in from Holland and the first few times they went on a country hack they were often "lost"! I would ask them to open up on the trail, just gallop and they held themselves back! I had to encourage them to GO! When they finally loosened up, it was very cool.... their ears stood up and they flew along in a freedom they had never experienced other than perhaps in a jump off around a course and that was even structured.
Take them out as much as possible for their goodwill and for your experience, it's a blast!
Clay Jackson
"Rumor has it"
"The truth or fact about a person or an event is rarely known outside of those personally involved, but supposition of the facts, is fielded by many "experts" who will bear witness in testimony"
Clay Jackson.
So, my advice to those who love to gossip or state "heard facts" about someone, beware how you pass on this information.... we all talk about others, as is human nature, but to say it in "fact" is a very risky action. I have been told by a few that certain people have such "negative" qualities and stay clear. After meeting these individuals and getting to know them I have quite the opposite feeling about them. Funny how the old saying about not "judging a book by it's cover", have so much truth in its teaching.
I have heard things about myself that at first I am blown away, simply because it is so blatantly off course! Then I have to laugh because I don't even know the people who seem to know me! Everyone has had something in their life go astray a mistake or a personal problem so to make a persons whole demeanor or candor based of that one single issue is so ridiculous! No one person is above reproach and if they claim it it says a lot about them. I have a lot of people I respect that others do not.... so we all have our perspective, it doesn't make them wrong or terrible.
To clarify I am not talking about a capitol crime just rumors and talk about each other.... Keep it straight folks and if you have a concern....Talk to the person in question, ASK. and then form your own opinion as you might hear some interesting things!
Clay
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Learning to realize; hot maybe not!
Hot.... the three letter word that can bring a cringe to any average horse rider today, let alone quite a few professional trainers! I like what some "consider" hot horses and I am certainly given that reputation over the years. Recently a client of mine was told (not so indirectly) that I had the reputation of pushing my students to practice difficult exercises and putting them on hot horses.
I was not surprised. Literally, it is no surprise, as I am openly appalled at the lack of real horsemanship taught these days by many. My students are not "coddled" for the very reason I never was, growing up and learning to ride. I have had many students from other programs claiming they have ridden for years and yet don't know the basic things I teach in the first few months.To be good at any sport, in fact, good at a very dangerous sport, you have to be ready, tough and very "real" about your undertaking and your current abilities. When it comes to horses; I disagree with many on what is hot. Let me tell you a short story:
I remember speaking to an elderly equestrian one day ten years ago, who came out of his house as I was riding down a country lane on a very alert, young warm blood cross. I chanced to meet Curtis Nelson, whom used to run the old Sacramento riding club (a popular haunt for local equestrians in the 60's and early 70's such as Barbara Worth, Skip Wright and many others, ), A tall willowy man, he stepped off his porch and came out to the gate to speak with me. He said "We don't see much of that any more", When I asked what? he replied "People riding out for a hack, he looks spirited....how old is he?" I said, "Just and four a half years, still going on two"! Curtis laughed and then replied, "You know we all rode Thoroughbreds back in the day, we never had these warm bloods to ride, they weren't invented yet". "Usually something "hot" off the track was all most could afford and the amateurs then thought nothing of riding a 4' foot fence, that was common. Nothing like they do these days, these little 2'6" jumps! Anything under 3' at a show was usually for the ponies! That conversation went on for another 30 minutes and I will always be fond of it. It personified my belief that as an industry it has become all about making money and not making horses and riders.There is something more.... The American Thoroughbred, a treasure of a breed is largely overlooked by most buyers, referred en-masse to as "Too Hot". Which is just a shame! I have ridden "HOT" Quarter horses, Arabians, Saddlebreds, Mustangs, Tennessee Walkers, Iberian Warmbloods, Morgan and many Dutch, German, Irish bred horses, etc., just about any horse breed you can imagine will have a variety of personalities.... I have ridden horses straight from the track that were amazing "packers"and some that definitely were only "born to run". Another article about them someday.
What I find is the average "hot" horse is not. It is simply the uneducated rider/handler that considers them so. Often I think they are just a lively horse, not "crazy". The term "hot" came from that early era of racing and it referred to a horse right from a race, they were hot and had to be walked (usually by a boy) and that is were the term came from. They were mostly trained by a professional and often took a professional to re-school them but just an average intermediate rider would often ride them. It seems revealing that most of today's average "intermediate" riders prefer a "packer"? My definition of a "packer" is more befitting of a mule carrying supplies down the mountain trail! Today it is horse that will continue at a given pace and direction and despite the absolute recklessness or inability of the rider to stay in control and will continue to perform on it's own accord. The individual designated trainer is then allowed to focus more on their income strategy than teaching the rider horsemanship. which I can say I strongly oppose the overuse of "packers"! They may have there place in the pony rings and the first time adult riders, not after someone has become skilled enough. That skill level is directly affected by the teachers knowledge base.
Keeping a client on a "packer"for years keeps them on a fixed path and the revenue flowing in, doesn't it? The reality is that collectively, the industry trainers have lowered an expectation for riders to actually learn to ride. What I can say is; it's mostly a dressed up dude string you find in many barns like many vacation rentals, the horse who mindlessly follows the horse ahead of them on the trail, is also parading into the show ring with a rider of slightly more knowledge than a pedestrian. I rode so called "hot" horses as a young child, safely. How far can we dumb down the horse and rider for the sake of job security, just to make a buck?
I like to have successful clients, but I can assure you that anyone coming through my program will need to accept each aspect of horsemanship and develop the skills of an adept rider or they will need to move on to a program following the prevailing trend. The trend more concerned about style, appearances. Believe me; I am certainly not an advocate of recklessness! I am an advocate of EDUCATION which in my book means SAFETY! What gives? It is not that hard!!! If you can teach at all.... teach or try to learn how to accept a challenge, to realize limitations and encourage your student or yourself to grow beyond them! You don't have to be jumping a 4' wall to be a horseman, but you have to care more about the horse than the brand of tack your putting on him and what someone's opinion of your breeches are! Hot often is not, because many who call themselves teachers, are not taught and subsequently are not teaching..... and therein lies a Catch-22.
When you are afraid to expect your student to ride nothing more than a "packer" you're the one who's in need of an education. USEF/USHJA/USEA/USDF offer excellent guidelines through individual Trainer Certification and continued education clinics. I highly recommend you attend and participate in the programs. These are all designed to promote the longevity, safety and success of our equestrian pursuits, George Morris said it in so many words, "Our job as trainers are to turn out Horsemen and Women not just show winners".
Clay Jackson
I was not surprised. Literally, it is no surprise, as I am openly appalled at the lack of real horsemanship taught these days by many. My students are not "coddled" for the very reason I never was, growing up and learning to ride. I have had many students from other programs claiming they have ridden for years and yet don't know the basic things I teach in the first few months.To be good at any sport, in fact, good at a very dangerous sport, you have to be ready, tough and very "real" about your undertaking and your current abilities. When it comes to horses; I disagree with many on what is hot. Let me tell you a short story:
I remember speaking to an elderly equestrian one day ten years ago, who came out of his house as I was riding down a country lane on a very alert, young warm blood cross. I chanced to meet Curtis Nelson, whom used to run the old Sacramento riding club (a popular haunt for local equestrians in the 60's and early 70's such as Barbara Worth, Skip Wright and many others, ), A tall willowy man, he stepped off his porch and came out to the gate to speak with me. He said "We don't see much of that any more", When I asked what? he replied "People riding out for a hack, he looks spirited....how old is he?" I said, "Just and four a half years, still going on two"! Curtis laughed and then replied, "You know we all rode Thoroughbreds back in the day, we never had these warm bloods to ride, they weren't invented yet". "Usually something "hot" off the track was all most could afford and the amateurs then thought nothing of riding a 4' foot fence, that was common. Nothing like they do these days, these little 2'6" jumps! Anything under 3' at a show was usually for the ponies! That conversation went on for another 30 minutes and I will always be fond of it. It personified my belief that as an industry it has become all about making money and not making horses and riders.There is something more.... The American Thoroughbred, a treasure of a breed is largely overlooked by most buyers, referred en-masse to as "Too Hot". Which is just a shame! I have ridden "HOT" Quarter horses, Arabians, Saddlebreds, Mustangs, Tennessee Walkers, Iberian Warmbloods, Morgan and many Dutch, German, Irish bred horses, etc., just about any horse breed you can imagine will have a variety of personalities.... I have ridden horses straight from the track that were amazing "packers"and some that definitely were only "born to run". Another article about them someday.
What I find is the average "hot" horse is not. It is simply the uneducated rider/handler that considers them so. Often I think they are just a lively horse, not "crazy". The term "hot" came from that early era of racing and it referred to a horse right from a race, they were hot and had to be walked (usually by a boy) and that is were the term came from. They were mostly trained by a professional and often took a professional to re-school them but just an average intermediate rider would often ride them. It seems revealing that most of today's average "intermediate" riders prefer a "packer"? My definition of a "packer" is more befitting of a mule carrying supplies down the mountain trail! Today it is horse that will continue at a given pace and direction and despite the absolute recklessness or inability of the rider to stay in control and will continue to perform on it's own accord. The individual designated trainer is then allowed to focus more on their income strategy than teaching the rider horsemanship. which I can say I strongly oppose the overuse of "packers"! They may have there place in the pony rings and the first time adult riders, not after someone has become skilled enough. That skill level is directly affected by the teachers knowledge base.
Keeping a client on a "packer"for years keeps them on a fixed path and the revenue flowing in, doesn't it? The reality is that collectively, the industry trainers have lowered an expectation for riders to actually learn to ride. What I can say is; it's mostly a dressed up dude string you find in many barns like many vacation rentals, the horse who mindlessly follows the horse ahead of them on the trail, is also parading into the show ring with a rider of slightly more knowledge than a pedestrian. I rode so called "hot" horses as a young child, safely. How far can we dumb down the horse and rider for the sake of job security, just to make a buck?
I like to have successful clients, but I can assure you that anyone coming through my program will need to accept each aspect of horsemanship and develop the skills of an adept rider or they will need to move on to a program following the prevailing trend. The trend more concerned about style, appearances. Believe me; I am certainly not an advocate of recklessness! I am an advocate of EDUCATION which in my book means SAFETY! What gives? It is not that hard!!! If you can teach at all.... teach or try to learn how to accept a challenge, to realize limitations and encourage your student or yourself to grow beyond them! You don't have to be jumping a 4' wall to be a horseman, but you have to care more about the horse than the brand of tack your putting on him and what someone's opinion of your breeches are! Hot often is not, because many who call themselves teachers, are not taught and subsequently are not teaching..... and therein lies a Catch-22.
When you are afraid to expect your student to ride nothing more than a "packer" you're the one who's in need of an education. USEF/USHJA/USEA/USDF offer excellent guidelines through individual Trainer Certification and continued education clinics. I highly recommend you attend and participate in the programs. These are all designed to promote the longevity, safety and success of our equestrian pursuits, George Morris said it in so many words, "Our job as trainers are to turn out Horsemen and Women not just show winners".
Clay Jackson
Training youngsters: Keep it light!
What I mean by this is, that a good laugh will get you a long ways when training a young horse. Just like human children our young horses are full of energy and surprises that are pretty funny if you let yourself recognize their responses! Whenever I am working with a colt(either gender referenced as) I never approach the training session with a heavy hand, perhaps a firm one but always with deliberation on the possible outcome. It will depend on the colts personality very often how they react and recognizing this early on will get you farther than any cookie cutter methods employed.
I love working with the colts, always have. For almost 20 years I started young Thoroughbreds on a large scale breeding and racing farm, often with them right from birth to their first saddling, some came back from the track unsuccessful in their bid, but still a viable horse and I had the privilege again, to teach them to be recreational horses; some hunters and jumpers, but all of them found a good home, never auctioned. I bred some nice foundation Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds myself and started all of them under saddle, each one different as the next day and all happy to go to work. What lends to my success, creating happy horses?
I enjoy them as they are, just like children they will teach you a few things with their simple and clear, pure reactions to circumstances. I try not to overthink training, definitely I look for the joy in the horse. I believe that often given the chance the young horse will thrive with a simple challenge and a instant reward that they appreciate, I often laugh lightly and tussle a young horse's mane, give them a big pat on the shoulder, They recognize this happy reward and give me back so much more! Every once and awhile I see someone trying to work with a young (and older) horse and they are so serious you'd think they are working with a criminal, I think "Lighten Up". It is very possible to enjoy every step of the training with a light heart, even when it goes south a little... that when I chuckle at myself because I probably missed an opportunity.
In the end what I want is a horse that is always happy and ready to go on an adventure, wanting to give me their best performance, NOT because I can make them with my spur or crop or under threat.... because they trust me and they WANT to give 100%. They love to work! When I walk in the barn this happy horse that nickers at me with a look of "What's next Dad?" is my everyday reward! I like getting a ribbon at the show, and percentage wise my horses most often do, but face it that's not everyday! When I do show I enjoy the whole event, but it's at home where my horses live and grow that the real rewards are!
I firmly believe that all horses respond better to kindness and a firm but understanding approach to training, some of my clients and friends at home or a show have heard me chuckle a time or two at my horses, I believe that they respond favourably and know I love them even when they are a little playful, If they misbehave I drop my voice and they prick their ears in respect and correct themselves, they show me respect and trust through willing obedience supported by great rewards!
Clay Jackson
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| Young "Nautique" just hours old. |
I love working with the colts, always have. For almost 20 years I started young Thoroughbreds on a large scale breeding and racing farm, often with them right from birth to their first saddling, some came back from the track unsuccessful in their bid, but still a viable horse and I had the privilege again, to teach them to be recreational horses; some hunters and jumpers, but all of them found a good home, never auctioned. I bred some nice foundation Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds myself and started all of them under saddle, each one different as the next day and all happy to go to work. What lends to my success, creating happy horses?
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| Nautique on the long lines. |
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| Nautique greets me everyday ready! |
I firmly believe that all horses respond better to kindness and a firm but understanding approach to training, some of my clients and friends at home or a show have heard me chuckle a time or two at my horses, I believe that they respond favourably and know I love them even when they are a little playful, If they misbehave I drop my voice and they prick their ears in respect and correct themselves, they show me respect and trust through willing obedience supported by great rewards!
Clay Jackson
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