Why would you use a rawhide nose band to achieve results with a lighter touch? Why not just do the training to have the horse understand the lighter pressure with a softer nose band? Rawhide is tough and rough and hurts. A: Just like with a bit in the mouth, it is only rough and tough in the wrong hands. To me, the horse will actually be lighter in the rawhide and you will … [Read more...]
Episode 805 – Pleasure Perfect – Behind The Scenes
Julie Goodnight and Dale Myler talk about collection and bits for advanced Western Shows. … [Read more...]
Winter Workouts – Ride Right With Julie Goodnight
The Trail Rider ~ January/February 2015 RIDE RIGHT WITH JULIE GOODNIGHT Winter Workouts Hone your horse’s manners and your leadership skills now for a better ride in the spring with these tips from top trainer/clinician Julie Goodnight. By Heidi Melocco with Julie Goodnight ~ Photos by Heidi Melocco Unless you’re in the sunbelt, winter may mean less ride … [Read more...]
Is It The Bit?
If a horse is sticking out his tongue only when bridled, it’s most likely because the bit is bothering his mouth, explains top trainer/clinician Julie Goodnight. http://trailridermag.com/article/bit-14763 … [Read more...]
Reverse, Please
Teaching your horse to go backward with body cues http://myhorse.com/redirects/reverse-please/ … [Read more...]
Equipment
Make clear communication with your horse a priority with the best equipment for ground work and riding. http://americashorsedaily.com/equipment/#.VGaJ1E10xet … [Read more...]
Your Horse’s Quiet Place
Getting your horse to drop his head gives him a serene, quiet place to be. http://americashorsedaily.com/your-horses-quiet-place/#.VGaFJU10xet … [Read more...]
How To Settle Your Cinchy Horse
Is your trail horse cinchy? That is, does he act up when you saddle him, even before you reach for the cinch or girth? http://www.equisearch.com/article/how-to-settle-your-cinchy-horse … [Read more...]
Tongue Trouble
Q Recently, while trail riding, a friend’s horse stuck his tongue out to the side as soon as she asked him to canter. Another friend said, “Oh look, her horse is licking and chewing. That means he’s thinking.” However, the horse didn’t look relaxed, and it wasn’t an “aha” moment. What do you think of this behavior? Should a horse’s tongue ever be out while under saddle? … [Read more...]
Canter Control
Dear Julie, I have had my horse for 10 months. I am scared to ride her outside because every time I ask her for a canter, or if another horse canters off ahead of her, she does her best imitation of a bucking bronco then takes off like her tail is on fire. So far I've managed to hang on, but it’s very scary. If I ride her in the arena, she’s fine. She’s also a very buddy and … [Read more...]
What Bit Should I Use?
Question: Dear Julie, I am currently schooling and riding in a D-ring snaffle bit. I want to start training for Western Pleasure. What kind of shank bit do you recommend for the transition? Thanks, Kim Answer: In most rule books, horses six years old and up are required to show Western in a curb bit. Horses five and under can be ridden two-handed in a snaffle. As … [Read more...]
New Horse Issues
Question: Hi Julie: I just recently purchased a horse in October this is my first horse and boy I am not starting off very well. This horse was 200lbs underweight when I got him so to say the least I baby him (oops). He has successfully gained 100lbs and I am very excited. He is a very loveable horse and has no bad habits except for the following. My first problem is every … [Read more...]
One Rein At Time
Ask Julie Goodnight: Why do horses relax and listen when I use one rein at a time? Question: Dear Julie, My riding instructor and I have a question regarding using one rein while riding. I've seen it mentioned in several different articles and books. John Lyons discusses using one rein when starting a young horse. My instructor learned the technique from Karen O'Connor. … [Read more...]
Bitting System
Using The Goodnight Bitting System The self-correcting bitting system I use is often called an elbow pull and it is a long harness leather cord with snaps on each end. To use the bitting tool, you place the middle of the cord over the horse's poll and then run each end through the rings of the bit, between the horse's legs and up to the saddle. Adjust it so that when the horse … [Read more...]
How Do Rope Halters Work?
Ask Julie Goodnight: What to Know About Rope Halters Question: I have what's probably a silly question.... My mare is 15 years old and I've never used a rope halter with her. What do I need to know to help me better understand how a rope halter works? Answer: I wish more people would ask simple questions like this-- it's not silly, but smart! When people stop and think … [Read more...]
Changing The Speed
Changing Direction/Changing Speed Many “forward” horses come to trainers because they are challenging to train. Here, I'll share some of the techniques that I use to get the horses slowed down a little and to get them steady in their gaits. First let me tell you what definitely will not work. It will not work to use a harsher bit or to constantly pull back on the reins to slow … [Read more...]
