Western Shooting Horse

Handling The Hot Horse

Our sport is evolving into a fiercely competitive speed event, with less than .15 seconds deciding the 2010 CMSA World Championship. As competitors, we are all in pursuit of the next “Super Star” shooting horse. As a result, more and more shooters are finding themselves aboard high-strung horses. So, when you get it…what do you do with it?

Keep in mind that hot-blooded horses are often high maintenance and you will only get out of them what you are willing to put into them. So, spend the time to know your horse and what makes him tick.

Here’s a couple of basic rules. It goes without saying: preparation for competition begins at home (especially with a high-strung horse). And when you’re at the shoot, control is key! That adrenaline rush you enjoy is extremely stressful for your horse. So, the number one goal is to maintain control and eliminate undue stress.

Assuming you have done your homework, you should know your horse’s strengths and weaknesses and his personality type. Because there is not a “one size fits all” program, I have several favorite warm up strategies for different hot horse personalities.

The Freight Train

These horses have a tendency to continue building steam and push through the bridle – like a freight train. They are physically very strong and they know it; trying to out-muscle them will not work very well. So, in the warm-up pen, work on exercises that will break his power down.

I like to start with changes in speed, up and down the scale (Run and Rate). When he gets “chargey” I will take him into fence work. This causes him to power down in order to roll back on the fence. Once I feel him soften, I will go back to the Run and Rate exercise and incorporate a series of small circles. This is the same principal as the fence work, just in a different application. You will know when you have gained your horse’s undivided attention, because he will become responsive. When that happens, you are ready to run any stage.

Fragile Minded

Typically this horse is afraid to be wrong, so he depends on the rider for confidence and security. I do my best to keep him quiet in the warm-up, all the while reassuring him. Spend time on slow suppling drills and make sure to keep him collected. If you can maintain collection of his body, his mind will stay collected and focused.

Overachiever

In most cases, these horses aren’t trying to be difficult, they just think they know best. I like to mix things up in the warm-up pen and be spontaneous. Never pattern a warm-up routine for this horse! If he thinks he knows what’s next, he will start anticipating--and that will cause you problems during your run. I want to keep him waiting for me to give the cues. I keep all my warm-up maneuvers smooth, but if I feel him anticipating my moves I will make a change (speed or direction) to keep him listening. Once he is focused on what you are doing and not what he is doing, you are ready to compete.

Energizer Bunny

Often times these horses don’t have any real issues – just too much energy! I find that a long, drawn out warm-up works well. I may be in the warm up pen an hour or more before my first run. The key in this warm-up is to keep the horse’s feet moving (not too fast); I use a lot of long trotting. At some point I will air him out for a few laps. This uses up excess energy. Then go back to working drills at a long trot and slow lope. You should be able to feel your horse settle in and focus—and then he’s ready to make his run.

Once I have my horse warmed up and ready to compete, I never take him back to the stall or trailer. I want him to stay focused on the task at hand. No matter what “type” of high-strung horse you have, it all boils down to focus. When he is focused on what you are asking of him, you can channel his energy in a positive direction—and have a great run.