A truly wonderful celebration of an American icon the Western horse

An expert shares his insights and applies them to the handling of young horses and their early training -- from first bridling to tuming on the rearhand -- an essential reference for every Western-style rider.

The exciting new discipline of Western Dressage lets riders of Western pleasure, work, or competitive horses enjoy the benefits of traditional dressage while using Western tack and attire. This book -- the very first on the topic -- offers 101 fun and effective exercises that will improve every Western horse's suppleness, balance in movement, and responsiveness. Each exercise is presented with illustrated, step-by-step instructions and a full arena diagram, and exercises are organized by focus: softness, looseness, rider development, engagement, adjustability, and ground work. This book is the ultimate reference for this new sport.

Get in the saddle and experience the thrills, challenges, and fun of Western riding! In this comprehensive introductory guide, veteran trainer Charlene Strickland covers everything from safe horse handling procedures and basic Western riding techniques to stylish competition outfits. With plenty of encouragement and a contagious passion, Strickland provides easy-to-follow riding instructions along with expert advice on evaluating horses and appropriate tack. You’ll soon be enjoying pleasurable rides both in the training ring and out on the trail.

Maybe you compete in versatility ranch-horse events or plan to meet that challenge and want to take advantage of every opportunity to polish your performance. Perhaps cattle work can put a fresh perspective on your riding program, or you simply want a handy, responsive horse, no matter what your day’s ride might bring. Whatever your interest in Ranch-Horse Versatility, Colorado horseman Mike Major is uniquely qualified to provide the information to take your horse program to the next level. A rancher by profession and a competitor by choice, Major has developed the horsemanship expertise to be successful in both venues, in large part because he draws no real distinction between his show horses and ranch horses. A Major Cattle Company horse might well work on the ranch today and compete in the arena tomorrow, a dual-purpose approach that has proven successful. Major and his stallion, Smart Whiskey Doc, have claimed multiple national titles—American Quarter Horse Association 2006 Bayer Select Working Cow Horse World Champion, World’s Greatest Versatility Horse at the National Versatility Ranch Horse Association 2008 and 2009 National Finals, and AQHA 2009 and 2010 Versatility Ranch Horse Open World Champion. Plus, in 2010 Major rode Black Hope Stik, a daughter of Smart Whiskey Doc, to become the inaugural Battle in the Saddle Ranch Remuda Champion and the first Project Cowboy Champion. American stock-horse associations were founded on the backs of such talented horses, and versatility competition has brought a renewed appreciation for these all-around athletes. In his book, Major shares how he develops such responsive, maneuverable horses. His understanding, how-to tips and thoughtful insights in Ranch-Horse Versatility can help you sharpen your skills to ride effectively, compete successfully and show your horse to advantage.

This book celebrates the history and culture of the western horse, its ability to capture the popular imagination, and the means by which it has come to symbolize the American West. Beginning in the 1500s, The Western Horse delves into the origins and variations of the western breeds, their role in the expansion and settlement of the West, and the lawless element they attracted. The 1800s is when the stereotypes of Western Americana flourish accompanied by the ever-present horse. The mounted Plains tribes, cavalry, Pony Express, pioneers, stock detectives, cowboys, horse thieves, and the iconic rodeos come into perspective. The book dispels some of the falsehoods of the western horse and replace those inaccuracies with interesting facts. Case in point: many people grow up believing that the wild mustangs are the offspring the conquistador’s horses. While that belief is partially true, it is also partially incorrect. While the conquistadors returned with horses re-introducing them to the American landmass, the Spaniards only rode stallions. The progenitors of the mustangs likely occurred a bit later—lost stock of the Spanish settlers and the missions that returned into the wild.