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Happy New Year from The Natural Horseman

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By Steve Stevens

We have recently been blessed with being able to use a beautiful indoor arena when the weather is bad and we can’t work outside. So I was really excited to go train today since the ground was saturated with melting snow.
I was going to work a big paint named Chief that has been in training with us for about a month. Chief was brought to us because he could be quite dominant and spooky.

Steve and Chief in the arena. (Photos courtesy of Amanda Stevens)

Steve and Chief in the arena. (Photos courtesy of Amanda Stevens)

The indoor arena has a round pen in the corner of it so I turned Chief out in it as I was going to grab my tack. I wasn’t about ten feet away when I hear this swooshing noise and I see Chief almost jump out of the round pen. It was pretty sudden so I went towards him and then saw out of the corner of my eye one section of the clear span building on the outside sliding down and crashing. I couldn’t believe it, but it was the snow melting and almost creating an avalanche on the sides of the arena. This would probably be scary for the most seasoned horse let alone one that has been known to be jumpy.
I have gotten Chief good at the basics of lunging, staying out of your space and being respectful. But I thought, what an opportunity to see how much has been accomplished.
So I led Chief out into the arena and sure enough like clockwork the sides started caving in one by one. It sounded like I was at Nascar.

Chief was really nervous so I did the most important thing you can do with a nervous horse, which was to send him out away from me on the lunge line.
He can spook, run or buck as long as he is respectful of my space.
I didn’t want to take his nature of feeling safe away by not letting him move. I just wanted him to move his feet in a way that I could keep him busy and me safe by redirecting his mind. So we started lunging, changing directions, backing and doing rollbacks. To start, he would jump and have minor bolts when the avalanche would hit, but after a handful of minutes of working, he started looking to me for answers and whenever he relaxed I would take the pressure off and step away.

Before long Chief was standing still on a loose lunge line while the snow crashed. It is really important to not hold a horse tight when they are scared of anything because it makes them feel more trapped. Just let them have space and help them move their feet and before long they will come back to you without the big battle we see so often.

Steve and Chief.

Steve and Chief.

I didn’t expect to be training at the bottom of Mount Everest this morning, but I didn’t let it frazzle me and I took advantage of a great training opportunity. Chief tried real hard today and I was really proud of him. I have to admit I am excited to just go and work without all of the excitement, but sometimes you just have to roll with the punches.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you get to ride horses more than you ever dreamed in the new year.

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Being A Woman In The Outdoor Industry

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By Emily Gleason

The outdoor, hunting, and fishing industries have long been perceived traditionally as a male-dominated realm. However, as societal norms shift, the experiences of women in these industries have been increasingly coming to the forefront. Being a woman in the outdoor industry today is a complex blend of passion, perseverance, and community, marked by both challenges and triumphs.

Women who hunt or engage in outdoor activities frequently find themselves confronting preconceived notions about their capabilities and interests. Many of us have experienced skepticism or outright disbelief when we express our enthusiasm for hunting or other outdoor activities.

Despite these stereotypes, women are increasingly challenging and redefining what it means to be involved in these activities. Female hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are not only participating but excelling in such skills. They contribute unique perspectives and insights to the hunting community, showcasing that passion for the outdoors knows no gender.

To read more, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

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Winecup

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By Norman Winter

It’s easy for us to take for granted the multiple forbs that are growing throughout our North Texas and Oklahoma grazing lands. They play an important part in the health of our soils and of our livestock, and we should be aware of how they fit in our grazing environment.

Winecup is one of the forbs that many of us can recognize. There are both annual and perennial species, and of significant numbers in our area is Trailing winecup, which is a perennial. 

To learn more, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

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Miss North Texas Fair & Rodeo

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By Hannah Claxton | Editor

The North Texas Fair and Rodeo, held annually in Denton, Texas, has a rich history that dates back to 1928. Originally conceived as a small agricultural fair, it was organized to showcase the region’s farming and ranching heritage while promoting local businesses and community engagement.

The fair quickly gained popularity, and by 1958, it incorporated a rodeo, which became a central feature of the event. The rodeo added an exciting element to the fair, drawing competitors and spectators from across the region to witness events like bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. Over the years, the fair grew in size and scope, expanding to include live entertainment, carnival rides, livestock shows, and various exhibitions celebrating North Texas culture.

Today, the North Texas Fair and Rodeo has become one of the largest and most anticipated events in the region, attracting thousands of visitors each August. It remains true to its roots, continuing to celebrate the region’s agricultural and ranching heritage while incorporating modern elements such as concerts, arts and crafts, and food vendors. 

The rodeo, which is now a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event, draws top-tier competitors from across the state- both in the arena and for the accompanying rodeo queen contest. 

To learn more about Miss North Texas Fair & Rodeo, pick up a copy of the January edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

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