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The Natural Horseman – How to be the best leader for your horse
By Steve Stevens
Do you think General Lee ever looked at the ground when he rode Traveller into battle?
Looking where you are going when you ride horses might be the most important thing you can ever learn to do when riding.
If General Lee was looking down at the ground while leading his troops into battle, would Traveller and his soldiers have followed? I don’t think so.
Good leadership to me is the number one thing we must learn if we want to be good horsemen and horsewomen. And that starts with looking where you are going when you are riding. For that matter, this is true when you’re walking or driving. Go for a walk and look down at the ground and see how straight of a line you make. It is the same thing for riding horses. When we look up, our body position becomes more correct and it helps to keep the horse between our hands and legs. When we look down, our shoulders slump over and in turn, puts more weight on the front end instead of the back. That makes it harder for the horse to travel correctly. Down the road this can help lead to injuries on the front end.
If you don’t know where you are going, it isn’t really fair to ask your horse to know.
Try this little test at home- tie some ribbons or flags around your arena. Start at one spot and ride across the arena to the next and see how far you can go without taking your eyes off of the flag. Practice keeping your eyes on them at all times. It is harder than you think.
Another fun one is to get out your piggy bank and have a friend watch you ride around the arena at all three gaits and every time you look down you get buzzed and have to give them a quarter.
Be careful cause that can add up pretty quick.
Don’t cheat, some people will learn to keep their head up like they are looking up but have their eyeballs looking down. I really believe the looking down stems from fear and when we are nervous riding horses we feel safer looking down at our horse as if they are going to look back and tell you that it will be ok.
Remember we have to be the leader, so we have to find in ourselves the courage to look up, to know where we are going and to have faith our horse will follow.
My mentor, Kenny would always say, “ just look where you are going and your body and horse will follow.”
If you are trying to go somewhere over an obstacle or down a road and your horse gets stuck, make sure to ask yourself if you are looking where you are going before you get frustrated with your horse. You would be amazed how many times if you just look up, a horse that seems completely stuck will just go forward like magic.
One of my favorite songs is by the great Chris LeDoux. “The Ride.”
He sings,
“Sit tall in the saddle,
Hold your head up high
keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky.
And live like you ain’t afraid to die
And don’t be scared, just enjoy your ride”
Great horsemanship starts with humility.
Have safe rides.
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Being A Woman In The Outdoor Industry
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
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
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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