An integral part of our ranch horse training is the introduction to rope work. Beyond tracking cattle, rope work is an important part of the foundation training our horses receive. Whether or not they ever rope a cow after leaving our ranch, the steadfastness that rope work teaches them creates a strong foundation for their future.
Many racehorses have never dealt with anything swinging above their heads besides a jockey's whip and so simply getting used to the concept of a swinging rope is the key first step. Some horses are fine with it, some take several sessions before they can handle the "whooshing" noise and seeing the movement above their head. We let the horse tell us what they are ok with and how long they need.
The next step is simply throwing the rope on the ground around them. Again, this is something no horse has ever likely seen---something flying from above their head and landing with a thump on the ground. We keep them moving at all times and let them see from every angle. Eventually it becomes no big deal no matter where or when it drops...a nice attitude to have in case you drop your phone, whip, etc from the saddle!
From there we progress to actually pulling something on the end of the rope. Typically starting with a tire or a log. This inanimate object lets them feel tension on the saddle horse for the first time and also learn to cope with something "moving" on the end of it.
Next Dale added a tarp to the mix---it moves in a more unpredicatable manner and is loud...much more similar to a calf than just a tire.
Another fun day with a very fun horse!
No comments:
Post a Comment