Stereotyping Ponies

Are you letting the stereotype of your horse or pony based on the event(s) it performs keep you from giving them what they really need?

"My horse is a rope horse, I don't need to go in the arena ahead of time."

"My horse has been everywhere, but I've never carried a flag, so I'll take a flag."

"My horse is a barrel horse, I have to do a few exhibitions before he'll make a good run."

These are just a few of the stereotypes that can come with horses in the rodeo world. At the end of the day, just like you, your horse has a brain, emotions, fears, worries, strengths and weaknesses. No matter what event they're in, they might need some early mornings and late nights at the rodeo to help them get seasoned.

Even when they're seasoned, they might need to feel the ground, walk up the alley to find the first barrel or pole, or feel the size of the box so they can gauge the score beforehand.

On the flipside, if you've done the work and your horse has proven to excel time and time again, you might not need that extra exhibition. Backing them in the box again might just start to confuse them. They might get frustrated when you act like you're going to compete just to pull them up when you take them down the alley with the poles set up in front of them.

Today, we remind you that every horse has different needs for every event. No two are exactly a like. Some need more attention, some need less. Some learn fast, some learn slower. Put aside the stereotypes, be a horseman, take the time to learn what your horse needs and be willing to adjust as you go!

Happy Hauling!