Innholdsfortegnelse for H&R Monthly - October 2022 i Horse & Rider

Brad Kearns joined Southern Methodist University in 2021 as the Western coach for its National Collegiate Equestrian Association team. Prior to that, Kearns built a stellar reputation as a trainer, coach, and judge in AQHA, APHA, and NSBA events. He’s earned world championships in trail and Western pleasure, and has coached youth and amateur riders to world, All American Quarter Horse Congress, and all-around year-end titles. Kari Klingenberg calls Scottsdale, Arizona, home where she trains elite aged-event reining horses, and coaches non-pro and youth riders, as well as managing the breeding career of reining stallion Mr Electric Spark. She’s a regular finalist in major NRHA events, winning the Level 2 NRHA Derby championship and the Level 1 NRHA Derby reserve championship, and rode for Team USA in the 2016 SCAG…

Have you ever walked into the show pen and felt like you were on a completely different horse from the one that you were riding in the warmup? And felt that within minutes you went from show-ring ready, to dancing around in the center of the arena before the start of your pattern? Your horse doesn’t know the stakes are higher when he steps into the show pen, so why does he drastically change once all eyes are on you? If your mindset changes when it comes time to show, chances are, the energy you’re creating with your body changes, too. These changes will translate to your horse, and he’ll start to change his game plan to reflect what your body is telling him to do. The easiest way to…

Specialization has taken Western events to new levels of expertise, precision, and nuance. Our horses learn one job, and they do it impeccably. While this is excellent in many ways, it can also have drawbacks. One of the biggest detriments of specialization lies in narrowing our spectrum of learning; however, with a little extra effort, you and your horse can become more well-rounded in your education, training, and horsemanship. Western disciplines typically share a few foundational principles. Three of the most popular areas of focus—reining, ranch riding, and all-around competition—all require precise pattern placement to stand out from the crowd and find yourself at the top of the leaderboard. We spoke with one expert from each of those disciplines to acquire their best pattern-placement tips so you can sharpen your…