The mules each carry two packs loaded with carpentry supplies that will aid the restoration and upkeep of the historic ranger station during the park’s summer months when park crews work to repair or create trails, cabins, and complete other projects before the winter returns to the northern Montana park.

Trail Crew

Leading the string of mules is Jill Michalak, who began working at Glacier in 2017. A member of the trails crew, Michalak’s job is to take care of and work with the mules and pack supplies as needed into and out of the park.

“The mules allow us to preserve and access the wilderness,” says Michalak. “Many of these areas not only don’t allow motorized vehicles, but don’t allow chainsaws. The mules have lots of different jobs. They work for the trail crew.”

Further south, contract packer Chris Eyer leads his own team of mules into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (BMWC) out of his home base in Ovando, Mont. While Michalak works for the National Park Service, Eyer is employed by whichever licensed outfitter or arm of the United States Forest Service (USFS) needs him and his mules to move loads.

“I’ve packed boats for people going on rafting trips, mattresses, lumber, and things like that,” says Eyer. “As a contract packer, I also get hired by contractors who are not outfitters but work for the Forest Service, [for example] rebuilding a dam or bridge that is too big or specialized for the Forest Service.”

When hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and other equestrians use a trail system in America’s National Park System, public lands, or designated wilderness area, it’s more than likely that a mule carted in the equipment necessary to maintain that trail or build the outhouse they use that’s far back from the roadway.

Mules have carried the load for decades, aiding building, maintaining, exploring and surviving in the wilderness.

Packing with Purpose

Americans visited National Parks 312 million times in 2022, more than 15 million more visits than in 2021, according to the National Park Service. Most of those visitors never venture more than a mile into the park along a well-used and easily accessed trail. Yet there is a segment that opts to dig deeper into the National Park and wilderness areas considered public lands.

There are 63 National Parks, but more than 250 million acres of other public lands all managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Within that, the U.S. Forest Service facilitates work to ensure that public lands, like the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, is accessible to users.

That’s where packers like Eyer step in. Since 2006, he’s made a living packing cargo and other items for the USFS, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, and other contracted outfitters.

“The backcountry is for all users, from hikers and horses to skiers and runners,” he explains. “Mules bring in gear to keep the land open for all of these groups.”

Along with recreation, the wilderness areas provide opportunity to study many ecosystems and species without interacting with human population centers. Both Eyer and Michalak have packed in biologists completing research projects. Eyer has even brought in insects to the Big Prairie Ranger Station in the Flathead National Forest within BMWC.

“Packing in bugs is super complicated,” he says. “Never has more labor gone into a load that is as small as those bugs. The day before I leave to go in, there are people out in a field, on hands and knees collecting bugs to put into a canister. The bugs then go into a cooler to be kept from overheating. That is loaded onto a mule in the center of a load where they won’t be baked in the sun. As soon as I get to where I’m going, I unload mules and turn them out, then immediately head out with the USFS crew to release the weevils to a certain area where they go to attack an invasive weed species.”

For Michalak, who has worked as a packer in Alaska and at Olympic National Park, the most interesting project she packed equipment for was one conducted there by NASA.

“They were doing a project where they were ground truthing for a Doppler radar system,” she recalls. “We packed 15 miles into Enchanted Valley, packing lasers and solar panels. If you look at Olympic Peninsula, there is no other way to get into there except for mules, because there are no motorized options.” The project was projecting weather for a massive population center 200 miles away, in Seattle.

“In this day in age, mules were the way we got $30,000 laser equipment into the research area,” she adds.

Knowing which of the mules in a string is going to be more careful with a load and not apt to bump trees is important when carting expensive equipment. But most often, the loads carried are more common items, such as lumber, gravel, tools and food supplies.

Pack It On

Boxes wrapped in canvas are a typical scene if you’re hiking and encounter a mule string on the trail. Those boxes usually include food, tents and other items to make camp, or supplies to help restore a cabin. Restoration projects and construction are some of the most frequent loads for mules to make, especially into National Parks.

“The Park Service maintains a standard that anything older than 50 years is considered historic and must be maintained to those standards,” says Michalak. “When we packed into the Belly River Ranger Station, they were updating that cabin. [Carpenters] sourced the lumber for the flooring from the surrounding forest, but the lumber for the porch, we packed in. People wonder why we don’t use a helicopter, and there are a few reasons. First, they didn’t historically bring those items in by helicopter. Second, a lot of the National Parks have regulations as to how much aircraft traffic can go over the park.”

From Beams to Outhouses

The same goes for building or repairing a bridge or constructing a new dam, both of which are projects Eyer has packed materials for into the BMWC.

“Anything that is associated with the wilderness that requires heavy equipment or more than people can carry relies on mules,” he says. “The most challenging project was a bridge project where I packed tandem loads of steel columns that attached to two mules at the same time. It was a seven-week project.” Each pair packed two 186-pound steel beams.

From dams to outhouses, all the projects constructed in the backcountry rely on mule power to bring the items in or take them out.

“It’s common for bears to tear apart outhouses, and the park doesn’t leave those pieces out there,” says Michalak. “We pack those items—anything that won’t naturally decompose—out of the backcountry. Things like outhouses don’t just appear. While it would take a trail crew half a summer to haul those materials in, it takes a mule string one trip.”

Mules on a Mission

It can seem like a peaceful job, with the quiet of the wilderness all around, the echo of hooves ringing on the trails and the wide-open spaces. But there are many dangers associated with working in the backcountry, and they’re not only bear-related. Annually, fires ravage the land within national parks and designated public lands.

“There is an entire segment of packing that is focused on fire work,” says Eyer. “There are fire lookouts, fire crews, and a lot of work to keep the wilderness from burning, even though much of the wilderness has a ‘let it burn’ policy. Supplies have to be given to the people living in the lookouts for the fire season—food, water and all supplies.”

The parks also have to bring search and rescue crews to an injured person, but rarely airlift them out to decrease the mechanized noise. However, Michalak recalls one incident where her mules were used as Medivac, and not only to pack in supplies to those rescuing Backcountry Rangers.

“Once, at Olympic National Park, a woman broke her ankle about 11 miles down the trail,” she says. “There was a huge team of people looking for her, and the weather was really, really bad. I went in with a string of mules and packed the search and rescue team and EMT team’s food and tents in so they could focus on patient care. That was the only [person] I’ve ever packed out on a mule. She was a rare case because she grew up cowboying and had experience riding. Otherwise, the search and rescue team was going to carry her those 11 miles on a [stretcher].”

A Thank You to Backcountry Mules

Whether carting in tools and food to ensure that the park rangers get through a summer season or hauling in new lumber to build a bridge for access to the wilderness, mules are the ultimate cargo crew in the backcountry.

Without four legs to help build and maintain the infrastructure, America’s public lands wouldn’t be so easily accessed.

This article about the working mules of our public lands appeared in the April 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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When the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) officially launched in 1940, several ranch breeders were the initial registrants and members. Those ranches, like King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas—the owner of the first registered horse, Wimpy—were drivers in the industry.

In 2022, King Ranch and Waggoner Ranch, located in Vernon, Texas, were recognized by AQHA as 100-year breeders. Those ranches not only kick-started the breed, but today continue to influence the horses competing.

All Quarter Horses must be able to run a quarter of a mile in 23 seconds or show that they are capable of Quarter Horse performance under ranch conditions, was recorded in the AQHA Executive Committee meeting minutes from April 22, 1940.

The breed has evolved to include horses that show in hunter under saddle, western pleasure, dressage, and are driven under lines. Yet, the basis of the breed remains their foundation characteristics of cow savvy, athleticism, and trainability.

A Cow Horse First

The list of stallions that have impacted the Quarter Horse breed is long, and among them is Doc Bar. Bred for speed, the chestnut stallion was born in 1956, sired by Lighting Bar and out of the mare Dandy Doll, a daughter of Texas Dandy.

In the halter arena, Doc Bar was a champion, but it would be his offspring that truly influenced the future horses bound to compete in the National Cutting Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association, National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), and the versatility ranch horse arena.

“They were great horses,” says NRCHA Hall of Famer Bobby Ingersoll of Doc Bar foals. “They were great then and would be great today. They were athletic, quick-footed, had a lot of cow instinct and were quick to train. I showed the first Doc Bar foal at the NCHA Futurity, I’m pretty proud of that. [Cow horses] had a lot of old foundation breeding, [but] when Doc Bar came [along] we had a little different type of horse, and they were pretty horses, too. Who doesn’t want to ride a pretty one?”

Looking at the performance horse industry, you can still trace Doc Bar bloodlines to the winners in nearly every discipline. The 2023 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman Champion Phillip Ralls rode Call Me Mitch to the title, and the roan stallion is by Metallic Cat and out of the Docs Hickory (by Doc Bar) daughter Miss Hickory Hill.

“Doc Bar brought the look,” recalls Bill Enk, NRCHA Hall of Fame member, trainer and NRCHA director of judges. “The eye appeal box [on a score card] was for Doc Bars. They looked at a cow, they got around on one and looked pretty doing it. The Doc Bar line is still on a lot of pedigrees. He has influenced an industry.”

Ranch to Arena

Today, ranch riding is one of the most entered events in the AQHA. With the addition of the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championship Show and the inclusion of the stand-alone ranch riding class at the AQHA World Championship Show, horses bred, raised and used on the ranch have a place to compete. The ranch horses “shine up” to hit the show pen.

Jessica Rumbaugh and her gelding, Boonfull Of Caesar, who has Doc Bar on both sides of his pedigree, won the 2018 AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse Amateur World Champion title. The gray gelding may look sharp showing, but he’s also been known to push Rumbaugh’s grass-fed beef cattle around on their former El Campo, Texas, ranch.

“I bought him as a cutting horse, but his athleticism made adding the other classes for versatility—ranch riding, ranch reining, working cow horse and ranch conformation—easy to do,” says Rumbaugh. “He is just a great horse.”

Aboard Lil Trash Talk, another Doc Bar descendent, Texas trainer Bud Lyon captured the 2020 AQHA Junior Ranch Riding World Champion title and the 2021 AQHA Senior Ranch Riding World Champion title. The sorrel horse was bred by Brooke Wharton, who grew up on the Waggoner Ranch. It’s that connection between today’s show horse and the base members of the breed that continues to drive the Quarter Horse’s evolution on the ranch and in the show pen.

Where the Quarter Horse excels is showcasing the versatility of the breed, especially in the western performance horse classes. With the growth in today’s cow horse, cutting, reining and ranch horse events, the breed may be moving farther away from the original stallions (like Doc Bar) on paper, but the characteristics of the horses remain true to the breed’s standard.

This article about the Quarter Horse’s ranch roots appeared in the July 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Beth Bass, coach of more than 35 Appaloosa Horse Club World and Reserve World Champions, has her riders work on three exercises to improve balance: standing stirrup, knee up, and one-stirrup balance.

“There is a time and a place to sit with more weight on one side than the other, such as lead departures or if you are asking for the horse’s hip in,” says Beth. “But I teach my riders not to consistently sit heavier on one seat bone than the other.”

Claire, one of Beth’s students, tends to sit on her left seat bone and put more weight in her left stirrup. When Claire sits too heavy on her left side, her horse, Plain N Simple, drops his shoulder away from the weight, turns his head and pushes his rib cage away, making his movements awkward. Claire has been working to sit far to the right to understand where the normal and balanced position is in her saddle.

Beth says that you may notice one of your feet slips out of the stirrup more often than the other, even if the stirrup lengths are the same. That is one sign that you may sit heavier on one side. Other signs include the horse always drifting one way away from the heavy pressure.

Western Riding Lesson for Sitting in Your Seat Straight

Here are Beth’s helpful exercises to sit in your seat straight so your horse can perform to the best of his ability during a western riding lesson.

1. Standing Balance

The first exercise to do during a western riding lesson that can help a rider sit in their seat straight is trying to find balance while standing. Beth has all her riders stand in their stirrups and push down through the heels before staring a ride. The exercise stretches your muscles and works on core balance. Your navel should be centered in line with the saddle horn but not pushing against it.

When you try this for the first time, Beth says to do it at a standstill. Then work up to being able to stand in the stirrups evenly at a walk and trot.

“You can warm up with the horse walking around while standing up,” she says. “It’s a good way to prepare for the ride and find your center of balance.”

If you fall back, you need to push your legs further behind you; if you fall forward, you need to bring your legs forward. Your leg position shouldn’t change when you sit back down in the saddle.

2. Lifting Knees

The second exercise to do during a western riding lesson that can help a rider sit in their seat straight is lifting their knees. Riders sometimes have a hard time understanding what it means when a coach that tells them to sit on their seat bones. This exercise will help you find and feel your seat bones so that you can better utilize that pressure.

“By lifting one knee, Claire can feel the seat bone push down against the saddle seat,” Beth says. “Start with both legs in the normal position and lift one knee. Your weight shifts back a little bit and onto the seat bone of the lower leg.”

Before trying the exercise for the first time, Beth says to have a handler hold the horse. This helps in case the horse moves off or you lose your balance. To advance the exercise, try it at a walk.

3. One-Stirrup Balancing

The final exercise to do during a western riding lesson that can help a rider sit in their seat straight is trying to find balance with one stirrup. This exercise strengthens your legs and core muscles. Beth says that riding with one stirrup is more difficult than riding without both stirrups.

“You can see that Claire is working to balance, and when she strains to balance, her leg kicks away from the horse,” Beth says. “My riders do this at the walk, trot and lope, and even the posting trot. Claire has a problem with her right side, so we mainly work to drop that stirrup. But riders can do the exercise by alternately dropping either stirrup.”

Starting out, you may fall forward or to the side without the stirrup. Eventually you will ride centered when your balance improves.

Beth warns that these exercises should be practiced on a horse that understands what the rider is doing and not a young horse that can be spooky. Most of your concentration is on your position, not your horse, and some horses can take advantage of that. She says that doing the exercises on a longeline and allowing someone else to control the horse can be helpful.

These exercises are a fun way to improve your balance and become a better rider. When you can find your seat bones, all the bones that connect to it can be better used to communicate with your horse.

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2017 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Lifelong rider and yoga instructor Jamie Ricketts of Fulshear, Texas, first tried a yoga class when she was unable to run due to injury. She found it more challenging than expected, and that class sent her on a path to becoming stronger and more focused.

“I had always thought yoga was more or less stretching, so I was impressed with the workout I got,” says Jamie. “I started yoga for the workout, but I kept going back because I learned something new every time, whether it was about yoga or myself. I was challenged physically and mentally and began seeing those changes. I grew stronger and more flexible—I couldn’t touch my toes when I started—and my mental toughness grew, too!”

Equestrian Yoga for Focus

As an NCAA equestrian competitor on the Texas A&M University team used to clueing into a pattern for competition, Jamie realized that yoga improved her ability to focus more than she could in the past. Yoga was a way for her to train her muscles to react in the way she wanted by focusing on calm, paced breathing.

“Outside of yoga, when things get tough, you can check in with yourself and ask, ‘What am I doing with my breath?’ When things get difficult, turn back to your breath and the conscious effort of just breathing will soothe your mind. You want to go back to long inhale and long exhale to utilize the full capacity of your lungs and make the most of each situation.”

To start building strength and improving focus, Jamie guides you through three yoga poses for equestrians: Goddess, Warrior 1 (or the alternate pose, Crescent Moon), and Downward Facing Dog. These moves target the areas that get stiff or sore after riding.

Jamie recommends finishing the workout in Savasana, or Corpse pose, which is lying on your back.

“I allow myself about 2 minutes each stretch (per side) if needed. Don’t underestimate the benefits of Savasana,” she says. “This pose is important in the practice of yoga because it is the opportunity to slow down, process and allow the relaxation of the central nervous system.”

Yoga has much to offer for equestrians beyond a good workout. “Yoga literally means ‘union,’ and it seeks to create balance in the body as well as in the mind and spirit,” says Jamie.

Equestrian Yoga: Just Breathe

Prepare for your workout through pranayama, or breathing work.

Ricketts says breath work can actually start warming the body internally, before getting physical. Here is her suggested warm-up routine:

Focus on drawing attention to your breath and using the capacity of your lungs, diaphragm, and accessory muscles that help with breathing.

A great way to do this is the three-part breath, allowing the stomach to expand on the inhale, followed by the ribs, and finally the top of the chest.

Linking that breath into movement, start slowly with some spinal movement in each direction: front, back, sides and twists.

1. Goddess

The first equestrian yoga pose for core strength is named Goddess. Before getting in the saddle, use this wide-legged squat pose to loosen your limbs.

The Basics: Try to keep your chest elevated and shoulders over your hips as you bend your knees.Your knees should track over your second toe. Focus on a slight tuck of your tailbone, engaging your core and alleviating any unnecessary pressure in your lower back. Slowly sink into the squat, and as your inner thigh muscles loosen, deepen it.

Advanced Move: With repetition, the squat portion of this pose will continue to drop lower. Add a heel lift to the stretch to take it to the next level.

“This increases the challenge of holding the pose while on your toes, and it works your calf and inner thigh muscles even more,” says Jamie. “Be sure to keep your tailbone tucked in, and keep your shoulders centered, not falling forward.”

2. Warrior 1

The second equestrian yoga pose for core strength is named Warrior 1. Warrior 1 is ideal for opening the hips and strengthening thighs.

The Basics: Start facing forward, with both hips facing forward, then stretch one leg back as if you were doing a lunge. Reach upward with both arms, keeping your elbows about even with your ears. Be sure not to pinch in your shoulders, but keep them wide and even. Stretch back with both arms, elongating your torso by drawing your belly button in toward your spine to protect your lower back.

Modified Move: If you feel any pain in your back knee when you stretch down into the pose, turn your back foot so that the heel is lifted. This is Crescent. You can place one hand on your calf or your thigh if the stretch is too challenging. Then reach the other hand toward the sky similar to Warrior; the pose resembles a crescent moon.

The Workout: Alternate the pose with each leg and hold it for 10 breaths, then 20 or more. Remember to breathe with deep inhalations and long exhalations. To progress, Jamie says to hold for a few more breaths, which builds endurance.

3. Downward Facing Dog

The third equestrian yoga pose for core strength is named Downward Facing Dog. Downward Facing Dog lengthens the backs of the legs while stabilizing your upper body. This will help you stretch your heels down in the saddle.

The Basics: Start standing and bend downward like you’re touching your toes. Stretch each leg back until you are in a push-up position, or high plank. Your fingers should be spread out, with pointer fingers pointing straight, your shoulders over your wrists, and your core pulled up and in (belly button to spine and slight tuck of the tailbone).

From plank position, keep your hands and feet where they are. Press down and forward into your hands as you lift your hips up and back. Your body will resemble an inverted “V.”

Proper Form Matters: This pose both stretches your torso and is also holding your own body weight when in the standing “V.” Your weight should be evenly distributed between your hands and feet.

Draw your shoulders away from your ears and think about pressing your chest back toward your thighs. Your gaze should be toward your knees or whatever is behind you. (It’s OK if your heels lift off the ground.)

Variation: Pedal your feet by bending one knee and pressing the opposite heel down toward the ground to work on stretching your calves and backs of your legs.

This article originally appeared in the December 2018 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Well Equipped

First, know the rules and follow them when practicing and showing.

Showmanship is a class that’s all about presenting your horse and controlling him through the halter and lead shank, says Sharon.

Be sure that the halter fits the horse and the lead rope or shank is acceptable for the class.

1. Proper Position

The first step for a showmanship class setup is having the right position.

“Stand next to the horse with your right hand at the same height and close to where the chain comes out of the hardware of the noseband and chin strap of the halter,” says Sharon. “When your hand drops, it pulls the chain down and makes it hard for the horse to follow commands.”

Keep a slight bend in your right elbow, and your right arm slightly ahead of your left. Your left arm should be at your side, and bent at the elbow so that your forearm is parallel to the ground.

Stand with your shoulder at the horse’s throatlatch or slightly behind. Keep your eyes and chin up, stand up straight and keep your eyes forward.

2. Pull & Push

The second step for a showmanship class setup is to pull & push. Now that you’re standing in the right spot in the proper position, it’s time to ensure that your horse is listening.

Sharon says to start slow. Pull your horse forward a step or two, then push him back a step or two using the lead shank. Do this until he is responding to light pressure on the lead without you pulling or dragging him. Now, pull and push the horse side to side. Look for him to be light and ready to move. This is preparation for asking the horse to set up his feet square.

3. Setup in a Snap

The third step for a showmanship class is to set up your horse. Setting a horse up is more than simply squaring his feet. A horse is judged on presentation in showmanship, not conformation. But part of the presentation is knowing how to show off your horse to his best advantage. When practicing, set him up so his front and back legs are aligned in a balanced position directly underneath his body.

Start by walking forward and asking your horse to stop. Then, turn your body perpendicular to his, where the center of your chest is at the horse’s eye. Use the same cue from the push-pull exercise to ask him to move his feet.

“The goal is to have your horse’s front feet even and underneath the shoulder, and then have the back feet even and square under his hips,” says Sharon. “Be sure not to pull the front feet too far forward, where he appears stretched out.”

4. Ideal Inspection

The fourth step for a showmanship class setup is to prepare for the ideal inspection. The setup is the first part of the inspection. After the horse is set, you will look at the judge, and the judge will start to walk a circle around the horse. This is when you should move around the horse, showing him off for the judge.

“During inspection, we use the quarter method, dividing the horse into fourths,” Sharon explains. Picture a line from poll to tail and across the shoulders. When the judge is standing from the shoulders forward, you should stand on the opposite side of the horse. From the withers back, you should be positioned on the same side of the horse as the judge.

The reasoning is so that the judge can have a clear view of front portion of the horse, and stay safe around the side and back of the horse if the horse were to act up, says Sharon.

Slide your hand up and down the lead as you move from side to side. This keeps the horse from feeling pressure on the lead, and discourages him from moving forward.

Putting it All Together

Once you and your horse know how to perform the elements of a pattern—walk, trot, turn and setup—be sure to practice entire patterns. Showmanship judges reward handlers that show confidence in the ability of their horse, Sharon says.

She also reminds you that presentation is important in showmanship.

“The judges see you, your hat, clothing, the horse’s halter and cleanliness of your horse as you start the pattern. Make a good first impression. Then, responsiveness of the horse when executing the maneuvers—walk, trot, stop, setup, turns and inspection—is judged.”

Be ready with a smile and confidence in your horse!

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2017 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Jessica Holub Rumbaugh is a realtor and also manages the marketing side of her and husband Ben’s grass-fed beef business. Add in a 2-year-old son, Kai, and a 6-month-old daughter, Bailey, and Jessica’s day is usually booked solid. She is also a mom that rides horses. But for her, riding time is essential to maintaining a work-life balance and continuing to pursue her love of competitive horse shows.

In 2018, Jessica pushed herself to get back in the show ring after having Bailey. She’d qualified for the American Quarter Horse Association Versatility Ranch Horse World Championship Show in Guthrie, Okla, and she wanted to be competitive in her classes, not merely show up. Despite scheduling nightmares, ups and downs with her horse, and juggling a busy work life, Jessica realized her goals. It took time, hard work, determination and a lot of help, but this competitor faced the challenges of riding competitively with two kids like a seasoned pro.

Growing up a Horse Girl

Jessica and her sister, Jillian, grew up near the Gulf Coast in rural Danevang, Texas, where the pastures were either filled with cattle or plowed for crops. Although her parents grew up with backyard horses for recreation and working cattle, the family didn’t have close proximity to a strong horse show community. It took time to find it, but once Jessica got up the courage to attend the breed shows, she found like-minded horse enthusiasts.

It wasn’t always an easy road.

“I started riding when I was about 5 years old on a retired eventing mare who was blind in one eye but let me bridle her, push her against a fence, and hop on bareback,” Jessica says. “A few years later, we got a Welsh pony cross. When I was 7, we bought an old pleasure horse named Seventh Moon and I spent all summer practicing for a local horse show. Looking back now, I truly believe that summer instilled the strong, goal-oriented work ethic I still carry today.”

Jessica was thrilled to place second in her first show in the walk-trot division. She recalls that when she started showing in classes where she’d lope, her parents would stand in different arena corners and, if she was on the wrong lead, they’d cross their arms over their chests. It was what she refers to as a comedy of errors.

Those errors built character and determination. In 2002, with the help of trainer Steve Tidwell, the Holubs purchased Mr. Sandy Magic, aka “Stevie.”

The 4-year-old, 16-plus hand gelding would shape Jessica’s show career and build her confidence as a horse person.

“It was a learning curve for me to figure out how to ride Stevie, and I spent the summer away from home in Alabama with Steve Tidwell,” Jessica remembers. “I had two and a half months to get ready for the Palomino World Show. I practiced so hard. In the lineup of the hunt-seat equitation class when the final five [riders] were in the line, I started to shake and cry. By the time they named us World Champions, I was a wreck.”

After that success, Jessica opted to home school and focus on showing. Her show experience was in western, English, and speed events. A stellar youth career was followed by an amazing amateur career. She juggled college at Texas A&M with showing and made it work.

All told, Jessica and Stevie captured four Golden Horse titles. Her dedication and love for horses never wavered, even after retiring Stevie. As a youth, she earned seven World and six Reserve World Champion titles with the Palomino Horse Breeders Association while riding four different horses.

Mom Riding Horses – Juggling Lessons

Scheduling horse shows around college courses was one thing, but when Jessica and Ben decided to have children, the term “juggling” took on new meaning.

Ben, who used to joke about Jessica’s “fancy show horses,” grew up raising cattle and riding the ranch horses. In an effort to combine their enjoyment of competition and horses, Jessica purchased a horse to compete in cowboy mounted shooting. Her determination and goal-setting led to success in that arena, but a busy work life never allowed Ben to truly commit to saddle time.

Then their son, Kai, was born in 2016.

“I really enjoyed mounted shooting, but there was a horsemanship aspect I found myself missing from the pleasure horse days,” says Jessica. Up late with a new baby, she found herself horse-shopping online.

“I stopped riding when I was pregnant with Kai, and missed it so much. I’d dabbled in the Stock Horse of Texas [versatility] events in the past and enjoyed it. I wanted to find a prospect to bring along as a side project and compete there.”

Three months after Kai was born, Jessica arranged to view Boonfull of Caesar (“Gus”).

“I drove five hours to try the horse, and had to schedule my trip to stop and pump [breast milk],” Jessica says with a laugh. “I think I speak for all moms involved in agriculture when I say we learn how to improvise and make things work.”

Jessica left the trial ride owning Gus, a short, dapple-gray gelding that had only been in the cutting arena. With her show experience and horsemanship know-how, Jessica crafted him into an all-around prospect, competing in ranch trail, ranch riding, ranch reining and working cow horse classes. She was off to a solid start showing again.

Mom Riding Horses – Golden Focus

For over a year, Jessica worked with Gus. The duo competed in both SHTX and AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse events. In 2017, they captured the Reserve World Champion title for the Limited Amateur All-Around. Just weeks later, Jessica learned she was pregnant with baby number two.

“My horse was on vacation the entire summer and winter,” Jessica says. “Bailey was born the day after Christmas. I started getting my horse legged up again in January, and my first show back was in March 2018 when Bailey was 2-and-a-half months old and Kai was 2 years old. It was a challenge.”

In order to be a mother to her children and a competitor, Jessica brought her parents along to shows. This helped being a mom riding horses. She woke at 4 a.m., fed Bailey and then fed her horse. She tried her best not to inconvenience anyone else with getting up before dawn. It was a marathon to get through a horse show, but Jessica did it.

The hardcore competitor in her took a backseat to the realistic mother.

“It has been a huge learning curve for me to calm down and accept that it’s OK to be a little late when I haul in for a lesson, or to cancel a show because my child is sick,” she says. “My kids come first. I find myself shrugging off mistakes that happen at a show or a bad run because I think to myself, ‘At least you’re actually showing!’”

At home, Jessica makes sacrifices in order to prepare for shows. Sleep is the main one. She schedules riding around when her children wake up or who can help watch them while she rides.

Jessica and Gus were on target for the World Show in June of 2018 thanks to a strict schedule.

Everything was in place until two weeks prior to the departure date, when Gus wasn’t quite himself. After a week under the watchful eye of the vet, Gus was cleared to show. Jessica wasn’t sure that after a week off they would be ready to go. Plus, her family had made other plans when it looked like the show was cancelled for them.

“At the last minute, I was able to have Ben drive the kids to stay with his mom,” Jessica says. “A friend helped haul Gus to the show and I rode along, able to pump and save milk for Bailey on the eight-hour drive.

“It was a crazy decision, considering Gus had been off. The ‘old me’ before kids wouldn’t have gone to the show, but I decided to wing it, mom style. Who knew when I would have this opportunity again? It worked!”

Jessica returned home with the AQHA Limited Amateur All-Around World Champion trophy. Back at home, the celebration didn’t last long. After the drive home on Sunday, Jessica turned around to make the six-hour drive to pick up the kids. It was just another day in “mom life.”

However, the sacrifices she makes are worth it to show her kids that setting and meeting goals are important. Jessica hopes to one day to share her horse life with Kai and Bailey. Kai already loves when he gets to ride Gus.

“I really hope bringing my kids up around showing horses will help them become goal-oriented,” she says. “I want them to learn about earning what they want, and I want them to learn that sometimes things don’t go your way, even when you do your best. That’s just life, and I feel that showing horses teaches that on a much greater scale.

“I’ll do everything I can as a parent to provide them with horse opportunities, even if it means giving one of them my good horses. I’m sure that’s in my future! But I’ll do it with a smile because I know that showing horses is well worth it.”

Read Jessica’s 4 Tips for Balancing Horses and Parenthood >>

This article about mothers riding horses originally appeared in the October 2018 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Ride Like a Mother appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

1. Be flexible. The first tip in balancing horses and parenthood is to be flexible. The best laid plans are often set back when you have children. Don’t let a couple of roadblocks stop you altogether.
2. Be able to laugh. The next tip in balancing horses and parenthood is to be able to laugh. Get to the show and realize your shirt isn’t ironed? Enjoy the chance to be there and don’t sweat the little things.
3. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The trailer tack room may be crammed with a rock & play or jumparoo and you may have to climb in a 100-degree truck cab to pump milk in the middle of the day, but being at the show makes every success a little sweeter.
4. Be gracious. The final tip in balancing horses and parenthood is to be gracious. It takes a village for a mom to get to a horse show. Victory or defeat, be grateful and thank your teammates for the helping hand.

Read more about Jessica’s journey with horses and family in Ride Like a Mother from the October 2018 issue of Horse Illustrated. Click here to subscribe.

The post 4 Tips for Balancing Horses and Parenthood appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Horse show competitors know all too well the grooming disasters that occur right as you step up to the in-gate. It can be the green stains on your white horse, a braiding blowout, or a horse that smears baby oil down your sleeve while preparing for a halter class.

Horses are messy and all too often, the products that make them look great do the opposite for the owner. With these tips from seasoned competitors, you’ll be prepared to solve any horse show-day disaster, or better yet, keep it from happening.

Be Prepared

Show Kit: Part of this preparation is a well-stocked show kit. Before heading to the show, be sure to pack grooming essentials. Even a horse that is washed and clean prior to getting on the trailer can manage to find dirt. The same goes for clothing and tack. Bring backups and plan for touch-ups. A checklist is helpful to make sure you have everything you need, from shampoo to safety pins.

Rulebook: One more thing to check is your rulebook. Holly Spooner, Ph.D., show mom to 7-year-old Grace and a long-time breed show competitor herself, is an associate professor of Horse Science at Middle Tennessee State University. She reminds people that understanding the association’s grooming rules is an important part of proper show grooming and preparation.

“Know what’s permissible in your breed and association,” she says. “For example, you can’t use hoof black [in Pony of the Americas events], and fake tails are not allowed in ranch organizations.”

Here are some tips to get you and your horse looking show-ready—and how to stay that way.

1. Clean Tack

Some events promote competing in working tack, and others showcase horses shining in silver-covered saddles and headstalls. No matter what tack you compete in, it should be clean.

If you forgot to break out your leather cleaner at home, keep a spare in your trailer’s grooming kit. Leather wipes offer quick and convenient touch-ups, while a no-water leather cleaner cuts down on cleaning time.

“I use a creamy leather cleaner to wipe down all of my tack, boots, and the outside of my horse’s hard-shell boots before going in the ring,” says Nikki Littrell, an eventing competitor who also comes from a background in breed shows. “It doesn’t require any water to use, is extremely quick-drying and doesn’t make your tack slippery.”

More tips for cleaning your tack >>

2. Get Brighter Whites

Keeping a chromed-out horse clean can be a full-time job, but there are a number of ways to brighten white stockings and clean the green from white coats. Spooner follows the strategy of keeping the “ick” from ever having a chance to stick.

“Even in warm weather, we use a sleazy or slinky cover. There’s so much white on our POAs that I do everything I can to keep them clean,” says Spooner. “I’ll use a nylon sheet over a full-body sleazy. I spray the outer layer of the sheet with waterproofing so that if the horse lays in a wet spot, it won’t seep through and stain him.”

If Houdini horse does manage to thwart your efforts to keep him from finding dirt, every white-horse owner has a favorite method to get that sparkle back.

From green-spot removers to whitening shampoos and touch-up color enhancing sprays, there are many fast-fix options. Spooner always keeps corn starch and baby powder on hand. Mixing the two together and rubbing on the area will brighten the hair.

For Littrell, ketchup is her secret weapon.

“For white tails, ketchup is a great secret for getting stubborn yellow stains out,” she explains. “Just grab a bottle from your local grocery store and slather the whole thing in the tail. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and rinse, followed by a quick wash with blueing shampoo.”

3. Over Oiled

Putting the shine on a horse’s eyes and muzzle is a double-edged sword. Too much goop is not only uncomfortable for the horse but also makes a mess for the rider. Littrell walks the line between oil and shine with her favorite coat polish spray.

“I spray a bit on a rag and wipe [around] my horse’s eyes, ears and nose before going in the arena,” she says. “This puts a lovely sheen on a horse without looking greasy. I also spray it on the tail for shine and detangling.”

One word of caution from our experienced show grooms is to avoid putting anything slippery or shiny on the saddle area. Spooner also advises against going too heavy with oil on your horse’s face.

“Any grease will get slimy as it warms up, and that makes it more likely to get on your clothes,” she says. “We use a baby oil gel that has a little thickness to it and cuts the mess of straight oil.”

Spooner also recommends a trial run with this grooming technique on your horse at home before the show to prevent grooming disasters. A horse that’s never worn highlighter before may take offense, and this could affect how he carries his head, she explains.

4. Bring Braiding Backup

For many show circuits, professional banding or mane-braiding services are common. Having someone band or braid your horse’s mane can save tons of prep time. However, even if you aren’t doing your own braids or bands, it’s smart to keep those supplies on hand.

Here’s how to band your horse’s mane >>

“If you pay someone to band your horse, you should have extra bands,” Spooner advises. “Even if you use a stretchy hood overnight to keep the bands straight, one can break. You don’t want to be running around looking for the right color band on show day.”

Littrell braids her own horses but ensures her braids are show-ready in the morning with this trick to prevent grooming disasters.

“I use yarn to braid manes. It takes slightly longer than bands, but knowing my braids won’t come undone before I trot down the centerline is worth it,” she says. “To save myself time in the morning, I do the down portion of the braid the night before and wait to tie them up in the morning. This way, they look nice and fresh. Instead of taking 40 minutes in the morning, tying them up only takes 10.”

Knowing you have the supplies to fix a grooming goof saves time and reduces stress.

5. Rider Repairs

It’s always a risk to keep horse show attire near a horse covered in oil, hoof black and coat shine spray. Yet, it is a risk riders take. When dirt does happen, Spooner whips out a baby wipe to save the day.

“I live for baby wipes,” she says. “They’re fantastic because you can wipe your horse’s nose with them, clean your hands, wipe off your boots and clean any dirt. Baby wipes and a Tide pen are always in my grooming bag. My daughter wears button-down shirts, and if she gets a mark on one, the pen gets it out.”

The other staple kept in her grooming bag is safety pins. From fixing a back number to pinning together a shirt, the uses for safety pins are too many to list.

With these tips, pack your own horse show-savvy grooming bag. You’ll be well-prepared the next time dirt or slime tries to derail your show day and prevent any and all horse show grooming disasters.

This article originally appeared in the June 2018 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Show Grooming Solutions appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Dashing from side to side, Sidney Kahla’s gray gelding athletically keeps the black cow from getting back to the herd of cattle behind it. While it looks like 11-year-old Sidney is hanging on to the saddle horn with all her might, a closer look reveals a subtle shift in weight and leg to cue her horse.

The sport of cutting is a timed event that only lasts for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The horse and rider must separate a cow from a herd and keep it separated until the cow either stops moving or turns away.

The process is repeated least twice, but preferably a rider cuts out three cows. Points are taken off if the rider picks up the reins and guides the horse while working the cow away from the herd, so feet are the only guidance. However, riders can hold the horn for balance.

Getting Started

Sidney started the sport young.

“I remember riding my first cutting horse at 6 years old,” she says. “I started because it was fun and challenging. Now, it’s more challenging to ride it right. You have to sit and push your hand against the saddle horn so you sit deep, and still use your feet without the judge seeing you. And it’s so fun.”

Sidney says that once you know the basics of riding, you can learn to cut on a trained horse. She rides a 12-year-old gelding named Peptos Playgun (“Gunner”).

“You need to have a horse you can really trust,” she says. “My favorite thing about Gunner is that he’s really kind. I trust him a lot.”

Practice Plan

Sidney and Gunner practice several times a week with trainer Adam Cunningham to keep their skills sharp.

“I work cows and also work the flag,” says Sidney. “The flag is like a mechanical cow; it’s a folded up flag on cables. It helps cutters to focus on what the horse is doing and not so much the cow, and it can help if you don’t always have cows [to practice with]. I have to work on using my feet to get Gunner to go into a turn.”

Practice has paid off for Sidney, and she recently won the 2016 Grimes County Youth Ranch Cutting champion title. In 2015, she finished sixth in the American Cutting Horse Association’s youth division year-end results. She has shown competitively for two years, and shows in NCHA, ACHA and Stock Horse of Texas.

Trainer Adam reminds riders that while cutting is a competitive sport, they should remember that the reason they ride is to have fun.

“The biggest thing I can suggest is that parents get a horse that can take care of the kid to help build confidence,” he says.

If you’d like to give cutting a try, grab the horn for a wild ride!

Cutting Classes

Different associations offer cutting classes. Find out more!

American Cutting Horse Association:
achacutting.org

American Paint Horse Association:
apha.com

American Quarter Horse Association:
aqha.com

Arabian Cutting Horse Association:
arabiancutting.com

National Cutting Horse Association:
nchacutting.com

Ranch Cutting at the United States Cutting Horse Association:
unitedstatescutting.com/ranchcutting.html

World Cutting Horse Association:
worldcutter.com

This article about horse cutting originally appeared in the January/February 2017 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

Further reading:

Box Me In: Learn How to Box a Cow

The post Western Lesson: Cutting Challenge appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The crisp clip-clop of steel horseshoes striking stone roads competed with the sound of surf crashing to shore as our group of riders trotted toward Cleggan Beach in Ireland. The Connemara/Irish Cob under me perked up at the smell of the salty air and the sound of the waves. A thrilling beach gallop on my trusty horse in the Emerald Isle was mere moments away.

On the western edge of Ireland, in County Galway, the small seaside town of Cleggan is home to a ferry, fishermen, and the Cleggan Beach Riding Centre. The Centre offers treks across the countryside or to two different beaches, all on traditional Irish mounts, including Irish Cobs and Connemara ponies. It was the perfect place for an equine-savvy tourist to make a dream come true and ride on the Emerald Isle.

Ireland is a horse lover’s paradise, whether you’re an expert in an English saddle or a novice with little riding know-how. With a little research, a reputable stable to book with and a sense of adventure, you can experience the magical ride of your dreams.

A Perfect Plan for an Emerald Isle Horse Vacation

Tourism is a thriving industry in Ireland, and many cities offer a tourism agency that can assist in booking adventures like horseback riding. The horse trekking companies that work with official Irish tourism offices are often accredited through the Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE), and insured, making them a good choice for an adventure.

Though my Irish adventure began in Dublin, I was positive that I wanted to ride on the beach aboard an Irish horse. Over my 20-plus years of horseback experience, which includes jumping, youth rodeo events, western pleasure and working cow horse, I had not had many opportunities for the quintessential beach ride. Sand in your face, thundering hooves and surf pounding as you gallop on beach.

With this vision in mind, my friend Anna Morrison and I waited to book a horse vacation in Ireland until we reached the western edge of our travels.

The second-to-last morning of the trip, we walked into the Tourism Ireland office in Clifden. There were several stables that offered rides: rides near old castles, rides in the country and rides along the coast. However, for us the choice was easy. The Cleggan Beach Riding Centre offered a beautiful beach gallop.

After a quick call to schedule our ride, we were set. It was an afternoon riding appointment. All day I couldn’t wait to get to the stables, and finally the time arrived.

Well-Matched Mounts

I felt like a kid again, trying to listen to the pre-ride instructions, but all the while straining to catch a glimpse of the horses. I hoped to meet the horse of my Irish dreams—something adorable, with feathered feet and a flowing mane.

First, though, the Cleggan instructors fit each rider in our group with a helmet and ensured that our boots safely fit into and would release from a stirrup. Anna and I both had extensive experience riding stock horses in Texas, and our western-style cowboy boots made for good-natured comments about our “cowboy style.”

Up until this point, it never crossed my mind that we would be sitting in English saddles.

“How long has it been since you rode English? It’s been at least a decade for me,” Anna said. “Let’s hope that muscle memory kicks in!”

One by one, the horses were led out and paired with riders based on ability. A father that had never ridden was paired with a large black-and-white piebald that looked like he was asleep on his feet—a nice match. A small roan pony was introduced to a little girl; the child was instantly smitten. As each rider mounted and was settled safely in the saddle with stirrups adjusted, my anxiety grew.

“What if I don’t find my balance in the English saddle? What if they give me a troublesome mount because I said I was experienced?” The worries began to pile up in my head. Soon Oscar was led toward me.

A stout, brown gelding with an unruly mane, thick body, soft brown eyes and feathery feet stood in front of me, and he was most definitely assessing me as I gave him the once-over. Oscar was precious!

Solidly mounted on my 8-year-old Connemara-Cob cross, I looked over to find Anna beaming at me from her seat on Chip, a 12-year-old gray Connemara. We were ready.

Before embarking on our beach trek, the instructors had each rider take a practice lap at the trot. Those tackling a beach canter—just me and Anna—were required to take one practice lap to be sure we could handle our horses. At last we set out, riding along the main road in to Cleggan before turning south of town onto a single-lane road.

My smile beamed with my delight as we walked past stones piled in what was once a house, trotted down lanes bordered by vividly red-flowered plants, and greeted the cattle and horses that were attracted to the fences by our presence. Yet nothing prepared me for seeing the beach.

Making Magic

The blacktop road gave way to white as the horses crested the hill, their hooves sinking in the sand. For some reason, I did not imagine Irish beaches to have sand to rival that of the Caribbean. But here we were, near the North Atlantic Ocean, facing a sea of blue-green water, with emerald-green hills to our left and right, and a quaint Irish fishing village behind us. It was picture perfect.

The Cleggan Beach Riding Centre instructors paused for us to take in the view, take some photographs, and took time to point out the historic features of the area, including an ancient Celtic monument that overlooked the beach. Our riding group was then split into trotters and gallopers.

There would be several trips up and down the beach. Before setting the riders on their path, the instructors gave the less-experienced riders key instruction on steering and stopping.

With giddy smiles, Anna and I awaited our turn to traverse the beach. She situated her horse in front of mine, with the ocean to her left and the dunes to the right.

“Can you believe we are about to gallop our horses on an Irish beach? Look at this—it’s beautiful!” said Anna.

And then the only sound was the wind rushing past my ears as I leaned forward, urging Oscar into a canter, then letting him eat up the ground as he splashed down the beach. It was wet, it was sandy, it was salty. It was a perfect ride.

I heard the rhythm of Oscar’s hooves pounding the edge of the surf, and with each stride I was soaring. With my heels down and weight centered, I forgot to be concerned about the English saddle and instead just enjoyed the ride.

Laughter carried from the novice group to our ears, as each trip they made the children and adults alike grew bolder in their speed. The excitement in the air was palpable.

All too soon, I guided Oscar from sand to blacktop. There was sand on my face, sand covering my Western boots, and I noticed Oscar’s coat was shining with droplets of sea water. Yet both he and I were relaxed.

The walk back to the Centre was quiet, with riders all smiling at the beach adventure. A young family would take home memories of their ride, and perhaps inspire one of the children for riding lessons. No matter the saddle experience before we set out on our trek, each one of us was returning to the barn with a better understanding of riding.

Anna and I were the last to leave the arena. We lingered over saying goodbye to our respective mounts. In the car headed back to Clifden, with the windows down and the smell of sea in the air, I was all smiles. Ireland offered this Texas stock-horse rider hope to fulfill a dream, and the reality was so much more than I could have hoped.

Horses of Ireland

The horse holds a special place in the culture and heritage of Ireland. According to Irish Horse Gateway, a website connecting buyers and sellers of Irish horses, the country is home to three native breeds: the Connemara pony, the Irish Cob and the Kerry Bog pony.

In addition, horse owners in Ireland created three more breeds through careful selection: the Irish Draught, a sturdy horse that could handle both riding and farm work; the Irish Sport Horse, a cross of Thoroughbred and Irish Draught; and the newest, the Irish Warmblood, a stud book officially recognized in 2009.

The Irish Cob and Connemara pony are advertised in most riding adventures, and it’s no secret why they’re popular. Irish Cobs in particular are noted for their excellent temperament and flowing hair. Their short, wide backs make them very comfortable under saddle. The Connemara is beloved for its versatility, athleticism and cheerful character.

Thoroughbreds also are a point of pride for the Irish. The Irish National Stud, a Thoroughbred breeding facility established in 1900, is located in County Kildare and manages the official stud book. The Irish National Stud is home to stallions renowned for steeplechase and racing. As a national organization, the Irish National Stud truly belongs to the people of Ireland. Visitors can view the stallions and living legends that are retired to the farm, as well as visit the historic horse museum.

From the carriage horses in Dublin and the horses still used to work farms to the ponies that carry tourists on hacks, horses thrive in Ireland.

For more information on Irish horse history, start by visiting irishnationalstud.ie or theconnemarapony.ie.

This article about exploring the Emerald Isle by horseback originally appeared in the January 2018 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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