Reining Horse Myths

When it comes to reining horses, there are many myths out there. A lot of these myths center around cutting the horse and what people claim you need to do to cut the horse properly. However, the truth of the matter is that a lot of these are just myths and they actually won't help you cut the horse in any way. In some circumstances, they might actually go against what you are trying to teach your horse.

Here are some myths about cutting reining horses- busted so that you can know the real truth:

• My colt chases others (dogs, humans, goat, another horse, etc) when out to pasture and works them like a cutting cow. I think he will make a great cutter. Ð Many colts do this type of behavior naturally but it doesn't necessarily mean they will be ready for show reining. It's really just natural play. It should be encouraged but it doesn't mean you go signing your colt up for competitions.
• My colt seems to be good at reining. I'm going to train him for 6 weeks (6 months, etc) with the best trainer in the business and put him out to show. Ð Even in a horse that shows exceptional ability at reining and cutting, it takes a long time to get the horse to showable preparedness. It can take a minimum of 18 months to be ready for this but many horses take longer.
• I'm going to buy a reining horse and enter our first competition next weekend. Ð Many new owners get the impression that cutting horses have already been trained for competition and that as a rider, all you have to do is hold on. This isn't true and it also takes time to build a relationship with your new horse so he will do what you ask. Don't try to rush things.

With these myths debunked, you can be more informed about cutting reining horses so that you can do this successfully and create a better bond with your horse.