JRJ Trail Horsemanship & Packing School

Upcoming Clinics

JRJ is planning more clinics! Watch the events calendar at right for more details as we develop our schedule (or call us anytime).

October 24-25 2009 - Doug Glasford - Riding and Training - 2 days cost $250

October 30-31, Nov 1 2009 - Ellen Hockley - Driving - 3 days cost $300

Nov 3 2009 Problem Solving with Marion Weisskopff - cost $60

Nov 14 2009 GPS for Beginners - instructor Jack Breaks cost $50

Nov 21-22 2009 Leathercraft - instructor Jim McCrae cost $100 plus materials

March 2010 - Dutch Oven Cooking

February 2010 - Tack Cleaning and repair

February 2010 - Bits and Bitting

Spring 2010 - Ponying Safely

April 2010 - Conditioning your horse

April 2010 - Stock Management

May 2010 - Packing

Approaching and Catching a Horse

A relaxed but careful attitude gets the job done!

Horses have evolved as a prey animal. Their first reaction to perceived danger is to flee. If they are restrained and thus prevented from fleeing, they may kick or bite. Loud noises and sudden or unexpected motion can be perceived as danger. Horses are big, heavy and quick. Their normal prey reaction when startled can cause injury to anyone near them while being groomed, saddled, or lead.

To Approach a Horse:

Make sure the horse is aware of your approach.
Approach towards the front left shoulder, using your voice to maintain contact.
Hold out your hand and let the horse sniff to assure it of your identity.

To Catch a Horse:

Movements should be steady and confident, not sudden or grasping.
If haltered, hold the halter and secure the lead rope to the halter using a snap or by tying a bowline.
If not haltered, place the tail end of the lead rope around the neck, hold it and put on the halter by holding the halter strap in your left hand over the poll and the buckle or loop in your right hand. Raise the halter until positioned on the head and buckle or tie.

Turning out a Horse:

Turn the horse away from the direction it wants to go.
Release the horse and step back. Generally it is better to remove the halter when turning out a horse to prevent it from getting caught on something.
Do not shoo or slap the animal to get it to move away. It may kick out as it turns or passes. It is better for you to walk calmly away, leaving the horse.