Robbins Arena

🙌 Horsemanship heroes 🙌

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Tom Dorrance (1910–2003) is remembered as the quiet genius of the horse world, often called the father of natural horsemanship. He didn’t believe in breaking horses through fear. Instead, he believed in listening—communicating with “feel” and patience until horse and rider moved as one.
His older brother, Bill Dorrance (1906–1999), carried the same wisdom. A rancher steeped in California’s old vaquero traditions, Bill worked alongside Tom to preserve a gentler, more respectful approach to training. Together, they planted the seeds of a revolution.
The man who carried that revolution forward was their student, Ray Hunt (1929–2009). Hunt became famous for traveling the country teaching riders how to “think like a horse.” He showed cowboys, ranchers, and rodeo riders that trust and respect could achieve more than force ever could.
Though none of them sought Hollywood lights, their philosophy echoed all the way to the silver screen. Trainers and wranglers who had studied under them—or under their students—brought that authenticity into western films. The smooth horsemanship audiences admired on screen often bore the quiet imprint of the Dorrance brothers and Ray Hunt.
By the time they passed, they had become more than horsemen. They were teachers, philosophers, and guardians of a tradition that valued partnership over domination. Their legacy still rides on every time a horse and rider move together in trust, whether on a ranch, in an arena, or in a western film.

~Old Photo Club

💯

"Quit over feeding your performance horses, and start riding them."

There. I said it.

And for heaven's sake, quit turning to the vet for every misstep and bobble.

Instead of looking for a quick fix that doesn't involve effort, try saddling up and long trotting a few miles...daily. You probably got into this sport because you love to ride...so ride! Five days a week, rain or shine. I guarantee your horse won't be as 'ulcer-y', he won't freshen up and act up, he won't fall apart under pressure...you two will partner up the way a horse and rider were intended to.

You might even win more.

The last thing your underworked equine partner needs is grass 24-7, every supplement known to man kind, soaked (or unsoaked) alfalfa cubes on a daily basis, gastro medication, Lasix, and injections in every joint. What he does need is miles in the saddle.

And so do you.

Start there, at least.

Good old fashioned riding time.

K.I.S.S.

Keep it simple, stupid.

It's a good habit to develop anyway. All manner of equine problems can be fixed with consistent riding and some daily sweat...on the part of both parties.

Have a good day folks. 😊

Pictured below; the big engine LJ...a perfect example of what riding a horse everyday can build out of them. I didn't think I'd ever see the day this gelding would stand still. 🤷