LS Ranch Naturally

Today my 2 boys, Chase and Boon took the next step into Californio style horsemanship by accepting for the first time a full bridle. Both were very content with the bridle which is a Spade Bit, and went through several patterns that we have been using preparing for this upward transition. Both horses have been in the Spanish Hackamore for many years.

Both horses will be in the “two-Rein” for several more years or until while using only the bridle reins, I don’t need to assist with the bosalito.

My other two mares, Willow and Harmony, have been in the “two-rein” for 3 or 4 years and are currently working with just the bridle rein assisted by an occasional feel on the bosalito.

This process is considered by most bridlemen to be the best path to a truly finished bridle horse. The journey has it’s difficulties; but the end result is an amazingly soft and responsive horse.

Once again, this is the Californio/Great Basin method of developing a bridle horse. There is nothing wrong with the “Texas(?)” style of transitioning through a transition bit from snaffle into the bridle. This builds an “active bit” style horse while the Californio style builds a “signal bit” style of horse. Both are good, I just prefer to follow the Californio journey.

I’m having fun, I hope that you are and I’ll see some of you down the road.

Say folks, Dave Ellis will be back in Buffalo WY in June this year. He'll be teaching elements of Versatile Horsemanship. He'll be sharing techniques that cause your horse to want to set himself up for the movements needed in most of the current recreational competitions in vogue today.

Give Terry a call and check it out (click below for info).

https://conta.cc/4mD4Cek

Dave back at Spear Z Spear arena in Buffalo WY June 2026 Email from David Ellis Dave Ellis back in Buffalo WY at at Spear Z Spear arena  June 8 thru 12, 2025  Horsemanship Versatility Dave Ellis Parelli 6 Star Professional Dave has been with Pat Parelli s

Hey folks, just a little over 6 weeks for Dave & Jody to be in Lone Jack Mo., just outside of Kansas City. The focus of this clinic will be versatility horsemanship. We'll be emphasizing communication rather than training. Your horsemanship with this perspective affords you the ability to excel at any of the versatility competitions so prevalent these days.

Give Nancy a call or email her for any details.
(818) 215-7842 or [email protected].

We'll see you there, Dave