Strader 2010
Driving and
first two rides
Strader returns to
Darrell as a two year old. Now the real work
begins. Before mounting, Darrell drives Strader
with his rope horse, Marshmallow. Strader has
been driven from the ground on the long lines
prior to this, but now it’s time to work on some
more advanced maneuvers. Watch Darrell, from
horseback, steer Strader through circles in both
directions and at all gaits. Everything starts
slowly, in a relaxed, stress free fashion. No
whips or devices other than the normal
communication with the reins. Darrell regularly
asks Strader to ‘Stop’. Note that the ‘Whoa’ is
more than simply a device to tell the horse to
cease forward movement and back up. It is a
pause for reflection. Watch Strader’s mouth
as he licks and chews, incorporating his new
training into his accumulated learning. It is
visible proof of his acceptance. In the last
portion of the driving exercise, Darrell takes
Strader to the wall and does several turns and
reverses along the wall. When it’s time to
mount, Darrell does so from both sides. Horses
leaving training at the Rope ‘n Tie, don’t have
the concept of ‘right’ side ‘wrong side’. They
are accustomed to thinking that any activity can
happen from either side. Mounted, Darrell eases
Strader over to the wall and asks him to repeat
the turns and reverses which he just did on the
driving lines. Then gradually, the exercise
expands into the larger open area of the arena.
This video shows the first two times Darrell has
ridden Strader. In the first, a cold day,
Darrell’s black hood is pulled up. In the
second, you’ll see Darrell’s blue hat. Note that
throughout, there is a responsive attitude from
the horse and a gentle, reassuring touch from
the trainer. No snatching, grabbing or spurs. No
Drama. |
'Strader'...is
a 2008
Dash Ta Fame
son.
He's
destined for barrel horse competition. Strader is owned by Roy Quinn, long time
friend/client of Darrell's. Roy has the
distinction of having bred and shown APHA World
Champion Halter Stallion Night Train. He
and Darrell have been sharing their horse wisdom
for decades.
Click the "Play" button below to watch. |
