Pushing the Barrier by Speed Williams - June 2008
Keeping Your Head Horse Fit
Welcome to my new monthly article where I’ll share my thoughts and opinions on a different topic each month. If there’s something you want me to write about, you can visit fastbackropes.com and click on “Contact Us.” Send your idea in the email and it will be passed along to me.
One of the most important and overlooked responsibilities of a header is to keep their horse mentally and physically fit. A head horse has to score, run and respond and they can’t do that very well if they are fresh and haven’t been ridden.
One of the best investments I’ve made is an 8-horse panel walker from Priefert. I jokingly told my wife that now she could warm up nine head at one time, but she didn’t really find it very funny. I can put my horses in the walker and have them walk, trot or lope for as long as they need, in both directions.
In the old days, when I owned a horse that was very strong or stayed excited, I would have to lope for several hours before he was ready to be roped on. Basically, the easier a horse makes my life, the easier his life is. For instance, a horse that won’t score or that tries to take the bit needs to be fairly tired before he’s ready to pay attention and go to work.
One drill I do with my head horses is to head and heel my Hot Heels. By doing this I’m putting something in front of them and making them do different things and they’re in my hand and listening to me. This teaches them to respond to my hands and my feet, which is crucial when we’re running hard down the arena.
Another way to keep your head horse working is not to run too many big, heavy steers or get caught up in turning cattle for your heeler. Simply because heelers always want “one more run.” As a heeler I know I did. It’s too easy for that one run to turn into five, ten or fifteen steers.
If you haven’t roped in a week or so, you’re really not getting ready by roping a few days before a jackpot. Actually you’re setting your horse up for an injury. Make no mistake, a head horse is an athlete and needs to be exercised regularly whether it’s riding or on a walker.
For more information about Speed, including roping tips and video clips, visit www.speedzoneroping.com.
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Fast Back Ropes, Inc. • Granbury, TX • 800-479-1851