A Question for the Reining Masters!

**divinemisselle** · 11-17-2006, 08:19 PM

There's a new QH colt being boarded at the barn where I ride. He's just two years old, has 45 days professional training and is already "reining" according to the previous owner, and we're assuming he's W-T-C already.

Is this a typical training pattern for QH's?

The real question that I have is what is up with the cow bell that gets hung in his stall and then from his back cinch when he's under saddle?

**Range** · 11-17-2006, 08:36 PM

I'm guessing that by "reining" they mean neck reining instead of direct reining.

The cow bell? Beats me. Hubby has been doing some work at NedPoint Quarter Horses, a big reining barn. I'll ask him. Maybe he knows. Seems kind of odd.

Edited to add:

"That's crazy." Is the answer I got. He's heard of a "swish" to simulate grass, but that's from the front legs. The horse must be "broke as hell", though. But, there seems to be no logical answer to the cow bell. And, he even called up there to ask!

**beth55051** · 11-17-2006, 09:55 PM

Actually I'm surprised he only has 45 days on him. There's a cutting barn north of me that has 60-90 days on their yearlings already to get them ready for NEXT FALLS futurities. They've been dumping the rejects at the local sales barn. Most have knees that are shot.

Already reining would mean that he has a decent spin, sliding stop and flying changes down and is fine tuning them for competition.

My guess on the cow bell from the rear cinch might be to scare him if he starts bucking? But I've never heard of putting a cow bell on anything but a bull or cow.

It could however be there to get him used to loud noises. During spins and slides the crowd can get kind of excited. At some of our bigger barrel runs and stuff the teenagers like to ring cow bells and use other noise makers to cheer on friends.

**divinemisselle** · 11-18-2006, 07:04 AM

The idea that I have in my head runs parallel to what you're thinking, Beth. It makes me sad to know that he's been worked so much at such a young age.

He is such a cute little bugger.

We couldn't figure out the cow bell thing, though.

Never heard of that.

Rocking Horse · 11-18-2006, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by divinemisselle

We couldn't figure out the cow bell thing, though.

Never heard of that.

It a new one for me

11-17-2006, 08:19 PM
divinemisselle Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 6,662	A Question for the Reining Masters! There's a new QH colt being boarded at the barn where I ride. He's just two years old, has 45 days professional training and is already "reining" according to the previous owner, and we're assuming he's W-T-C already. Is this a typical training pattern for QH's? The real question that I have is what is up with the cow bell that gets hung in his stall and then from his back cinch when he's under saddle? __________________ . If Everything Seems to Be Going Right... You Have Obviously Overlooked Something. ~Steven Wright

11-17-2006, 08:36 PM
Range Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 5,898	reining I'm guessing that by "reining" they mean neck reining instead of direct reining. The cow bell? Beats me. Hubby has been doing some work at NedPoint Quarter Horses, a big reining barn. I'll ask him. Maybe he knows. Seems kind of odd. Edited to add: "That's crazy." Is the answer I got. He's heard of a "swish" to simulate grass, but that's from the front legs. The horse must be "broke as hell", though. But, there seems to be no logical answer to the cow bell. And, he even called up there to ask! __________________ If it harms none, do what you will.

11-17-2006, 09:55 PM
beth55051 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 4,870	Actually I'm surprised he only has 45 days on him. There's a cutting barn north of me that has 60-90 days on their yearlings already to get them ready for NEXT FALLS futurities. They've been dumping the rejects at the local sales barn. Most have knees that are shot. Already reining would mean that he has a decent spin, sliding stop and flying changes down and is fine tuning them for competition. My guess on the cow bell from the rear cinch might be to scare him if he starts bucking? But I've never heard of putting a cow bell on anything but a bull or cow. It could however be there to get him used to loud noises. During spins and slides the crowd can get kind of excited. At some of our bigger barrel runs and stuff the teenagers like to ring cow bells and use other noise makers to cheer on friends. __________________ Do not mind anything that anyone tells you about anyone else. Judge everyone and everything for yourself.

11-18-2006, 07:04 AM
divinemisselle Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 6,662	The idea that I have in my head runs parallel to what you're thinking, Beth. It makes me sad to know that he's been worked so much at such a young age. He is such a cute little bugger. We couldn't figure out the cow bell thing, though. Never heard of that. __________________ . If Everything Seems to Be Going Right... You Have Obviously Overlooked Something. ~Steven Wright