Posted on March 20, 2009
You have heard it from many trainers-ride every stride. This will eventually become automatic when you train yourself to count your strides. One of my greatest teachers, Tony Mason, taught me to count the length and width of the arena. He was adament about knowing the size of your arena and how to carve out space to work in when it was crowded with many horses. I imagine he learned this years ago when he was trained by his Master in Europe, when riders had to navigate among dozens of horses in small arenas. There was etiquette about how to pass one another and when to change direction.
If you learn to count the strides in your circles, you will eventually learn how to ride a perfect circle. This is not as easy as you might expect. I start all my students whether children or adults learning to count and it pays off quickly as they progress up the levels.
This image is of Ashley Cox riding Classy, winning the dressage test at Kent Horse Trials. If you are interested in lessons or have any questions, contact cari@cariswanson.com.
Posted on March 12, 2009
This photo demonstrates hours of training. Justin is one of the most successful movie horses, starring in Black Beauty among many other films. Now in his mid twenties, he is enjoying retirement, however, his ears still prick up for his trainer Rex when he comes out to feed him each day. You must always remember to be patient and take one step at a time when training your horse. Remember to be very clear about what you are asking and reward your horse when he gives it to you. After working your horse every day consistently you will see a remarkable change and improvement. Generally horses have a good work ethic, enjoying their daily routine. Spring is finally here and it is time to get back into your training routine.
Posted on March 2, 2009
DIED: Hightower,26. One of the most famous and talented trick horses ever to grace the silver screen, Hightower appeared in dozens of films during his long career, most notably as Pilgrim in Robert Redford’s The Horse Whisperer (1998). He was the steed of choice for actress Julia Roberts, who bonded with him during the filming of The Runaway Bride (1999) and famously insisted that the charismatic quarter horse be shipped back from his California corral to an East Coast location for post-production re-shoots. Owned and trained by Hollywood Horse Trainer, Rex Peterson, Hightower also appeared in Winter People (1989) opposite Kurt Russell and Kelly McGillis, in Simpatico (1999) with Jeff Bridges and Nick Nolte, and in writer-director Caroline Thompson’s 1994 adaptation of Black Beauty. “Hightower had a heart as big as the great outdoors”, said veteran trainer and USDF Silver Medalist Cari Swanson, “and he will be remembered as one of the most intelligent and noble equine actors of our day.” In Tehachapi, California, October 30.
Posted on March 2, 2009
As Spring approaches, the show season is just around the corner. Now is the time to consider a program to bring your horse to optimum condition considering your discipline of dressage, jumping or eventing. It is critical to consider the age and amount of activity your horse has had in order to create an effective plan of conditioning. Horses who are turned out need a shorter warm up than those standing in their stall or small paddock. A progressive warm up allows time for the muscles to reach their optimal working temperature (during warm up the muscles rise by about 1 degree C) before increasing the excercise intensity.
After a warm up phase, move into the workout which pushes to horse just beyond his ability to build muscles and stamina. It is important to work the trot and canter in an active rhythm, thus working the skeletal muscles hard enough to stimulate an increase in blood circulation. The main objective is to achieve relaxation in all gaits. Next should come the suppling excercises of lateral and bending movements. Remember wet saddle blankets make good horses.
Finally, an important element of your conditioning is the warm down period. This is a time to allow the horse to recover from the workout and helps him release muscular tension and possible soreness. A walk on the long rein is a great finish to this workout. Slowly build your horse back up to his optimal fitness, allowing several weeks to reach your goal. Careful systematic training will help build solid muscles and a happy fit horse.
Posted on February 25, 2009
This is Tuff, owned and trained by Rex Peterson. Tuff is one of Justin’s sons (Justin played Black Beauty), who was featured as Jeremy Irons horse in Ed Harris’ film Appaloosa. Come meet Tuff at the AQHA Quarterfest in May, where you can help celebrate the American Quarter Horse.
May 1-3, 2009
Tennessee Miller Coliseum
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Posted on February 10, 2009
Westfield Whips have been designed with impeccable craftsmanship for over a century. With perfect balance, action and flexibility, these whips never feel heavy in your hand. All Westfield, whips are built on cores made to precise specifications to guarantee that they replicate the feel and performance standards of the original whalebone and rawhide whips which have never been surpassed in quality and feel.
“For me, the Westfield whips are the finest available in the world today.”-Bruce Davidson
Bruce is one of the finest and most accomplished equestrians of our time. He is a two time Three-Day Event World Champion and a five-time Olympic veteran, holding two team gold and two team silver medals. He is a two time World Champion, has won the Rolex Kentucky Three Day a record six times and is one of only two Americans to have won the Badminton Horse Trials. He has been the US Combined Training Assoc. “Rider of the Year” a record fourteen times.
“In my industry where every detail matters, I count on the handling precision of a Westfield whip to deliver a perfect performance.”-Rex Peterson
Rex has trained horses for film for over four decades, creating some of the most complex and exciting horse action sequences every filmed. His credits include dozens of films including Black Beauty, Dreamer, Hidalgo, Runaway Bride, The Horse Whisperer and The Patriot. His concern for the well being of horses has earned him the praise of humane organizations and animal advocates.
Westfield whips are well balanced, light in weight and of the highest quality. I love these whips and so do my customers.” –Olaf Nyby
Olaf Nyby of Norway is one of Europe’s top driving instructor and horse trainers. His expertise includes pleasure and commercial driving and international competition in pairs; four-in-hand combined training and driving dressage disciplines.
The Westfield whip-dressage, straight lash (6 foot), Lunge line, and jumper bat are available at swansonpetersonproductions.com
Here Ryan uses his Tufflex Stock Whip (6 foot), and Diamond Weave Pro Lunge Whip from Westfield to cue Doc to perform many tricks and movements.The whips are an extention of his hands to guide his horse, who must never be afraid of the whips.
Posted on February 7, 2009
These side hobbles are made out of a soft nylon diamond braid rope. They can be used as shown laterally or converted as front hobbles. They are a simple design easy to put on and take off. Hobbles are used to teach a horse patience. For the movie business, Rex has found that it is imperative that all of his horses are well mannered and can stand anywhere calmly for hours. As a result of his experience, all of his horses are broke to the hobbles from day one. This also teaches the horse not to fight if he is ever tangled up in wire, rope, nets or anything else. They are availabe for $40/set directly from us.
Front Hobbles-another style-easy to use
Posted on February 2, 2009
These 3 TB’s were sent for 30 days of training to Rex Peterson and his boys, nicknamed the Outlaws, because they are 5 years old were unbroke until a week ago. This is the second day they have left the arena after 9 rides. To learn more about how to gentle a horse, contact swansonpetersonproductions.com
Posted on February 2, 2009
The son of Rex Peterson learned a few things from his Dad, he can train a horse to do almost anything, including letting him walk through his horses legs. This horse came to him as a Bronc, no cowboy in California could ride him, after 15 days he was gentle to ride.
To learn how to train your horse to be obedient and well schooled contact Swanson Peterson Productions to purchase a set of DVD’s to learn these training methods.
Posted on February 2, 2009
RJ/Hidalgo’s three year old filly is wearing a war bridle, made from a 30 foot lariat now available for sale at SwansonPetersonProductions.com
They are $45 plus shipping and can be purchased by emailing cari@cariswanson.com, you can either send a check or use a Visa/Mastercard.
The war bridle is an invaluable tool when breaking a horse to lead, teaching a horse to trailer or mannering a horse for any purpose. You will quickly earn the respect of your horse. Several of Rex Peterson’s training dvd’s demonstrate how to use the war bridle, they can also be purchased at SwansonPetersonProductions.
Ryan demonstrates how to use the Lariat on his new horse, Pard, who he is preparing to teach to load on the trailer. After a five minute lesson, Pard was quietly walking on and off the trailer.