Why Spurs Should be Taken Seriously

Western riding contains many different disciplines with varying techniques and skill sets, and spurs are used in each one of them. It’s amazing that one instrument is able to communicate so many different messages in a variety of settings, but how do they work? And why do so many riders wear them?  Well, much like […]

Bits 101 – Mouthpiece Styles

The most important thing to remember when it comes to selecting a bit is that every horse has different needs, and that not every type of bit will work for every horse. You may need to try a few options before finding the perfect fit. When it comes to Western bits, there are two main […]

Walt Woodard’s Bit Tips

World Champion Team Roper Walt Woodard has taught roping schools for riders of all levels for more than 40 years. One thing he’s noticed, over and over again, is a lack of knowledge around proper bitting.  Bits should be based on a number of factors including the horse’s age, temperament, training level, and the rider’s […]

Jonathan Gauthier’s Bits & Spurs

As a Top 20 NRHA Professional who has won several individual titles and coached successful reining teams, Jonathan Gauthier knows a thing or two about training young horses and riders.  Over the course of his career, Gauthier has created foundational programs for reining horses, that have proven highly effective across Western disciplines including cutting, roping […]

Get to Know Top 20 NRHA Professional Jonathan Gauthier

As a Top 20 NRHA Professional who has won several individual titles and coached successful reining teams, Jonathan Gauthier knows a thing or two about training young horses and riders.  Over the course of his career, Gauthier has created foundational programs for reining horses, that have proven highly effective across Western disciplines including cutting, roping […]

Attitude Is Everything: Get To Know Bernard Fonck

Bernard Fonck is a reining phenomenon.  Originally from Belgium, he has quickly risen through the ranks to become the first European-based trainer to achieve the status of National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Two Million Dollar Rider.  Bernard has been competing in European and North American NRHA events since 2002, earning multiple titles over those years.  […]