AQHA Professional Horseman Al Dunning offers advice on working a cow.

Question:

What is the best way to keep your horse from wanting to advance on the cow and press toward it? How can I help my horse stay back and work the cow from a distance?

– Brooke Hayward

Answer:

Hi Brooke,

All horses that are “cowy” want to go toward the cow. While training, we make sure our horses fully stop before they turn. That keeps the horse’s axis centered so they don’t roll toward a cow when they turn. I do a lot of what we call “driving off,” where I drive my horse toward the cow and break off to a parallel line with the cow when the cow moves. This keeps the horse on a line and reinforces the proper axis of the turn.

We always want our cutting horses to have what we call “draw.” That means when the cow stops, the horse stops and draws backwards before beginning the turn. This allows the horse to use his hocks properly and not push toward the cow while working.

A good cutting horse works a cow at any distance, but more importantly holds its line. My suggestion is for you to ride toward the cow. When the cow moves, go parallel with it and stop with the cow. When the cow begins to turn, don’t immediately turn.  Instead, draw your horse straight back, allowing the cow to pull your horse through the turn. Always practice form.

My best,

Al

Learn more about Al Dunning and his horse training programs.