Starting Your Horse on Cattle Clinic

What a great day for a clinic, and what a great group of folks!  We had a great time at the "Starting Your Horse on Cattle" Clinic on Sunday, November 6, 2011.  People came from as close as Earth and from as far as Albuquerque!  First, we did dry work, teaching your horse softness and the correct turn to make on a cow.  Then, we added the cattle.  We worked cattle around the perimeter of the pen and then out of the herd.  I hope that someone learned something they didn't know or solidified something they already knew.  Every time that I have a clinic, it reminds me of how important it is to never stop learning.  I still attend clinics and try to listen to everyone that may know a little something about horses.  Knowledge is power!  Knowledge is also the power that we need over horses, not the physical kind, because we would never win that battle!  Being around different horses and other people also assures me that God has placed me here for them.  Most people go through life taking and taking.  I want to be remembered as someone that gave back, however little or meaningless it may be!  After all, if it is about me and not making the horse better and enriching others lives then I have missed the whole point of being here!

I would like to give a special thanks to Alan Scott for use of his facility, Ron Baird of Ogden, Utah and Trey Sparkman of Victoria, Texas for the use of their horses, Thurman Myers for renting his cattle, and the awesome people that participated!

Check back for future dates of more clinics, products, and events brought to you by JL Horses and Cowboy Leather and Sand Hills Cowboy Cutting!

Ranch Cutting in Muleshoe!

                   Sand Hills Cowboy Cutting

And “Starting Your Horse on Cattle”

Beginner and Green Horse Clinic

Sunday November 6, 2011 in Muleshoe, Texas

Clinic starts at 9:30am

$35 per rider/horse

If you are a beginner, have a green horse, or always wanted to experience cutting, this clinic is for you.  The basics of horse mechanics and working a cow will be taught with one on one time with a cow!  Come join us!

Ranch Cutting at 1:00pm

$100 per rider/horse

You must pre-enter by October 28, 2011.  Those entering after that date or on day of event will be assessed a $20 late fee!

Cowboy Class (no NCHA earnings horse/rider)

Open Class (any horse/rider)

Rules will be a modified version of the NCHA official rules.  The modification will pertain only to reining the horse, and riders will have 2.5 minutes to cut 3 head.  Each rider can use 0-4 herd holders.

For more information or to sign-up call Jared at 210-913-3884!

Sand Hills Cowboy Cutting Results!

Open Class Results - (l to r) 2nd place, Paul J. Smith, Friona, Texas, 1st place, Mark McWilliams, Wills Point, Texas, 3rd tie, Mark McWilliams, and, 3rd tie, Steve Friskup, Muleshoe, Texas (not pictured)

 Ranch Class - (l to r) 3rd place, Romni Durrett, Wildorado, Texas, 1st and 2nd places, Tripp Townsen, Earth, Texas

Cowboy Class - (l to r) 1st place, Billy Burns, Clarendon, Texas, 3rd place, Romni Durrett, Wildorado, Texas, 4th place, Chump Madrid, Fort Sumner, NM, and 2nd place, Logan McWilliams, Muleshoe, Texas

Happy Independence Day!  We had a great turn-out at our first Sand Hills Cowboy Cutting!  We had 23 entries from all over our area.  The Open Class had 5 entries, the Ranch Class had seven, and 11 horses showed in the Cowboy Class.  There was some great horses, horsemanship, and cowboy/cowgirls showing their talents.  The day was great with enough breeze to keep us cool and lots of sun.  It doesn't get much better than that!

I would like to give a special thanks to the following:

Gold Sponsor:  Muleshoe Livestock Auction
Silver Sponsor:  Muleshoe State Bank
Open Class Buckle Sponsor:  Muleshoe Vet Clinic
Ranch and Cowboy Class Buckle Sponsor:  Clovis Livestock Auction
All Classes Saddle Pad Sponsor:  Jeff Smith Cowboy Classic Saddles
All Classes Headstall Sponsor:  JL Cowboy Leather
Arena Help:  Logan McWilliams, Mark McWilliams, Steve Friskup, and Buddy Embry
Cattle:  Buddy Embry, Judd Timmons, and Thurman Myers
Office:  Linda Johnson
National Anthem:  Chay Lee
Flag Presentation:  Jaxon Lee and Emma Lee

Thanks for all your help!

I would also like to thank Jesus Christ for saving my life, giving me the opportunity to live in this great country, and being able to do what I love!  Thanks to all the people, both past and present, for your sacrifices for our great country!  It is not taken for granted!

Check back in the future for details on my next event!  I am tentatively trying to schedule an event in Hereford in the fall!  If you have any suggestions, want to help, or would like to be a sponsor, call me at 210-913-3884!

Sand Hill Cowboy Cutting!

Sand Hills Cowboy Cutting

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Dusty Rhodes Arena, Muleshoe, Texas

Join us for Cowboy Church at 8:30am!  Books open at 9:00am and Cowboy Class starts at 10:00am!

COWBOY CLASS (horse and rider with no NCHA Earnings)

RANCH CLASS (horse and rider $2000 or less combined NCHA earnings)

OPEN CLASS (any horse and any rider)

Rules will be a modified version of the NCHA official rules.  The modification will pertain only to reining the horse, and riders will have 2.5 minutes to cut 2 head.  Each rider can use 0-4 herd holders.

Entry Fee:  $100 per rider/per class

$50 deposit per entry must be post marked by June 25, 2011.  All entries/deposits post marked after June 25, 2011 will be subject to a $25 late fee.  Limited to 2 horses per rider per class.

For more information call Jared at 210-913-3884

Mail entries/deposits to: Jared Lee/SHCC, 809 W 17^th Street, Muleshoe, Texas 79347

Handmade chinks for sale!

This pair of chinks is for sale right now!  They are 100% handmade by me.  They have an inside pocket on left, 4-5" fringe, 4 tin conchos on either leg, fancy triple thick yokes, tie front/buckle back, and knots with tabs fasteners.  They are made out of a heavy 5+ oz. pebble grain leather.  These should last for years.  Each pair of leggins I make are 100% original!  If you need any details on these call me at 210-913-3884!

NEW COWBOY GEAR!

Here is a new pair of tapaderas that I made for a cowboy in the Friona area.  They are smooth-out with leather woven seams and stiffeners are tooled with his intitials.  They have oxbow stirrups and should put up with years of abuse.  I can build these to just about any specs, so get in touch with me with your needs.

Here are 5 new headstalls that I just finished for a South Texas cowboy.  There are 2 split ear and 3 browband headstalls.  There are limitless designs that can be used on headstalls.  Contact me for pricing and with your design ideas.

Lastly, here is a new pair of batwing leggins that I just finished for a cowboy from Muleshoe.  These chaps have tooled yokes and stiffeners, fringe, inside pockets, and a knife scabbard.  They are step-ins.  Leggins, like headstalls, can have limitless designs.  Dream up what you can and contact me with your ideas!

A few thoughts!

In light of a few events that have taken place in the last few weeks, I thought I would write my thoughts on the subject.  Many of you have heard over the last few days of the video that has been released of the abuse at a  Panhandle calf ranch.  If you haven't seen the video, I wouldn't suggest watching it.  It is horrific images of the treatment of calves at that facility.  I only watched it once and couldn't bring myself to share it with anyone.  It also brought to mind a recent episode that I witnessed.  The treatment of a horse for not performing the way the owner thought it should was brutal and out of place.  These events have had me thinking, which is a good thing or a bad thing depending on where you sit.

For my entire life I have always had a place in my heart for animals.  That love has grown from my youth to adulthood and has become a passion for livestock, horses, and dogs.  The first thing that someone should learn in horsemanship is that it is about the horse first and foremost!  If someone is in it for themselves, their ego, a paycheck, fame, or prizes, they may need to look at what is really drawing them.  I know that many cowboys use horses as a means by which to make a living, and I have used horses for the same purpose.  However, there should be a deeper meaning in our livelihood than just drawing a paycheck.  The passion I have draws deeply on helping horse achieve their highest potential through good, clear communication, giving them purpose and a future.  Not so much unlike what God does to those of us who chose to follow him.  Through true purpose and passion many benefits may come along with it.  But if that is the purpose in itself, then I think we tend to lose the point!

Second, anyone who doesn't have compassion for less inferior beings is missing another point in their lives.  It shutters me to think what people may do to other weaker humans if they can treat animals with such disregard.  God has called us to love and serve others.  In the "me" society of today, that tends to be forgotten.  I will be the first to admit a few times in my life that I have treated animals with less that respectful actions but never borderline abuse!  I have definitely learned from those times and grown as a livestock handler as well as a person.  The Bible says in Proverbs 12:10, "Good people take care of their animals, but wicked people are cruel to theirs."  I am not saying that I am an animal rights activist, but good in our world is sometimes overshadowed by the thoughtless actions of those who cannot control themselves.

I will continue my plight to become a true horseman, stockman, and follower of Jesus.  With His help in continuing to change me into His image, hopefully the process will be shorter and sweeter.  Compassion, education, and the willingness to get past ourselves are the things that will lead me in this process.  It is my desire that God continues allowing me situations, opportunities, and forums to relay these things to those willing to listen.

It's a beautiful day!

On Sunday, March 27, we completed Session 3 of the Beginner Horsemanship Series at Edd Farabee Ranch.  In the words of Bono (lead singer for U2 for those of you that don't listen to all types of music), "It's a beautiful day!"  Although the morning was quite brisk, we were all joining Bono in his chorus that afternoon.  Wow, what great weather!

The participants of the clinic did ranch horse pleasure in the morning.  We worked on gaits and transitions to and from each gait.  This is exactly as the category in ranch horse shows says, PLEASURE.  A horse that rates up and down easily through gaits is a pleasure to ride.  Hopefully, those attending learned the importance and skills needed to achieve those gaits.

In the afternoon we went through some trail obstacles and how to manage our horses and ourselves through them.  We had a bridge, back through L, side-pass L, trot-overs, lope-overs, and some up and down terrain.  It was nice to get outside the arena and quite refreshing for the horses.

1 Corinthians 13:1 says, "...and have not love, you are as a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."  I hope these participants didn't find me as a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal as I repeated important keys over and over.  LOL!  I hope they saw the love I have for horses and the love I have for teaching what I have been taught!

A special thanks goes to Edd and Linda Farabee for the use of their place!  Thanks to David, Julie, Nancy, and Linda for attending!  Check back for information on "Starting Your Horse on Cattle Clinic" tentatively scheduled for May 22, 2010!  Details and fees to come soon!

Abilene, Abilene, prettiest town I've ever seen!

I don't think that was the Abilene that writer was talking about in that old song, but I wanted to let you know about my last Abilene experience.  I took a couple of great R3 Cattle Co. horses to Abilene on March 12 to show at the Stock Horse of Texas show.  I had an open stallion and a 3yo green horse stallion.  It was an easy trip on Saturday, but my open stallion was lame off the trailer.  He was pretty tied up in the hocks, so I chose not to show him on Sunday.

Today, I started the stallion, A Hollywood Cardinal, on Adequan, after talking with Dr. Steve Kennedy.  I should know something by next week after a couple more doses.  On a cow, he is so cowy he never missed a turn the week prior to the show but seemed a little rough on the reining stops and turn-arounds.  He has been extremely sound for years.  I think starting him on joint formulas at age 9 is saying something great for his stamina and soundness.  For those of you that may have a few broodmares, he is a great all-around horse that is foundation, cow bred.  He has plenty of go, plenty of stop, a great mind, and lots and lots of cow!!!

As to the R3 3-year-old stallion, Beacons Blue Hancock, he did really well for his first show.  I was really pleased with his trail and pleasure classes.  He still needs to be finished but is going to be great!  He handles everything so well.  The barns, other horses, and all the spooks didn't bother him one bit.  If you are interested in a prospect or breeding, call me about the R3 Cattle Co. horses.  Trey Sparkman has invested a lot of time and effort into building a great program in Victoria, Texas.

So, Abilene was a little disappointing but well worth the trip for the colt.  One thing is for sure, God has ordained me to train horses and go to those type events.  It is not because of my talents as a trainer.  There are so many more talented trainers out there.  It is not because I am going to be a great champion.  It is all because of the horses, the people that show them, and sharing with them the love and kindness in which He has blessed me!  "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths!"  Proverbs 3:6

I will be showing the 3-year-old again on April 2 in Lubbock.  Hopefully, the open horse will be sound by then, too.  Check back and see what happens at that show!

What a beautiful day for a clinic!

Wow!  What a day for a clinic!  The wind blew 45mph and gusted well over that!  As I sit here typing, I can still hear it howling.  God is good in allowing me to lease some stalls in Alan Scott's barn.  Being able to ride inside on a day like today is a real blessing!  Today's participants were as grateful as I.  It would have been an impossibility to get anything done outside.  A special thanks goes to Alan Scott for the use on his barn!

We had the 2nd of four sessions of the Beginner Horsemanship Series that was posted earlier on this blog.  We worked on preparing our horses for transitions and maneuvers.  By working on moving each part of your horse independently, you can prepare them for successful lead departures, side passing, stops, roll backs, and turn arounds.  The horses really seemed to take to each of the riders shaping techniques and teaching the proper maneuvers.  Hopefully, with continued work, the horses will continue to improve.

If you may be reading this and are interested in attending one or both and the next two sessions, call me at 210-913-3884.  They should prove enjoyable and informative, and you can't beat a good lunch and conversation like we had today!  Thanks to Julie, David, Linda, and Nancy for attending!

FYI,  I have room for one more horse in my training program at present.  I am also available for riding lessons, public/private clinics, and benefit clinics, seminars, and presentations.  Call me at 210-913-3884!

Beginner Horsemanship Series

We have already started a Beginner Horsemanship Series this year.  We have already done the first session, but there are 3 remaining and others to follow.  Check out what is still to come:

Session Two - Sunday, February 27, 2011
Preparing your horse for transitions and maneuvers

Session Three - Sunday, March 27, 2011
Teaching your horse advanced maneuvers and obstacles

Session Four - Sunday, April 17, 2011
Starting your horse on cattle

These clinics are held at Edd Farabee Ranch about 45 miles W of Lubbock, Texas and less than 1 1/2 hours SE of Clovis, New Mexico.  The sessions will start at 9am and are $40 each per rider.  If you are interested in joining us or need more information, please call 210-913-3884!

PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR MORE UPCOMING 2011 CLINICS!

New Snaffle Bridle

Here is a nice little snaffle bridle that I have for sale at present.  This is an egg-butt snaffle with a copper mouth the measures 5".  I made the headstall, slobber straps, chin strap, and reins.  The headstall is 3/4" smooth, heavy skirting leather with a 1" arrow tooled browband.  The throatlatch is a tie type that I really like.  It ties like a rope halter to keep it on the horse's head, especially on colts and horses the can scratch off the bridle.  The slobber leathers are heavy skirting leather tooled with the same arrow pattern as the browband.  The chin strap is braided nylon.  The reins are 10' long and are 5/8" in width with poppers on the end.  This is a nice little set-up for a beginner, to use on colts, or to add to your tack line-up.  I am asking $85 for the rig.  If you are interested in this or any other gear, call me at 210-913-3884.  Thanks!

PS What do you think of the yellow horse in the pic?  He is a nice 3yo headed to the versatility and cow horse pen.  He bred very nice and is going around good!

Handmade Chaps and Leggins

Here is sample of the leggins that I make.  These were made last summer for a cowboy here in the Panhandle.  They are step-in, Texas bell chaps with full fringe, outside pockets, lots of buckstitching, and handmade hardware by Jade Winkles of Shallowater, Texas.  This is a nice pair of using chaps that can definitely be used in the show pen!  Contact me with any questions or for price quotes at 210-913-3884!

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog!  Coming soon will be new information and pictures in the world of versatility cow horses, ranching/livestock news, recent and upcoming horsemanship clinics, and new handmade cowboy gear!  From time to time I will also be posting scriptures and stories about how God is working in my life!  Come and join me when you can!