Colt Starting...
I take a lot of pride in starting colts. For me, horses are special and its easy to invest a lot of money in today's young prospects. You shouldn't trust just anybody to leave a lasting impression on your young horse. I've been fortunate to be able to work with many of today's most famous trainers and natural horsemanship clinicians. Together with my own personal experience and their guidance, I have developed a colt starting program that not only works, but it gave me the advantage at the 2006 Colt Starting Challenge. Its' a great privilege for me to start your young colt or filly.
Email john@wetforkranch.com or 903.848.0444
Rafter J Cowboy Church Colt Starting Competition
On April 29, 2006, the scene was set for one of the most intense horsemanship contests to ever be seen by many. “Three horses, three trainers, three hours…” , pretty simple concept but no small feat. Each trainer was assigned a horse, given three hours to break the horse and then ride their colt through an obstacle course to gather points.
The colts were all 2 years old, AQHA, blue roan geldings that came from a local ranch. What started out as six, was soon narrowed down to three by the judges, based on overall temperment and health. The three remaining geldings were sorted out and directed to the working round pens just inside the arena. After the geldings were secure in the pens, the trainers drew numbers from a hat to determine which colt they would work with.
At approximately 10:30 a.m. the trainers were given the go-ahead to start the training process. There was an obvious difference in training styles from the very start. Jenny Jess and Steve Hilton had a vast array of tarps, feed sacks, whips, wheel barrows and even a leaf blower in their working pens as compared to John Crow who brought his saddle, wool blanket, rope halter, and a stick with plastic bags on the end. “I have a less is more philosophy when it comes to starting colts.” says trainer John Crow. After the first hour of work the announcer called for a one hour break. The audience had a chance to visit with the trainers and eat some lunch.
Shortly after lunch, the trainers were instructed to re-enter their round pens and resume their work. Within a half hour or so, amidst an explosion of whip cracking and horn blowing coming from the neighboring pens, John Crow mounted his colt from the fence. His colt stood calmly as John reassured him with a gentle rub on the neck. Before the hotdog heartburn could set in the remaining time had run out. Three hours gone, each trainer making significant progress but would it hold up in the obstacle course?
Volunteers rushed the arena and dismantled the round pens and constructed the obstacle course consisting of one blue tarp, several cedar logs, one elevated log, one rope, an assortment of poles and barrels to weave, one chalk line, and last but not least, one closed gate. Each trainer took their turn navigating the course collecting as many points as possible. With her horse reluctant and exhausted, Ms. Jess chose to end her course effort early. Steve Smith was next up, after starting off with a ground work session; he and his horse completed most of the course, ending his time with a rain coat demonstration. The last trainer to compete was John Crow from Canton. John was mounted and navigating the course without any delay. “I was able to prepare my colt for today’s events without him even breaking a sweat, he had energy to spare, and he did awesome. I think we could have worked at that pace all day long”, John says with a smile. Choosing to avoid the tarp and elevated log, John ended his session by opening the gate at the end of the arena with about 15 minutes to spare. “All good and no bad, I’m proud of my gelding” proclaims John.
Ending the days events, three awards were given out to the trainers. After the judges scores were tallied… Best round pen work- Jenny Jess; Best Obstacle Course- John Crow, and finally Best Overall for the Rafter J 2006 Colt Starting Champion- John Crow.
In addition to the gold buckle that was awarded to John for being Overall Champion, his wife surprised him with the purchase of the 2 year old colt that helped him win his title. “She really surprised me, I had no idea, but I’m really grateful for the gift. He’s a beautiful horse.” John says with a smile.
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I would like to thank God, I know He was with me Saturday; my wife Janell and my kids, my parents, my sister Jeri, Charlie Nassar for being ringside, Jeff and Brenda Oliver for their friendship and inspiration, Gary and Caroline Patrick for their friendship and for sharing a love for horses, Mr. Bourland for the use of his horses, Rafter J Cowboy Church, John the Saddleman for being a good friend and making a heck of a saddle, my horse Duke, and all of my customers that believed in me through the years, Peter Campbell and Martin Black for teaching me how to be a real horseman and for teaching me how to "think" instead of "force." Thanks again, Sincerely, John
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