MacDonald Performance Training

10/26/2023

Getting control of the hindquarters is the key to almost every advanced maneuver. The misconceptions surrounding hindquarter control abound. I think part of the reason that this is difficult for us humans is because we focus on what we see and feel with our hands. We also get thinking about things down the road. I think the primal predatory part of ourselves is thinking about capturing and eating our next prey. Horses on the other hand, stand knee deep in their next meal and are looking behind themselves for danger, tied into the present moment so that they are aware of lions, tigers and humans attempting to capture them. The result of all this is that we think in front and in the future, horses think behind and in the present. Thinking like we do lets us strategize and develop a horse for a future task, but it also causes us to ignore what’s happening now in the hindquarters. Keeping our focus on the hind and riding “from behind the saddle”, will keep our attention in the right place. It should be assumed our attention will drift to the front and the future and will have to be captured and put back to work paying attention to what’s happening right underneath us. So, where do we begin with getting control of the hind?

In the end, we will teach ourselves to ride the hindquarters every second we are riding, but first we need to begin somewhere effective. Many of us have some experience with one horse guru or another that focuses on the basic exercise of yielding or “disengaging” the hindquarters. That’s fine as far as it goes but gives people the impression that getting the hindquarters to move sideways is some sort of panacea that will fix all problems. No. In fact, done wrong, which is how most do it, it only teaches the horse to balance on the front and overflex the neck. Which will take a lot of fixing down the road. The real key is in having confident, immediate, flat, long, straight forward steps with the hind feet. This will give us the ability to send the hindquarters underneath the body engaging the hind, lifting the front, and give us lightness and maneuverability. We begin this on the ground teaching the horse to drive ahead perfectly straight. The “RFD” maneuver of circle, yield the hind, yield the front is really about arranging the hind and front so that the horse is neither braced in, nor out and can drive ahead dead straight. The moments in this exercise to focus on is how perfectly aligned and free flowing the horse is on the circle, not the hind and front. You get the hind by paying attention to the straight. Once on their back, the primary “exercise” is teaching the horse to get aligned and walk straight and free. On a green horse, I start by just teaching them to walk out. I want their attention on the hind, if they don’t respond to my legs, tap them on the butt with a rein end. Generally, colts will veer off, so I redirect them straight and walk again. Often I pick a point to ride to, and reward them at that point. Soon, they will go straight and then I focus on a developing a long striding walk. Keep in mind, this is only the beginning. In the end, it’s all about the hind and what you can get it to do. Ask any question you look and I’ll try to answer it or I’ll come back later with another step. Have a great day and for those here, stay warm.

10/04/2023

A century ago, a famous international rider commented, "Americans are obsessed with having their horses’ heads low". True Dat. I'm not sure that we really want the head low as much as we come from people who came here to escape oppression, and we don't like to feel forced or constrained as a people and we don't like to see it in our animals or children. The problem is: having a low headed horse doesn't give the horse freedom. Think of all the misery horses must endure in order to look like they are free and relaxed. To make matters confusing, some horsemen do a phenomenal job getting horses to perform low headed. Not only does it look good, it IS good. The horse is happy, balanced, free etc. In fact, it stands out as excellent. Then the problems start. Everybody copies the look without understanding the “how”.
Before I get into my story, I feel it needs to be said that when it comes to where a horse carries its head, things like conformation and attitude play a huge role in head carriage. Some horses can be low, some must be high. Both will look their best when their headset fits their structure and mind. So, on with the story.
Years ago, I had days of time to kill in Reno and not much to do, so I’d sit in the stands and watch the show, watch people schooling etc. This particular day I was watching how horses performed based on headset. One well-known rider came in with his horse’s head low, relaxed, etc. I thought, “Ok, this is going to be a good run”. The horse stayed in frame and looked great while it scotched its crappy stops, hung its leads and spun like its feet were made of lead. So much for style. I saw on the schedule that Todd Bergen was up soon. King of the low headed style and probably my all time favorite rider, so I waited to see him go. When he came in, his horse was buttery soft, looked happy and had his characteristic arched look. BUT THE HEAD WAS UP. I couldn’t believe it. It looked round but when I really looked, it was because its hindquarters were tucked and the shoulders up. The head looked low but was definitely above level. Over the years I have played with the head set every way you can imagine and have so many thoughts on the role it plays that there is no way that it can be summarized neatly except maybe by one thing. Headset, lightness, softness, carriage, frame etc. do not come from the head. They come from the hindquarters and if you get the hindquarters right, the head will place itself where it needs to be, soft, comfortable and responsive. I hope you get some use out of mulling over this hard won conclusion. Next time I’ll pass on some ideas about “how” to get those hindquarters closer to right.

09/25/2023

Texas is a nice four year old gelding we have in for sale. He's bred to run and is entered into the Pink Buckle, Royal Crown, Future Fortunes, Cowboy State, Barrel Breeders Incentive, Breeders Challenge, 5-State, as well as others (see his papers in the comments). He's well started and ready to go to work without hassle. We've started patterning him, he seems to really enjoy it and is excelling quickly. He has plenty of speed and rates back easily and quietly. He would also make someone a good ranch or rope horse since he has a quiet mind, handles new situations well, and had a good stop. We've used him to work green colts and he picked up the real work happily and took all the chaos like it was all just a big game. Good horse.

He's priced at 10K and we think that's a bargain.

Come check him out. Text or call Tye with questions (406) 581-8695

12/18/2022

✨ SOLD ✨

Introducing DM Rems Lil Gunner, “Remy”, one of the nicest horses I have ridden. Remy did not get ridden or trained extensively as a youngster, which means her joints, legs, and mind had time to mature and she should stay sound later into her years. She is naturally light and sensitive while still being sensible. Remy handles speed and cattle with a relaxed and calm attitude, and when she has been ridden out of the arena, she is happy to just cruise along. She does not act obnoxious when fresh and loads, hauls, shoes, and stands for baths with no problems. Remy has taken training very well and I believe she could be taken to a very advanced, competitive level.

Now, a few words about the video… We are at the time of year when we are stuck in the indoor with a round pen in the corner… So making the video flow cohesively was a trick. Remy has also been improving and learning so quickly that by the time we got around to editing video we had taken, she had already out performed what we had so we would shoot video again! I don’t believe pictures or video does this horse justice. Remy is a really nice horse and one that we’d love to keep around if possible.
Call Tye (581-9895) with questions or if you want to schedule a time to come see her! Which might be a little hard this week just due to the weather…

11/07/2022

✨ SOLD ✨

We have this very fancy horse in the barn who’s for sale and she is one we’d like to keep in the barn if possible. We are working on getting a sale video put together and will have that up soon. We do have some video now if you’re interested. Call Tye (581-9895) or message here if you’re interested in knowing more!

11/06/2022

The end of this show season signified the end of an era and was bittersweet. The top show horse that has been apart of the MacDonald Performance Training family for the past few years wrapped up her show career with us and went home to start her next stage of life as a broodmare. We cannot thank Jodi Icenoggle enough for her continued support and for trusting us with her horse over the past few years. Remi and Tye had a great final year together, winning a majority of their shows this summer and placing in the top at the ones they didn’t win. We cannot wait to see what her future babies are like!

11/06/2022

We had this horse in for training a while ago and the owner would like to sell her. We haven't had the horse in for some time but are happy to talk to anyone who might be interested in looking at this mare. Thanks! Tye, 581-8695

WHITEANDBLUECHIC - 2015 Buckskin Roan Mare

11/05/2022

The second saddle we have for sale is a custom Phill Page ranch cutter with a 16” that is practically brand new. We picked this saddle up from Phill in July and have used it lightly since. It’s a great saddle but alas was built for a taller individual than I… Tye, 581-8695

11/05/2022

One of two saddles in our tack room we have for sale at the moment. This is a Ryon’s saddle, stamped David Huey Maker. The seat is 16.5” and it tends to fit wider horses. We’re in the unusual position of having more saddles than we use currently and are looking to clean out the tack room a bit. This is a well built saddle that is in good condition with no flaws. Contact with questions or if interested, Tye 581-8695

11/05/2022

We have been pretty quiet on here this year and we would like to apologize for that! 2022 has been a busy but good year and we would like to thank all of you for that! As we come down off the show season we have some announcements coming up, general housekeeping, and will be posting on here more frequently. Stay tuned!

11/08/2021

Our Clinic on the 20th and 21st is full so unfortunately we can't take any more. If you wanted to attend but haven't got a confirmation, we will put you on the list and contact you if someone has to cancel. THanks!

11/05/2021

We are having a two day cowhorse clinic on the 20, 21st of November. Cost will be $250 for those who attend both full days or $150 per day for those that just attend one day. It will be appropriate for any level of horse. Lunch is included. Shoot me a PM if you'd like to attend. I hope to see you here!

09/27/2021

The only video I got this past weekend… Enjoy!

09/01/2021

I dropped my phone Monday and it's dead. If you are trying to reach me, PMing me on facebook is the best way.

07/02/2021

We have one of those hard to find, good geldings for sale. Raider has 7 months of professional training and lots of additional riding. He has ranch experience, roping, trail riding, as well as cutting/cowhorse training. He has terrific breeding, is big, athletic, gentle and sound. Give us a call if you are interested. 406-581-8695. Happy 4th!

06/01/2021

We still have a couple spots in our cowhorse clinic on June 5th and 6th. If you'd like to join us, we'd love to have you. PM, text or call. 406-581-8695.

05/23/2021

We will be putting on a cowhorse clinic June 5th and 6th. We hope to do the bulk of the clinic in the big outdoor arena and cover boxing, fencing and dry work. We will go over rules, judging, and will try to do mock runs on the 6th. I'd like to make this clinic a good introduction for those starting as well as a chance to improve for those who are already experienced. Call or text to save a spot. Hope to see you here!

05/21/2021

We will be hosting a two day clinic at Saddle Peak arena on June 5th and 6th. Exact material that will be covered is still in the works but can expect we will cover a bit of reining, boxing, and fence work. If you are interested you can PM, text or call 581-8695. We hope to see you there!

04/26/2021

I enjoyed judging the RMBA show. Its remarkable how much a person can learn watching others in an event like that. Some mistakes all people seem to make, others are unusual. Some people have clever tricks or seem to show their horses well just because the horse is happy and cooperative. One thing in this show I saw a lot was riders with a lot of really pleasing things happening with their horses but either the rider or the horse wasn't all that familiar with the "stress test" of shows. The frustration and disappointment on some faces was obvious and as the judge I really wanted to tell them, "Hey, don't sweat it, you did great in the judges eyes!". So that's what I'm saying. Don't be hard on yourself. It's just for fun and you did better than you think. Just learn the ropes, it gets better as you know better what to prepare for and work on. Most likely the judge was proud of your "try" and your behavior. No one else cares, they were worrying about themselves and their own horse!

04/01/2021

I just wanted to thank everyone who attended our clinic last weekend. I enjoy teaching, watching people learn and I always learn as much myself. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I do.

03/26/2021

We've had a couple last minute cancellations for our clinic, so we have a couple slots available. If you'd like to attend, we'd love to have you. Just text or PM and you will be a welcome addition.

03/18/2021

We will be hosting a clinic at Saddle Peak arena on March 27. We will cover a bit of reining and work on boxing and fence work. If you are interested you can PM, text or call. I hope to see you here!

03/01/2021

Sounds like the first clinic in conjunction with the Rocky Mountain Breeders Association is full - but there will be more offered throughout the summer! These clinics and shows are a great way to get started or to give young horses show experience. Let us know if you are interested in attending any of these future clinics or get ahold of Jan with RMBA to sign up.

We are also starting to pull our summer clinic schedule together and should have dates for those posted soon!

Our April 25th clinic is now full, but we are taking names for a 2nd clinic. Check out these awesome trainers that are the clinicians. Get hold of us today and join in the fun of reining and cow work.. Please feel free to share with your friends and family.

11/29/2020

Here are photos and papers on the two palomino fillies that are currently for sale.

The first, Babysugarbargirl, is a big, flashy, quiet mare with absolutely no buck. She is currently 15.2 hh and should mature out to be over 16 hh. Perfect for dragging calves, packing meat out of the mountains, or catching everyone’s eye in the arena.

The second, Frenchmanshoneyking, is a slighter built, more sensitive, and faster filly that just wants to please. She is currently 15 hh and will mature around 16 hh. Also eye catching, this filly is ready to go in whatever direction someone might want; run, ranch, or just for pleasure.

Check out our earlier posts to see videos of the two. Also please send us a message or give Tye a call with any questions!

11/28/2020

Here’s the second palomino filly that is currently for sale in the training barn. She’s a little smaller and a little more sensitive. Also ready to go to work at her new home! Give Tye a call or send us a message.

11/25/2020

We have a couple flashy palomino fillies currently in training that are offered for sale by their owner. Both fillies are 2017 models and are ready to go to work at their new homes.

This first filly is a very flashy, big b***d mare that would be good in the mountains or on the ranch, and is flashy enough to turn heads when you take her to town! Please send us a message or give Tye a call with questions or if interested (581-8696).

10/15/2020

I would like to thank all of the people who came to our Helena clinic, as well as Kelly Hanson for the use of her arena. Terrific people and a lot of fun!

09/20/2020

I got busy and did not post a thank you to all of the people who attended our clinic last weekend. Thanks so much for coming. I truly appreciate you guys. It was really notable what a group of kind hearted, nice people you are. Thanks!

09/18/2020

Montana futurity is coming up next week so I am going to cancel cow practices until after that. Let me know if you need to work cattle or prepare for the upcoming show and we will find a way to help you do that.

09/08/2020

We still have a couple of spots open for our clinic this weekend. We will primarily be working on the flag and cattle but will also address some reining. Lunch will be provided. Give me a call if you'd like to attend. I hope to see you here! 581-8695

09/04/2020

We are planning a cowhorse clinic September 12th and 13th at Saddle Peak to help everyone get ready for those end of the year shows that are coming up. Or even if you’re done showing for the year but are not done working your cowhorse, come on out! To that end, we are also planning a practice, one day cowhorse show with fresh cattle provided September 19th. Please call, text, or message if interested or with any questions. Hope to see you at one or both!

08/26/2020

I will be gone this Friday so we will have our regular cow practice at 6;00 on Wednesday. I hope to see you there!

08/19/2020

We will be doing our regular cow practice at 6;00 on Friday and will do another on Wednesday at 6:00 as well if there is enough interest. Give me a call, text or PM if you'd like to attend either. Hope to see you here! 406-581-8695,

06/30/2020

Thanks to everyone who attended our clinic this weekend! We are planning on beginning our cattle work practices again next week. Give me a call if you are interested. I hope to see you here!

06/22/2020

We still have several spots open for our clinic next weekend. We will be working cattle, reining and a bit of trail. Sunday will build on Saturday to some extent. Start time is 9:00, we usually wrap up around 4:00. Lunch is provided. Saddle Peak Arena is the location. Let me know if you have any question, call or PM to save a spot. 581-8695. Thanks, hope to see you here!

06/14/2020

We are planning a clinic for the last weekend in June (27th and 28th). The agenda can change a bit for those who attend but we are planning to cover cow work, reining, and trail. The cost is $150/day with discounts for couples or those who attend both days. Lunch will be provided and we plan to have fresh cattle. Give me a call with any questions or if you would like to register. 406-581-8695.

06/10/2020

We are planning on a clinic for the last weekend in June. We can adjust the agenda a bit for those who attend but we are planning on cow work, reining and trail. The cost is 150 per day with discounts for couples or those who attend both days. lunch will be provided. Give me a call if you any questions or if you would like to register. 406-581-8695.

06/04/2020

If you are interested in reined cowhorses, ranch versatility or similar events, check out the Beaverhead County Stock Horse show. It is a terrific event, a great, inexpensive place to school futurity horses and one of the last county fair shows. It's a terrific show and deserves our support!

04/27/2020

We currently have a couple horses in the training barn that are for sale. They are both big, using type geldings that will hold up to work and would be good mountain horses. We will be posting videos of them soon but photos for now. They are both six years old and have been in the training barn for a few months now and are ready to head for their new homes. Feel free to message or call with questions!

04/27/2020

We have been rather silent on here of late and for that, I want to extend an apology. But no, we have not fallen off the face of the earth! We have just been preoccupied with figuring out how to navigate quarantine and quarantined family as well as busy at the arena. We are truly grateful that you have continued to trust us with your horses and instruction. We are blessed to have such a wonderful group of people and horses to work with!
We have some horses that are for sale in the training barn and will be posting those over the next week or so. We have several ranch and trail type horses that we have ridden the wheels off of over the last few months and also always have performance horses that are for sale.
But I wanted to take a moment to say that despite the silence, we are still here! We have some clinics planned, will have room for horses in training soon, and it sounds like we will all be able to have lessons and work in groups soon. Shows are starting soon and we will be glad to help you prepare. Stay safe and take care in these tumultuous times.