John Hovde, AQHA Professional Horseman

12/06/2024

12/03/2024

A Gathering to Celebrate Horsemanship and Western Art. Use EARLYBIRD25 to save 20% off 5-Day Pass - Tue, Feb 25, 2025 - Wickenburg, AZ

12/01/2024

12/01/2024

1

𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐖𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐋 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞) 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃

This knowledge is a game changer in the horse training business and for those in all the competition sports, and a valuable guide for horse owners looking to find the perfect horse for their lifestyle and riding pleasure. Geneticists in three countries have provided the first scientific evidence of the inheritance of hair whorls, links to behavior, and specific genes linked to certain hair whorl patterns. There's no scientific evidence more definitive than genetic evidence. Dr. Temple Grandin and I at Colorado State University waited 28 eight years since we published the first scientific evidence of the link from hair whorls to behavior for the genetic evidence we always knew would come. We never claimed to discover the relationship between hair whorls and behavior; people worldwide for thousands of years have casually observed the relationship. What we did that was new was show the link to lateralization of the nervous system and the hair whorls association with functional specialization of the cerebral hemispheres of the brain. I studied and documented the relationship for ten years before meeting Temple Grandin, working as a farrier and horse trainer. I learned the practical application of this knowledge in real-world situations before seeking and finding the academic support needed to make this useful information available to everyone.

This post aims to clarify and unify common terminology and principles of hair whorl height and position, either left, right, or center. For future posting on this page, this information is essential for you. The most important language to clarify relates to the side preference exhibited by horses and its relation to horse welfare concerns. The terminology in the horse industry, as is in the scientific language, is broad and varies between people in the US and other countries. The formal scientific term for this phenomenon is lateralization of the nervous system. Some scientists use a less formal term, 𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚. 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 is the general term used to describe the phenomenon across species that includes human handedness, paw preference in dogs, footedness in birds, and side preference in cattle, horses, and other herbivores. In my writing, I interchange the terms laterality, handedness, and side preference depending on sentence context, but they all mean the same thing.

I drew this graph on this horse because this horse represents a large proportion of horses and the hair whorl type that suffers from the most severe welfare concerns. It has a single whorl, is left of center, and is very.

𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐖𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

"Very Low" defines a non-reactive horse with low fear. "Low" whorls represent a horse as slightly more reactive than the "very low." "Very Lows" and "Lows" show minimal side preferences, and the hair whorls are usually in the center of the midline. The V-lines on the graph represent how, as the whorl gets higher, the side preference increases.

𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐋𝐄 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇

Most horses are in the Middle and High Range. The reactivity and fearfulness are in the mid-range, with some variation. Reactivity is higher in the top portion of the High range and lower reactivity in the lower middle range. The V-shape on the graph represents side preferences. The higher the whorl on the forehead, the stronger their side preference.

𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇

A smaller portion of horses are in the "High" and "Very" High range. Both high and very high define highly reactive and fearful horses. Side preference is highest in these two ranges, and the distance left or right from the midline also increases the side preference strength. This horse represents very high nervous system reactivity and laterality but not extreme laterality (side preference). A hair whorl closer to V-line would be an example of extreme laterality.

𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐖𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐋 𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑

The epicenter defines the position of the whorl. This horse has a very high whorl slightly off to the horse's left side. This horse is highly reactive. The side preference is strong but not the strongest., and its natural fearfulness is very strong.

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘

Approximately 70% of horses have a left side whorl in the medium to high ranges. 10% to 15% have hair whorls on the right side. Approximately 10% have two side-by-side whorls, always in mid-to-high ranges, never low. The double side-by-side whorls we considered normal in our research.The doubles, either side by side or one above the other, are harder to define and require a separate post to clarify.

The remaining 5% have multiple or two whorls, one above the other. In our research, we considered these types of whorls abnormal.

The horse in this picture will favor the right lead and travel better in a circle to the right or clockwise. The left whorl and right turning preferences are similar to most right-handed people. The right side whorl is opposite, like left-handed people. The horse with a high right side whorl favors the left lead.

This horse's left eye is the "look out for danger" eye in horse's with a left side whorl, and prefers the right lead. The side of the whorl is the side the horse will give a farrier the hardest time. The opposite holds for the horse with a right side whorl.This horse's right eye is the "look out for danger" eye in horse's with a right side whorl, and this horse prefers the left lead.

The high reactivity(fearfulness) and the laterality (side preference) of the horse in the photograph and a horse with the opposite on the right side are the types of horses I encountered most while working as a farrier and horse trainer. The horses with the high right and left hair whorls show the most potential as high-performance horses, but they also represent the horses with the most severe welfare concerns. Unfortunately, when they have behavior problems, they are the most dangerous and unpredictable. It all depends on how they are raised and handled. Any clarifying questions are welcome.

11/27/2024

𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗢𝗙 $𝟳 𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦
𝖭𝗈𝗐 𝗂𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾 𝗍𝗈 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧 𝖻𝗋𝖾𝖾𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍 𝗍𝗈
𝙎𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚!

𝘼𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨, 𝙎𝙢𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚'𝙨 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙, 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩.

𝖮𝖿𝖿𝗌𝗉𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝗇𝖼𝗅𝗎𝖽𝖾:
▪️𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟦 𝖳𝖠𝖯𝖧 𝖢𝗎𝗍𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗆𝗉𝗂𝗈𝗇
"𝖲𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗒𝗍𝖾𝗅𝖾𝗋" 𝖫𝖳𝖤 $𝟥𝟦𝟩,𝟪𝟦𝟩
▪️𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟦 𝖳𝖠𝖯𝖧 𝖱𝖾𝗂𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝖢𝗈𝗐 𝖧𝗈𝗋𝗌𝖾 𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗆𝗉𝗂𝗈𝗇
"𝖲𝖩𝖱 𝖳𝖺𝗅𝗄𝗂𝗇 𝖣𝗂𝖺𝗆𝗈𝗇𝖽𝗌" 𝖫𝖳𝖤 $𝟤𝟢𝟥,𝟩𝟣𝟤
▪️𝖡𝖺𝖻𝗒 𝖳𝖺𝗅𝗄 𝖫𝖳𝖤 $𝟥𝟣𝟣,𝟥𝟩𝟧
▪️𝖯𝗅𝖺𝗒𝖿𝗎𝗅 𝖲𝗆𝗈𝗈𝗍𝗁 𝖳𝖺𝗅𝗄𝖾𝗋 𝖫𝖳𝖤 $𝟤𝟨𝟣,𝟨𝟤𝟪

𝖥𝗈𝖺𝗅𝗌 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖾𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗂𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝖿𝗈𝗋:
▪️𝖡𝖵𝖲𝖲 𝖲𝗎𝗉𝖾𝗋 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝖨𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗏𝖾
▪️𝖢𝗁𝗋𝗈𝗆𝖾 𝖢𝖺𝗌𝗁
▪️𝖡𝗋𝖾𝖾𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝖨𝗇𝗏𝗂𝗍𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝖺𝗅
▪️𝖯𝖢𝖢𝖧𝖠
▪️𝖦𝗈𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝖼𝗄𝗅𝖾 𝖥𝗎𝗍𝗎𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝖾𝗌
▪️𝖭𝖱𝖢𝖧𝖠 𝖢𝗈𝗐 𝖧𝗈𝗋𝗌𝖾 𝖨𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗏𝖾
▪️𝖭𝖱𝖢𝖧𝖠 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝖲𝗍𝖺𝗄𝖾𝗌

𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩 Valley Equine Reproduction 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣 #𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮.

11/26/2024

If you paid close attention to Gunsmoke, you know that Festus took care of mules and all their names were Ruth -- even if they were jacks. Festus' mule was always a jack but HIS name was always RUTH!

In the words of Festus Hagen, here's why.....

You ask how come I call my old mule, Ruth, when in fact the solemn truth is that he's a jack, and not no jenny, that's for sure. Well, they's no call for you to know, but since you asked, I'll tell you so just settle back and heed to what I say.

It started in 1861, the war, well it had just begun to be a war. I wasn't much, so to speak, a mule skinner, not one to seek fame nor fortune, especially in no war.

Now, every man's got a pride. Most times it's deep inside about his job and mine was attending mules. My favorite was a long-eared jenny. Now, I reckon you'll think that I'm a n***y 'cause I loved her just like I'd love my mother. She was faithful, stout and she was smart, and friend, she had lots of heart. If she'd been a man, I'd a loved her like a brother.

Well, we'd fought back with all we had, but still the war was a going bad, for in '64 Schofield hit us Tennessee boys hard, and just thirty miles away, at dawn, near Spring Hill on a early 'morn, five generals that wore Confederate gray had chitin's and bacon and eggs and grits. Lord, they'd planned to give 'em fits but the tide of war just went the other way. The five brave men that led Hood's charge was met by a artillery barrage that mowed 'em down just like so much hay.

Now, somebody had to get them men and, by golly I can't remember when I've ever been so proud as I was that day. "Just take 'ol Ruth," the Captain said, and when it got dark, I slowly led my jenny to the Harpeth Rivers bank. I'd found them boys in gray and when on Ruth's back they stiffly lay, I started back, but then my spirit sorta sank. A dad-blamed sentry opened fire and them Yankee's did conspire to add me to their list of casualties. Well, 'ol Ruth, she just plowed along not a listening to the bullet song, just brushed 'em off like they was a swarm of bee's.

Well, somehow we got back that night, and I thanked God I was alright. I'd brought them boys from where they was a laying. I hadn't even got a scratch, so I lit my pipe and when the match flared up, I seen 'ol Ruth was just a swaying'. Blood was running down her side. My throat choked up and then I cried, and she looked at me and her eyes was soft and brown. She seemed to say, "Now, don't cry for me, we had a job to do, you see!" And, then 'old Ruth just seemed to slide right down.

There's a marker that I put on her grave that reads, "Here lies a mule that gave her life and that's the truth. Now, every mule I'll ever own will bare your name. So, be it known while I'm alive, they'll always be a Ruth "

Yeah, they'll always be a Ruth.

11/20/2024

The bosalito is a small bosal. Another name for it is the Pencil Bosal, because of the size of the cheeks (which are close to the size of a pencil)

I have seen people show in these straight up as a hackamore, but more traditionally it is used as part of a Two Rein set up. Some people will call it an under hackamore because it fits underneath the bridle to create the Two-Rein.

The Two-Rein set up is considered to be an intermediary step, used to help transition horses from the hackamore to being straight up in the bridle. When your horse rides softly and responsively in the hackamore, they are ready to move into the Two-Rein. During this stage, the horse is ridden with the bosalito underneath a bridle. Starting in the hackamore helps introduce the concept of a neck rein. Once they are confident with this, the transition to the Two-Rein allows the rider to build on the cue. With a period of time in the Two-Rein, your horse will be more confident as you progress to riding one handed in the bridle.

Available at www.AlDunning.com!

11/13/2024

When you've known someone their entire life, finding the right words to say goodbye and honor them can be incredibly challenging, especially when that person has made such a significant impact on the American Quarter Horse industry worldwide. Bob Avila was truly one of a kind; everything he did, he did better than anyone thought possible. He had incredible confidence, vision and desire... and not only was he a student of the horse but also a master horseman who dedicated himself to helping others.
Bob brought a strong sense of conviction in horsemanship from the West Coast to the East Coast and beyond. He took immense pride in remaining loyal to the horse, searching for those with exceptional athleticism and great temperaments, and demonstrating excellence through the way he trained and performed in competition on a global scale. His innovative style in the reining industry during the early 90s marked the most significant transition we have seen, and what he accomplished in those years set a gold standard for all.
The influence he had extended beyond his own success; he inspired his assistants and countless others whom he touched throughout his career. During that remarkable time, Bob shared his philosophy through teaching, urging anyone interested to strive for improvement, think differently, and remain committed to their horses. His videos, symposiums, marketing strategies, and communication through magazines and partnerships were nothing short of remarkable. Bob took a lot of pride in developing an exceptional talent pool and giving them the opportunity to continue to raise the bar.
We have truly lost one of the greatest horsemen. While he achieved success in many arenas, it was his unique approach and dedication to being a dedicated student of both the horse and the industry that left an enduring mark. There was only one Bob, and he will be truly missed.
During this time of great loss, we are most sincerely heartbroken for Dana and BJ. They were Bob's true loves, and Bob was theirs.

11/12/2024

War Horses. Highly trained, and against all their instincts these Horses will lay still during a battle. This is an example of an incredible trust and bond between Man and animal. THANK YOU to our Veterans, 2 and 4 legged for your service!!!

11/12/2024

Wishing the very best of luck at the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity!

- Lovely Lady May owned by Bill Jack & Christi Pittman
- Street Talk owned by Double Dove Ranch
- Bloc Talker owned by Louis Schuette and shown by Eric Ferreira Performance Horses
- The Alpha owned by Tammy Hays and shown by Shawn Hays
- C**t Forty 5 owned by Chelsea & Cass Tatum shown by Cass Tatum Cutting Horses
- Thee Painter owned by Ironrock Ranch LLC and shown by Billy Foster
- Talk Purr D To Me owned by Samantha Olson and shown by Ben Royal Cutting Horses
-Talkin In The Reyn owned by Stoney & Michelle Johnson
- Royal Pepto Style owned by Brooks Jobe
- Volume Up owned by Ora & Frank Diehl
- Talkin To My Ex owned by Mark Senn and shown by Ryan Howell
- Twice The Style owned by Tim Drummond

Stay tuned for updates!

11/12/2024

Brake Checks brother!
Look a-likes too!

11/11/2024

In memory of Bob Avila, whose life's work, leadership, teachings, vision, and friendship left our world a better place. When I went out on my own and started my own training program in Temecula, Bob was my biggest supporter. He was straightforward, honest and gracious, offering professional help in setting up my business and developing outstanding relationships with all of the right people and companies. Throughout my career, my friendship with Bob remained constant; whenever I faced a problem, he was there to help me solve it. Bob played a significant leadership role, not just for me but for the entire western performance horse community.

When Bob showed up in Oklahoma City in the early 90's with his cow horse bred Futurity horses, he forever changed the Reining industry. His horses were so stylish, broke, soft and willing, and had tremendous body control, and they won often times in multiple arenas. I still remember the first time I met him in person– it was right after the 1st go of the 1993 Futurity when he was showing Smartin Off (Smart Little Lena x Miss Cal Sen); I introduced myself and told him "I want to be in your barn" (and work for you). It was his style that not only influenced, it set "the standard" in the performance industry.

Bob was a true visionary and leader at a young age, known as "The Greatest Horseman" because he wasn't afraid to speak his mind and always put his words into action, he worked hard and expected excellence from his friends and colleagues. His ability to develop horses into champions and help people be their best was part of his everyday life.

He had a remarkable ability to recognize greatness in people and horses and adapt to bring out the best in them. Bob's winners circle and professionalism went far beyond the training and show arenas– Bob and his team brought a new level of "Horsemanship, Integrity and Values" into homes and barns thoughout the world– Ride With Bob Magazine, Heroes & Friends Videos & Symposiums, How the West Was Won ad campaigns, In the Mind of a Champion Video Series, just to mention a few that have all had tremendous impact early on.

I am incredibly fortunate to have had his influence and friendship for so many years. The lessons I learned from Bob will stay with me forever. Rest in peace, my friend and mentor. Your legacy as "The Greatest Horseman" will always be remembered.

11/09/2024

A young boy and his dog from 1889.