Benchmark Livestock

04/17/2025

Some Thursday Thoughts.

04/14/2025

“Soak time” is something I can be guilty of forgetting sometimes. When you have big goals in mind it’s important to give rewards or “smoke breaks” for the little changes. You’ll be amazed how much your horse starts to search for what pleases you when they know rest is on the other side!

04/08/2025

"Horsemanship is a strange type of lifestyle that chooses a person. It’s more of an inner compulsion rather than a deliberate choice. It’s a maniacal choice, really. It doesn’t pencil out financially, and there are no health benefits, paid vacations or sick days. You supply all your own gear and risk your life and the soundness of your body regularly." — Jolyn Young

03/04/2025

“Maybe it’s me”. You’ll be amazed at how much your horse starts coming around for you when you stop working on them, and start working on yourself.

I am not a vet. The videos, podcasts, and articles I put out there are focused on the training, behavior, and mental soundness of a horse. Physical issues should be ruled out by an expert in that field. Routine health checks and maintenance are part of responsible horse ownership. That really should kinda go without saying.
BUT
We should also avoid the crutch of attributing every training issue to a physical cause.
And at least consider it may be that we’re using a bad approach, or not being clear, or working above the horse’s level of understanding.
For example, a horse that tosses his head.
No doubt that could be caused by a physical issue – teeth, saddle fit, headgear, etc.
But if he stops tossing his head when he gets ridden in a way that frees up his feet and mind, then it was likely a training issue, not a physical one.
It seems to be a current trend to ignore the training deficits and place all the blame on a physical cause.
That can serve as a scapegoat for looking in the mirror and saying, ‘Maybe it’s me’.
Or maybe it’s the result of a previous bad experience with a human and we need to provide enough positive experiences to overcome that roadblock.
We should never stop working to improve ourselves and take responsibility for how we interact with our horses.
If we're really in tune with them, we'll be more likely to know when something is 'off'.
So if you see one of my videos and I don’t happen to mention ruling out a physical cause in that particular clip . . .
Just know that I’m not ignoring that possibility.
As you watch, try to focus on the training concept being presented.
And by all means, make sure any physical issues are also immediately addressed by a trained specialist.

One of those experts made a list that is shared below.
If your horse exhibits EIGHT OR MORE of these behaviors during a 5-10 minute period, it's likely they are in musculoskeletal pain:

The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram
Some of these signs include:
Changing the position of the head up/down out of rhythm with the trot
Tilting the head
Head in front of vertical for more than 10 seconds
Head behind vertical for more than 10 seconds
Regular changes of head position including tossing or twisting from side to side
Ears rotating backwards or flat
Frequent blinking or holding the eyelids closed for 2-5 seconds
Exposing the whites of the eye repeatedly
Intense glazed over stare for more than 5 seconds
Opening and shutting of the mouth repeatedly for more than 10 seconds
Tongue sticking out or moving in and out repeatedly
Bit pulled through the mouth repeatedly
Tail held clamped down or held to one side
Large, repeated tail swishing movements
Rushed gaits or irregular rhythm
Slow gaits
Hindlimbs following a different track than forelimbs repeatedly
Repeated canter lead changes in front or behind
Changing gait repeatedly such as breaking from canter to trot
Stumbling or tripping
Sudden changes of direction such as spooking
Reluctance to move forwards
Rearing
Bucking or kicking out

01/19/2025

Big thanks to Lepley Ranch Equine Services for hosting and to everyone who participated and came out to watch our clinic today!

01/18/2025

ATTENTION:
If you’re coming to the clinic tomorrow we have some parking info! Cars can park on the north side of the drive, trucks and trailers can park on the south side by the arena. We will try to be close so we can help direct you if you have any questions. Try your best to stay on the driveway unless directed otherwise.

01/17/2025

Who can tell me what maneuver I was working on from these tracks?

Come on out to the clinic at Lepley Ranch Equine Services tomorrow at 1:00 to learn more!

01/15/2025

Don’t forget to come see us Saturday, 1:00 at Lepley Ranch Equine Services and broaden your knowledge! Bring a chair we look forward to seeing you!

01/01/2025

"The horse is a mirror. It goes deep into the body. When I see your horse I see you too. It shows me everything you are, everything about the horse. I try to face life for what it is. There’s heartache, but it’s a good thing. I’m trying to save the horse’s life and your life too. The human is so good at war. He knows how to fight. But making peace, boy, that’s the hardest thing for a human. But once you start giving, you won’t believe how much you get back." - Ray Hunt.

12/22/2024

Have you been seeking a better connection with your horse? Maybe you’ve been wishing for your horse to meet you at the mounting block, or to be able to open and close that gate without dismounting. Maybe you’re struggling with various other problems with your horse. Or maybe you and your horse are doing just fine but are looking to step it up to the next level. If you want an excuse to ride indoors, out of the weather, and to learn a thing or two come join us. No matter where you’re at, this clinic will be great for everyone. We still have openings for participants but you must register. Auditors are not required to register.

12/22/2024