Gate to Great introduces Filigree with this short video.
Moving a small group of cattle on a horse as calm as Take Command makes this task a simple pleasure. Even with the herd heading in the direction of home, the pace remains even and relaxed. When "T.C." had to quicken his speed to change a critter's mind about going through a wrong gate, once she was pointed the right way, T. C. returned to slow gear. These are the types of little jobs our horses tackle to prepare them for the longer range days of fall work that is around the corner.
Here's a little video of Take Command in his first roping session. We used slow cattle and a break-away rope for this introduction. Notice how "T.C." used his earlier lessons in tracking cattle to stay on the roped steer and his willingness to get on the steer's hip with his nose to push it along at one point. He stayed relaxed, waited for Dale to rebuild loops, and didn't get scared of the rope popping off the horns or getting around his legs. Overall, a nice session to build upon!
Earlier this month, we participated in the local ranch rodeo as "Team Simanton." Featured here are highlights of the day, and for our OTTB fans, Dale is riding "King."
We have several methods we've used over the years to help off-track horses who are terrified of cattle conquer their fear. Upon arrival earlier this summer, First In Class would bounce off the fences at the mere sight of cattle the next field over. We let the rest of our herd help him, as they moved through the cattle unconcerned. Today, we put the buddy system to work to move him toward the next level of confidence by having King along for exercises in closer quarters. By the end of this short session, First In Class became aggressive toward the steers and was getting the hang of the game.
It takes a lot of water to raise a hay crop and in our area, a great irrigation district to make up for the moisture nature might fail to deliver from above. Checking V-ditches, water levels, tarp sets and field coverage as part of a time-tested flood irrigation system makes a summer task for a saddle horse. Shown in this video is Take Command ("T. C.") as he helps Dale check the hayfields.
Looking for an all-around, FUN little horse? Here's one personable, sane gelding named De Perfect Boy. And man, does he ever live up to his name! This 2017 Thoroughbred will win your heart with his friendly attitude and willingness to give anything a try. This petite chestnut stands 15.2 hands and would suit a number of disciplines, English or Western. Check out his videos going to check cows and his first time jumping (See https://www.gatetogreat.com/gate-to-great-horses/ ). We've been in the business a long, long time and can tell you, this kind of horse doesn't come along everyday.
For fans of the pretty gray, Take Command, we share this recent video showing his standing calmly to be saddled, quietly tied with a hip cocked, relaxed through the swinging of rope around his head, riding across the field alone and catching a couple gates upon returning to the yard. "T.C." is as smooth as silk and has a friendly personality, making him a wonderful dressage or trail partner. See his listing for details at: https://www.gatetogreat.com/gate-to-great-horses/
Check out one of our newer projects, First In Class or "Classy", a 2014 gelding by Saffir (a son of Unbridled) out of a Bold Ruckus mare. Standing 16. hands, this winner of 3 races has been adjusting to life on the ranch and is progressing nicely. See his listing at www.gatetogreat.com and watch for more videos throughout the summer.
While the rest of the country is putting up with winter, we are having a marked absence of snow. So, we took advantage of a dry arena to get some video of "Ears" rolling in the dirt and running around. This 2016 gelding is a son of City Zip out of Panther Strike and was a winner on the track. Measuring 16 hands, this athletic bay could go many directions. Check out more of his videos at https://www.gatetogreat.com/gate-to-great-horses/
While we still had the "toys" set up in the arena, we thought we'd see if King would be as enthusiastic about some obstacles as he is about chasing cattle. While being tolerant of our plan, we think he enjoys tormenting bovines a whole lot more.
One year ago today, Ten Hut finished his racing career after 66 starts, 11 wins and bank-rolling over $254K. This tough warrior is a 2013 gelding by champion Field Commission out of Hustle (by Greatness), a pedigree fully representing the hard work of Solera Farm. Now, Ten Hut is on his way to becoming another "Great Gelding" available through Gate to Great. Check out his initial jumping evaluation here, with a full length version available at https://www.gatetogreat.com/gate-to-great-horses/.
We'd like to congratulate Whitni Ciofalo on earning recognition from the The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program Thoroughbred Recreational Riding Incentive Program for reaching her 100 hour mark with her GTG graduate, Marcade. The pair enjoy trail riding, endurance rides, pack trips and skijoring in Montana. Marcade is a son of Mizzen Mast out of graded stakes winner Rhapsodic and hails from the family of Marfa (Santa Anita Derby winner), as well as champion Maria's Mon (sire of Ky. Derby winner Monarchos). We put together this little video of Marcade's adventures with Dale back in 2013.
We live in a land of extreme everything! As the winds were howling, Dale and King had to "cowboy-up" to gather cattle in Wyoming that were shipping out today. Liger and Tibr got to enjoy the day at home, grazing while oblivious to what nature was doing to the roof of the upper shed. Our work is never done.
In less than we week we've gone from fall planting, fire season and dusty corrals to this! While the winds ripped through the area bringing thunder snow, the critters were snug and happy in the peaceful stable. This is no country for the pea-hearted folks.
King has been one of the "go-to" horses around here for quite a while and shows off his skills in this short video. Registered as Sallal (GB), this hefty bay is all business and has been known to take a bite of cow hide in the process. Dale and King had a little fun playing during this short session.
