Bit & Spur Training

Bit & Spur Training Horse Trainer, Lessons

Very well written!!
08/16/2024

Very well written!!

A small stab in the heart is what you feel when you put up the day's riding list and you see riders sinking heavily in their shoulders when reading which horse they are assigned for the lesson. A small stab in the heart for that horse that for an hour will carry around a rider who has already decided that he does not like his horse. A small stab in the heart for the horse that did not choose the rider himself but still does his best, lesson after lesson.

Riding is a privilege and something you have chosen to do. If you chose to ride at a riding school, your instructor assumes that you actually want to learn how to ride. The instructor's highest wish is that you get good at it.

Often there is a plan and a thought as to why you are assigned to that exact horse. Before you mount up next time, ask yourself "what can this horse teach me today?" All horses have something to give, a feeling or a new tool in the box.

The art is actually in being able to get a lazy horse to move forward, to get an uncertain horse to gain confidence, a naughty horse to focus or a tense horse to be released. It takes work. If you think a horse is boring, it's more likely that you don't ride the horse as well as you think! It's not easy to be confronted with your own shortcomings, but it is in that very situation that you get the chance to truly grow as a rider.

The excuse that "it's not my kind of horse" is actually a really bad excuse. A good rider can ride any kind of horse. A good rider has trained many hours on different types of horses to become a good rider. A good rider can find and manage the gold nuggets in every horse.

If we absolutely want to ride, it is our duty to strive to do it as best as possible, even if it's only for fun. We owe it to every horse that carries us upon it's back.

Copied and shared with love for all of our horses, ponies and riders 🐎❤🐎

I have had a lot of questions about different levels of riding abilities lately. Hopefully this will help clear things u...
08/13/2024

I have had a lot of questions about different levels of riding abilities lately. Hopefully this will help clear things up!! Been working on this post for quite a while now to give the best answers/information I could. Been sitting in my drafts for months now 😅

🔺This is NOT to call anyone out by any means, it is to be informative. I just ask you use your best judgement after reading this to evaluate where you think you are verses what your instructor says. I would guess your instructor would have a better understanding of your actual level.🔺

🔹 BEGINNER: A rider with little or no experience. Does not have total control over horse and over one’s body.
Example: balancing with reins verses sitting up straight and balancing with core/legs. No leaning forward, losing body control when stopping or turning. Does not ride but once in a great long while. No dedication to consistency. Everyone starts here!!

▪️ INTERMEDIATE – confident and in control on a moving horse at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {you need to know what aids are} to communicate with your horse. Better balance and body control, knowing how to sit turns and stops. Rides maybe couple times a month. Dedication is there, consistency needs improvement. Achieved usually with in 4 to 5 years IF consistent on lessons.

🔹 EXPERIENCED - a rider who has had lots and lots of hours on many different horses over a period of a minimum of a few years, an experienced rider is not always an accomplished or sympathetic rider. Body control is completely dependent on core and legs, balance is naturally there. Turns and stops are smooth, soft, and well maintained. Consistent ride time, dedication and consistency are daily to every other day riding. Emotions are in check and knowing of when a break is needed for both horse and rider. Understanding what the situation is and how it is best handled. To get to this level of horsemanship, it takes the average person roughly a DECADE of consistent riding and lessons.

▪️ADVANCED - rider who rides regularly has good physical fitness, has good soft hands and has the ability to gallop for long stretches without getting tired. This takes consistency, discipline, and dedication. Riding once every 4 to 6 months does not make you a quality or quantified rider. Again this can take decades to accomplish! This is 15 plus years roughly to be achieved.

In summary:

Level 1 – Beginner: You have tried riding before. Level 2 – Intermediate: On a stable horse you can walk, trot and gallop over different terrain. Level 3 – Experienced: You can ride different types of horses independently and are in good physical condition.
Level 4 - Advanced: you can handle yourself and horse is dangerous situations while guiding/helping others. You have worked tirelessly and are physically fit and mentally aware of all things around you.

Just because you have a horse and can saddle does not mean you are an expert. There are things I still learn and every good horseman craves knowledge!! I’ve been riding since my mother was pregnant with me. I will admit when I make mistakes, am I perfect? No. But I’m not afraid to ask questions and learn.

Remember, just because you think you’re ready for a step up horse consider where you are at with your riding. If you’re a beginner and have no balance or very little, it’s not worth getting hurt on a horse that is way above your riding skill. Just because it looks fun and that’s something you want to do, remember your level of skill. Don’t want to be coming off and yanking on the horses mouth.

There’s a reason there are slower horses used for lessons and then step ups as you progress. It’s to teach you properly!!! If you can’t control or get the brokest of broke horses to do what you want, then a higher caliber horse is NOT what you need. I see too much of this happening and riders plus horses getting hurt. LISTEN to your instructors! To those with more experience! We aren’t saying it just to say it, we say it out of concern and personal experiences. I always had riders saying they want faster and quicker horses but failed to even make the broke deadheads do the bare minimum. My belief: if you can’t make the deadheads do the work you’re asking easily, then you can’t handle the ones who are overeager to do it.

Thank you for coming to my TED talk, hopefully this helped you all understand a little better the levels and where instructors come from on why they say your what level you are and you ride what you ride. I guarantee you there is a reason for it!

💙🩵🖤Be safe, be smart, open your ears, but don’t take the criticism to heart. Just out here trying to help! 🖤🩵💙

Just wanted to pop on here and say:THANK YOU ALL!!!! You guys are all amazing!! We averaged about 40 NEW riders every ni...
07/21/2024

Just wanted to pop on here and say:

THANK YOU ALL!!!! You guys are all amazing!! We averaged about 40 NEW riders every night!! That’s not counting those who came back MULTIPLE times!! 🥰🥰 You all made it our worth while to be there!!

Our feet may hurt and boots gotten holes worn in them from all the walking, horse maybe tired but one thing that will never change: how amazing it was to see those smiles and giggles!

Also note to self: add warning saying it’s not our fault if a horse obsession starts 🤣😂 sorry dads with daughters!!!

I hope to see all the pictures and videos!

Thank you all AGAIN for being so amazing and supportive!!!
🩵💙🖤💙🩵 🩵💙🖤💙🩵 🩵💙🖤💙🩵

Carlos says: We are here at Pratt County Fair come see us on the big hill!! We will be here for as long as possible if y...
07/20/2024

Carlos says: We are here at Pratt County Fair come see us on the big hill!! We will be here for as long as possible if you guys keep us busy!! 😊😁 Littles and adults welcomed!!

We have Mushu the mustang, our single lady Tequila, the two old men Brantley and Carlos!

07/19/2024
Come see us at the Pratt County Fair on top of the hill!!! Be here till 9 pm!!
07/19/2024

Come see us at the Pratt County Fair on top of the hill!!! Be here till 9 pm!!

Remember to come see us today at the Pratt County Fair from 5 to 8!! We look forward to seeing you all!! 🩵💙🖤💙🩵
07/17/2024

Remember to come see us today at the Pratt County Fair from 5 to 8!! We look forward to seeing you all!! 🩵💙🖤💙🩵

Alright everyone we have an update and here it is!!!! Remember July 17 through 20 at Pratt County Fair!New pricing and a...
07/14/2024

Alright everyone we have an update and here it is!!!! Remember July 17 through 20 at Pratt County Fair!

New pricing and age groups so we can accommodate everyone:

🔵12 and under- $5
⚫️13 to 17- $10
🔵18 and up- $15
⚫️Take picture with horse & pet for 3 mins- $5
🟡Those with disabilities- Talk with me personally please so we have the right horse and fit.

‼️ All rides are 3 mins long.‼️
‼️All rides are lead line no exception.‼️

🔹Waivers are required to be filled out and signed by adult if 17 and under. Adult MUST be present for ride if 15 and under.

🔸Rules will be posted at table.
🔸Cash only please if possible.

📣📣 EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!!!📣📣We will be at the Pratt County Fairgrounds for the fair!!!! We will be there on...
07/02/2024

📣📣 EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!!!📣📣

We will be at the Pratt County Fairgrounds for the fair!!!! We will be there on the 17th - 20th!!!! Please make note of the times. We will not have rides during the Tractor Pull or Derby for safety concerns expressed by the board. Which we are totally fine to comply with!!!

Cannot WAIT to see you all there!!!!!

🔺Remember🔺:
*** 12 and under only.
*** Must be accompanied by adult and adult must stay there for whole ride.
*** Do NOT climb on, crawl through, or shake panels.
*** Be respectful to both handlers and horses.
*** Do NOT go behind Handlers Only signs.

These rules are in place for ours, yours, and the horses' safeties. Thank you all for understanding!!! See you there!!!!

Updated some of our services as we have moved closer to Pratt!!!Still not able to do lessons unfortunately with our hors...
06/02/2024

Updated some of our services as we have moved closer to Pratt!!!

Still not able to do lessons unfortunately with our horses as we have no area too BUT if you have your own horse I can travel to you!!

Added Day Work for cattle and check this out:
▪️🔷▪️HORSE RIDES FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES!!▪️🔷▪️

That’s right! We can haul to your location or meet somewhere local! I provide the waivers, the panels, and the handlers!

If interested please message me!!

Had a pretty good day at St John Jubilee!Horses we took:🩵Carlos (sorrel with black halter, dad’s horse)🖤Codi (bay horse ...
05/25/2024

Had a pretty good day at St John Jubilee!

Horses we took:
🩵Carlos (sorrel with black halter, dad’s horse)
🖤Codi (bay horse with grey halter, Willie’s horse)
🩵Rio (grey horse with maroon rope nose halter, Wesson’s horses)
🖤Copenhagen (red sorrel with white rope nose halter, my personal horse)
🩵Mushu (not pictured, my personal horse)

📣📣Just a reminder!!!!📣📣We will be at the St John Jubilee THIS SATURDAY!!! Come see us and the horses! We will be offerin...
05/21/2024

📣📣Just a reminder!!!!📣📣

We will be at the St John Jubilee THIS SATURDAY!!!

Come see us and the horses! We will be offering 12 and under rides, participate in the parade, and encourage pictures!! Just because we aren’t able to give lessons right now doesn’t mean we still won’t find a way to bring smiles to faces 😊😊

I knew this day would come, but I still wasn’t prepared the best for it. It’s a bittersweet ending to a new beginning. ✨...
04/29/2024

I knew this day would come, but I still wasn’t prepared the best for it. It’s a bittersweet ending to a new beginning.

✨From the day we started the dirt work, to the finished look, to this moment I dreaded.
Many riders came and went.
Many memories made from laughter, blood, and sweat.
Many lessons learned, goal created and meet.
But most of all the confidence learned to have in oneself.
I will forever cherish and forever hold dear.

The arena may not be here anymore and be a strange sight to see.
But as you drive by remember what you’ve seen. The laughs, the giggles, but most of all: the smiles.
The bruises, the bumps, the sore muscles, the fatigue
All have been worth it to me.

As things change and grow,
New beginnings begin to show.
Like a chapter in a story,
Here’s to flipping the page and reading all its glory.
It’s not goodbye, it’s not we’re done.
Have faith and courage my friend,
We’ll see each other again.

Here’s to writing a new chapter
But there’s no hurry, trust me.
Because this far from over
It’s just part of the story. ✨

Thank you all for have made this possible and been able to share it with us!! I promise that someday I will open up lessons again once I’ve finished getting what I need done and handled. There’s just too much going on right now to be doing lessons along with not enough horses I feel like are right for program. However, I CAN come to you IF you have your own horses and area to ride. Do not be discouraged!! I will still help with what I can, when I can!!

And thank you all!! I miss your faces and laughs so much, thank you for everything. I can not express how much gratitude I have for you all 💙💙💙💙💙

Be sure to come see us May 25th in St John!
04/22/2024

Be sure to come see us May 25th in St John!

Horse Lovers!!! On Saturday, May 25th, during this year's Jubilee, we will have bit and spur training and horseback riding in the open lot next to the Stafford County Economic Development building!

We will be at the St John Jubilee!!Come see us and the horses! We will be offering 12 and under rides, participate in th...
04/16/2024

We will be at the St John Jubilee!!

Come see us and the horses! We will be offering 12 and under rides, participate in the parade, and encourage pictures!! Just because we aren’t able to give lessons right now doesn’t mean we still won’t find a way to bring smiles to faces 😊😊

Well, had our Spring Drag Branding 2024 Saturday. Boy was it hectic and yet bittersweet. Wesson dragged his first calf f...
04/16/2024

Well, had our Spring Drag Branding 2024 Saturday. Boy was it hectic and yet bittersweet. Wesson dragged his first calf for Pop and Pop got to drag as many as he physically could handle. This drag had its “firsts” and what could be its “lasts”. Enjoy these pictures taken by Kaylie Winkel of Ace High Photography & Graphics (be sure to check out her page!)

Here are a few highlight pictures from the drag branding and funshow. 💙💙

Happy Easter everyone!!!Hope you all had a great Easter and enjoyed some family time!! Horses were all super lazy and we...
04/01/2024

Happy Easter everyone!!!

Hope you all had a great Easter and enjoyed some family time!! Horses were all super lazy and we enjoyed some family ride time ourselves 💙💙

03/14/2024

Reposting as a reminder!! I am currently UNABLE to do lessons as much as I would love too. 😞😞

Well not how I wanted the day to go but here is it goes: We now have TWO fully retired horses from our program. Two who ...
02/28/2024

Well not how I wanted the day to go but here is it goes:

We now have TWO fully retired horses from our program. Two who were the most used and loved. This sucks unfortunately because that means my numbers are down but it’s better to happen now that we are temporarily closed verses in full swing.

Here’s the jest of it:
Brantley was taken to the vet today for x-rays, which showed arthritis starting to pop up. Game plan is to keep him on joint supplements and only bute him when he is really uncomfortable.

Jethro has reached an age of 32-35+ and it’s just time to let him retire for safety reasons. He is still very much bright eyed and playful, but we want to give him the best retirement we can. Wes may ride him some but that’s because he is lightweight and doesn’t ride him hard or often.

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
So thankful for these two amazing horses and they have definitely earned the life of retirement and pampering!!! They will still receive all the love and spoiling we can offer: treats, spa days, brush out, etc. Can’t begin to tell you all how many souls these two have touched, helped, and healed. How many they have taught to ride and learn confidence. I will forever be in their debt.
💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

02/26/2024

Good morning everyone!!!!

I hope you all are enjoying the beautiful weather we have been having!! I know we have! Take advantage of it while you can!

With that being said I have a few announcements to make:

🔹As of right now the plans I had been working on for over a year fell through unfortunately. This means I do not know if I will be able to do lessons this year.
🔹Some of the main lesson horses that have been used are either retired or injured. Yes, I am taking the injured ones to the vet to find out the issue and see what can be done.
🔹I may have one or two that can be used in place of those that are out but it is not a guarantee. There are a few things that need worked out before decision is made.
🔹I am trying my best to get everything together and going, but again I do NOT know if lessons will be available yet, this year or even next. I promise I will open back open when everything comes together.

Please bear with me as we trying to navigate everything with all the curve balls we have been thrown. I know everyone is anxious to get to riding again but as of right now I do not feel like I can provide the same quality of service you all deserve. Thank you everyone for your patience!! I will try to keep you as updated as possible. Miss all your smiling faces!!!

Was a good day for riding!! Anyone else take advantage of this beautiful weather!?
01/29/2024

Was a good day for riding!!

Anyone else take advantage of this beautiful weather!?

Enjoy this upcoming weather while you can!!!What’s everyone’s plans for this warmer weather we are set to have? Personal...
01/25/2024

Enjoy this upcoming weather while you can!!!

What’s everyone’s plans for this warmer weather we are set to have? Personally, plan on working with some young horses that need it.

Brrrrr!!!! 🥶🥶🥶🥶Hope you all are staying safe and warm out there!! Goodness gracious, this is exactly why I prefer my war...
01/11/2024

Brrrrr!!!! 🥶🥶🥶🥶

Hope you all are staying safe and warm out there!! Goodness gracious, this is exactly why I prefer my warmer weather. I’m terrible with cold weather. Thankfully we are not in the heavy snow area, moisture is needed but not the wind.

Hang in there!! Spring is on its way!! (hopefully 🤞🤞)

Few pictures from the awesome Christmas ride we did in Pratt today!!Thank you to those who donated candy canes!Thank you...
12/11/2023

Few pictures from the awesome Christmas ride we did in Pratt today!!

Thank you to those who donated candy canes!
Thank you to those who came and rode with us!! And thank you to those who enjoyed our Grinch!!!

Can’t do it without you all 💙💙 your smiles and laughs make it all worth it! 💙💙 don’t forget to share your pictures!

12/10/2023
12/10/2023

We are starting!!!

12/10/2023

Today is the day!!!!

Be on the lookout for us!! I will post when we are getting ready and started along with a live video also!

Pictures are welcomed! Don’t forget to tag us in them! 🎄🎄

Address

Pratt, KS
67065

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 4pm - 7pm
Wednesday 4pm - 7pm
Thursday 4pm - 7pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Bit & Spur Training posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

Share

Category