TK Johnson Ranch

11/19/2024

A little training, with a water color painted sky 😍💙

11/17/2024

The girls 💙 Boo and River!

09/18/2024

🌟 Keep Riding Towards Your Dreams! 🌟

I want to shoutout all the dedicated riders and competitors out there, remember: every great achievement begins with the courage to show up!

Whether you’re racing down the track, navigating the barrels, executing perfect spins in reining, or roping with precision, your journey is filled with ups and downs. There will be days when the challenges feel overwhelming—when the rides don’t go as planned, or the results aren’t what you hoped for. But it’s during these tough times that your true character shines through.

**Every time you saddle up, you take a step closer to your goals.**

Those moments spent working with your horse, building trust, and honing your skills are invaluable. Each practice session, each competition, and even each setback is a part of your unique story.

As you pursue your passion, remember these words: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston S. Churchill

So, keep pushing forward! Embrace the challenges, celebrate the small victories, and know that your hard work is paving the way to greatness. The bond you share with your horse will carry you through every obstacle.

**Show up. Ride on. And keep chasing those dreams!** 🐎💪✨

09/13/2024

Training young horses to be handled, led, and tied is essential for establishing a solid foundation, particularly for performance horses. Early training not only fosters good behavior but also sets the stage for a successful and harmonious partnership between horse and rider.

Benefits of Training Young Horses

1. Building Trust: Early handling helps establish trust between the horse and handler. A young horse that learns to accept human interaction is more likely to develop a calm demeanor under pressure.

2. Safety: Teaching young horses to lead and tie properly ensures safety for both the horse and handler. A well-trained horse is less likely to panic in new situations, reducing the risk of accidents.

3. Easier Training Later On: Horses that undergo early training tend to be more receptive to advanced training. They learn to follow commands and adapt to new experiences, which is crucial for performance disciplines.

4. Socialization: Young horses that are properly handled are better socialized with other horses and humans. This reduces stress and anxiety in various environments, from the show ring, arena, racetrack even trail rides.

5. Positive Experiences: Early training can be a time to instill positive experiences, making the horse more willing to learn and perform with confidence later in its career.

Insights from trainers of world renowned racehorse, Secretariat:

Lucien Laurin understood the importance of early training, he once said, "A horse is built from the ground up. They need a solid foundation to reach their potential." This philosophy emphasizes the significance of laying the groundwork for a horse's future.

Additionally, Secretariat’s groom, Eddie Sweat, noted, "It’s all about the bond you create with them young. If they trust you, they’ll give you everything they have on race day." This highlights how early handling and training can lead to a deeper connection, which is essential for a performance horse's success.

Investing time and effort in training young horses to be handled, led, and tied creates a solid foundation that benefits both the horse and the handler. The experiences they gain during their formative years will shape their behavior and performance throughout their lives. As Secretariat’s trainers demonstrated, a strong bond built on trust and proper training can lead to extraordinary achievements in the world of performance horses.

09/08/2024

Our beautiful Aint Seen Nothin Yet filly out of our DMNV Mountable mare .

08/27/2024

This girl is as smart as she is pretty 😍 just 24 hours after weaning, and only second time with the halter on.

07/28/2024

Sometimes we like to do slow work.

07/20/2024

Summer fun! 🤩

07/16/2024

Ms. Reba out doing her thing.

07/13/2024

How do you like to stay cool during these hot days of summer? It’s pool day in the pasture for this filly.

07/10/2024

Did someone say “hot girl summer!”

Small Scale Equine Breeding and Training Facility

07/04/2024

Happy Birthday America! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🏇🏼🎇

07/04/2024

Reba getting her first taste of speed!

06/30/2024

Mother daughter combo! 🤩

06/29/2024

Had to use the fat jockey today😂! Reba didn’t know any difference though.

06/27/2024

Hudson giving the post training loves.

06/26/2024

Hudson and Tonka. These two are going to get to spend many years together. Sorry mom your son is going to steal your horse.

06/24/2024

The weather wasn’t the only thing hot at the track today! Our beautiful Reba out for a gallop today.