“Building a better relationship with your horse can open a world of possibilities for your teamwork.”
Curt Pate, Helena, Montana, will share horse relationship opportunities on the trail, ranch or in competition at EquiFest of Kansas.
He’s a clinician coming to the Saline County Livestock Expo Center and Tony’s Pizza Events Center at Salina, March 16-19.”
His horsemanship abilities as well as being an effective communicator have made Pate sought as a clinician worldwide.
With his ability to think outside the box and willingness to share his skills, Pate challenges others to do the same. Demonstrations and clinics on colt starting, horsemanship, stockmanship, and safety set Pate apart.
His lifelong experience in ranching adds credibility and enables him to communicate his methods effectively to cowboys, horse owners, and cattle ranchers.
In addition, Pate continues to seek out new learning opportunities to increase and hone his knowledge and skills.
“My life has been a life learning about livestock from cowboys, horsemen, hog farmers, shepherds, dairymen and others,” Pate said. “I not only learned about livestock, but also about all kinds of different management types and agricultural operations.”
Studying animal science at college on a rodeo scholarship, Pate dropped out within a year. “There were lots of reasons, but mostly I felt I could learn more at home,” he said. “Since that time, I have always been on a livestock operation, and can’t imagine not being.”
His personal experience incorporating effective stockmanship principles supports a “for profit” mindset. Pate recognizes growing public scrutiny surrounding livestock production and the impact improved handling practices create for sustainability of the industry.
Proper pressure on horses and all livestock at a different angle and at varying amounts are keys to stockmanship. “These techniques work without a negative experience for the stockman or the livestock,” Pate emphasized.
“Sometimes you cannot see pressure or understand its effects until it has created a problem,” Pate said. “Negative pressure creates stress; positive pressure creates contentment.”
An avid environmentalist, Pate is passionate about grazing animals to improve the environment and to contribute to a profitable ranching. “We need to utilize the Earth’s resources in a way that works like a good ranch,” Pate said. “Combining Mother Nature with technology, then adding common sense and integrity.”
He is co-author of the book, Ranch Horsemanship, and was consultant on the 1998 Robert Redford film, The Horse Whisperer.
The world has changed in the way needed to work stock, and the modern-day instructor is helping to get this done.
“But let’s not forget those of the past who dedicated themselves to the care and handling of livestock,” Pate insisted. “From the Texas trail drivers of the 1880’s to the shepherds of biblical times, to the yak herders in Mongolia. I am certain there have been a few good ones in all the livestock that have been handled through time. It seems a little arrogant to think otherwise.
“So, for my part, I am sharing things I have learned through my life from good and bad stockmen. When I give a live demonstration or write something it is partly how all these experiences have influenced me.
“It’s essential for horse handlers to focus on keeping themselves and their horse steady, “Pate said. “Our actions can be a detriment to our horses if we’re not careful. Sometimes a minimalist approach offers the most to your horse.
“We want to instill discipline in our horses, but we need it in ourselves as well,” Pate said. “Be a ‘thinking horseman’ when you pick up the halter.”
When training a horse, Pate said, “Never think predator-prey relationship. Teach your horse to accept pressure, but too much pressure can make a horse feel threatened by his handler.
“Always work with the horse to achieve mental and physical balance and stay calm to relax a nervous horse,” Pate continued. “Keep groundwork to a minimum, use as little equipment as possible, and practice the emergency stop.
“Self-discipline is a virtue to remember when you’re with your horse,” Pate encouraged.
Pate’s schedule and other details about EquiFest of Kansas in Salina, March 16-19, are available at www.equifestofks.com.