Dealing with Quirky Horses

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280 – July/August, 2017

By Rachel Kooiker

There is a belief held among certain horse trainers the truly, great horses all have quirks. Whether it’s the result of their extreme intelligence or natural aptitude for problem solving, great horses know exactly who they are and what they’re all about. This often comes with quirks, such as a deathly fear of mini-horses, constant licking during Halter classes, or maybe even a preference for a specific type of bit. To bring out the best in these horses, trainers and exhibitors have to know how to deal with the quirks without shutting down what makes the horse great. Learn the difference between quirks and bad behavior as you read about some of the ways trainers have gone to great lengths to do whatever it takes to deal with a talented, but “quirky” horse.

Becky George

Becky George of Hockley, Texas, is the owner and operator of Becky George Show Horses where she oversees a busy operation including breeding, sales, training, and coaching. She and her clients compete at the top levels of AQHA and APHA shows. Becky has earned some impressive titles, but she’s had to train her way through some quirks to get there.

Andy Staton

Andy Staton of Staton Show Horses in Madisonville, Kentucky, is no stranger to success. He has prepared and led Halter horses to Championship wins in every major breed association, which in some cases has meant dealing with a strange tick or two in an effort to make his horses shine.

Kellie Hinely

Kellie is the owner and operator of the successful all-around program at Trendsetter Performance Horses. Based in Chino Hills, California, Hinely has prepared and shown AQHA World and Congress Champions. Like our other experts, many of the talented mounts she’s shown have made her work for the win by having to cater to their individual idiosyncrasies.

Brittany Russell

Russell is an up-and-coming trainer who has developed a knack for getting horses over their crazy hang-ups. She prepares AQHA and APHA futurity horses and provides training and coaching for all-around competition. She boasts a stellar show record from a lifetime of wins as a youth at the highest levels of the APHA circuit. At Brittany Russell Show Horses, located in Phoenix, Arizona, she now manages a full-service boarding and training program.

Click here to read the complete article
280 – July/August, 2017