Legacy of Legends 2013 3

Amanda Simonson is one of those girls you see EVERYWHERE. I met her first about 3 years ago, at the Alvord Ranch in Oregon, right next to the Majestic Steen Mountains. She was cowboying with Martin Black at that time. This girl has a love for horse and all things horse like I wish more had. She was 'in college' at the time with Martin. Meaning, that her parents had decided that if she truly was that interested in 'horse' life, they'd give her the opportunity to do it, and do it right. So, though for her, it's playing, she was learning from the best. Martin Black is one of the Legends Sons, and learning from him is a great opportunity. Amanda has since gone on to 'college' with Annie Reynolds among others. She applied for this scholarship, and it was kind of a 'no brainer' to have her participate. She had her hands on this horse quite a bit, and was able to learn with Jaton, from this experience.

One of the things that Buck likes is for horses to be able to be mounted from the ground, a fence, a mounting block, (I personally have used all of these and sometimes a twig if it's all there is to get on a tall horse) * Some people say ..."My horse won't let me yet" Well, in the beginning when they don't know any different, might be the time to help them be "OK" with it .... Noah's horse looks comfortable with him hanging over him, which isn't the way a horse is wired really....since that is how ...say...a mountain lion might climb up on him to kill him? * It's all in how it's presented.

Here, Reata is helping her colt have a bit of flexion, and not to be 'braced' against her. Again, this horse is not having a bad day

Here is Jaton on the colt for the first time. There is 'concern' in the colt's face, ears, eyes...so Jaton pets him and lets him know.... "it's ok"

There is an unbelievable amount of things happening in this photo. The colt IS concerned, but trusting as best he can. Jaton sits relaxed in the saddle (I can't tell you how important that is, but it is such a key element here) While reaching back to rub him on his back to help the the colt relax. Also, Buck rubbing him all over continuously. These are things that will help both the horse and the rider later in his career too. Sometimes as we're riding along, things happen, the horse gets a rope along the back, or a branch, or you swing an arm and touch him somewhere. You kind of want that to be "OK" I've seen lots of times a horse that was never touched where they 'weren't used to being touched" and simply panic and run off or take to bucking. This colt thinks EVERYTHING is new and strange, so really now is the time to introduce everything, cuz he doesn't know "it's not normal" Lots of times having a 'buddy' next to him is such comfort so Buck has his horse right there ...what ever it takes to help him be comfortable. *

Again, a lot happening here. * All of the above .... and what you also need to realize is that Buck is on Reuben, who was just started at this event LAST YEAR. * So, he's just a young 'un himself, but he's confident enough in Buck and the situation to help the new guys confidence too.

The confidence it takes to do this type of thing, is something many have, or just don't have. Jaton does have it, and he grew up fine tuning it. Growing up as Ray Hunt's Grandson certainly gave him some advantage, because he never wanted to let Ray down. (no one did) What's more though is that he WANTS it in his own right.

These kids are well on the way to developing that same confidence. Horses that come into their lives are very lucky

Each day had a bit of jumping demonstration, I want to say, this is one of my favorites, but I know I say that a lot. So, I guess the whole weekend was 'One of my Favorites"!

In the picture on the right below, the three of us standing behind Melanie Smith Taylor looked amazed at whatever we're watching!

One of THE MOST TOUCHING moments of this weekend, was of this moment when Nick Dowers showed how little 'feel' it takes to guide a horse. Hard to tell from this photo, but this little girl has this horse "spinning' with a giving touch of the reins. She knows what she is doing, and responds correctly when things are correct. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place right here, right now. Really there is no excuse, now, is there?

Each day Nick gave some cutting demonstrations. He is also from Arizona and sometimes works with Jaton. Together they train and show Reined Cow Horses.

Lee Smith is from Arizona and is one of my very favorite women all time. She taught a Horsemanship Class, and her words ring true to so many people. She has a way with words that just seem to get inside your head and feel comfortable there. She goes around and does clinics all over the country too. I"ll be going to photograph one the last week in June in Idaho Falls. I can't wait!

Jaton has become so good at helping people understand the "feel" of softness. * Here, he has an audience member assist him. * I love seeing moments like this. He used to say he was nervous to talk in front of hundred of people, but I see that now he so believes what he is doing that the words flow easily now. * There is not a person in the world more of a Jokester that he, ...while we were preparing the horses last winter, he practiced on us all. "Right now I am holding the rope in my hand, while thinking about chasing you with it" You realize what he's said, and then almost as quickly realize you better run as fast as you can on this very slipper ground while bundled up like a snowman. He grins and knows he's "gotcha"!

Does anyone know this man?

He came to present Buck in person with.......

Western Horseman of the Year Award.

He accepted this award graciously and humbly, but was quick to say, that the award really belonged to Ray Hunt (again) who was a Pioneer in helping people learn a better way of Horsemanship. And to the people that continue to want to learn it.

Yep, we study and strive, not for a trophy, but 'for a better way'