Cow'ssage (like Cows n' Dressage)
Visitors to Cow'ssage College since December 15, 2008
2012 clinics may include:
~ Cow'ssage ~ Western / Cowboy Dressage ~
~ Cattle for Ranch Sorting ~
~ Obstacles for Working Equitation & Competitive Trail (ranch, mountain, ACTHA, etc.) ~
Dressage for working disciplines?
Whatever the discipline or the shape of your saddle, dressage offers many benefits to the team of human and equine athlete. In a true sense, it's simply strength and gymnastic conditioning to shape a physically sound and capable horse. Think of football players who take ballet and yoga! Even if you're not interested in performance, from arena to trail, athletic training prevents injuries (and vet bills).
Dressage also builds a clear language of rider aids and queues a horse can understand. Every movement of your body (intentional or unintentional) communicates something to your horse. Doesn't matter if you're riding A to X, turning a reining pattern, sorting a cow, or navigating natural obstacles on the trail, you need a way to effectively say, "do this" without unknowingly saying, "do that."
Bottom line, a horse that understands what you're asking for . . . and is physically capable of giving it (without pain) . . . is going to be happier and more FUN to ride!
Janet's Warlander gelding (at age 4):
I.F. Michaelangelo (with Steve Kutie),
Five-time Grand National IALHA Champion.
What is Working Equitation?
It's a fun and exciting equine sport! Originally based on the cattle disciplines of Europe, it has reached the United States (and honors the tack and attire of the American West as well as dressage and the heritage of other countries).
Competitions generally include riding patterms and obstacles phases, (and occasionally Cow work, a component at team & inernational shows).
The riding pattern is a dressage-like test, ranging from Walk/Trot to Advanced (complete with Grand Prix-style movements). Obstacles also start at easy and move to the difficult. See my Working Equitation page for more information.
The international regulatory body is the World Association of Working Equitation. In the U.S., the organization is Working Equitation USA.
What is Cow'ssage?
Cow'ssage is working dressage with focus on the functionality of a solid working horse. A good mount for versatility, ranch and cattle competitions, trail challenges, trail riding, etc., etc., etc...should be just as gymnastic, conditioned, sound, relaxed, supple and responsive as a traditional dressage horse. Cow'ssage is built on the basics...like straightness, bending, lateral work, transitions between the gaits, harmony between horse & strength and flexibility exercises. What's not necessary are extravagant movements you wouldn't perform with your horse out on the ranch or trail, or while working stock.
Cow'ssage Versatility Janet uses riding tests, obstacles (and the basics of cow work) borrowed from events like WEUSA Working Equitation, USEF Western Dressage, Ranch Versatility and Ranch Sorting.
Janet & Double Shot JD
NFQHA National Champs
Ranch Versatility, Trail & Ranch Sorting
Janet & Double Shot JD
NFQHA National Champs
Ranch Versatility, Trail & Ranch Sorting
