PROFILE Richard Shrake
For information on the Richard Shrake products
& upcoming programs: A Winning Way, Ltd., P.O. Box 4490, Sunriver,
OR 97707. Call 1-800-635-8861.
Homepage: http://www.richardshrake.com
Email: rshrake@empnet.com
SCHEDULE
2002 EXPOS
January
12-13 Georgia Horse Fair. Perry, GA
February 13-17 Dixie Nationals. Jackson, MS
February 22-24 Equifest. Wichita, KS
March 08-10 Pennsylvania Horse Expo
Fort Washington, PA
April 06-07 Idaho Horse Expo. Boise, ID
April 19-21 Midwest Horse Fair. Madison, WI
April 26-27 Minnesota Horse Expo
Minneapolis, MN
Riders
& Spectators
February
02 Lansing, MI
February 09-10 Enumclaw, WA
March 15-17 Poplarville, MS
March 23-24 Yakima, WA
April 13-14 Clinton, TN
FOUR
DAY RIDING PROGRAMS March
19-22 Gainesville, GA
April 09-12 Nashville, TN
May 07-10 Lansing, MI
May 21-24 Springfield, MO
In my career
as a judge and clinician, I have had more opportunity to see some
of the most athletic horses in the world. I have been curious about
the ingredients of greatness and always very interested in how the
owners of great horses have been able to develop the eye to select
these super horses. I found out early in life that developing a
good eye could make the difference between a horse's long or very
short career.
Being at
the right place at the right time has helped a lot. So has having
access to the great horsemen to evaluate and measure. Eventually
I came up with a system of my own that gave me some very reliable
indications of a horse's potential success. This method being a
scale of one to ten.
I was judging
the American Quarter Horse World Championships with Tom Finley,
the breeder of Doc Bar. Doc Bar was the legendary quarter horse
who became a great sire of cutting horses. The horses he sired were
brilliant, intense and intelligent. Tom told me that when Doc Bar
was just a few days old, he would watch every movement. Tom felt
that curiosity was a sign of high intelligence. The more curious,
the higher the IQ. The following tests are designed to tell you
if your horse may have a high IQ and will be easy to train.
TEST 1: Pick up a
clump of dirt and stand at the prospect's side. Throw it up in
the air and watch his response. If your horse immediately looks
and is curious, I give him a "10". If he is mildly interested,
give him a "5" and if he doesn't pay any attention at all, give
him a "0". TEST 2: To test your
horse for tolerance, firmly push on the bridge of your horse's
nose. If he gives at the pole, then give him a "10". If your horse
pushes your hand away and then gives, then give him a "5". If
he doesn't give at all, then give him a "0". Test 3: Pull softly
on your horse's halter to the left. If he gives easily to soft
pressure and keeps his head level, his score is "10". If he raises
his head while giving, give him a "5". Then repeat this exercise
on the right side. TEST 4: Rub your thumb
in a firm swipe on each side of your horse's barrel. Start at
your horse's elbow and go along his belly. Each time your horse
"pops" his tail and resists, take away a point for each resistance.
If you
are interested in this type of horse behavior, please watch for
my videos that are coming out soon, They are titled "How to Evaluate
Your Horse's IQ" and "Measuring Your Horse's Athletic Ability."
May
you always ride a good horse.
- Richard
Shrake
"The Master Of Horsemanship"
Richard Shrake's Bridle Wise
Evaluate
Your Horse's IQ
Open
Breed
Contents & Features
Baxter Black - Empty Places at the Christmas Table
Vet Corner
-
West Nile Virus
Real Estate Section - Water Pipe Tips During Cold Weather
Now You
Can Teach Your
Horse New Tricks
Bridle Wise - Evaluate Your Horseís IQ
The Gallop Pole - Standard Head & Leg Markings
Youth of the Month - Jamie Holcomb
