For my Valentine, Pamela,


As the morning light lay
     fair upon your beautiful face
my heart is filled with warmth
   against the mornings cold embrace

Lucky for me is nearly
    naught enough to say
for rich in your arms
    I am blessed each day

No matter where my life
   spent searching for grace
was lost among the paths
   your love has brought solace

Forever upon me now
    your beauty and love
will always be just as
   the fair morning light above

Clay Jackson
Feb 14th 2013
   
 

 

Well another Christmas... I have a lot to thank Christ for, Too much in fact to list, I couldn't probably remember all the times I thanked him, surviving several totaled cars, amazing free climbs up hundred foot cliffs with no ropes, wild spins out of control and somehow recovered in light air craft.....all by myself and no one to help. Let's not mention the dozens of times I've come off a horse not just a bounce, but a rodeo, couple of times hung up in the iron dangling,  just waiting for the hit.... I dunno it wasn't my time, and now.... I  have the news another good friend, Dwight Bailey, an old die hard horseman, passed before my last visit, taken by that bastard cancer.  Harder to take than a broken rib or a separated shoulder. I don't know if you would appreciate it, but those old cowboys put their time in, trying to get a ride and make a horse better. Not an easy life but a lonely road to pass along, a few people notice, but most just look and walk along, satisfied to" buy" that ride not" make it".

I guess my life has been full of admiration of these guys, like Dwight. they put their life in horses and never looked much beyond it, following their heart and trying to breed and /or train that better horse! Trying to be the good horseman who found a special one, and let it shine. Never letting go of a dream, and never letting go of  principles.... that I admire as much as anything.... what I find most lacking today, with so called "trainers"..... with a fat pocket to back them, Sure, it's easy if you have the money....lay down  some euro's and pick up a made one...everyone sees you in the winners circle. Who made that horse? Who brought it from nothing to a winner/I understand the "fame" attraction, but I also understand the "satisfaction" of the one who recognized something special and brought it to life.

Dwight,  if you can see this writing or know my thoughts, "hats off" to you for being true. Some don't like it and few understand it. But I want you to know I believe in it and always will remember you holding to your beliefs and honesty..... Some laugh at old "cowboys" but to be real horseman you'd understand, the bright lights only shine after a long days work.

Clay Jackson 2012

My Thanksgiving speech....

OK here goes....it's holiday blah, blah time...

So when does it ever occur to many that every day is thanksgiving? I am sure those of us that have had near death experiences, served our country putting our life on the line, or simply putting yourself in danger for another, perhaps recovery from illness or nearly losing someone or lost.....know what I am saying. I may never be what I expected of my

self but know that I give thanks that I have experienced the unexpected from many others. I have been lucky to see faith reward
total loss and genius in the apparent dimness of understanding.
We are of an age of restitution and reflection and yet too few care to recall or acknowledge our luck (underline). We all suffer the inept ability to persuade ourselves that the moment only counts and not the matter of which will forever linger.

I give thanks to those who gave their lives....not just the soldier or the cop or the fireman...but the grandmother/father, the teacher, the explorer, the scientist....those who gave their lives not just in the moment but in entirety...for our future. Count your money, count your possessions, count your lucky stars....but remember who and where it all came from, and remember to thank your luck to have it and even better to have known those who gave it all.

Just for the Thanksgiving: "Give a damn", So many don't!
Clay Jackson

   On my parent’s ranch, well over 40 years ago, I was introduced to the use of the curb bit. I was admittedly, a very young boy, but the whole nature of putting this curved steel object into a horse’s mouth, immediately sparked a lifelong interest,. With the mentoring of my parents in its use, I was left with a profound impression of control and responsibility I have never forgotten.

   Flash forward to today…..I am still curious and ever seeking what makes a bit better or worse, with so many variables it is a fascinating aspect of riding. Every day I work with a horse, whether mine or a clients, I have the nagging question in my mind, is this bit working for this situation? Now, there are many authors who have touched upon the generalities of bits and their uses and a few who have written specifically about them. I am not intending to write in depth about bits but rather to ask you as the reader, do you have a real understanding of the bit in your horse’s mouth and how it really affects your horse? Most I ask don’t, in fact, many riders haven’t the foggiest idea of the physical attributes that are involved, sometimes they don’t know if it is fitted properly, if it may even be the right type, or worse they don’t understand the many different types of bits and their applications. All too often, I find a new client with a horse that could use a better fit or a completely different bit and with a simple change, definite results happen, much to the surprise of the rider, with correct application the horse is happier and more responsive.

  In order to educate ourselves and have knowledge , we first must ask questions…so let’s ask ourselves have we spent any time really looking at our horses physical nature, does it have a narrow jaw, a tilted palate, how about just plain fat lips? I can go on but each one of these questions along with the type of riding you are involved, can all form a working relationship or dysfunctional one. As a trainer of horses, I always try the least invasive or softest bit to start, first fitting to the horses conformation and then by a generally accepted adjustment in the bridle. Now there are certain restrictions of types by rules in disciplines such as in dressage competition but at home we can explore different options to find the bit that “works”. One of the most common mistakes I find is the lack of the rider’s good use of aids and balance, which translate directly into the horse’s demeanor and performance. More often than I care to mention, an individual or trainer opts for a stronger bit to gain control that could be attained simply by a more educated hands and seat.

   Let’s take that twisted wire gag snaffle out and put in a simple French link? “Oh, I won’t be able to hold him back”, “I’ll never get the distance”, “The horse is just to forward”… I have experienced those statements and more. I am certain that many “trainers” and aficionados’ are sure that more control is obtained by force than by balance, while it does achieve nearly the control sought after it brings about more complex problems that cannot be corrected with any satisfaction. I am all for having control over no control but it really warrants good insight of the issue. First start with the horse physically, as I mentioned before, does he need dental work? Maybe a broken tooth, perhaps a bit seat is needed (rounding of the leading edge of the lower molar), Does the bit fit properly(if it is gently pulled so that it is just pressing against the cheek there should only be 3/8 to 1/2 inch of the bit showing on the opposite side). If the bit is too wide it can create a “nut cracker” effect with a snaffle, causing the horse to toss it’s head every time you apply pressure, with a bar or curb bit it acts to pry the mouth open. Obviously these situations are “not” going to result in a good ride and often will sour a horse to anything its mouth, and I wouldn’t blame them.

   So what I like to do is start with the least invasive bit, say a plain snaffle or a French link, from there I decide where to go if that doesn’t go well enough. Bear in mind that most all horses started properly will go satisfactorily in a snaffle, there are those few who don’t, but most will only require slight modifications. It is ok to experiment so long as you are aware of the proper fit and the action of each bit that you try. Remember anything with a shank increases sometimes two or three fold from your hand to their mouth so be careful. My next and most valuable advice is to ride in balance, think about carrying a bottle upright in the palm of your hand, you have to be under it all the time or it will fall, just like your horse has to carry you. If you ride too far ahead of the motion the horse is always speeding up to catch you, the opposite is also true until you are so far behind you are actually driving the horse forward.

   In my lessons I stress to ride in balance with the motion, often I see people riding with no connection to the horse over a fence and then grabbing it on the other side when the horse lands, this is never good. It will teach your horse to run away after the fence, or creek or log and sets into play the idea that a stronger bit is needed, when all it would require is balance and connection. I will venture that most horses rigged in a strong bit could with diligent, patient, calm work, ease into a softer and softer bit. It really comes down to the riders own balance/skill level. It never hurts to seek a professional that works in a light frame, Beware the trainer that has every horse in some contraption, they are probably not schooled enough themselves to help you achieve a balanced ride.

   So next time you ride a horse and they seem “too” strong, make a note to yourself to check the physical nature of the horse’s mouth and jaw, the bit “fit”, and check to see if your riding relaxed and in light connection. I can go on but you probably understand the concept…..

Clayton Jackson

Show stable, training stable, hobby stable, where do you fit in? Naturally some aspects of each always exist within them, but in general; there is a big difference. When it comes to my choice, it will always be a training stable.....I would like to think it's the middle fork of the highway, where hobby horses and show horses are discovered, developed and ultimately find their place. A place where discovery, both horse and human happen. I have always been an explorer, adventurer and thrill seeker. I never get enough when it comes to that.......and horses dish out plenty.

Whatever your goals are and whatever your talents are, if your into horses, they will tend to take you in the direction you want to go...well sometimes in the wrong direction, at the worst moment...but that also leads you to a new place, in your riding ability or maybe a resolution.."I'll never try that again"! Being blessed with the ability to ride and the opportunity to share with others has culminated in a very unique and awesome fellowship., a clique that is very inclusive. Outsiders of the equestrian world are somewhat bewildered by the commitment to our horses and often it's futile to address it.

If you are a show rider, I know there is a thrill, a queasy gut when you walk through the in gate of your class....It is the moment to shine or maybe eat dirt (or crow)! For the trail rider, parking your truck and trailer in some remote, far away place, you step out into the crisp air and you reach for the trailer door...it's a new adventure. For the beginning rider, as you pull into the farm, your heart is light and head high in the possibilities..... dreams are reality and you cannot wait to see the horses and be "in the barn"! If your a trainer, slipping that leg over the saddle for that first ride is never a dull moment, "are we going to be good or is all he** going to break loose!"... hopefully your ground work has laid the foundation for an easy start....but, there are no guarantees!

I can say,  I know all these well and being able to share it with many brings me to a fine place, with good people and good horses. My place, I call it a training barn, because what we do here is explore all those possibilities and develop each of our riders and horses.  I really love to bring them together, make a team. I have often had troubled horses and riders rediscover themselves and go on to fruition, or at least find peace in the relationship. I suppose there is no greater feeling for me as a trainer, than to bring along a young horse or "fix" that relationship between human and animal. I am always so happy the day I realize my horse and I understand each other or the day the troubled horse shows trust regained....That to me is worth it all. As a riding coach, it is nearly the same....as each student finds a new ability and as they "connect" with the horse, I am thrilled to see it in their faces. What a great thing to work with a horse and be a "partner" a "team".

After a time, some riders are off to the show barns, others find their way to the less stressful hobby barn, but each still has the opportunity to learn (which I hope they do) that there is always more for the horse to teach us. Where ever you start and ultimately end up, I wish you well on the journey, check your cinch, it's a long ride!  Clay Jackson

Just getting under way .... a 4 year old, aka "Viper"

So many hours, long cold days, hot ones too.... no one around just the horse beneath you, some far away goal, a pinpoint on a far reaching plain. Seeking amnesty from foolish mistakes, and revelation in a new discovery of ability. No attempt to run away, though the feeling comes and goes.....there is an answer, and one must seek it or be forever lost in quandary. The horse knows, but won't tell.....only waits to respond to the right answer.

Who is wise? Who is the real teacher? I must remain the student to know and yet again know,
I do not.

CAJ

I went to bed thinking about what to write for an article…. What would be helpful, maybe something about bits or technique?  What came to my mind surprisingly was about my relationship with the horse.

I was riding as soon as I was walking maybe sooner and my mother and father made sure that I had the exposure…they were very active in the American Quarter Horse Association as breeders and competitors. That being aside, my relationship began early on when I found my connection with each of the horses as I grew up; their individual personalities…. They, were very much like my family.  Growing up in the South Bay area, riding even alone sometimes, in the Santa Cruz mountains, I never gave much thought about how special my life was. I took it for granted that it was commonplace and that anyone could have this much freedom. As I grew older, we moved to Oregon and I experienced living in a more remote life, on the McKenzie River.  I still, was connected with the horses but the social environment of school and a basically non horsey community of friends drew me away from it somewhat.

August 23, 1973 changed that. That was the day my best friends mother died in my arms from a lethal gunshot…. I won’t go into details but I can assure you, I was transformed by a very real moment, when life slipping away in front of me, her soul as I knew disappeared like the setting sun, leaving only my heart beating in my ears and the weight of her body cradled in my arms. I was 13 and suddenly no longer a child. I relate this because the first thing that brought me solace was to be with the horses.

 It may seem corny, but I found myself sitting there in the field surrounded by a band of 8 horses, accepting me, not judging or caring even a little about what had happened…they only sought company and grass. How simple. I think those times I needed to hold onto something true, the horses gave me that, they were honest, straight out, no guess work involved. I did not find that in the human element…lies, cheating, hidden agendas; every one judges everyone, better or worse, power plays. Don’t get me wrong I had love and compassion, plenty…but I knew that there was a dirty truth in life, I had lived it.

So…. in the end, horses I could trust, people? I never really knew if someone was who they seemed but the horse was 99% of the time right up front. So here I am a horse trainer, well maybe, maybe, they train me. They train me to be kind, to be patient, to be alert…ever on guard, yet living life right now and enjoying simple things. They are forever memorizing good and bad experiences yet often very forgiving, over and over. Are they just dumb…I don’t think so; I think a greater power gave them a big heart, one big enough to allow prejudice and wrong to afflict them and still try to please us. What more can you ask for? Ask the same for yourself. Ask yourself if you can be that simple and true. The next time you look close into a horse’s eye, you will see your reflection. What will they see?  I hope they will they see love and trust, compassion and happy excitement, living life for the sunshine and the green grass and good company. I will always be indebted to the horses in my life.  I have watched them be born and watched some die. In each and every horse I have ever met, I found a kindred spirit…..or maybe, I find myself.

Clayton A. Jackson

May 2012