Clearing Up Collection...Plus Some Tales from the Clinic Trail...and a Bunkhouse Update!

We've been receiving some emails lately that have led us to believe that there might be some confusion about the concept of collection, what it means, and how it benefits regular everyday riders. During Pat's recent clinics, there were also quite a few gaps in people's perception of what collection is and the various type of headgear they are using to try to achieve it. So, we thought we'd make a video! Of course, Pat also took the opportunity to ride Chinaco and Styx, tell a few stories, and I gave a short tour of the bunkhouse as it stands today. It should be fit for visitors sometime this summer. As always, please take a moment to hit the Like button, Subscribe to our channel, and Share with your friends. Thank you for watching!

[@2036livy]

I feel like if Pat told me my dear you're gonna have to learn to ride better, then I would go and stomp my pride in ground and humbly and to best of my knowledge and ability I would do my best to do exactly that. His knowledge isn't shared everyday and what an honor it would be to be critiqued by someone so humble that obviously has yours and the horses best interest in mind. There's no ill will in this gentleman.

[@debrajabs9523]

I appreciate your honesty and your frankness. Love the humor. When I used to give lessons, it was for serious students that were there to learn, not be entertained. Oh how I would love to spend a day with you both just getting all garbage out of my brain. Long story.

[@mrsbojangles8548]

Listening to explain the things you know so well reminds me of a phrase my grandfather used to say : “I’ve forgotten more than most people remember “. I’ve been watching your videos for a few years now-and slowly some things have sunk in and helped my general horsemanship, but what you do is so profound and just great to see. Thanks!

[@phyllismervis3588]

There is a film called True Appaloosa about an American woman who owns Appaloosas. She sets off to Mongolia and with the help of nomad herdsmen locates "true Appaloosas! I believe one of the Mongolian herdsmen may now be involved in breeding. I highly recommend the film both because of the factual information and the scenery but also because this woman was already in her 60's or 70's when she set out on her search! Thank you, Phyllis Mervis

[@Equinegraphy]

...Waved at me with one finger and left =D thank you for being real. Amazing horsemanship!

[@sassy6292]

My coach didn’t finish my mare because he said she panicked when he introduced the western bridle as you call it. He called it the heavy bit. So she is in a jointed curb bit with slung back (grazing) shanks. I was satisfied with how she handles in this bit set up so I wasn’t disappointed and we seem to be doing ok. The back up in regards to collection is very clear to me now so thank you for this lesson. I’m very fortunate that Sunny is put together so that collection is quite natural for her and she stands square as well. She’s like a statue when she sets up. She’s 18 years young and we still have things to learn and work on. I’m 65 and dreading the day when it all has to end. In the mean time I’m loving my life and my lovely Sunny.

[@jacobbadgwell8974]

After watching what all the correction bit does to the horses mouth and nose. I’m taking it off my head stall and throwing it away. This was very educational and I’m ordering the missing link as we speak. Thank you for the insight.

[@janmutchler7355]

Thank you for another great video! I have considered showing in the Ranch Horse class (haven't shown in QH classes since early 1980's) but in reading the rules, they are biased against bridle horses. They don't want the head too high (whatever "high" is) and many are riding with romals connected directly to the bit. Their extended trot is simply quicker steps with no lengthening....really, who would want to trot a horse 15 miles with short, choppy strides. They look like horses that failed the western pleasure class. Thank you for all you do.

[@tracyjohnson5023]

I do agree with you! Natural head carriage is supposed to mean where the horse is comfortable and carries their head. MANY of the "ranch" classes are full of wash out pleasure and reining horses. AQHA should know what an extended trot means, but just like the peanut rollers, judges consistently place horses that just trot faster. Ranch classes supposedly came about to simulate true ranch horses. But anybody that has ever worked for a living on a ranch loves a long strides free moving horse. That cowboy shuffle can't be overrated.

[@joelhamilton6720]

Perfect content, prefect timing . Thank you !

[@lauramoy9940]

There is so much good knowledge in your videos!!!

[@vicki1141]

Two great things happened here today. One, I had a great ride on a friends little mare that I worked with last summer, and two, you posted another great video. Pat, your chosen style of riding has always fascinated me. When I started trail riding rather than drill work with horses, I realized how important it is for the rider to communicate with the horse through body language. Styx looks like a different horse now, his neck is fuller and his rump is more developed. He carries himself so nicely. I assume this is from working in collection? As always, much appreciation for your passion and sharing. Cheers from Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia

[@lauramoy9940]

I love your videos. How to ride is so uncomplicated & so are the tools used to ride a horse.

[@tinoyb9294]

It is finally dawning on me the difference between the Californio philosophy/style and the rodeo/performance/competition horse styles. This video really explains the difference well. Is there a book that describes the Californio style in one place and in more detail? I just want to ride the horse, I don't need to compete on them.

[@xSpiderswebx]

Jeff Sanders has published two very good books. Book one is about developing the horse in the hackamore and book 2 is moving on to the two-rein, with a fair bit of history. His third book should be straight up in the bridle, but that may be a couple years away. Book two had it's first edition run just a few months ago. Ed Connell published two books as well but died before he finished part three. They were published in the 60's, and he was mostly writing about stuff as he grew up and was an older man when the books were published, so some of it is outdated if applied to today's horses.

[@xSpiderswebx]

@@theequestriandojo3768 The Sander's book are really good. Quite technical in some places that remind me of classical dressage books, but easy to read and digest. He also has some videos floating around, but I much prefer watching Pat and Deb. Makes me feel like I'm leanin' on the fence watching folks work their horses.

[@johnlabbe1964]

Styx is so well balanced. I’m horseless and at 79 and unlikely to change. I have learned so much about the California style and regret not knowing more about the style. The style and vaqueros are providing my daily riding fix. Love your style and humor too. Yake it or don’t

[@donyalewells1388]

I love these videos an I absolutely love seeing a horse ride bridaled up in collection….

[@debbieboston2377]

I love your honesty! Hilarious that woman left your clinic waving 1 finger. Someone's gkt to tell them the truth

[@howardtweddle1298]

A breath of fresh air. I get a lot out these videos, just honest, easy to follow and work from thanks Pat and Deb

[@carlaperry1784]

I agree. Well said.

[@rosegarden9575]

Navajo water is going now...thank you Infrastructure Act!

[@willockrudger6710]

Hello how are you doing today

[@valeriehudson7276]

I can watch your videos a couple of times AND GET SOMETHING NEW AND REFINED EACH TIME . . . I know I am am slow but I like the journey as both of us are learning, me and my mount . . Thanks Val

[@joanettemurch9040]

The mare I fell for reminds me of this horse….. I thank you again Pat and Debbie

[@marylamb56]

God bless, you two! Gods speed! Thank you for your transparency ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@willockrudger6710]

Hello how are you doing today

[@carlaperry1784]

Thank you again for your time and thought to put these on.

[@willockrudger6710]

Hello how are you doing today 👋

[@hazleyclarke5504]

Love all your videos

[@jrardin1967]

Since you first introduced Chinaco, I’ve thought he was a keen looking colt. But, you never know… I’m glad to see how he has grown up, and you’ve got

[@jenniferproctor1898]

Ready to make a reservation at the bunkhouse.

[@willockrudger6710]

Hello how are you doing today 🙃

[@brooksderryberry7926]

My friend Debbie McCain was the care taker of Reckless and Fearless when she was 11 years old and Reckless and Fearless were at Camp Pendleton Base Stables. Robin Hutton’s book on Reckless is the only book on Reckless that is endorsed by the USMC as the authority on Reckless.

[@Somewhere-In-AZ]

My son was in the Corps for 20 years and never heard of Reckless. Probably too busy doing his job. But now he’s retired and shared this story with his daughters. They love horses and riding. Love being back in AZ.

[@spedoclctr]

loved the video 😊😊. chinaco looks great. like that horse.

[@JeffAboularage]

I love how you use the skeleton to ride the horse, and use your body and hardly at all it reins to move the horse in and out of the maneuver.. I am one of those dyed in the wool Texas Cutting Horse Guys you talk about, but that’s because I enjoy it, like someone would enjoy golf… And as you say OK we won’t argue lol. But the more I think about working cattle for the sake of shipping. The more I want to lean into what you teach’ it will serve a purpose for a very long time.

[@joelhamilton6720]

So ! I'ma good says the Horse

[@andrewcastillo9558]

What do you think about ranch rodeos as in trailer loading, mugging, doctoring ect..? I have had the opportunity to ride a cattle operation a couple years, do ranch horse classes, and now ranch rodeos. I agree with everything you said about the ranch classes, Almost every single one is like that. I notice the ranch rodeos none of them have that low headset and alot more handy horses show up. Granted 75% are the texas cowpuncher riding style, split reins, neck reining and some tie downs.

[@brandyolsen3970]

I enjoy watching your videos. They way you explain things really helps me understand more clearly. Maybe if you ever get around Minnesota I would love to join one of your clinics.

[@willockrudger6710]

Hello how are you doing today 👋

[@wesborders3277]

Sure a cool colt ;-)

[@richardcameron3681]

That was a mouth full thanks again I get dibs on the first guest in the bunk house❤❤❤so much to learn

[@lyndiepanitz4431]

omg the build when it's wrong I totally agree. No thanks I'm too old. I breed built right with temperament. From there it's so easy. I look like I have more talent than I have

[@willockrudger6710]

Hello how are you doing today

[@emersontayten]

Pat and Deb, the ultimate badasses. Are you sure you're not a Centaur? 🙄

[@KingsMom831]

Excellent video, as usual. Thanks for for your good humor, easy to understand explanations & great story telling. Deb, always appreciate your part in this too! Especially loved seeing you on Blondie in the beginning of that video🙏😊

[@TightwadTodd]

It was a direct descendant of Joseph, who told me the joke, "You know why the Nez Pierce rode appaloosa horses into Battle?,, So they were good n pissed before they got there". He also told me, they got the breed originally, from the Palouse. Look up the documentary Titled, the True Appaloosa, its very interesting and eye opening.

[@TightwadTodd]

Oh yeah, I also concur on the "cowboy Dressage".

[@practice965]

We used to call mechanical hackamores 'bear traps'. Great video and thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@ghettoyeti50]

Thank you for clarification on reasonable collection for moving thru life on a horse. Citrus and Withlacoochee forests are calling my name and my mare is not ready. Florida

[@terrywhitenight9188]

Very good !

[@glenncoons8270]

l Love your videos and stories. Being an old horseman i identify with your methods...thank you Pat

[@KingsMom831]

Love seeing the view of that valley😊

[@JohnDoe-qu8ny]

Love ♥️ your videos Pat thank you

[@kidstuff44555]

Because a low head is seen as beneficial to QHs, they are often bred to have that low head carriage naturally. People who want to do Pat's style of riding may be better off with a different breed with different conformation. Personally I love thoroughbreds, who are much maligned and can come with issues caused by the racing industry, but I think they are very versatile and in the right hands can do pretty much anything. They learn fast, they have great athleticism, big strides, a good work ethic, and they don't cost much. Also because they're sensitive and don't put up with bad training the way a QH might, if you see someone riding a calm, willing thoroughbred, you know that person is a good rider

[@magdielperez2219]

Nice view , perfect, nice video god bless you guys

[@valeriehudson7276]

thanks love the explanations . . I need alot of work but enjoy riding so I guess I am lucky - - I like doing chores around the ranch and want a horse partner to join me . . my Willy is very reactionary so I have work to do thanks Val

[@willockrudger6710]

Hello how are you doing today 👋

[@meretefrandsen9340]

Thanks for The video - i love to watch and learn from you - would like to come to US for one of you clinics - Best regards Merete fra Denmark

[@randomlyfunny2657]

Hello Pat and Deb,i have a "downhill" quarter horse and am working on making him a spade bit horse.My question is, what cheekpiece would work best for him? And thank you,your videos have taught me so much. From Oroville,Wa.

[@jrardin1967]

The only “bedspring” corrals I’ve used or seen, were sheep corrals. Did I mis-hear you or is there something you’re not telling us?

[@angeliquecoppolino1433]

❤️

[@guillaumevalat8061]

Sent a previous comment on Mongolia that seems to be lost in the blue. Anyway, I was wondering why for some horse like Styx, you say this horse is not not going to be a spade horse but this one - Chinaco, will. In what ground do you décide this ? Thanks PS: congrats for the bunkhouse👍

[@Cecilyeg]

And the Morgan as a horse built in collection?

[@TightwadTodd]

The Morgan was preferred by many old Bridle men.

[@mm25937]

Hello I'm totally new here - May i ask a question? I always thought horses collect automatically when they walk through rough up-and-down countryside- So, trailing around they do a natural collected movement. Is that wrong? Do they have to learn collection BEFORE they go to trail? Thanks for answer.... MM

[@elisaucedo9112]

Just curious what kind of horse is that

[@maremuse]

What’s the strap around his neck for?

[@elviramanwaring3924]

Is it necessary to use the nose band that you have on styk, even tho he is already in collection ?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

That isn't a noseband. It's a piece of traditional equipment called a bosalito. Because we never lead a horse by romal reins, we use the bosalito to hold the get down rope that is used to lead a horse in a bridle.

[@elviramanwaring3924]

@@PatnDebPuckett okay, thanks for the reply, that makes sense, good video as always

[@xSpiderswebx]

Would Styx still be considered a bridle horse, if he's in a half-breed vs a spade?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

No. He’s ridden in a bridle but he’s not a Bridle Horse.

[@xSpiderswebx]

@@PatnDebPuckett Is that because he's not in a spade? Or because he never progressed from the hackamore through to straight up?

[@jrardin1967]

Your bridle horse