Schooling in a Halter (plus a few words about ropes)

In this video, Pat goes over how he would address a brace in a horse’s jaw by schooling in a halter. He also adds a few tips about ropes, hondos, safety, and how to keep your fingers.

[@almacruz-nf5lp]

I rode my horse on the first training day thanks to your videos. He would buck people off and was constantly being sold because he was untrainable. I rode him bare back without a bit. 1million 🙏 thanks

[@osceolaseminole5596]

How fulfilling that must be.

[@gcjunkmail2626]

I’ve said it before, but will say it again. Pat is a national treasure! Wish i knew him personally

[@janmutchler7355]

Please keep these little clips coming because I always learn something. Love your humor - you make learning fun.

[@Topmounthorsemanship]

Only years of experience will give a man that type of humor, love it.

[@johnmorris7960]

I am seeing the subscriber list increasing and more and more people in the comments and hope the two of you realize the good you are doing. Thank you both for another educational and entertaining video.

[@vernonhasenkamp2980]

Because I share every video I watch

[@1lesa242]

This comment is spot on 🥰

[@1lesa242]

Murder hondoes.🤣🤣🤣

[@janboogaerts1616]

Pat, you are right, the art of braiding rawhide was dieing a slow death. About 6 or 7 years ago Clint Haverty, Len Yule, Brent callahan and myself formed the International Rawhide Braiders Association and organised the 1st Rawhiders gathering in Clint's shop in Krum, TX. Since than every year we put on a 4 day rawhiders gathering in Decatur, TX which will have up to 35 braiders from all over the world attending, sharing their knowledge and learn from each other. From that initiative grew some spin-offs like the gatherings in Oregon and Idaho, gatherings which I personally have not attended but I hear they're great. In other words, I feel the art of rawhide braiding is heading for a renaissance, and some masters today are making better qualitiy and more innovative work than ever before in history. Every year we see new faces, from rank beginners to experienced braiders that've been hiding in some line camp. You should come visit, there's some Californios coming you can hitch a ride with.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

That is good to know. We hate to see these skills dying out. Pat would love to go to one of these gatherings and maybe do a demonstration using the products of your trade.

[@dairygoatsvt]

Really enjoying the videos. I really like the straight forward explanations.

[@ripheuer2701]

This cowboy needs his story told ..big screen..the horse deserves it..we all do..thank god this man..!

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot.

[@gaylef3477]

Thank you so much for your time in putting out these videos. Reminds me so much of listening to my Dad - practical wisdom without pulling any punches and a good dose of humor.

[@MrDavidrex]

Deb what a blessing Pat is! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, time and kindness. I’m inspired.

[@kengamble8595]

Wow, I was so afraid that you were about to say that you liked the one glove, sure glad you didn't ! 😊 Fourty years ago I made some pretty good rawhide hondos, didn't know they were kinda hard to come by these days. Might have to get back into it seeing as I can't do much of anything else ! Have been catching up on your videos lately and the more I watch you the more you remind me of someone I done some riding with on a ranch in northern Arizona back in the late 60s and early 70s ! Can't say that I ever knew his real name but he went by " Polky " ! Enjoy your stuff and will keep watching! Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍

[@anthonynelson4960]

if i were not a horseman id watch these videos just for the comedy. great stuff. thanks for all the answers.

[@jaykb6587]

It was interesting to watch your mare start backing when she was unsure of what you were asking of her. I had watched the last video where you used "reverse" to engage her brain. 😃

[@travisbeckham1750]

Howdy Y'all, A lot of really good information. Such a Beautiful Mare, She is a looker. Thank you for your time y'all. South Central Texas... Travis Beckham

[@homeedconnect]

You make me laugh with every video you post! On this one, you got me on the point about carrying your finger to the hospital! You guys are great. Please keep sharing your wisdom! I sure hope for the pleasure of joining you at a clinic sometime this year!

[@robynmcleroy216]

Thank you soo much for all the learnin' I get when I watch your videos! I'm a big fan thank you so much

[@gerrycoleman7290]

I think it is tremendous information, great stories, and a quick wit.

[@jaykb6587]

@@gerrycoleman7290 I just wish this kind of information had been available when I started riding in days of yesteryear. Videos are a huge benefit to learning from people who know what they are actually doing. 👍👏❣

[@pandpranchin3625]

Nice video mr Puckett!!

[@jenniferalai5801]

I absolutely love all your videos Pat. I’m a pleasure western rider in AZ and I appreciate your no nonsense, well explained fair horsemanship. I wish you gave lessons in person that review tack, saddle fitting, stirrup fitting, and overall riding lessons. Or maybe you do?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

What part of Arizona? We do travel and I have family in southeastern AZ. The next time we head that direction we could work in a lesson for you or a small group. Our email is [e-mail].

[@rockridgerobin]

Love the way you untracked her before stepping on. That's exactly the way my grandparents taught me when I was a kid, (and I'm probably close your age.) I still do that every time I mount.

[@TightwadTodd]

It amazes me,how many people,who should know better,,DONT..Seen a few pay for it too.

[@lindatruitt7858]

Novice here. What’s purpose of us tracking?

[@robinmoore9402]

@@lindatruitt7858 It helps them get their mind off possibly wanting to buck, rear or bolt after being cinched up. Also helps them get rid of a belly full of air if they've developed the habit of puffing up with air in response to tightening the cinch. It's a simple safety measure that I still do every time I cinch up, or if they've been standing tied for a long break.

[@uservdhdunxinfstinf]

thank you, sir.

[@markletteriello2115]

Hello -can you do a video on how to teach your horse to tie off lean on the rope,to stand while doctoring or any related tips, tricks or don’t do’s while teaching them! Thank you for the damn good videos :)

[@reidbankert4425]

mark letteriello I was wondering that too.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

I’ve got a list of video requests and I’ll put this one on that list. As you’ve probably already heard, we are working a a DVD series. The first one will be the basic shots on the roping dummy. If there is time, we will include sliding rope and the mechanics of tying off safely. The second DVD will be on live cattle and will include how to tie off. The third one will be roping and doctoring outside. Anyway, it’s all just talk until we get it put together. Meanwhile, thank you for watching our channel and for commenting and asking questions...

[@1lesa242]

This is interesting.. I have always flexed the horses neck all the way around.. I’ll try this. Thank you.

[@adamsteel5320]

" Love Your reference to Michael Jackson ! ..... Vaya Con Dios !! "

[@sonofafisherman743]

I am learning a bunch from these videos great channel 👍

[@jackkrag]

Thank you

[@stemc111]

Really enjoy the videos.

[@perfectpartnersequine5698]

Enjoy your videos. Keep them coming! :)

[@mikehurst7283]

Went to south plains college with a Pat Puckett on Rodeo team 1967 Wondered if it was you?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

No.

[@frankfischer1281]

Didn’t know you were a Michael Jackson fan! Oooaahh.

[@MrSanteeclaus]

I was never very good at roping. By no means a expert. However I can attest the knot on the end of rope is dangerous. I broke 3 fingers when the cow decided to run faster than I could think. Have always used King’s ropes.

[@tommartins712]

I laugh every time I watch this one. "we only get murder hondos"...

[@tonyparnther3881]

Beautiful

[@oscaravalos2979]

Great videos I'm learning lots of things, excuse me where can I get a roping horn saddle like the one you use I like that buckaroo style ???

[@PatnDebPuckett]

It’s a slick fork saddle. There are a lot of saddle makers that make this style of saddle. We get ours out of Mexico. Here’s the link: www.thedisciplinedride.com/saddle. . Thank you!

[@Livefreejeeper]

Why in track your hours what does it do?

[@jabadahutwilson6115]

I hate breaking in a new saddle there so noisy bad time to ride a colt

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Look who has the sharp eyes!

[@patriciadavis4664]

I’m assuming it’s a right coiled rope about 40 feet for a right handed woman? Does this sound correct?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

If you’re talking about how to order the correct rope from King’s, you’ll want a 5/16 nylon soft lay, 40 ft long. You don’t have to say you want it to be right handed. That’s their default rope. They sell left hand twist ropes which means the strands of the rope are actually twisted in the opposite direction. You’ll also want to ask for a hondo knot on one end and no knot on the other end. You would attach the hondo of your choice when you get it in the mail. Don’t opt for a tied hondo.

[@patriciadavis4664]

Thank you so much

[@l.d.b.r5141]

Dose the twist directions matter much.

[@garrymatthews2800]

Can you show how to fix the end after you cut knot off pls as most ropes I get come with a knot and I would need to cut it off

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Tape the rope with black electrical tape, cut the knot off flush against the tape, and burn the end.

[@garrymatthews2800]

Thank you very much

[@kengenkuerickson1244]

"I thought it was a tribute to Michael Jackson, which I thought was commendable." Where the heck was Pat Puckett when I was mis-learning horemanship? LOL!

[@rs-bi8yf]

Always helpful thank you ! What do you feed and when ?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Interesting question. We feed our horses alfalfa hay only because that’s what is common in our area. We’ve fed all different kinds of hay depending on where we have lived. We feed grain in the winter or when a horse is working hard. The time can vary. For example, we fed at 3 am this morning and 5 pm this evening. It depends on what we are doing that day.

[@rs-bi8yf]

@@PatnDebPuckett Thank you I have hard keeper

[@typalmer5692]

Great video love watching what's your opinion of roping tied on?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Personally Pat has never tied on because that’s the way he was raised. The advantages of dallying are that you can slide the rope around the horn which, in my opinion, is easier on your horse and whatever you are roping because you aren’t jerking either one. I will say that there are some excellent hands who tie off and do just fine. It’s really just a matter of what you’ve been taught and whether or not you do it well.

[@typalmer5692]

Thank you very much I started tying off last summer and I was taught you have to be very careful and move your horses feet so that you don't jerk down but I would like to learn how to slide rope because I want to be a student of everything cowboy

[@joycenesselhauf1220]

Does a new rope need to be softened or conditioned? I’m trying to learn about roping. How many strands should a soft rope have for a beginner? Thank you!

[@PatnDebPuckett]

We use 3 strand nylon soft lay ropes. Unfortunately the only good way to soften them up is to use them.

[@joycenesselhauf1220]

@@PatnDebPuckett Thank you for the reply!

[@sheliaellison7226]

How long a rope should a beginner buy? Thank you from Alabama.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

The length of the rope has less to do with lack of experience and more to do with the size of your hands. I have pretty big hands for a woman and I’ve always roped with a 60 foot rope even when I was just starting out. If your hands are smaller or you find yourself struggling with holding the coils in your left hand, a 40 foot rope would be the shortest I’d recommend. You can always make your coils bigger to reduce the number of strands you hold.

[@mitchwiebell2785]

Hi Pat and Deb. I just trail ride here in Ohio. What are your thoughts in riding only in a rope halter? I've been riding both horses in only a rope halter for a few years now with no issues. They're not working/show horses anymore. Both are over 16 years old. Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Two things come to mind. First, collection isn’t just for show horses. It puts more weight on the hindquarters than the forehand which allows your horse to carry you more efficiently. Second, it’s just a matter of time when something happens and you really need to stop your horse and you can’t.

[@mitchwiebell2785]

@@PatnDebPuckett Hi. Thank you very much for your reply. I've already had one occasion where I needed to stop and couldn't...all ended well enough...I wasn't injured during my "unscheduled dismount". I live in Cincinnati, OH in an area that is predominantly an English hunter/jumper area so I don't have access to someone that could properly train me in the use of a western bit. I've been riding almost 20 years, mostly in a D ring snaffle. I have, in my opinion, educated, sensitive, soft hands...would you think it "safe" for my horses to "learn by doing" regarding transitioning to western bits? Both horses are over 17 years now so I'm a bit hesitant to teach something new. I can't thank you enough for your response and for all of the videos you've created. I've become a huge fan.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

mitch wiebell It’s never too late to transition a horse to a western bit. We have a number of videos that will walk you through the process. Make sure the curb strap is adjusted so there’s only 1 finger between the strap and your horse’s jaw. It’s not kinder to have a loose curb strap. It just means the bit doesn’t work as it’s designed to. Don’t be afraid to take a hold of the reins and pull back. Start off in an enclosed area standing on the ground alongside your horse and introducing him to the action of the bit. Don’t make more out of the process than necessary. Leverage bits with solid mouthpieces and leather curb straps, not chain, are not severe.

[@mitchwiebell2785]

@@PatnDebPuckett Hi Pat and Deb. I can't thank you enough for replying - in today's day and age fewer and fewer people seem to take the time to do so. Your wisdom, commitment and passion are infectious. I'll watch more and more of your videos and embark on my journey to transitioning my horses to western bits. You make me want to be a better horseman as well as a better human. Thank you very, very much.

[@gerrycoleman7290]

Are any of the braided rawhide hondos that you mentioned, for sale?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Funny you should ask. We have a very limited quantity available now. If you’d like to buy one, email me at [e-mail].

[@ricke714]

How do you get a horse to be ok with a rope under it's tail?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

We take care of that when we rope them. The rope gets under the tail and the horse learns that it’s not a big deal.

[@ricke714]

@@PatnDebPuckett oh ok, yeah I've had horses that were ok with the rope on the legs and everywhere else except when it goes up the tail and they bolt or buck.

[@brianroth5754]

Thanks for the info! How long of a rope 35 feet?

[@AndersonCattleCo]

I think he uses a 60foot and recommends 40foot to ladies and people with small hands.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

That’s correct. We use 60 foot ropes. If you have small hands and find you can’t handle that many coils in your left hand, we recommend a 40 foot rope but that would be the minimum.

[@garrymatthews2800]

How do.you adress a horse that bucks and is always looking back at you

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Garry Matthews restart him. Rope the throatlatch, barrel, flank, all four feet as outlined in some of our earlier videos. Work with tarp and flag. When you have covered all bases and feel the time is right, get on. Get the horse good at a one rein stop at all gaits. Get outside and get moving so the horse has to look ahead and watch where his feet are going. It’s difficult to say exactly what to do and when but these are some of the things Pat has done. The horse in this video has a history of bucking. She hasn’t offered to do so since we’ve had her and since Pat restarted her knock on wood...

[@garrymatthews2800]

Thanks deb and pat if i ever grow up id like to be like the vacqauro bridle men like pat

[@sergiogarciagomez2029]

Is this horse a quarter horse o a thoroughbred horse?

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Quarter horse.

[@sergiogarciagomez2029]

@@PatnDebPuckett But it has thoroughbred blood.

[@PatnDebPuckett]

Not this one.