What Does “Cowboy Started” Mean?

When we talk about a horse being “cowboy started,” we’re delving into a specific and traditional approach to horse training. This method is often associated with the Western riding style and has roots in the practices of ranchers and cowboys. I’ll break down what this means, why it’s done, how it’s executed, and the pros and cons of this training method.

What Does “Cowboy Started” Mean?

Definition:

• A horse that is “cowboy started” has been introduced to training using techniques that are traditional in cowboy and ranch-style riding. This often involves a more direct, no-nonsense approach compared to some modern, gentle training methods.

Characteristics:

• Quick and Practical: Cowboy starting is often about getting a horse to a basic level of rideability quickly and efficiently. It’s practical, focusing on the skills needed for ranch and outdoor work.
• Firm but Fair: The approach is typically more firm and straightforward. It doesn’t necessarily mean harsh; good cowboy trainers are fair and understand horse psychology.
• Exposure to Varied Situations: These horses are often exposed to a variety of situations early on – things like ropes, loud noises, and uneven terrain, which are common in ranch work.

What is Cowboy Started?

Tradition and Efficiency: It’s a time-honored tradition in many rural and Western communities. The efficiency of this method suits the fast-paced, demanding nature of ranch work, where a horse needs to be ready for practical tasks in a relatively short time. It makes sense in the ranching world where horses are hardier and grittier than modern show horses. These horses need just enough preparatory work for the rider to get on. The rider is going to spend all day every day on the horse. Basically, it’s “on-the-job training” for the horse.

Pros

Quick Results: Gets the rider in the saddle much quicker than more modern techniques. The ranch hands that work all day on these rach horses have the skills to manage the horse this way.

Best for some lines of horses: These horses have the stamina to work all day. For some of the lines of ranch horses, this technique works much better than modern gentling techniques.

Cons

Potential for Rough Handling: Horses that are used to work all day on a ranch are much hardier and grittier than modern show horses. Their minds are much different so the training has to be different. The riders depend on these horses for their lives. The horses need to be able to handle the work expected of them. If they can not, they will be culled out of the working string.

Not Suitable for All Horses: This approach does not suit all horses. Most modern show horses have been bred to be softer, lighter, and gentler. Their minds can not handle the speed at which the training comes and their bodies can not handle the impact of the training. Many of the horses that I get in for training to correct problems were pushed too quickly and too hard.

When and Why to Choose Cowboy Started

Suitability: Cowboy starting is pretty much only suitable for horses that will be working ranch horses or horses with those bloodlines and characteristics. Often when an owner allows a quarter horse to get 6 or 7 years old or even older before they are started this is the only way they can be started. 

Consider the Individual Horse: Always consider the temperament and physical ability of the horse. Some horses respond better to different training methods however this is not usually a good choice for most modern bred show horses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cowboy started is a distinctive and effective method of horse training rooted in the practical needs of ranch work. It emphasizes quick, practical training that prepares a horse for a variety of real-world scenarios. Cowboy started does not suit most modern horses. It is a suitable and widely used approach for working ranch horses. If you are interested in learning about training horses in a more modern way you should check out my YouTube Channel, Tim Anderson Horse Training.

If you need professional help with your horse, you might consider an Equestrian Virtual Lesson. This is a great way to get a private lesson from Tim Anderson. My horse training journey has brought me from winning world titles to now trying to make every horse the best they can be and to help you improve your equestrian knowledge.