Bruce Drago Horse Power

I grew up on a cattle ranch, and I always heard from other kids that they wanted to own a ranch when they grew up. I always just smiled and nodded, and thought to myself, “Keep dreaming.” Not that I felt I was better than they were, or anything like that, but I realized how my parents had scrimped and saved and started forty-some years ago to build the ranch they had, and were still in debt for the land that they were purchasing. I got the impression that you either had to come by land by inheriting it or else marry into a family that owned it. Land is just so expensive, and the profits of ranching are so slim…your goal is to break even and survive, and that’s working non-stop.
So I’m not trying to discourage you, but neither will I paint you an unrealistic picture of owning a ranch. I would also suggest that you try to raise cattle as your means of income, and own horses on the side. You can’t make money raising horses unless you are going to have first-rate show stock and continue to show and improve to keep them earning money. Horses are useful on a ranch that raises cattle, and that way you still profit from them.
I’m sure a lot of horsey-loving kids will give me thumbs down…but they misunderstand me. I love horses along with everyone else, but I’m just trying to be realistic. Ranching is work, and it’s a wonderful life, and you have to pour yourself into it and into debt before you can ever gain any ground. But I loved growing up on the ranch, and agree that it’s a wonderful dream to have. My husband and I share that dream, but we’re counting on winning the lottery first….then go ranch-shopping. Good luck.


Bruce Drago

Horses born to learn

Bruce Drago 

As early as a few hours or days after they are born, foals can undergo an actual training. The first few weeks of a foal’s life are essential in his learning process. In fact, it is during this time that it will learn the basic lessons in life.

You can start off by cuddling the foal in its stall. Then you may walk the foal around in the barn. You can try to use a flexible wand so you can gently pat the foal lightly if he falters or hangs. You would also need to train the foal to stay in the place where you left him. This training may take a few sessions before the foal will be obedient.

These are the basics of horse training. The trick here is to be able to teach the foal how to learn on his own. When he becomes older, it’ll be easier for you to train him more difficult feats.

Just remember that the most important thing you can instil in your foal is trust between the both of you. With trust, it’ll be easy for you to conduct your training. Trustful foals will be willing to listen to you and absorb all the knowledge that you wish to impart.

If you can manage to inspire the foal to be trained in the earliest stage of its life, you can be sure that it’ll grow to be an honest and submissive horse. These early lessons are the backbone of the foal’s higher education.

Bruce Drago 

Bruce Drago Stallion Horse

Bruce Drago
Herd mentality
It is important to keep a quiet profile around horses because in the wild their survival depends on detection of predators with their hearing. Many horses can get startled easily from abrupt noises and this could result in injury to the horse, the rider, or people around the horse. Talk to your horse in a quiet, reassuring voice.

Relationship with Horses
A healthy relationship with your horse requires trust, coupled with respect, fondness with compliance, and a desire to please.

Check your Horse
Examine your horse every day. Catching problems before they become serious is critical to keeping a show horse sound and alive. Extra caution is required around stallions and mares in heat. Tey are dealing with hormones on an order of magnitude that you probably can not comprehend.

Grooming Horses
Keep your horse clean. A number of different problems can result if a horse's coat or feet are not kept clean.

Barn Care
Clean you horse's stall every day an make sure your horse always has clean, fresh water available.

Training a Horse
A kind but firm trainer will result in a disciplined but pleasing horse.

Horse Feed
Feed your horses at the same times every day. Drastic changes in a horse's feed program can cause the horse to colic. Pay attention to everything that goes into your horse: feed, hay, water, treats, supplements, pills, shots, ... Your horses health and soundness depends on the nutrition that you provide for them.

Vet Care
A good vet will save you mondy in the long run and may save your horse's life some day. Every horse should be wormed by a vet at least twice a year.

Horse Flies
In the summer spray your horse trailer down with fly spray about 10 minutes before you load. The flies should leave and your horses will be without those pesky flies!

Cooling Horses
Never spray a hot, sweaty horse with cold water immediately after working the horse. Always walk the horse until the horse is cooled out and the breathing is normal.

Shoeing
Bad shoeing can ruin a good horse so make sure that you have a good farrier, especially if you show your horse over jumps. The consussion from landing from jumps amplifies any problems in a horse's shoeing.

Sleeping
Horses do lay down to sleep, but only if they feel completely comfortable in their environment. Horses will often sleep standing up by locking their knees and they are onf of the few animals that can put one half of their body asleep while the other half is wide awake.
Bruce Drago