11/08/2026
A little appreciation post for my right hand girl, Breanne! ❤️
Breanne Terry has been helping me out on and off for several years now whenever she has the time. She’s not here every day, but when she can come give me a hand, especially with some of the more challenging c**ts, I sure appreciate having her around!
One thing I’ve learned over the years is just how valuable having a second person can be when starting young horses.
When I was first learning to start c**ts, I spent a lot of time being the one in the saddle while more experienced horsemen worked with me from the ground. I learned a heck of a lot doing that, and now it’s pretty neat getting to be on the other side of things and helping Breanne gain some of that same experience.
There’s a lot more to starting a c**t than just being the one sitting on its back. Whether I’m on the ground flagging, talking someone through a ride, or horseback on a broke horse ponying a young one, having that extra person can make a world of difference.
I’ve noticed a huge difference in how those first rides go when you’ve got someone on the ground ready to help move that c**t out, especially one that wants to get a little sticky. Compared to being by yourself and having to get everything moving from the saddle, it’s a whole different ball game. Having someone there who knows the horse, can read its body language, and help the rider through those moments makes things go a heck of a lot smoother. We rarely end up with much of a bronc ride, and that’s exactly how I like it.
That certainly doesn’t take anything away from the person in the saddle! It takes guts to climb on a young horse, especially one that might have a few tricks up its sleeve.
I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the stickiest rider out there, and I have no problem saying Breanne can sure stick one! 😂 She’s got a great seat, she’s confident, and she’s willing to learn. We both have our strengths, and I think we work pretty darn well together because of it.
I’ve also got to give Evan Ginther some credit, as he’s been learning the ropes of being an extra set of hands when needed, too. I appreciate him being willing to jump in, learn, and help out wherever he can.
I’ve heard plenty of talk over the years that makes starting c**ts sound like some kind of pi***ng match over who can ride the rankest bronc, and somehow that makes them the better trainer. I simply don’t agree with that. There’s a heck of a lot more to making a good horse than being able to sit a buck. But that’s also not discrediting those who can, all the power to them, it’s a great skill to have!
To me, good horsemanship is about reading the horse, knowing when to push and when to back off, and using whatever tools and help you’ve got available to set that horse up for success. I’d much rather see a c**t learn to carry a rider confidently than have to prove I can ride him through a bucking fit.
I’m pretty grateful to have people around me who are willing to learn and put in the work. It’s been really rewarding watching Breanne become the rider she is today, and I hope she’s learned as much working alongside me as I’ve enjoyed having her help!
We make a pretty good team! ❤️
