27/03/2026
Digging for holes
Horse training when done right, is mostly boring, with the hope of an adrenaline rush someday.
Going in search of the adrenaline rush daily often causes that rush to turn into disappointment as things will most certainly fall apart if the boring things aren't a priority. When little things are ignored, you're riding a dream, and creating a nightmare.
One of the most frequently asked questions I get from clinics who try to book me again is, "A number of people have asked if we're going to do the same things again, or if we're going to step it up to the next level "? As if I've been hiding how to increase your chances of experiencing that rush of winning by working on excellent basics in depth.
The highest level trainers are not the ones who can pull more and kick harder than anyone else. They're the ones who go in search of the little things that are getting in the way of the big things. Big things are never forced to happen. They're asked to happen when the time is right.
Obviously you can try to outrun the posse just for fun. It's not hard to find cheerleaders as you make your escape. You may even feel like you robbed the bank as long as you got to shoot your guns while yee hawing through a prairie dog town. Or, you can find someone who can help you locate the holes you keep dodging. Someone to show you how to put your pistols away for now, delay the rush and go in search of solid ground one boring step at a time. Otherwise, be careful what you do when nobody but your horse is watching.
Stop dodging the holes. Dig FOR the holes instead. They're hard to find but easy to see if you're looking.
I'll break this down in future articles on maneuvers that often become problematic when little things are skipped and maintenance is ignored. I'll also discuss when it's time to use the tools you'll create through those little things and why it is necessary.
Go to craigjohnsonreining.com for more information on how we can help with your goals. There you will discover where we will be doing one of our exciting clinics. You'll also find how to host a clinic, download hours of inspiring information from training videos, see what horses we have for sale, lesson opportunities, ride nights at the ranch, advanced training for your horse, plus high quality tack and equipment we recommend, and links to our amazing sponsors. Also watch for our book of short stories of experiences I've had with horses, trainers and what you can learn from them, coming out this fall. It's an exciting project. Thank you for liking and following Craig Johnson. Please feel free to share any articles you like in full context. Invite others to join us on this page and, above all, Let It Rein.
