Professional Horse Training

Horses are my top priority. From sales and training to showing and winning, the horse comes first.

My deepest underlying training philosophy is very simple. Regardless what your horse is bred for, or expected to be, it will always need two things. The horse must be nice to be around and the horse must guide easily when you steer it. If these two boxes are checked, the horse will always have a good life. Once those two things are solid, then horses self select according to their natural talent.

At Jim Greendyk Performance Horses, we ride 6 days a week. You're welcome to set an appointment to come see your horse worked, or drop by and see us anytime.

I focus on the fundamentals that make good horses, starting with softness and body suppling followed by neck reining at all gaits and softness in the back up. Everything else stems from this sure foundation.

So, if you'd like to enter the reining world, or if you have struggled to find a coach who can really explain the WHY of horse training, I'd be more than happy to hear from you or meet you in person here at the ranch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the point of Reining Horses?

Reining is a steering competition. Essentially, Reining horses are developed to demonstrate the pinnacle of "willingly guided." When viewed this way, a well trained Reining horse is the western horse that every rider wishes they had.

What breed of horse is used for Reining?

The American Quarter Horse is by far the most common breed in the sport.

What is the difference between Reining and Cutting?

Reining focuses on what we call Dry Work. This consists of maneuvers performed strictly to demonstrate the horse's natural ability and talent. Cutting is specifically the use of a horse to single one cow from a herd and hold it away from the herd.

Why are Reining horses heads so low?

There are two main reasons everyone sees the low headed Reining horse. First, is that they are bred to move flatter through their body, thus making it easier for them to balance in the fast spins, circles and stops. Secondly, we spend hours strengthening the horse's core and raising its belly and back, thus creating the "draped shape" that everyone sees. The low head is secondary and mostly just a by-product of the horse being round through its belly and bred in a way that makes it's job easier.

How long does it take to train a Reining horse?

Horses are like any other athlete. The time it takes is very individual.

What makes a good Reining horse?

A good Reining horse should be willingly guided and dictated to completely with little or no apparent resistance. Reining horses should be pleasing to watch, of easy movement and and overall, willing to perform a series of manuevers on command.