New Release from Western Horseman
by Al Dunning and Benny Guitron
Top horsemen Al Dunning and Benny Guitron have partnered with award-winning photographer Robert Dawson and writer Deanna Lally to create Western Horseman’s latest book, The Art of Hackamore Training. Dunning and Guitron are among the few modern masters of hackamore horsemanship. Multiple world champions, the two have claimed numerous titles in American Quarter Horse Association, National Reined Cow Horse Association, and National Cutting Horse Association competition. To understand the hackamore and its use is to understand its history, origin and development, as well as the bosal, mecate and fiador. Dunning and Guitron discuss these things and more—groundwork, key points under saddle, improving such skills as “connecting the horse’s face to his feet,” turnarounds, stops and fencing, and how to use these skills when handling cattle. To Dunning and Guitron, guiding a young stock horse through hackamore training means not only mastering such skills, but also executing them with such proficiency that horse and rider seem to be of one mind. Dunning and Guitron also share their insights about subsequent bridle-horse training. The book’s final chapters address quarto riendas, or the four-rein training phase, which uses both snaffle and hackamore, and dos riendas, or the two-rein, the finishing touch in transforming a hackamore horse to a full-bridle horse. The Art of Hackamore Training is available for $24.95 through westernhorseman.com and select stores.
Published June 2013 Issue
The Colorado Horse Source is an independently owned and operated print and online magazine for horse owners and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines in Colorado and surrounding area. Our contemporary editorial columns are predominantly written by experts in the region, covering the care, training, keeping and enjoyment of horses, with an eye to the specific concerns in our region.