Horsemanship Philosophy



My horsemanship journey began about eight years ago when I purchased a
little common and quiet bay colt. This turned out to be the beginning of my
passion as well as the development of my methodology toward
horsemanship as an art form. While I had ridden horses off and on my
entire life, I soon learned that I new nothing of true horsemanship. It turned
out the colt (Kip) was quiet and puppy gentle until I asked something of
him. He would attempt to run me down in the round pen and kick out with
both hind feet. Well, I didn't have a clue on how to handle the situation at
the time. All I wanted was to get along and do right by this colt. With
nothing of and ego left, horses have a funny way of doing that for us, I
began seeking out all the information I could. I researched  DVD'S and
books yet realized with my lack of knowledge, these were only abstract
concepts until I could get some hands on guidance from someone. But who?

I saw an ad for a local clinic hosted by Sherman Texas horseman Chico
Bond. It was to take place in a couple of weeks so I called and Chico had
an opening. I took Kip to the clinic and initially Kip was a handful. He was
disrespectful to the point of being dangerous. With Chico's guidance we
were getting along pretty good at the end of the three day clinic. Of course
many of you know where this is going. The morning after the clinic I took
Kip out to the round pen and saddled him. Hey, this worked great
yesterday. My horse is fixed! Well, we were pretty much back to where we
started. I called Chico and he graciously offered me the opportunity to come
and ride with him with the stipulation (as long as I was willing to learn).
This turned out to be the beginning of an ongoing apprenticeship and
essentially a proper foundation for me. I was blessed that Chico saw the
sincerity in my desire to learn as well as my desire to be a willing partner to
the horse. I will always be learning but six intensive years under Chico's
watchful eye kept me safe and really expedited my understanding of starting
colts and horsemanship.

During this time I also became aware of the methods and concepts behind
jaquima to freno and the vaquero traditions of horsemanship, a true art
form where tradition is revered and quality takes precedence to time. What
a strange concept in the world we live in today. Ironically, traditional art fell
victim to modern art for many of the same reasons jaquima to freno fell
victim to many of the horse training methodologies today. We all make
choices and it does not mean because our choices are different they are
wrong. My attraction toward these methods is for their reverence to
tradition, the priority placed on the horse rather than the humans
achievements and finally the art form that it truly is. The horse I am riding
in affect becomes a sculpture. I work on the individual horse's time frame
not mine. The horse tells me when he is ready for the next step. In keeping
with this agreement I am able to hold up my end of the deal to the horse.

I am ever grateful to Chico for giving me the gift of mentor ship and to
other horseman that have influenced me both past and present. Special
thanks also go out to the little quiet colt Kip, for if he would have been easy
I possibly would have missed the trail to true horsemanship.

Happy Trails,

Jim Staples  

Colt Starting /Training  Fee: $600.00 / month
Client provides hay and grain

Ranch / Studio  903-564-5888

Cell-                903-651-3195