Working Cow Horses: Control, Grit & Versatility—A Rider’s Guide | Draw It Out®
Working Cow Horses: Control, Grit & Versatility—A Rider’s Guide
By Jon Conklin • Updated • 6–8 min read
A true working cow horse reads cattle like weather—quick, quiet, and decisive. From dry work precision to down-the-fence bravery, here’s how the program fits together and how to keep these athletes settled and ready to think.
What Makes a Working Cow Horse
Feel: Reads pressure and position on cattle without overreacting.
Feet: Quick, organized steps that never lose the line.
Frame: Adjustable topline—collected for control, long for run.
Mind: Brave but biddable; the brain stays online when the pen gets loud.
“Control isn’t slow. It’s options—on demand.”
Events: Dry Work, Boxing & Fence Work
Dry work: Circles, lead changes, spins, and stops—balance and accuracy without cattle.
Boxing: Hold and mirror a single cow at the end of the arena; test feel and control.
Down the fence: Rate, turn, and circle—commitment and courage in motion.
Conditioning That Respects the Mind
Intervals with intent: Short, sharp sets; avoid drilling that dulls feel.
Cross-training: Hills, long trots, and lateral work for durable lungs and topline.
Cattle exposure: Quality over quantity—freshness beats fatigue for learning reads.
Show-Week Logistics (Quiet & Repeatable)
Walk the pen and study cattle flow; plan how the herd moves in your slot.
Schedule schooling during cooler hours; protect recovery when dust and noise stack up.
Keep feed/water timing exact—routine equals confidence under lights.
Care Plan: Cool, Calm, Consistent
After work
Hand-walk, hose large muscles, scrape immediately, repeat. Move air; let breathing settle before application.
Targeted support
Apply sensation-free support to high-motion zones (hindquarters, stifles, cannons) with thin, even coverage.
Between classes
Light hack/stretch, quiet stall time, steady feed/water timing. Avoid over-schooling when the mind is already good.
Travel days
Walk on arrival, rinse/scrape if needed, quick check of legs/feet, then minimal, targeted application.
My horse had a huge hematoma I spent months trying to get it to heal. The vet ended up lancing it but it was still having issues draining due to swelling. I had done just about everything I could; poultice 12on/12off, cold hose twice a day, bute, and antibiotics. I felt like I couldn’t stay on top of it. ONE day of using this liniment the results showed immediately. The swelling decreased by 50% and he overall looked a lot more comfortable. A few days later it was healed up and scabbed over.
