Training Tips from Brent Wright
Selecting The Performance Horse Prospect
Mental Attitude
The horse has to have a willing attitude to take the pressure of training and showing. I start by looking at certain genetic lines of horses that seem as though they have a tendency to have a good mind.
Good Conformation
I want a prospect to be well-balanced. The prospect needs to have sufficient bone, be well-muscled and correct. How well a horse is balanced on it's feet and legs will play a major role in keeping it sound.
I Want to Watch the Horse Move
If I am looking at a young horse, I will move him or her around in a pen. I am looking for ease of movement, how they hit the ground with their feet, and how they carry their head.
My experience has been that a high-headed horse can help you get across a river, but as a performance horse, they usually won't work for me. As the horse is moving around in a pen I will step in front of them to see if they can change leads and how easy it is for them.
Cost
In determining what to pay for a prospect you must first work within your own budget. In purchasing a prospect you must remember that your first cost probably won't be your biggest. It doesn't cost you any more to feed, train and care for a good horse, and it will be a lot less frustrating and more enjoyable. With a good prospect you also have the possibility of recouping your money when you are ready to sell.
Brent Wright is one of the top trainers in the industry today. He has been competing in NRHA since 1987 with lifetime earnings in excess of $600,000. The last two years have been banner years for Brent and his mounts, winning the 2001 Open Congress Futurity Championship, 2002 NRHA Breeders Cup Reserve Champion, back-to-back NRHA Open Derby Champion 2001 and 2002 and back-to-back NRHA Futurity Open Reserve Champion 2001 and 2002.
Consistency and competitiveness best describe Brent when observing his track record at the National Reining Horse Open Futurity, which is held every fall in Oklahoma City, showcasing the industry's top three year olds. In the last 12 years, Brent has qualified 12 horses for Open Futurity Finals. When you consider that the finals consist of the top 30 horses out of about 450 entered, that is amazing!
Wright has been a member of Purina's "Ride with the Brand" program ever since it was first established. He feeds Purina's Strategy, holding the recognition of being the first bulk Strategy customer of Purina's St. Joe plant.
Brent and his wife, Jan, reside in Ottawa, KS. Their son, Todd, is also involved in the reining industry, training reining horses with his dad.
"Selecting the Performance Horse Prospect" is the first of several tips we will be hearing from Brent.
