Story by Jennifer Denison

Photography by Darrell Dodds

When working cattle, whether in an open pasture or in a pen, horsemanship clinician and Great Basin buckaroo Martin Black strategically positions his horse’s front and/or hind ends to influence a cow’s movement. Before you can do the same on your horse, you must first understand how your position in the saddle affects your horse’s balance and movement. Your horse also must know how to perform a few foundation maneuvers, such as backing up, and moving his forehand and hindquarters at least five steps in each direction. Here is an exercise Martin uses to assess his students’ balance, as well as basic drills and instructions to perform the foundation maneuvers. For more information on Martin, visit martinblack.net.