In this part of this working with a new horse series, Bud Lyon explains how to test your new horse’s reining spin. Testing your horse’s spin not only will tell you whether or not he is a good candidate for the event, but will tell you what his style is, comfort level is, and how it matches up wit...

When you're working with a new ranch riding prospect it's important to take time and evaluate him to see what his strengths and weaknesses are so you can better tailor your training program. Bud Lyon takes you through the steps of how to evaluate a prospect for ranch riding.

Whether you prefer to be in the show pen or out on the trails, having a horse who stays soft in his body makes your ride more enjoyable. In this exercise, Bud Lyon works with a horse he considers stiff and shows you the warm-up drills he likes to include in his ride to help a horse soften.

Another common transition in a ranch rail class is the lope to trot transition. Cody Crow demonstrates how he likes to ask his horse to transition down to a trot.

When Bud Lyon works with a rider, he likes to make sure they’re comfortable going all speeds in the ranch riding. Here he breaks down the extended lope and how a rider should ask for the speed transition in the class.

Bud Lyon explains how to perform a turnaround for the ranch riding class. Coaching the novice ranch rider through the turnaround, Bud breaks down how to accomplish the maneuver.  

Want to try out the ranch riding but not sure where to begin? Bud Lyon has a rider, who has never done the ranch riding, practice her transitions so he can properly evaluate her skill level as a rider. 

Breaking down from the extended trot to walk can be more difficult than it sounds. To ensure that your horse fully breaks to the walk and doesn't take any 'jig' steps in between, use Bud Lyon's techniques.

Don't let an overturn leave you in the penalty box when you're in the show pen. Use this drill from Bud Lyon to get your horse to stop when you ask him.

Does your horse get stuck when you ask him to step backward? Bud Lyon shows you a drill he likes to work on from the ground that helps a horse get unstuck when it comes to backing up.

In the ranch riding it's easy to end up in the penalty box if you don't school your transitions at home. Bud Lyon breaks down one of the more difficult transitions, the extended lope to extended trot transition, and shows you what he does at home so he's clean when it's time to go in the show pen.

Bud Lyon demonstrates AQHA Ranch Riding Pattern 4. He breaks down the placement and strategy for each maneuver.

A lead change—either flying or simple—is part of the AQHA Ranch Riding Pattern 1. Bud Lyon helps a rider struggling with the lead change during the pattern.

Bud Lyon coaches a rider with a young horse through she rides the AQHA Ranch Riding Pattern 1. He explains how slowing down and focusing on correctness can help your young horse learn to perform the maneuver accurately.

Bud breaks down a run from a non pro rider and horse who has been used in the reining as they go through the AQHA Ranch Riding Pattern 1. He offers constructive feedback during her ride, they discuss where penalties may occur and what the point deductions for each penalty would be.

Bud coaches a rider as she rides the AQHA Ranch Riding Pattern 1. He offers constructive feedback during her ride, they discuss where penalties may occur and what the point deductions for each penalty would be.

Bud Lyon demonstrates AQHA Ranch Riding Pattern 1. He breaks down each maneuver, discussing the placement and what the judges are looking for in each.

Learn more about the ranch riding patterns and strategies for executing them. Bud Lyon discusses best practices for riding the patterns and gives a demonstration.

Bud Lyon helps a rider with a young horse with walkovers and trotovers. They focus on cadence and footfall.

Bud coaches a student as she works on a sidepass over a log with a young horse. He explains how slowing down and focusing on correctness can help your young horse learn to perform the maneuver accurately.

Bud coaches a rider as she works on trotovers. He encourages the rider to create more impulsion while focusing on cadence and rhythm.

Bud coaches a rider as she works on a sidepass over a log. He offers helpful feedback on her starting position and hand position.

Bud Lyon demonstrates a training drill that will help you control your horse's feet in a log walkover.

Learn what the spacing should be in the ranch riding pattern. Bud breaks down how to set your logs for practice and what your spacing should be like.