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	Techniques Once in awhile I'm asked, "What are your techniques?" My techniques have been learned and developed by years of being a horseback, cowboying, and starting colts. They continue to change and are being added to as the years go by.

The men I worked for and with have been my main influence, and many of their methods were inspired by Ray Hunt. A person learns a great deal watching different horsemen. If a guy is able to ask questions without letting his ego get in the way, it sure saves a lot of time! This seems to be difficult for us when we are young.

There are some good horsemen and clinicians out there. Buck Brannaman, Dennis Reis, and Pat Parreli have the knowledge and horsemanship that I definitely admire; but, I don't try to be anybody but Keith. I do quite a little ground work with my colts. It seems the older I get, and the more I learn, the more time I spend earning a colts trust and respect.

Getting a horse to maneuver nicely on the ground is accomplished with halter, lass rope, and flags, and asking him to give to, and away, from pressure. There is no set pattern to follow, but there are certain things that are a must:

	Moving the hind quarters away Step across with the front end Get a horse to come by, and not through a person Vertical and lateral flex or give of the head Picking up of the feet Backing Lateral movement
		I want a horse to move away from pressure in an immediate response, not because of fear or worry. A horse needs to be able to handle pressure, whether that pressure is intentional or comes from an outside source.

	Achieving a light response is a main goal. A horse needs to get with you, and understand your body language and your intentions. Give me a call. I'd be glad to talk horsemanship with you.