7 tips on how to use a mechanical cow like a pro

The humble mechanical cow or “flag” as it’s commonly referred to, is a great tool for cutters, Campdrafters and cow horse enthusiasts alike. But if you’re a beginner to working the mechanical cow, it can feel like your trying to solve the Da Vinci code while simultaneously playing the violin. Here are 7 of the best tips on how to use a mechanical cow like a pro.

1. Get your horse in “shape” before allowing them to begin the turn- Your horse should be parallel with the flag with their nose tipped towards it. Make the mechanical cow the centre of attention for your horse and this will translate to when your working a cow.
2. Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast- Keep the speed of the flag to a medium or fast trot for %90 of your flag work. The aim of using the mechanical cow is to create better form and correct turns. This is accomplished by discipline and repetative movements at a slow, controlled pace.
3. Use your spurs to push your horse out of the turn not into it-It makes sense to a beginner to spur your horse at the start of your turn, however this is incorrect. The best practice is to use your calf and the movement of the mechanical cow to get your horse %90 through the turn before using your spurs. The reason for this is you will push your horses shoulders and ribs into the natural arc of the turn and force the horse to follow its shoulders instead of its nose.
4. Make sure your horse comes to a complete stop before moving the mechanical cow each time-Your horse must learn to stop and rock backwards at each change of direction. If your horse doesn’t come to a complete stop before beginning their roll back you will start to see them throw their front end around like a haunch turn. The roll back is far more effective for working a cow as it allows the horse to give and take ground from the cow as required.
5. Allow your horse to follow the mechanical cow through the turn- At the start of each turn there will come a point where the mechanical cow is moving from beside you to behind you, at this point you should allow your horse the chance to follow the flag for a split second through the turn by themselves before you ask them with your hands or feat. (allow them to make the mistake before you correct it)
6. Make patience a virtue- Stopping and waiting for a few seconds or half a minute in some cases can be a great trick for keeping your horse calm and concentrated. Make sure your horse is keeping in shape but allow them to relax once they have come to a stop and you will find they are far more eager to get into their stops.
7. Quit your horse when you get 1% better out of them-As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was any great cow horse. Find the good parts in your work and reward them with a release. The best learning from a horse comes from stopping, not starting.

In Conclusion, keeping correct shape, speed and form while working the mechanical cow will greatly improve the success you have in the show ring. Coupled with proper discipline and a few key strategies you’ll be bringing home the chocolates in no time.