Riding the Rail - No jumps. No pylons. No letter markers. Unlike classes assessing the accuracy of patterns, the quality of movements in tests, or how the competitor meets each jump on course, flat or rail classes appraise the picture of you and your horse in profile.

Over five centuries ago, Spanish horsemen—known as vaqueros—arrived in North America, bringing with them a deep horsemanship legacy that continues to shape today’s Western riding culture. Their influence can be seen not only in commonly used words like “chaps” (derived from chaparreras) and “rodeo” (from rodear), but also in the foundational principles of horse training and stockmanship.

Over the years I’ve spent working in the backcountry, one thing has consistently stood out: how often people head out with the mindset, “It’s just a short trip—I don’t need much.” My background spans time in the infantry, earning a Bachelor of Applied Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership from Mount Royal University in Calgary, working as a professional adventure guide, and teaching Wilderness and Remote First Aid and survival skills. Alongside that, I’ve spent years as a horseman and now instruct Equine First Aid. Through all of this, I’ve witnessed significant changes in how people approach the backcountry.

Most riders don’t want a horse that bucks. But for bareback and saddle bronc riders competing at rodeos across North America, that’s exactly what they want — horses that buck and buck well for eight seconds.