Seeing Through a Trainer's Eye

By Aubrey Simpson

It only takes a few minutes of watching Jim Isley work with a horse to know that you are seeing a master at work. "Look at the horse. You can see that he has a nice quiet eye," Jim speaks softly, "That means he's got a good attitude, that he's willing to work with you." The statement is informative and enlightening, the delivery even and respectful, even though it's the first time they've met, you can literally see the connection happening between Jim and the horse.

The horses, Zowie and Hollywood belong to Lisa Colclough of Oxford, North Carolina. Jim comments on how well trained they are, praising horses and owner all at the same time. It's obvious he appreciates people and horses. Jim and his wife, Ann, own and operate the Jim Isley Training Center, Inc. in Reidsville, North Carolina.

Jim laughs, "Ann was nearly born on a horse. I mean, she started her riding career at the tender age of two." They live in a nearly 100-year old farmhouse that Jim says, "was here when my dad bought the place when I was still a pup. Our training center is not big or fancy. Our shed row barns and small indoor arena overlook the outdoor arena that was built in the early 1980s. We like to keep things simple." That no-nonsense "the horse comes first" attitude reflects the dedication that has won Jim so much acclaim and respect among horse lovers.

Jim's lifetime experience of riding and training horses confirms everything he says. "The first thing I like to do is teach the horse how to get used to a rope. Now, that may sound funny, but by gently roping the feet you are teaching the horse not to be afraid and you're teaching them to be patient. Don't sneak up on them, never scare the horse, and always reinforce their good nature." On cue the horse blows out air. "A release of air means they are paying attention and linking with you," Jim continues.

Engaging the people watching him train he asks "what do we use spurs for?" Someone in the audience responds, "to guide them." Pleased, Jim nods, "that's right, the spurs should only be used as an extension of the leg to adjust the speed of the horse, and are to be used in total moderation. You don't need to be jabbing them hard or often. They're very sensitive animals, they can feel a fly light on them. It's one of the amazing things about horses, they have all that massive strength, but they're still sensitive."

Jim's knowledge of and respect for horses guides his every word. "What kind of bit do you like?" he asks the crowd. Different replies come from different directions. "Well, I like what the horse likes," he says. "Horses are a lot like people, some like one thing and some like another. Find out what's the most comfortable for your horse, and that's what you use. And remember, the horse's motor is in the rear. That's where all the power is. When you saddle them up to ride, get it snug and forward so it will settle correctly. This in turn helps your horse stay comfortable, collected and balanced."

"Guide your horse with soft verbal cues and a slow hand. Jerking scares them. And only say whoa, when you want them to stop. You don't have to beat a horse, you train its mind, and ride it out in the woods, around cattle, get them used to being out in the world. Remember when you had a horse or pony as a kid. You rode them everywhere, probably places you shouldn't have. Today horses have gotten so specialized they only do one thing and they only do that in the ring. Riding that way is not much fun. I'd much rather compete in a lot of different categories, or ride where I want to when I want to. Then, at the end of the day whether you've won a ribbon or not, you've had a good time, and that's what it's really about."

It's the kind of wisdom that makes you remember why you started riding in the first place. Wisdom that works, that's the kind of experience and care you get from horse trainer Jim Isley.

Jim Isley has over 84 World and National Championships to his credit and is a 37-year veteran in the Horse Show and Pro Rodeo Industry. He is an approved judge with AQHA, APHA, PHBA, NSBA, ApHC, AMHA, and PtHA. He has judged World & National Championships in the U.S. and Europe. Jim is President of the Pinto Horse Association of America, author of the Hitchin' Rail, a nationally recognized column, and Director of Equine Studies at Rockingham Community College in Wentworth, North Carolina. For more information go to www.jimisley.com or phone 336.342.4804.