Binoculars, telescopes, and zoom lenses are some of the greatest inventions of our time. I've always marveled at the view they create. When I was a kid growing up on the farm, the binoculars were a very important piece of equipment. They could be used to scan the pasture for varmints. To see if a mare had yet foaled, or a cow calved. Spy on the neighbors (don't wince, you have too), or most important of all check to see if the tank was yet full from the warmth of the kitchen.

   You can use them to look into the hills, the city, or the heavens. Who hasn't checked to see the face on a full moon? A deer in the distance, or a planet from time to time? They are a fantastic way to go from where you are, to where you'd like to be without leaving your spot.

   Some people enjoy sitting in place. Content to have seen what's out there through the zoom, and then......stay. I've been of the other type. See what's out there and then....go! As a kid I knew when the neighbor lady's pie or cookies were ready. I could see it on her kitchen window sill. She always acted surprised when I showed up on my pony at just the right time, yet I'm now pretty sure she knew I was watching.

    During foaling season the binoculars were a way of telling what day a mare foaled and what she had. Times were a bit different then than now. Now, most broodmares can be caught! Back then our best chance of identifying a newborn was to get a glimpse of it before mother gathered it up and took off over the hill. We had a wild bunch that we kicked a stud out with every year. Great bred mares that had very little contact with humans. As a result of the binoculars, we knew where they were, where they hid, and how to get there. A place to go.

    That was my favorite of Dad's ranches. The Silver Bell. As wild and rugged as 160 acres of  Iowa can get! We always saved the final determination as to what sex the baby was for weaning time. All we knew for sure up till then were the color and the markings for the purpose of connecting the right mother with the right foal for registration. Without the binoculars, it would have been anybody's guess. We were usually right. Some of our best horses came from that group. So did most of my training education. Riding that pasture was as close to cowboying as a farm kid could get. Riding those colts was an adventure that tested every theory I'd learned.

   At my ranch in Texas we used the "spy glasses" for locating coyotes, wild dogs, snapping turtles, raccoons, skunks, possum, or snakes for the purpose of....identification. They were wonderful for watching training on the distant track from the front porch. Our version of a viewing lounge.  I could also keep an eye on an intern -training assistant who thought they might be able to hide some of their riding experiments from the boss while checking the back pasture. I learned that one from my Dad. I always wondered how he knew everything I did!

   Just the other day I was enjoying the view from our front porch here in New Jersey. Twenty miles of the prettiest valley between the mountain we live on, and the mountains in the distance. Of course these are only the 1000 foot type mountains, yet absolutely beautiful in their own way. Especially this time of year. The Northeastern fall colors are amazing. Texas has green, brown, and gone. Through the binoculars I could see distant churches, farms, and fields. Curiosity overcame me and I took out to see what I was looking at. After an hour of driving the winding roads, getting lost, and not recognizing a thing, I finally noticed a red dairy barn and big concrete silo that I had seen from my porch. The farm! I was raised in farm country and was sure farmers everywhere were the salt of the earth. I drove in to announce to the owner my wonderful discovery and purpose of my visit....or in his words, trespass. Apparently in New Jersey just driving into a place for no other reason other than to say hello is an invasion of privacy. I assured him I would not be returning and that I would never use my binoculars for such ill gain in the future. I'm guessing he bought the place as a way out of the city and back to nature. That or he didn't really appreciate my Dallas Cowboys bumper sticker! Fortunately the church just down the road renewed my faith that some people still welcome a friendly gesture. I found a shaking hand rather than a shaking fist. Whew!

   Advanced training of horses toward the goal of a specific sport or accomplishment is a lot like looking through binoculars. You can either see your horse from where he is and be pleased without going any further. Or you can view those wonderful athletic achievements and connections in the distance and decide to go there. Sure there can be a risk. You may find yourself invading a personal space and even be accused of trespassing. The good news is you may find a place where the spirit is willing and the rewards are inspiring. It requires faith to go where you have only seen but not yet been. It also requires a sense of humor. Fortunately, most horses have one. In any case, you will have made a discovery about yourself, your views, and your horse. You will know where you are welcome by the gestures you receive along the way.

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   I invite you to our facilities, north or south, to experience the wonderful possibilities of a different point of view. You will find us in Central New Jersey, conveniently located half way between NYC and Philly, or seasonally in North Texas at Three Circles Ranch, one hour north of Dallas. We offer lessons, training, and coaching to riders and horses of all levels.  We also have for sale many nice horses of all ages and stages from beginning to advanced. Contact Craig at (940) 641-0777.

   We are currently putting together our clinic, demo, speaking, and horse fair schedule for 2011. Whether you are interested in attending a "Let it Rein" concepts for advancing your horse clinic, or would like to host one in your area, we would like to talk to you. Contact us through the web site, www.craigjohnsonreining.com. Or call Bonnie at (214) 707-1873, or Jill at (440) 858-7273.

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 Keep in touch with us by visiting the web site, www.craigjohnsonreining.com often. We'll keep you posted on where we are, when we'll be there, and how we can help. Watch for our upcoming "Ride-a-Reiner" programs, home study courses, and Million Dollar monthly coaching club. Let us know what you'd like to see.