The ribs, the shoulders and the hips—they are all connected. Everything in the box needs to be free-moving and athletic, and that all starts in the ribs. In this video lesson, brought to you by Genuine Billy Cook Saddles, Tate Kirchenschlager goes over the benefits of keeping your horse elevated in their rib cage and what it can do for them in the box.

“If you’ll pick their ribs up with your feet, you’ll get your horse to stand up in the box. And if you can get them to stand up, you can get them to leave how you want. The ribs correlate with the shoulders and the hips—everything needs to be in line.”

About Tate Kirchenschlager

Roping.com coach Tate Kirchenschlager has made a name for himself in the roping community as a trainer’s trainer, with numerous accolades to his name. He’s the 2021 American Rope Horse Futurity Association Champion Header as well as the trainer of the 2019 AQHA/PRCA Head Horse of the Year. He made the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2019 and since then, he’s been laser-focused on making user-friendly horses for ropers of every level.

About Genuine Billy Cook Saddles

For more than 70 years, Genuine Billy Cook Saddles have reflected the craftsmanship and values of the American West. Handmade with purpose, the saddles and tack are built to perform, whether on the ranch or in the arena at the highest levels of competition. With an emphasis on fit, function and timeless design, Genuine Billy Cook saddles continue to serve those for whom horsemanship is a way of life.