We’re in the thick of summer training season here in Oklahoma, and this year has been a little different. We’ve had more moisture than I can remember—enough that we might even get a third cutting of grass hay, which is unheard of for this area. The pastures are green, the weeds are thriving, and thanks to all that moisture, we’ve also got a new “guest list” of bugs—mosquitoes, flies, gnats, you name it.

When you’re working to keep your horse’s mind soft and focused, comfort is key. You can’t expect a horse to stay mentally engaged if they’re constantly fighting flies or stomping at their legs.

Here are the three Cashel products I reach for most in the summer:

Crusader® Fly Mask – Every horse that loads in my trailer wears one. Some of mine also wear them when they’re turned out, especially the ones that bugs seem to love. If you travel to areas with nose flies, the long-nose version is worth its weight in gold.
Crusader® Leg Guards – My favorite leg protection during fly season. They’re lightweight, breathable, and fit well, so my horses rarely stomp when they have them on.
Lightweight Fly Sheet – Ideal for keeping insects off without overheating your horse. I also use it to keep coats from bleaching in the sun. Cashel’s Econo Fly Sheet with neck guard is another great option if you’re in heavy bug country.

These products don’t just keep horses comfortable — they help them stay in the “thinking” frame of mind, instead of the “self-defense” mode that bugs can cause.

Why Comfort Matters for Training

Yesterday, Wade and I were roping early in the morning before the heat and humidity really kicked in. We were working on our two head horses, Boone and Belle. With Belle, I noticed she was getting a little strong when I picked the steer’s head up—not out of bad behavior, just anticipation. When a horse gets into that mindset, they lose some of the softness you need for smooth transitions.

That’s true in roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, or any discipline. If your horse’s body is braced or their mind is scattered, you’re going to see it in your run.

Step-by-Step Progression

A lot of what I worked on yesterday didn’t involve catching steers at all. Sometimes I’ll leave my rope hanging and just focus on rating, position, and keeping my horse’s body parallel to the steer. It’s all about the fundamentals:

Soft mind, soft body – Horses need to be physically relaxed before they can mentally focus.
Release points – Teach your horse where the “sweet spot” is and reward them for finding it.
Purposeful runs – Every pass down the arena should be building confidence and understanding, not just burning energy.

If you skip these steps, you end up with a horse that’s anxious in the box, hard to handle in the alleyway, or resistant to your cues.

No Destination — Just Progress

Whether it’s horsemanship, relationships, or life in general, there’s no point where you “arrive” and get to stop working at it. It’s a constant process of learning, adjusting, and improving.

In your summer training, make comfort a priority—for you and your horse. Keep them cool, protected from insects, and mentally engaged. Cashel products have been a big part of how I do that for years, long before they ever sponsored me. They’re designed by people who live this lifestyle, and they work. When you are working to get 1% progression each day, ensuring that your horse is comfortable and focused makes all the difference.