In a stunning display of horsemanship that included cracking whips, balloons and a chain saw, the inaugural Extreme Mustang Makeover came to a close in Fort Worth, TX, with veteran cutting horse trainer Guy Woods taking the win and $10,000 during the freestyle finals performance, Saturday, September 22.
continue reading "Extreme Mustang Makeover Championship - Australian-born cutting horse trainer takes the prize"

It’s Monday morning, and 12 people gather on horseback. CEOs, doctors, ranchers, and horse trainers, they hail from all corners of the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Some are beginners, some weekend show warriors, but all eyes are on the lone man in the centre of the arena.

It is Day One of a Galles-Harrel Five-Star Cutting Clinic, and five-time World Cutting Horse Champion and NCHA Hall of Famer Leon Harrel has the floor.
continue reading "Learning from the Best: Galles-Harrel Cutting Horse Program Offers Show-calibre Horses and Support"

by Rhianne Weghnnar

Lani Sollenberger from West Alexandria, Ohio, enlightened spectators at the successful Mane Event Expo held in Red Deer April 27 to 29, presenting demonstrations with the gaited horse owner in mind.

Active as a certified riding instructor and licensed judge with the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association, Sollenberger gave instruction with an approach to winning, yet with counsel and consideration merited to her teaching background.

“Every horse has something to offer, I just happen to work best with the spirit and drive of a Tennessee Walker,” said Sollenberger while discussing her multi-breed exposure.
continue reading "Putting the ‘Show’ Back in Showmanship"

by Christine Sweet

After watching Gary Putman’s reining demonstration at The Mane Event in Red Deer April 27 to 29 and talking to him about the sport, I am hooked!

Gary Putman has done a lot for the reining world. He is a founding member and has served on the board of the National Reining Breeders Classic. He’s an accomplished trainer and competitor in reining, working cow horse, heading, heeling, and tie-down roping. He is also an accredited judge for the National Reining Horse Association and the National Reined Cow Horse Association.
continue reading "Gary Putman at The Mane Event"

by Rose Johnson

Imagine this. You and “Trigger” are in the middle of a tricky trail class. You’ve struggled through a nasty gate and pole combination and loped awkwardly (with at least three rubs) through a serpentine and fan.

Forget about backing into the chute; Trigger is having no part of that. And now, as you approach the box, you’re desperately trying to remember if that 360-degree turn is to the right or left.

Who could possibly have designed such a devious course? If the event is world class, chances are good that the mastermind is none other than the “Guru of Trail” Tim “The Trail Man” Kimura.
continue reading "Master of the Trail Class: Tim Kimura"

by Tammy Meadows

The Alberta Reined Cow Horse Association has begun hosting a series of educational clinics for the 2007 season. One of the first clinics, held February 24 in Red Deer, was with Ron Anderson, who gave a very informative and entertaining look at the function and history of the hackamore and bridle bits.

Although Ron only had one day with the 20 cow horse enthusiasts who attended, he was able to touch on a rich 400-year history of the Vaquero hackamore and bridle bits. (Vaquero is Spanish for “cowboy” and is pronounced paquero.)
continue reading "Hackamores and Bridle Bits Clinic"

By: Ron Anderson

Spring. When you live in this part of the globe the seasons are all too obvious and this one has to be a favourite. It’s the season of renewal.

Newborn critters of every species are everywhere. For most of us, it’s a confirmation of the continuation of life that we look forward to, particularly after what seemed like an unabridged– maybe even extended–version of winter.

I had a great taste of spring early this year. It was that part of the spring renewal that makes me feel good about being part of the horse industry. Winter wasn’t near over when I was invited to do a clinic for a group south of Calgary. There it was: kids and horses.

I’ve mentioned before that one of the best tonics for folks’ outlook is watching the interaction between kids and horses. Their bond is pure. The belief of both horse and human in one another is uncompromised. The fun and accomplishments are endless.
continue reading "My Springtime Tonic"