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.
“We’re here to have some fun,” says Leon. “And maybe learn a thing or two about cutting. But I promise you this, at the end of these four days, you will leave a better horseman or horsewoman.”
This day, the riders are separated into groups, allowing Leon, his son, NCHA Non-Pro Hall of Famer Lance Harrel, and championship trainer Ruben Mageno to work with them one-on-one. Some have chosen to bring their own cutting horses along, but most ride show-calibre horses provided by the Galles-Harrel Training Center – a rarity that does not go unnoticed by clinic participants.
“I can’t believe the level of horses that are provided at this clinic,” says three-time clinic participant Michael Neil, an Australian native. “There is no where else I know of where you can ride horses like these while you are training with a cutting champion.”
By day, classroom time at this clinic is spent on horseback: working time, on live cattle. There is no group training per se, each rider is guided individually – his or her program defined by ability. Leon, Lance and Ruben have no secrets to reveal, only knowledge. And for four days, riders have full access to the working mind of champions as they live, learn and endeavor to master the art of cutting.
By night, participants relax and enjoy first class hospitality second to none in this industry. They share their experiences and enjoy the closeness of a newfound group of friends over catered meals, and even a night out on the town with the Galles-Harrel team.
As the week goes on, training fosters confidence, skill and competitive spirits – all put to the test on the final day during the three-round team competition. For many, this is a first foray into the show ring. For others, it is a chance to enhance their competition skills.
“The competition is a truly unique aspect of our clinics,” says program founder and CEO Rick Galles. “It gives our clients a friendly and very competitive atmosphere to showcase what they have learned and make it work for them in the arena environment. It also gives them a taste of what our event program is all about.”
That event program – entirely unique to the cutting industry – allows cutting graduates to attend NCHA weekend cutting shows with the Galles-Harrel team. Whether participants ride their own horses or one of the Galles-Harrel show horses, they compete with Leon, Lance, and Ruben at their side and receive full staff; tune-up, hauling and arena help support throughout the show. Support that is invaluable to cutters of all levels.
It’s Thursday night, and the 12 riders gather around a fire with the Galles-Harrel cutting staff at their side. They are no longer strangers – they are friends, family. They review videos of their rides, accept their accolades and reminisce about their days here. There is laughter, pride of accomplishment and even, for some, tears.
For Rick Galles and Leon Harrel, there are only smiles. Because they know, that like many before them, these newfound friends will return.
For more information on the Galles-Harrel Cutting Program, call 877-HOW2CUT (877-469-2288) or visit www.Cutting Clinics.com
