After a failed attempt at being an underwear model, and subsequently also failing to get adopted by Jimmy Buffett, I turned to horses. I graduated from La Tech University in ’99 earning a B.S. in Animal Science with a Pre-Vet specialty. Mechanical engineering was my major for the first 2 years. That’s only relevant if you’re checking my bit information out. You might be curious, rightly, as to why you should believe physics taught by a horse trainer. The fork in the road appeared as it must. I made my decision to be a horse trainer and not become a vet. My parents were thrilled…
Even though I left the academia long ago, I still have the door cracked. I am in regular communication with a bunch of folks from that world. They help me do the work of dissecting much of the research that’s out there with a critical eye. The 3 years I spent making The Bit Video we sell was kicked off by me doing 6 months of hardcore research. I was also checking in on the human side with the authors of some of those papers and experts in relevant fields to further my understanding. I’m not afraid to ask strangers complicated questions. Over the years though, many of those academics aren’t strangers anymore.
My Horse Training Pedigree
I spent a total of 6 years apprenticing under other trainers. 4 years were with Mark Coie, I went off on my own for a year or so. Then I went to work for Steve McCain where I learned a whole lot more about using the cattle to help train the horse and started NCHA World Championship Open Futurity Finalist Nurse Kitty. I then took a job working for a very high level Non-Pro/owner at their ranch, starting colts from their breeding program only. I was also soon managing that ranch. My last stop was working for Randy Cherry near Weatherford, Tx. I had several really nice horses in my string there.
My background is mostly as 2 year old man, specialized in starting cutting horse futurity prospects. I’ve been fortunate enough to be the only guy in Louisiana to start an NCHA World Championship Futurity Open Finalist. There are many others that have cumulatively won well over $1 million, including barrel horses, race horses, endurance horses, and even hoity toity stuff like Dressage. Let me be totally clear here though. I’ve NEVER worn the pajama pants.
I’ve not shown a lot to be honest. In my youth, I would get unbelievably nervous anytime I had to get in the arena at a show. I’ve since overcome that issue, but my schedule these days doesn’t really allow for regular showing in addition to all the other things I do. There are still those within the show horse world that seem to find what we offer to be helpful though. Of course, I have also done some obligatory judging of stock horse shows, AQHA obstacle challenges, and was AA rated in the AHCA.
Practical Experience
Nearly thirty years later, well over 1000 head of colts have begun their careers in my round pen. I’ve worked with thousands more regularly problemed horses, hundreds with advanced problems, and maybe 5 un-problemed horses. These days I only take in a select few for training. I’ve been giving clinics and lessons for a little over a decade now and have worked with loads of people and their horses.
I’ve also done a lot of public speaking and am comfortable, flexible, and kid and grandma safe, if asked. To be honest, the working with people part of this gig has been the hard part for me. So, I’ve tried to educate myself as much as I can on psychology. One day I may be as good at reading and building rapport with people as I am with horses. For now, I’m working on it and offer some humor as penance for my shortcomings.
My Purpose
It may sound odd, but I really do believe that my calling in this world is to help people with their horses. Maybe helping horses with their people is more correct? And the compulsion of making the occasional wise crack is in there somewhere too. It’s particularly needed these days that people come to understand the reality beyond the romance of what a horse truly is, so that’s what I endeavor to do. You simply cannot advocate for, or have in mind the best interests of an animal that you fundamentally don’t understand. The chuckles make the hard parts of reality a little easier to swallow.
In service to those aims, we make some free content for the public on this website, and on our Youtube channel, Instagram page, and Facebook page. We also make more detailed and candid content for our subscribers. I write articles for various publications too, even having one, “Loping Out Loud”, published in Horse & Rider Magazine.
We started the Adult Onset Horsemanship Podcast. That show is for long-form, candid conversations with relevant and experienced people. I only invite guests that I think will be interesting or enlightening to have a chat with. I’ve also been a guest on several other resources like horse related podcasts and the like. We do a multitude of demonstrations at expos and other events, but no circus stunt type stuff. It looks like we’ll be at a decent number of events around the U.S. in 2024.
As we are being sought out more and more for it, we now also give stand alone presentations on bits and physiology, how to set up bridles, and using your hands to better outcomes. If you’re into technology, our virtual coaching and lessons are both popular and effective. These allow me to read you and your horse for myself, and tailor a solution.
In the near future, we’re going to also be doing some courses and online learning events. If you’re one of the people who haven’t been able to make it to a presentation, demonstration, or clinic, this may be perfect for you. I’m still figuring out the technology side of how to do those, but it won’t be too much longer.
So, you’ve found someone who’s sarcastic, a damned good campfire cook,a scientific and analytical thinker, and a seeker of truth. I’m glad you’ve found me, but if I’m not your favorite flavor of ice cream, no worries. I’d rather break your heart than your leg. I believe in being authentic, genuine, and that most things worth having don’t come easily. As you should have already gleaned, I don’t take myself too seriously, get pretentious, or act like a Diva. We are pretty serious about figuring out this puzzle known as horsemanship though. If you’d like to know more about me, here’s a video we did a few years ago that goes even deeper.
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