I have been training horses for over 30 years and value the western horse lifestyle in my approach to training. Giving clinics and seminars on how to reach your full potential with your horse through the training foundation of Cowboy Dressage makes me happier than a speckled pup under a wagon with his tongue hangin’ out.
the rail, the world is terrifying. It didn’t take too many wild-eyed, sideways leaps and twists to conclude my diagnosis—nobody was home.
Her terrified owner would never fix this horse to get her safely out on the other side of the ring, much less out on the trail. A ballroom dancer she once coulda been, but a country square dancer
she’ll never be. Too old, with such unsoundness in her mind that left this meadow muffin far, far over the hill. With age comes wisdom, but this gal, having never grown up to face the world with the brain she came with, was left with “crazy.” What a waste.
Horses should thrive on the trail
Let me say it this way; on the one hand, if dressage is the foundation of riding (say “Yes”), then trail riding is the sensible, practical other hand. I’ve got 35 years in the industry to prove out that foundation too. With any horse I have trained or fixed, when they leave my farm, they are ready for whatever discipline they are called too. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it like a fat tick on a hound dog.
Check out my new online series, Welcome to the Trail. It is designed to be a thorough resource for all of you trail riders—both seasoned and novice. It is far from complete, but it has been a delight to get it this far, and I am excited to show you where I ride.
Jeff Wilson teaching a clinic with fellow clinician, Colleen Kelley
Rein Photography