A crowd favorite at the 2008 Road to the Horse, Tommy Garland, will return in 2009 applying his CPR method in his quest to win this prestigious competition. Garland’s method is all about confidence, patience and respect when working with and training horses.

Garland is considered one of the best trainers and showmen in the world of Arabians and half Arabians and was named the Western Pleasure Trainer of the Year in 2002 by the Arabian Professionals and Amateur Horseman’s Association. When he entered the competition in 2008 he was unknown by many outside the Arabian show ring, but he certainly left with many followers and believers of his natural horsemanship methods.

Using confidence, patience and respect to tame and start young colts, Garland adapts his training techniques for each individual horse he works with. Understanding that no horse is alike, he believes that a cookie-cutter training program does not work for each horse.

“A horse isn’t a car; you don’t just turn the key and go. It takes a little while for a horse to figure things out. CPR Horsemanship is not pre-packaged fast food so to speak, it is home cooking like your grandma used to make,” said Garland.

With the use of his horsemanship techniques he will go up against John Lyons and Richard Winters for the title of Road to the Horse 2009 Champion. There is no doubt that this competition will be action-packed and full of education with lots of entertainment.

The Road to the Horse competition is like no other. It is “the original colt starting challenge,” combining the love for the horse, the love of competition and the love of education and entertainment. Hosted by Rick Lamb, of RFD-TV’s The Horse Show with Rick Lamb, this event has something for everyone. It is a weekend filled with endless horse-knowledge, excitement and friendly competition among some of the world’s top horseman.

Road to the Horse is proud to partner with many outstanding companies including Horse & Rider, Mustang Makeover, Cinch, Cruel Girl, and Gist Silversmiths. For more information on Road to the Horse and Tootie Bland Productions, visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call 325-736-5000.