Saturday, March 15, 2008
Stacy Westfall, the 2006 Road to the Horse Champion, to appear on Ellen DeGeneres Show!
It's official, Stacy and Roxy are going to be guests on the Ellen DeGeneres show this Friday, March 14.Like millions of other people throughout the world, DeGeneres first became aware of Stacy through the e-mail that circulated (eventually going "viral") that showed Stacy's 2006 winning bareback, bridleless run in the Quarter Horse Congress Freestyle Reining competition.
"This is the most difficult thing I've ever seen in my life," DeGeneres said before airing the clip on her February 28 show. "This is an amazing horse. An amazing thing to watch. It's just beautiful."
Stacy' dedicated the performance to her father, who had passed away only 24 days earlier.
After airing the clip for her audience, DeGeneres reacted with a single word, "Wow!" She went on to say, "I need to meet her . . . and the horse she rode in on."
Check Stacy's website for any updates or if you haven't seen the clip that's making all the waves.
Monday, March 03, 2008
COX IS TWO FOR TWO AT ROAD TO THE HORSE
High Resolution Images: http://www.roadtothehorse.com/2008/event/hires/
(photos by Sara Bewley)
Or email press@roadtothehorse.comMURFREESBORO, TN –Defending champion Chris Cox (Mineral Wells, Texas) emerged victorious at his second Road to the Horse competition with his win Sunday, March 2, 2008, at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, making him the only competitor other than Clinton Anderson to win back-to-back championships. Along with taking the title, Cox also received a $15,000 donation toward his charity, The Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer from Quest and Fort Dodge Animal Health. The winning horse was WR Shinosmoke by Shining King Cody out of Alamosa.
The competition was neck-and-neck until the moment the winning envelope was opened. Top judges Robert M. Miller D.V.M., Jack Brainard, James Gholson, Terry Crofoot and Toni Warvell took in the action both days, and even into the last minutes of competition felt it was any man’s game.
“None of us knew where it was going to go,” said Warvell. “It was so close. The clinicians were spectacular in the short-go. I was just very impressed.”
The Arkansas-bred Wood Ranch horses proved to be the challenge Boss Wrangler Thomas B. Saunders V was looking for. Competitors Tommy Garland, Ken McNabb, Mike Kevil and Cox tested their knowledge and horsemanship skills on four three-year-old American Quarter Horse geldings. The exhibitors and competitors enjoyed this year’s selection of horses. Garland even bought his colt.
McNabb and Kevil, a former judge, had two of the most impressive turn-arounds going into day two, and both clinicians left the arena to standing ovations after the obstacle course round.
“It is absolutely amazing the feel that these gentlemen have developed over the years,” said celebrity host Larry Mahan. “They are a great group of clinicians. It was a beautiful thing.”
According to host Rick Lamb one of the main aspects of Road to the Horse is learning to stay flexible and adjusting to fit the situation. This year learning to adjust played a big part in the clinician’s tactics. When day two began Cox was the underdog and adjusted his program after the judges instilled a 10 minute time penalty at the beginning of the second round because he did not rest his horse for the required time during round one.
“The thing about horsemanship is that you have to learn how to adjust,” Cox said during his obstacle course round. “This colt has come a long way.”
Entertaining, exciting and educational are all words to describe the 2008 Road to the Horse competition. The American Cowgirl Chicks, the clinicians, the Extreme Mustang Makeover and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department added a thrilling touch to opening ceremonies. One of the weekend’s biggest surprises was the announcement of John Lyons, “America’s Most Trusted Horseman,” as a competitor in 2009.
For more information about Road to the Horse, visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call (325) 736-5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/Ride the Remuda Productions. Sponsors for 2008 included: Charity Challenge Sponsor Fort Dodge Animal Health; Presenting Sponsor Horse & Rider; and sponsors Mustang Heritage Foundation, Samson, Wick Buildings, ABI Equine, Wahl Clipper, Cinch/Cruel Girl, Gist Silversmiths, Martin Saddlery, Horse Media Group, Rockin J Horse Stalls, W-W Livestock Sales, Valley Vet, Prime Performance Nutrition, American Spirit Mfg., Horsecity.com, Get Certified, John Deere, American Cowboy Magazine, Lubrisyn, John’s Ariat Country, Nutrena, Horse South, Horse Exchange and Hoofbeats.
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Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Free Admission to Road to the Horse’s Shopping Extravaganza Sponsored by Prime Performance Nutrition, February 29, 2008
MEDIA CONTACT
Road to the Horse
Owner/ Producer Tootie Bland
Ride the Remuda Productions
tootie@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000Free Admission to Road to the Horse’s Shopping Extravaganza Sponsored by Prime Performance Nutrition, February 29, 2008
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., January 29, 2008— It’s time to shop, stock up and discover Road to the Horse secrets. Road to the Horse Owner and Producer Tootie Bland (of Noodle, Texas) opens the doors to Murfreesboro, Tennessee’s Tennessee Miller Coliseum Friday February 29, 2008 (4 to 7 p.m.) for a night of horse-themed shopping open to the public, sponsored by Prime Performance Nutrition (www.primeperformancenutrition.com), and loaded with more than 100 booths. Road to the Horse tickets not required; Shopping Extravaganza admission is free. Bonus: The fourth Road to the Horse clinician—a mystery until the day before the event—will be revealed during the free shopping night. The four competing clinicians (Chris Cox, Tommy Garland, Ken McNabb and the mystery contestant) will be available to sign autographs.
“We’ve pumped up the shopping experience once again,” Bland says. “Jewelry, art, conversion trucks and trailers, custom hats, top western clothing, horse health supplies--everything for horse lovers.”
Bland works with expert trade-show coordinator Ronda May (of Early, Texas) to create a fun-filled environment where Road to the Horse attendees can shop before and during the colt-starting event.
The official Road to the Horse booth will be larger than ever and offer logo wear such as crew and hooded sweatshirts, embroidered ball caps, hat and t-shirt combos, fleece outerwear, bandanas, bracelets, shirts for the competing celebrities to autograph. Adult and youth sizes will be available.
Directions:
The Tennessee Miller Coliseum is located at 304B West Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
I-24 East from Nashville ...Take exit 76, turn left at the stop light onto Medical Center Parkway. Turn left onto Thompson Lane. Drive approximately 5 miles; Coliseum is on left.
For more information about Road to the Horse 2008, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325 736 5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions. 2008 sponsors include: Charity Challenge Sponsor Fort Dodge Animal Health; Presenting Sponsor Horse & Rider; and sponsors Absolute Innovations, Wick Buildings, Wahl Clipper, Cinch / Cruel Girl, Gist Silversmiths, Martin Saddlery, Horse Media Group, Horsecity.com, Rockin J Horse Stalls, W W Livestock Sales, John Deere, American Cowboy Magazine, LubriSyn, Valley Vet, Samson, Prime Performance Nutrition, American Spirit Manufacturing, John’s Ariat Country, Horse South, Horse Exchange, and Hoofbeats.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
THE COWBOY AND THE COMMUNICATOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Road to the Horse
(325) 736-5000
press@roadtothehorse.comFor high-resolution images of Rick Lamb and Larry Mahan:
www.roadtothehorse.com/2008/ricklamb.jpg
www.roadtothehorse.com/2008/Larry_and_Diana_Mahan.jpg
THE COWBOY AND THE COMMUNICATOR: ROAD TO THE HORSE’S DREAM HOSTING TEAM BRING DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES TO EVENT
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., January 17, 2008: When Rick Lamb and Larry Mahan take to the announcing booth as co-hosts for this year’s Road to the Horse (March 1–2 at Murfreesboro’s Tennessee Miller Coliseum, featuring competing trainers Chris Cox, Ken McNabb, Tommy Garland and a mystery competitor), the audience is in for a rare treat. Lamb and Mahan are the products of two very different backgrounds—a fact that just might shine through as together they narrate the happenings of the colt-starting event.
It is true that Lamb was a horse crazy kid who didn’t have the chance to be around horses until he was an adult, while Mahan was practically born on a horse, competing in saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding as a teenager.
And Lamb used his talents as a communicator to break into the horse industry, starting the radio program The Horse Show with Rick Lamb in 1997, while Mahan channeled his talents as a horseman into becoming a professional rodeo cowboy at the age of 21 and eventually winning six World Championship All-Around Cowboy titles between 1965 and 1973.
The two men even differ in their Road to the Horse preparation styles. Lamb has hosted the event since its inception in 2003 and says he feels as if “I’m now qualified to sort of be the link between the trainer who is busy with the horse and the audience who might not understand what they are seeing.” Meanwhile, Mahan jokes that he’ll “just wait to see what comes out of my mouth after they finish the National Anthem.”
So, will there be peace in the Road to the Horse announcer’s booth? Can the cowboy and the communicator, well, communicate?
The answer is yes. It turns out that Lamb and Mahan may be more alike than appearances suggest. That commonality comes to a point in their shared regard for both the Road to the Horse setup and their passion for the welfare of horses.
“I always want people to understand the commitment to the welfare of the horse that is part of Road to the Horse,” says Lamb. “This is meant to be a celebration of the horse and a way of honoring the horse through natural horsemanship, which is something we’re all committed to.
“I think that this event really is a great forum for showing what natural horsemanship really means because the trainers who work most effectively with the nature of the horse are the ones who are generally the most successful.”
Mahan agrees.
“Road to the Horse is a beautiful thing,” he says. “These horseman have to be able to communicate with their horses, to train them with intelligence and try to understand them.
“I can’t help but believe that an audience member who is watching them do this may take a little bit of that home with them—and that is going to make a lot of horses’ lives better.”
Lamb and Mahan also both take seriously their role as hosts and narrators, and they claim they’re just as excited to see the event as everyone else.
“I’m going in with an open mind that I just want to observe them all,” says Mahan. “I’m not a judge. I don’t play politics very well. So, I’m just excited to see how they get the job done. It’s the element of the unknown that makes Road the Horse exciting.”
“This is the mother of all colt-starting events,” adds Lamb, “and, from what I see, the audience is always just so thrilled to be there. The energy, the electricity in the air is palpable. People are happy and that makes this event a real joy for everyone—no matter their background.”
Additional information about Lamb and Mahan’s colorful lives can be found in their biographies. Lamb’s Human to Horseman: A Journey of Discovery, Growth, and Celebration will be available for the first time at this year’s Road to the Horse and Mahan’s They Call Me Bull is scheduled for release next year.
For more information about Road to the Horse, visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call (325) 736-5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/Ride the Remuda Productions. Sponsors for 2008 include: Charity Challenge Sponsor Fort Dodge Animal Health; Presenting Sponsor Horse & Rider; and sponsors Mustang Heritage Foundation, Samson, Wick Buildings, Absolute Innovations, Wahl Clipper, Cinch/Cruel Girl, Gist Silversmiths, Martin Saddlery, Horse Media Group, Rockin J Horse Stalls, W-W Livestock Sales, Valley Vet, Prime Performance Nutrition, American Spirit Mfg., Horsecity.com, Get Certified, John Deere, American Cowboy Magazine, Lubrisyn, John’s Ariat Country, Nutrena, Horse South, Horse Exchange and Hoofbeats.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Press Credentials Available for Road to the Horse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMEDIA CONTACT
Road to the Horse
Owner/ Producer Tootie Bland
Ride the Remuda Productions
tootie@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000
Press Credentials Available for Road to the Horse
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., December 10, 2007— Road to the Horse Producer and Owner Tootie Bland invites members of the press to attend the 2008 event to be held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee March 1-2, 2008. Defending champion Chris Cox (Mineral Wells, TX) returns to the round pens. He’ll meet a packed house at Murfreesboro’s Tennessee Miller Coliseum as he challenges newcomers Tommy Garland (Powhatan, VA) and Ken McNabb (Cody, WY) for prizes totaling over $15,000.
Watch four clinicians work horses at the same time—how does each trainer approach a similar horse differently? What different-yet-kind methods do they use to get the same results? And, most of all, what do these trainers know how to do that allows them to get so far with a horse in such a short amount of time? What’s the culture like as far as atmosphere, pressure, and the need to be relaxed so the horses respond well and the trainers accomplish the most possible?
The 2008 event is loaded with surprises. The mystery competitor will be named Friday before the event during the free shopping night. Look for a release about the soon-to-be-named clinician by 7:00 EST on February 29, 2008.
Please complete the Press Credentials Request Form, which can be downloaded at http://www.roadtothehorse.com/media/rtth2008_press.pdf, and return by February 1 or as soon as possible. Return to: press@roadtothehorse.com, FAX: 208-361-2049, 5811 Osman Rd., Cridersville, OH 45806
For more information about Road to the Horse 2008, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325 736 5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions. 2008 sponsors include: Charity Challenge Sponsor Fort Dodge Animal Health; Presenting Sponsor Horse & Rider; and sponsors Absolute Innovations, Wick Buildings, Wahl Clipper, Cinch / Cruel Girl, Gist Silversmiths, Martin Saddlery, Horse Media Group, Horsecity.com, Rockin J Horse Stalls, W W Livestock Sales, John Deere, American Cowboy Magazine, LubriSyn, Valley Vet, Samson, Prime Performance Nutrition, American Spirit Manufacturing, Rocky Boot Ranch, Horse South, Horse Exchange, and Hoofbeats.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Road to the Horse Announces 2008 Fort Dodge Animal Health Charity Challenge
For Immediate ReleaseContact:
Ride the Remuda Productions
press@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000
Road to the Horse Announces 2008 Fort Dodge Animal Health Charity Challenge/ Next Mystery Competitor Clue Announced
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., September 27, 2007--Ride the Remuda Productions Owner/Producer Tootie Bland announces Fort Dodge Animal Health—makers of QUEST® Gel and QUEST® Plus, combating internal parasites--will sponsor the 2008 Charity Challenge. Each year, the Road to the Horse winner selects a charity to receive $15,000. Returning champion Chris Cox (Mineral Wells, TX) and newcomers Ken McNabb (Cody, WY) and Tommy Garland (Powhatan, VA) –as well as a yet-to-be-named mystery competitor—will compete for the philanthropic cash March 1-2, 2008 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
In 2005, Clinton Anderson won the first-ever Charity Challenge, posting his own money and later donating the then $10,000 pot to the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). In 2007, the Charity Challenge returned and champion Cox selected National FFA Organization as the recipient.
For 2008, Bland knew the Charity Challenge must be part of the two-day colt-starting event—adding excitement and integrity to the educational show. “We founded Road to the Horse to revolve around education and charity,” Bland says. “The Fort Dodge Animal Health Charity Challenge makes it easy for the trainers to focus on the integrity of their training methods. The challenge also adds some friendly competition.”
Each clinician chose his/her own charity—the charity that will get the $15,000 if he or she is named the winner.
If returning champion Cox is named 2008 Road to the Horse winner, he’ll again name the National FFA Organization as money recipient. The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. http://www.ffa.org/
"I support the National FFA Organization because they are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people through agricultural education and developing their potential for growth, leadership and success," Cox explains.
Ken McNabb designates the Wyoming State 4-H Foundation. 4-H offers youth equine projects focused on education and bettering an industry. Youths pledge their heads, hearts, hands and health to improving their community and becoming productive citizens. http://4-h.uwyo.edu/
"I firmly believe that 4-H members are the hope and the future of the equestrian industry. I greatly benefited from my involvement in 4-H and it's my desire to return some of those benefits."
Tommy Garland chose the Victory Junction Gang Camp—a camp designed to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. The camp provides life-changing experiences that are exciting, fun, and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment. The year-round camp serves children, ages 7 to 15, with a variety of health issues. During the summer, up to 125 kids attend per session. Everything at the camp has a racing theme. At Jessie's Horse Power Garage campers ride horses and work with many animals. Whether taking a gentle pony-ride on one of the specialized horses or spending time petting a newborn donkey, campers can experience the unconditional affection of four legged friends. http://www.victoryjunction.org
The Mystery Competitor (who will be named on the Friday, February 29, 2008 during the free shopping night) chose Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship. Since its inception in 1980, Camelot has offered one-on-one education, with instruction tailored to the individual needs of the student. The student learns riding, grooming, training, showing, breeding, vet care and stable management. Camelot Ranch is located on 14.5 acres. The barrier-free facility makes it possible for students to saddle, ride and groom the horses with minimum help. http://www.camelot-th.org
About Fort Dodge Animal Health:
Fort Dodge Animal Health, a leading manufacturer of animal health products for the equine industry, is proud to sponsor the Road to the Horse Charity Challenge. Fort Dodge is committed to meeting the needs of veterinarians and horse owners worldwide by providing innovative products, such as QUEST® Plus gel with moxidectin, an equine dewormer that helps control today’s parasites. Only QUEST® and QUEST Plus gel with moxidectin can provide one-dose control of encysted small strongyles. Other key equine products include West Nile-Innovator®, the first vaccine developed to protect against equine West Nile virus, Innovator® combination vaccines and the Fluvac® Innovator vaccine line. For more information, call 1-800-477-1365 or visit www.fortdodgelivestock.com .
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
One Mystery Contestant Clue Released Each Month—Fifth Clue
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., September 26, 2007: The Road to the Horse Mystery Contestant will be revealed Friday, February 29 before the March 1-2 Road to the Horse event in Murfreesboro, TN--during the show's Shopping Extravaganza. Before then, Road to the Horse Producer/Owner Tootie Bland will announce a clue to help you guess who the crew member-turned clinician will be. Here are the first FIVE clues.
Log on to http://roadtothehorse.blogspot.com/and join the Road to the Horse mailing list at http://roadtothehorse.com to be the first to find out the newest clues. The first identifiable respondents to post correct guesses on the blog will be entered in a prize drawing held Friday night at the show. You need not be present to win. One correct respondent will win a commemorative, limited edition set of Road to the Horse DVDs—including the 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007 documentaries. First Clue
The competitor’s name is listed within the 2007 RTTH souvenir program. For your clue research. . . . The 2007 RTTH program can be downloaded as a PDF if you’d like to see who’s listed.
http://www.roadtothehorse.com/images/2007program.pdf
Second Clue
The mystery competitor lives West of the Mississippi River.
Third Clue
The RTTH mystery clinician was seen on RFD-TV in June. Check your RFD-TV listings. Remember, all the past clues apply.
Fourth Clue
The mystery clinician was quoted in print as saying, “If someone were to ask you to write down how you train a horse...you could answer it correctly with two simple words: stimulus and response. There’s a little more to it than that, but that’s training in a nutshell. You apply a stimulus until you get the desired response, then you stop the stimulus.”
**NEW** Fifth Clue
The mystery clinician’s age (the age he/she will be at show time) is hidden in Road to the Horse’s “Don’t be left behind” ad. See the September or October issues of Horse & Rider, America’s Horse, or Hoofbeats to find your clue. Hint: Watch out if you have a lead foot.
For more information about Road to the Horse, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325-736-5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions. 2008 sponsors include: Charity Challenge Sponsor Fort Dodge Animal Health; Presenting Sponsor Horse & Rider; and sponsors Absolute Innovations, Wahl Clipper, Cinch / Cruel Girl, Gist Silversmiths, Martin Saddlery, Horse Media Group, Rockin J Horse Stalls, W-W Livestock Sales, John Deere, American Cowboy Magazine, LubriSyn, Valley Vet, Samson, Prime Performance Nutrition, Horse South, Horse Exchange, and Hoofbeats.
—30—
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
On the Road to the Horse: Introducing Tommy Garland
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Road to the Horse
press@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000
On the Road to the Horse: Introducing Tommy Garland
Interviews with the competitors as they prepare for the 2008 event
Part 2/3
High res photo available at:
http://roadtothehorse.com/tommygarland.jpg
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., September 17, 2007: Defending champion Chris Cox (Mineral Wells, TX) returns to the round pens for Road to the Horse 2008 March 1-2, 2008. He’ll meet a packed house at Murfreesboro’s Tennessee Miller Coliseum as he challenges newcomers Tommy Garland (Powhatan, VA), Ken McNabb (Cody, WY) and a mystery competitor for prizes totaling over $15,000.
But before the contestants travel to Tennessee, let’s find out what they’re doing to prepare for the 2008 event. Here, we’ll talk with Tommy Garland to find out how he’ll prepare then discover a few unknown facts about early horse training experience and life-long philosophies.
About the Competition
Q: What made you want to be part of Road to the Horse?
A: Not only the excitement of the competition but the personal challenge of seeing what I can accomplish in that time frame with an unbroken horse.
Q: What will you do to “study up” and prepare for this year’s show? Will you pay attention to your competitors’ shows or DVDs? Will you practice within the Road to the Horse time frame? Will you plan some jokes or crowd-pleasing moments? What little sneak peek can you offer?
A: Everyone has their own style and abilities and you can’t copy that. I may work horses within the time frame because I will have to fine tune my methods. With all of the young colts that I get every fall to break for the next year’s show season, I will take every opportunity to practice.
Q: Is there something you’re looking forward to the most at the 2008 event?
A: Definitely the challenge to myself. When you are in that kind of an atmosphere, with the crowd watching, it is fun and I am looking forward to that.
Q: What’s the most difficult part of competing in Road to the Horse?
A: The time frame. You have to alter your training techniques to accommodate the time schedule but you want to stay true to your methods. I have had horses that I can ride the 1st day out and others that take much longer. Luck of the draw is a huge factor. Some horses you can shine with easily and others are more of a challenge.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the Road to the Horse setting?
A: I enjoy the willingness of the people to learn new things and the excitement that the crowd brings. There is a “buzz” in the air.
Q: What’s the biggest difference in training a horse back at your ranch and training a horse at Road to the Horse? What will you do differently in the time and space allotted?
A: I will have to be focused on every moment that I have with the horse. Where at home you have plenty of time to work on problems, at Road To The Horse you only have a few minutes.
About Tommy Garland
Q: What was the name of the first horse you really bonded with? How old were you?
A: It was a pony named Jumper that hated to jump. I was 7 years old and my parents bought her for me to overcome my fear of horses from an earlier accident.
Q: What was the most dangerous or ornery thing you and that horse did together?
A: I guess the most dangerous thing I did was to stand on Jumper to pick apples for my mom to make a pie.
Q: Who are your top mentors—from when you were young, high school age, young adult, and now?
A: My dad, and Stanley White, Sr. (an Arabian trainer and friend)
Q: What did you learn from each?
A: Respect the animal that you are dealing with and to build confidence in the relationship. My dad taught me to be patient and not get frustrated when things don’t go the way you think they should. They both taught me that there is more than one way to train a horse. You have to adjust your methods to the horse. Do not expect every horse to learn the same way. Read the animal and adjust accordingly. Lastly, to not be afraid to try different things, be open-minded.
Q: What have you learned from horses?
A: I’ve learned not make any assumptions as to what they are going to do or how they’ll respond.
Q: What’s one piece of advice about horse training you hope to share with Road to the Horse audiences?
A: That it is not magic and tricks, but it is also not a method that you can study from a book. There is no better teaching method than hands on. Doing it over and over again. Everyone has their own method and that is how you learn what works for you. You have to adjust to the horse and be consistent.
Q: What do you hope people will see in you?
A: That I am a family man just trying to make a living and provide a future for my children. My methods may be a little different than what they are used to seeing but to keep an open mind.
Q: Any final words for Road to the Horse fans?
A: Cheer loudly!
For more information about Road to the Horse, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325-736-5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions. 2008 sponsors include: Charity Challenge Sponsor Fort Dodge Animal Health; Presenting Sponsor Horse & Rider; and sponsors Absolute Innovations, Wahl Clipper, Cinch / Cruel Girl, Gist Silversmiths, Martin Saddlery, Horse Media Group, Rockin J Horse Stalls, W-W Livestock Sales, John Deere, American Cowboy Magazine, and Hoofbeats.
—30—
Monday, August 20, 2007
One Mystery Contestant Clue Released Each Month—Fourth Clue
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Road to the Horse
press@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000
One Mystery Contestant Clue Released Each Month—Fourth Clue
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., August 16, 2007: The Road to the Horse Mystery Contestant will be revealed Friday, February 29 before the March 1-2 Road to the Horse event in Murfreesboro, TN--during the show's Shopping Extravaganza. Before then, Road to the Horse Producer/Owner Tootie Bland will announce a clue to help you guess who the crew member-turned clinician will be. Here are the first FOUR clues.
Log on to http://roadtothehorse2008.blogspot.com/ and join the Road to the Horse mailing list at http://roadtothehorse.com to be the first to find out the newest clues. The first identifiable respondents to post correct guesses on the blog will be entered in a prize drawing held Friday night at the show. You need not be present to win. One correct respondent will win a commemorative, limited edition set of Road to the Horse DVDs—including the 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007 documentaries.
First Clue
The competitor’s name is listed within the 2007 RTTH souvenir program. For your clue research. . . . The 2007 RTTH program can be downloaded as a PDF if you’d like to see who’s listed.
http://www.roadtothehorse.com/images/2007program.pdf
Second Clue
The mystery competitor lives West of the Mississippi River.
Third Clue
The RTTH mystery clinician was seen on RFD-TV in June. Check your RFD-TV listings. Remember, all the past clues apply.
**NEW** Fourth Clue
The mystery clinician was quoted in print as saying, “If someone were to ask you to write down how you train a horse...you could answer it correctly with two simple words: stimulus and response. There’s a little more to it than that, but that’s training in a nutshell. You apply a stimulus until you get the desired response, then you stop the stimulus.”
For more information about Road to the Horse, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325-736-5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions. 2008 sponsors include: Charity Challenge Sponsor Fort Dodge Animal Health; Presenting Sponsor Horse & Rider; and sponsors Absolute Innovations, Wahl Clipper, Cinch / Cruel Girl, Gist Silversmiths, Martin Saddlery, Horse Media Group, Rockin J Horse Stalls, W-W Livestock Sales, John Deere, American Cowboy Magazine, and Hoofbeats.
—30—
On the Road to the Horse: Introducing Ken McNabb
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Road to the Horse
press@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000
On the Road to the Horse: Introducing Ken McNabb
Interviews with the competitors as they prepare for the 2008 event
Part 1/3
For a high res photo of Ken McNabb:
http://roadtothehorse.com/kenmcnabb.jpg
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., August 15, 2007: Defending champion Chris Cox (Mineral Wells, TX) returns to the round pens for Road to the Horse 2008 March 1-2, 2008. He’ll meet a packed house at Murfreesboro’s Tennessee Miller Coliseum as he challenges newcomers Tommy Garland (Powhatan, VA), Ken McNabb (Cody, WY) and a mystery competitor for prizes totaling over $15,000.
But before the contestants travel to Tennessee, let’s find out what they’re doing to prepare for the 2008 event. Here, we’ll talk with Ken McNabb to find out how he’ll prepare then discover a few unknown facts about early horse training experience and life-long philosophies.
About the Competition
Q: What made you want to join in at Road to the Horse?
A: I believe these competitions are very important for our industry and I enjoy the opportunity to compete against trainers considered to be my peers. The benefit of these competitions is immeasurable for both the audience and the trainers. I look forward for the opportunity to compete with Chris Cox.
Q: What will you do to “study up” and prepare for this year’s show?
A: I have been practicing colt starting all of my life and I plan to continue practicing as long as I am able. I try very hard not to change my methods simply for competitive venues. However, after years of experience I have found that often times we can make ground fast by going slow. I believe in building a foundation and if your foundation is solid, then your training begins to move much quicker. One of the things that I have noticed in competitive venues is that if you study your competitors too much, it's easy to lose track of who you are and what you do. I certainly am aware of who my competitors are and have a great deal of respect for them and their ability and obviously I have seen their shows. As far as the Road to the Horse time frame, it's been my experience that while horses don't wear watches, the quicker I get my job done, the easier it is for them to learn and stay willing. Yes, I love crowd involvement. I would tell you my secret strategy, but then it wouldn't be a secret anymore, would it? (just kidding). I intend to compete using the same style of horsemanship that I have used in creating ranch horses my whole life. To me, a horse was created to enjoy performing a job and I see it as my job to help both the horse and the crowd enjoy the show.
Q: Is there something you’re looking forward to the most at the 2008 event?
A: Well, I don't know some of the other competitors personally, but Chris Cox and I have been friends for several years, and I look forward to a high level of professional camaraderie with all of the trainers. In addition, the obstacle course will be the most enjoyable for me.
Q: What’s the most difficult part of competing in Road to the Horse?
A: Not being able to talk the entire time that I am training.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the Road to the Horse setting?
A: The opportunity to be judged by legendary horsemen and cowboys that were my heroes as a kid growing up.
Q: What’s the biggest difference in training a horse back at your ranch and training a horse at Road to the Horse? What will you do differently in the time and space allotted?
A: There are very few differences other than I would not necessarily require my horses at the ranch to complete all of the obstacles on their third official ride that we will complete in the competition. I have learned to build my horse's confidence early so that there is a higher level of trust when we reach the obstacles.
About You
Q: What was the name of the first horse you really bonded with? How old were you?
A: I was 4 years old and it was a miniature mule named Jack and I owned him until both he and I were 30 and had the privilege of watching both of my children learn to ride on him.
Q: What was the most dangerous or ornery thing you and that horse did together?
A: Riding through my mother's kitchen minutes after she had finished cleaning the house.
Q: Did you ever want to be anything except a horse trainer?
A: For as long as I can remember, I aspired to be a cowboy and a horseman.
Q: Who are your top mentors—from when you were young, high school age, young adult, and now?
A: Throughout my life my dad has continually been a mentor and a hero. In my high school years I studied under John Lyons and since that time have studied the methods of every horseman I have met-- from the backyard owners to the professionals.
Q: What did you learn from each?
A: The most important things I have learned from my dad were persistence, honesty and integrity. Without these three traits, it is impossible to succeed in life. From John Lyons, I learned to present knowledge in a language that both the horse and rider could understand.
Q: As a professional trainer, what horse gave you the biggest challenge?
A: In 1995 I purchased a 3-year-old Paint Stallion named Diamond Breeze (Beau) from a farm in Canada where he was being used as a tease stallion and had gotten completely out of control.
Q: What did you learn from that horse that’s made you a better trainer today?
A: Beau could never be pushed or bullied. At any time that you tried to push or bully him he would retaliate, but in any scenario where you allowed him the opportunity to choose the right answer he became a wonderful and willing partner. This changed my training more than any other single horse as it taught me to present the horse with the information, not force feed it to him.
Q: What’s one piece of advice about horse training you hope to share with Road to the Horse audiences?
A: Your horse did not wake up this morning with the intent to make a fool out of you or injure you. He simply doesn't think that way. He woke up this morning with the desire to find peace and contentment in a pasture full of grass. Our goals and unreasonable expectations, if allowed, can turn horse training into a life and death struggle. Remember to ask ‘what's in it for the horse? What does he get out of what you are doing today?’ Are you willing to work for your boss as cheaply as your horse is willing to work for you? Remember, your respect and release and reward are the only salary that your horse earns. Pay him as highly as possible.
Q: What do you hope people will see in you?
A: It is my sincere hope and prayer that, not just at Road to the Horse, but that at all times and places, whether at home in my backyard, or in front of thousands, people see the respect and love I have for the wonderful creature that God has created for us. I could be paid no higher compliment than to be called a horseman and a cowboy.
Q: Any final words for Road to the Horse fans?
A: I hope you have as much fun watching as I intend to have competing. I hope I am able to share with you a portion of what so many of you have taught me over the years, so let’s have fun at Road to the Horse 2008.
For more information about Road to the Horse, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325-736-5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions. 2008 sponsors include: Charity Challenge Sponsor Fort Dodge Animal Health; Presenting Sponsor Horse & Rider; and sponsors Absolute Innovations, Wahl Clipper, Cinch / Cruel Girl, Gist Silversmiths, Martin Saddlery, Horse Media Group, Rockin J Horse Stalls, W-W Livestock Sales, John Deere, American Cowboy Magazine, and Hoofbeats.
Friday, July 27, 2007
One Mystery Contestant Clue Released Each Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Road to the Horse
press@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000
One Mystery Contestant Clue Released Each Month
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., July 27, 2007: The Road to the Horse Mystery Contestant will be revealed Friday, February 29 before the March 1-2 Road to the Horse event in Murfreesboro, TN--during the show's Shopping Extravaganza. Before then, Road to the Horse Producer/Owner Tootie Bland will announce a clue to help you guess who the crew member-turned clinician will be. Here are the first clues. Log on to http://roadtothehorse2008.blogspot.com/ and join the Road to the Horse mailing list at http://roadtothehorse.com to be the first to find out the newest clues.If you're the first to be correct with your post on the blog (and include your name and a way to contact you—phone or e-mail), you just may get a special prize, TBD. Please don’t respond if you’re affiliated, past or present employee of RTTH or any participating clinician.
First Clue
The competitor’s name is listed within the 2007 RTTH souvenir program. For your clue research. . . . The 2007 RTTH program can be downloaded as a PDF if you’d like to see who’s listed.
http://www.roadtothehorse.com/images/2007program.pdf
Second Clue
The mystery competitor lives West of the Mississippi River.
Third Clue
The RTTH mystery clinician was seen on RFD-TV in June. Check your RFD-TV listings. Remember, all the past clues apply.
For more information about Road to the Horse, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325-736-5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions.
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Road to the Horse Supports the 2007 National Day of the American Cowboy—Fans Awarded for Writing to Government, Supporting 2008 Holiday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Road to the Horse
press@roadtothehorse.com
325-736-5000
Road to the Horse Supports the 2007 National Day of the American Cowboy—Fans Awarded for Writing to Government, Supporting 2008 Holiday
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., July 27, 2007: Road to the Horse Owner/Producer Tootie Bland has a special connection to National Day of the American Cowboy, held on July 28, 2007. Bland’s late husband, Steven “Dooky” Bland was a cowboy. By supporting this holiday, Bland says she’s honoring Steven, his ranch, the life that he lived, and the ideals and concepts that formed Road to the Horse.
“My husband said he was a cowboy and that’s all he would ever be,” Bland says. “For him, that was far from a limitation. Being a cowboy, to him, meant a life of honor and respect, a knowing that your word is your bond, and having a courageous spirit. He was one Hell of a cowboy.”
The holiday must be approved by Congress and designated as a national holiday each year. To make the holiday permanent, please write a letter to your mayor, Governor and Congress Representatives to ask that the holiday be repeated in 2008. See the attached sample letter to help you get started. Visit http://www.house.gov/writerep/ and http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home/ to find out to whom to write and where to send your letter.
Write and Win!
Send one copy of your completed letter to a government official and one copy to the Road to the Horse headquarters (1300 CR 160, Sylvester, TX 79560). For each letter you write, the copy you send to Road to the Horse will serve as an entry for a drawing to win one of two 2008 Road to the Horse DVD sets. The drawing will be held during the 2008 Road to the Horse, March 1-2, 2008 in Murfreesboro, TN—you need not be present to win. Your name and address as well as the name and address of your government official must be present on your letter. You may send a copy of your letters to your mayor, governor, House, and Senate representatives for a total of four entries per person. Hardcopy letters only—no e-mailed entries. Letters must be received by December 1, 2007.
Sample Letter
[Government Official’s Address]
[Today’s Date]
Re: National Day of the American Cowboy
Dear [Representative/Governor/Mayor/etc.]:
For the past three years, the 4th Saturday in July has been designated as the National Day of the American Cowboy. We are asking for your support to name July 26th, 2008 as the 4th annual day to celebrate contributions of the American cowboy in the history of the United States. The 2007 resolution (S. Res. 130, sponsored by Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming) passed in the Senate and House. We would like your support in naming this Day an annual holiday and making it an official [STATE/CITY/COUNTY] holiday as well.
Ongoing efforts are aimed at getting this Day named as a perpetual American holiday and to expand the celebration across the country. Local and state efforts will help in this goal. In addition, it is hoped that people from all parts of the United States will embrace the Western lifestyle and values in their everyday life.
We would like to ask for your support in continuing the National Day of the American Cowboy!
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS]
Holiday History
American Cowboy magazine initiated a campaign in 2004 for a day to acknowledge the historical significance of the American cowboy. Thanks to Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming, as well as several other politicians from Western states, the legislation gained the necessary momentum and recognition on Capitol Hill.
In July 2005, President George W. Bush designated the fourth Saturday of July as the official day to honor and remember the American cowboys and their contributions to the American West.
“We celebrate the cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West,” President Bush said. “The cowboy’s love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans.”
For more information on the National Day of the American Cowboy, please visit http://www.cowboyday.com . American Cowboy is a sponsor of the 2008 Road to the Horse to be held in Murfreesboro, TN March 1-2, 2008.
For more information about Road to the Horse, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325-736-5000. Road to the Horse is owned and produced by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions.Third Clue:
The RTTH mystery clinician was seen on RFD-TV in June. Check your RFD-TV listings. Remember, all the past clues apply. Post your thoughts at http://roadtothehorse2008.blogspot.com. If you're the first to be correct (and include your name and a way to contact you—phone or e-mail), you just may get a special prize, TBD. Please don’t respond if you’re affiliated, past or present employee of RTTH or any participating clinician.
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Friday, June 15, 2007
2007 Road to the Horse DVD Released; 2006 DVD Wins Aegis Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Road to the Horse
press@roadtothehorse.com
Download high-res photo at:
http://roadtothehorse.com/2007dvdcover.jpg
2007 Road to the Horse DVD Released; 2006 DVD Wins Aegis Award
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., June 15, 2007: Relive the amazing moments of the 2007 Road to the Horse with the 2007 DVD on sale and available now. Watch as Clinton Anderson trains his horse with cowboy-mounted-shooting flair, as Stacy Westfall trains her horse not to kick at her training flag, and as ultimate champion Chris Cox and his horse show their bond in the freestyle and obstacle rounds. You’ll see the key moments in each of the three round pens and all the action during each clinician’s obstacle-course finale. With your copy of the DVD set, you’ll also have special behind-the-scenes access—watching the clinicians before the event and hearing their thoughts during the limited-access press conferences. It’s time to relive horsemanship history.
The multi-disk Road to the Horse DVD is shipping now and is available for journalistic reviews. Order your copy today for just $69.95. Log on to http://roadtothehorse.com/videos.html to order your copy today
DVD Producer Tootie Bland is thrilled with the footage that will be part of this year’s production. Working with Director John Fox, Bland has included top-quality images and special behind-the-scenes interviews and extras.
Bland, a Telly-award-winning producer, developed the 2006 Road to the Horse DVD with Fox and recently won a prestigious Aegis award for the documentary. “The Aegis Awards has established itself as a leading competition for professional video and film makers,” as listed on www.aegisawards.com. “The mission of the Aegis Awards competition is to provide a forum to recognize the people and organizations responsible for developing some of the most effective video/film productions being produced today. Peer recognition plays a vital role in helping to build a stronger production community. Our philosophy is that professional use of this medium is essential for delivering the message to the target audience. To win an Aegis Award is an outstanding achievement -- worthy of getting attention.”
About Road to the Horse:
Road to the Horse is the premiere colt-starting competition—featuring the world’s top trainers and the industry’s experts as judges in an action-packed horsemanship adventure. Four challengers choose their colts then start the training process with all eyes watching. In this test of skill, patience, and natural-horsemanship know how, the ultimate winner will show that strength comes from gentle hands and a compassion for equine partners. Two days, ten horses, four gentle trainers working simultaneously in round pens, two training sessions, one chance to show the ultimate horse-handler bond during an obstacle course and freestyle event. A winner is chosen, but in truth, the real winners are our horses and everyone who walks away with a better understanding of natural horsemanship.
For more information about Road to the Horse, visit www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325-736-5000. Tickets for the 2008 event are on sale now.
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Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Tickets Selling at Record Rate—1000 sold in first 2 hours
MURFREESBORO, Tenn., May 15, 2007: Tickets are on sale now at http://roadtothehorse.com/tickets.html
--And they're already going quickly. Thanks to our loyal fans for making Road to the Horse 2008 a hit from the moment tickets went on sale. By 12:00 EST on Monday May 14, 2007, ticket buyers selected more than 1,000 seats. More than half the VIP tickets sold during the first sale day. Nearly every front-row seat in the coliseum is sold out. We're adding another chapter in Horsemanship History! And remember, a Road to the Horse crewmember has decided to literally throw his/her hat in the ring. We'll share the first clue soon and tell you how to talk with other RTTH fans about who the mystery trainer will be.For tickets, call toll free, 877-772-5425; log on to http://roadtothehorse.com/tickets.html
Ticket Prices:
· Premiere Seating- $105.00 (Good for both days of the event)
· General Admission Seating- $55.00 (Good for both days of the event)
· VIP Hospitality Room- $250.00 (limited number; VIP Hospitality Room Pass does not include admission to the event or a seat. The VIP Hospitality Pass gets you into the Hospitality Room for catered buffet meals, streamed video of the live event and a chance to visit with the stars)
· RV Parking Space- $105.00 for a Thursday to Monday stay (Park your RV conveniently next to the MTSU Miller Coliseum with hookups).
How to Order:
Modern technology has its advantages. Purchase your tickets online and you can print them immediately. Plus, you'll have a chance to see the arena's seating chart and choose the seats best for you and your friends. Phone and Internet lines will be open at 9:00 a.m. CST, 10:00 a.m. EST. Log on to http://www.roadtothehorse.com before tickets go on sale to see seating choices and chart your ticket-purchasing plan or call toll free, 877-772-5425. On May 14, log on to http://roadtothehorse.com/tickets.html to order.
Bonus: If you order online, you'll be automatically entered for a chance to win two Hospitality Room tickets-that's a value of $500. One person's name will be drawn. Only two Hospitality tickets granted. Online orders only, no phone orders entered in bonus drawing. Void where prohibited.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Road to the Horse 2008 Tickets On Sale May 14, 2007—Headliners Chris Cox, Tommy Garland, Ken McNabb
High Res Photos:
http://roadtothehorse.com/chriscox.jpg
http://roadtothehorse.com/tommygarland.jpg
http://roadtothehorse.com/kenmcnabb.jpgMURFREESBORO, Tenn., May 12, 2007: It’s official—defending champion Chris Cox (Mineral Wells, TX) returns to the round pens for Road to the Horse March 1-2, 2008. He’ll meet a packed house at Murfreesboro’s Tennessee Miller Coliseum as he challenges newcomers Tommy Garland (Powhatan, VA) and Ken McNabb (Cody, WY) for prizes totaling over $15,000.
Cox (http://www.chris-cox.com) wowed the 2007 Road to the Horse crowd when his horse respectfully followed him out of the large arena at the end of his freestyle round—showing the trust and bond natural horsemanship can create. Watch Cox on Road to the Horse Host Rick Lamb’s RFD-TV show on May 15. You’ll see the first footage from Road to the Horse 2007 and sneak a peak at what the soon-to-be-released Road to the Horse DVD will be like.
Garland (http://www.tommygarland.com) comes to Road to the Horse as an expert Arabian horse trainer—bringing kind and solid horsemanship training to the horse show crowd. His horses have won in western, trail and hunter divisions and received high honors in the English and driving disciplines in the US and Brazil. He won the 2006 Equine Extravaganza Trainer’s Challenge and was recently nominated by the Arabian Professional Horseman’s Association as the 2006 Male Western Pleasure Trainer of the Year. See Garland’s teaching style on his CPR for Horse and Rider television show.
McNabb (http://www.kenmcnabb.com) has taught thousands of horse enthusiasts about kind horse-training methods through his RFD-TV show and his crowd-gathering expo and training clinics. McNabb was one of the first John Lyons Certified Trainers. He now lives the cowboy lifestyle in Wyoming.
“We’ve turned the heat up for 2008,” Owner/Producer Tootie Bland says. “There’s no doubt the ‘Chris Cox Rocks’ fans will return with the strength of a champion. Cox is a proven winner and his fans have no doubts he can win again. The South will rise to the occasion and support Tommy Garland, their Southern son. And never discount a Wyoming cowboy. Ken McNabb will come with a fire of his own. Get ready, we won’t disappoint.”
But there’s more. A Road to the Horse crewmember has decided to literally throw his/her hat in the ring. The identity is a secret at press time, but Bland promises to reveal a clue each month—helping you guess the fourth competitor before all is revealed at the March 2008 event. Start guessing!
Tickets to the 2008 event go on sale Monday, May 14, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. CST. Call toll free, 877-772-5425; log on to http://roadtothehorse.com/tickets.html
Ticket Prices:
• Premiere Seating— $105.00 (Good for both days of the event)
• General Admission Seating— $55.00 (Good for both days of the event)
• VIP Hospitality Room— $250.00 (limited number; VIP Hospitality Room Pass does not include admission to the event or a seat. The VIP Hospitality Pass gets you into the Hospitality Room for catered buffet meals, streamed video of the live event and a chance to visit with the stars)
• RV Parking Space— $105.00 for a Thursday to Monday stay (Park your RV conveniently next to the MTSU Miller Coliseum with hookups).
How to Order:
Modern technology has its advantages. Purchase your tickets online and you can print them immediately. Plus, you’ll have a chance to see the arena’s seating chart and choose the seats best for you and your friends. Phone and Internet lines will be open at 9:00 a.m. CST, 10:00 a.m. EST. Log on to http://www.roadtothehorse.com before tickets go on sale to see seating choices and chart your ticket-purchasing plan or call toll free, 877-772-5425. On May 14, log on to http://roadtothehorse.com/tickets.html to order.
Bonus: If you order online, you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win two Hospitality Room tickets—that’s a value of $500. One person’s name will be drawn. Only two Hospitality tickets granted. Online orders only, no phone orders entered in bonus drawing. Void where prohibited.
About the Clinicians:
Chris Cox
Cox was born in central Florida where his family had a cattle ranch. When he was barely a year old, his father sold their ranch near Kissimmee and bought Prince of Wales Island off the northeastern coast of Australia, near Thursday Island. The immediate family—including a 96-year-old great grandmother—
packed up and moved half a world away. It was there, amid wild brumbies and Brahman-cross cattle, that Cox found his calling.
From his earliest days, horses assumed an important role in Cox's life. While his father believed the cattle came first and horses were simply a means to an end, Cox felt differently. Long days spent on horseback forged a lasting bond and he gained a healthy respect for his four-legged partner's intelligence and ability. "Putting a handle on a horse was important. In Australia, your ability as a horseman was judged by the horse you rode," he said.
Cox attended Longreach Pastoral College, a two-year agriculture college in Queensland, where he earned the Horsemanship Award for top scores in class work and practical skills.
Although he already had a successful training business in Australia, Cox, who maintains a dual citizenship, returned to the States in 1986 to further his career.
Cox has trained a variety of breeds for different disciplines and has been active in the cutting horse world as both a trainer and competitor. He has traveled the United States, Canada, South America and Australia conducting clinics and demonstrations. In 1999, in addition to numerous other appearances in cities across the U.S., he appeared at Equitana USA, the AQHA World Show, the Calgary Stampede, and the 1999 Special Olympics, where he performed on two-time AQHA Superhorse, Rugged Lark. In addition, he has worked with the Bureau of Land Management to conduct training seminars featuring newly captured mustangs. http://www.chris-cox.com
Tommy Garland
Garland is a nationally recognized trainer of Arabian and Half-Arabian show horses. He currently owns and operates a training facility on 30 acres in Powhatan, Virginia.
Garland has ridden horses virtually all his life. He has trained all breeds from Tennessee Walkers to Quarter Horses and everything in between. He’s most noted for his western horses and especially enjoys working with the younger horses. Over the course of many years in the show ring, not only has he achieved personal success but his amateurs, youth and adult alike, have acquired many National titles.
Over the last several years Garland has been asked to do clinics all over the United States and Canada. Garland feels that the fundamentals that he has used throughout his 30 years of training are definitely not breed specific and are easy enough for anyone to apply if given the right instruction and tools.
Garland was voted the Western Pleasure Trainer of the Year in 2002 by the Arabian Professional and Amateur Horseman’s Association. His show on RFD-TV, CPR for the Horse and Rider, airs weekly. He won the 2006 Equine Extravaganza Trainer’s Challenge and was recently nominated by the Arabian Professional Horseman’s Association as the 2006 Male Western Pleasure Trainer of the Year. He and his wife Dawn live in Powhatan, Virginia. http://www.tommygarland.com/
Ken McNabb
McNabb started his equine experience on a two-week pack trip when he was 10 days old. Like most kids who grow up on ranches, McNabb was working cattle and training his own horses while still in grade school. Throughout high school, he picked up extra money breaking colts for neighbors.
By the early 1990s, McNabb's natural ability and his love for horses led him to consider studying professional horse training as a career. John Lyons, with his psychological approach and gentle training methods, was beginning to gain national acceptance. In 1993, McNabb became one of the first certified John Lyons Trainers. The ranchers back home were skeptical of these gentle methods, but as McNabb began producing better saddle horses, the doubts disappeared. The demand for McNabb's training time left him fully booked. Realizing that thousands of people were anxious to find better ways of training, Ken began teaching his techniques in 1996.
Since that time, he has taught thousands of students. He has had clinics from coast to coast, from Texas to Alaska. Universally, his students agree that he’s a master communicator who makes training easy to understand and workable for both young and old. McNabb is committed to transferring his expertise to his students so that they can become the rider/trainer themselves. He believes that with the right training, mediocre horses can become good, and good horses can become great. He has always believed that any rider, and any horse, can find their best potential given the right opportunity. Ken's program is based on the Lyons method and over 25 years of experience in the saddle. McNabb's knowledge of the total horse delivers a life-changing experience in the saddle.
He offers a unique environment where the horse is trained using the best methods, and the rider is coached to bring their personal best into the arena. Ken's faith in Christ, along with his commitment to strong family values and patriotism, help make him the kind of speaker/trainer people enjoy.
Together, McNabb and his wife, DeeDee, enjoy the family operation with two sons, Kurt and Trent. http://www.kenmcnabb.com
For more information about Road to the Horse, visit http://www.roadtothehorse.com, or call 325-736-5000. Road to the Horse is produced and owned by Tootie Bland/ Ride the Remuda Productions, inc.
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