ACTHA Monthly October 2015 | Page 13

Jeff Wilson Cowboy Dressage

Jeff Wilson has worked with problem horses professionally for over 30 years, training horses of all breeds. Jeff has turned most of his training program into liberty work, trick training and teaching classical dressage movements in a fun and easy to understand way.

Tina Taylor and Houdini relaxed and in harmony

Jeff

Only a relaxed, thinking rider can harmonize with their horse and not merely react. Some horses are born brave; some need a brave rider. If you can’t prepare yourself ahead of time, well, you’ve eaten supper before you’ve said grace.

"I’m just saying ridin’ shouldn’t put a knot in your belly the Boy Scouts can’t get out."

I know, asking your horse to face an obstacle that is intended to bring up a spook reaction is about as much fun as touchin’ the electric fence. But what we glean from it with our horses—when we are able to ride it—is confidence. You can be inspired in the same pants you got scared in, and if not, you can go change them.