hmmm how about someone who talks about the person handling the horse: confidence, going slow, and the person who takes the time to see the path that horse is best suited for or the person who says these are the boundaries, lets romp within them, the one who says horse I feed you, lets work, i will teach you over the years as you will teach me, not expect miracles in 3o days or expect you to dance with me just let's learn each other, partner up thru trust not being run around until licking, chewing and dropping my head, in submission, pain or boredom, find someone who builds partnership based on trust, good horsemanship not a silly whip, or yellow boots or a big cowboy hat or stud muffin outfit. Forget the marketers whom talk like their spiel is the end all but in reality is the first 30 seconds in a horses school and then who trains the rest. Bring in your person who loves horses not money , wants people to succeed not return for step 2....ok I will get off my soapbox :)

If you want a "young gun" I would say that either Jake Gorrell or Wade Black would be a good choice. Both have extensive experience inside and outside the pen. Wade is the son of Martin Black and the grandson of Ray Hunt and Ace Black. There is a legendary knowledge base there. Jake is from a long ranching, rodeo, working cow horse, horse racing family. His greatgrandfather drove cattle from Oregon to the Alaskan goldfields. Back in the day of his parents and grandparents, you darn sure better have had your hammer cocked if you were going to beat them at anything on a horse.

I have been to see a few...I really like Parelli but seems he is more in to showin off these days than anything. I still like him though. Lyons is good although I think his son, Josh, does just as good of a job. Van Hargis is pretty decent. In my vote though there are two by far that lead the pack...Chris Cox and Clinton Anderson. I've seen a couple of others, some not a big name, and some who think they are the best but I wouldn't give 'em a stick horse to train. Best thing to remember...they don't really have any secrets..the best ones just have good common horse sense and use it well! BK

John Lyons and Clinton Anderson for me..... 4U

In answer to your questions - I have only been to see John Lyons, Pat Parelli, Dennis Reis, & Clinton Anderson. 1.Lyons was harder for me to follow, he did not explain his movements as well. 2.Parelli is a showman, good enterainment, but his levels take years to complete - I know, I tried them. 3. Dennis Reis was too rough and was determined to exhaust the horses to get them to cooperate. I heard he was once a student of Parelli's who went in his own direction. Too bad, I won't go back. 4.Anderson is no-nonsense, but respectful of the horse. He commands respect & obedience and gets it without pain. Parelli 2-day clinics with approved instructors will charge ~$300+ w/horse. Cowhorse clinics are $400-500. I hope this helps. Vicky

Parelli & Anderson! Parelli is very thorough & respectful, but SLOW. Anderson gets it done quicker, while still remaining gentle and respectful of the horse. Clinton Anderson's 2-day "WalkAbout Tour" Tickets have been on sale: buy 1 ($25), get 1 Free thru Jan. 31st. I now proudly have 2 tickets for Claremore, OK on April 28 & 29. (I hope I find a cute cowboy to share it with!!! LOL) Go check it out: www.downunderhorsemanship.com - you may still get a bargain! Vicky

Next month, I'll be attending a weekend program with Doug Kidd [borderstates.com], at Camp Warhorse, Salinas, CA. Doug is a well-respected saddler and Civil War reenactor, specializing in aspects of Cavalry horsemanship.

Craig Cameron gets my vote.

I have two nominations: Mark Rashid and Clinton Anderson.

Most of these people actually apply the same principals to working with horses and riders but differ somewhat in their showmanship. I heard one of the top guys explain the horses he works with are fundamentally good horses so his chances of success are improved. As far as a clinic goes, and to bring in the most money get the younger ones that have a smooth presentation. They are more about being salesmen these days than anything else. Not to say they don't know a lot about the business, but there is now a big bandwagon and its getting crowded. For my use only, I take a little from here and a little from there and add in some experience and common sense. The way these presentations are done, it would seem they can take a horse with serious problems and cure them in one afternoon. They may get one in a trailer or get on his back but that is the illusion of a 'fixed' horse.