Vicky I kinda thought you were having fun with your question but at the same time, maybe making a point? I felt when this topic was posted it would be a good vehicle for sharing information about a subject many misunderstand. When I started there was not much help in learning horses other than the school of hard knocks. These days there is a wealth of information available on training videos, TV, clinics and books. I think the clinics are good sources and best when a person watches as many as possible. Each of those clinicians basically goes the same place; just have different ways to get there. Most people like their horse to look good and look good on their horse and that is why a lot of the equipment is used. The training aids are good to move the horse along but I will always hold that the best way to train is take lots of time. A good rider’s hands can do more to control a horse than all the $200 bits in the catalogue. There has been mention of competition cow horses and I agree a good all around using horse is the best ride. I think the competition cow horse came from the working cowboy’s well broke ranch horse. On the other hand the ropers, cutters, can chasers and other disciplines’ aren’t likely to win unless they are on a specifically trained horse. Those of us that compete all take pride in what we do and how well we do it. Becoming a pro is usually a result of circumstances rather than choice because the open divisions are generally open to novices, non pros and pros. But the pros can’t go back and ride in the other divisions. Once you have been paid for training horses and if you are honest you are required to ride in the open in most organizations. Because a rider enjoys a non pro status that does not mean they don’t ride as well as the pros so they are as likely as pros to win competitions. I like horses and most of the people that like them. I think we are a unique group with a life style that many others envy. I have yet to meet anyone that knows it all and has all the horse questions answered. I have met a few that think they do. Every time I saddle one up or put the first halter on a new colt, I learn something new. Through horses I have made some of the best friends a man can have and I met the best woman a man could ever want. Merry Christmas to everyone.

Rancher, putting you on the spot seemed like a little clean fun! LOL Good answer, and just what I was expecting. You are right, when an inexperienced rider wants to compete, Team Penning is where they usually land first. The last time I watched Team Penning at the World Show, I was amazed to see ALMOST every one of the contestants using running martingales with BIG spurs! Talk about restricted heads and too much gas.... Sure made me feel better about barrel racing! Pecentage wise, I bet only 20% use restrictive equipment in competion. Dasher, I bought those DVD's w/Sherry & Clinton long ago, and they are great, esp. where Clinton addresses the alleyway issues & other problems. ....Sure wish I had an indoor arena! It hit 13 degrees this morning in eastern Oklahoma! I bet northern Texas got a freeze, too! Vicky

http://www.millerlandandlivestock.com http://www.whyworryranch.com/ Mike Miller and Anne Reynolds... both NON PRO....both I believe have placed second in " The Worlds Greatest Horsemen".....both very outstanding

''Amen'' Runs .....I agree totally.....sometimes you see so many go ''pro'' when they are not ready at all ,,,and don't have the understanding or ''Knowledge'' ,,, and ruin a lot of good horses ,,,, and then you see so many that should be ''Pro's'' that don't want to put up with the bullcrap ,,,,,but have the expertise and the ability to take horses to great lengths in their field. I know Lazy would be a great one ,,,,,, I also take my Amateur AQHA,,,,,and Non-pro status very seriously ,,,,, Jan in WV

Believe me, lazyt takes his non-pro status VERY VERY seriously! Some people might call him obsessed. lol But I have seen him in action, seen the relationship he has with his horses, witnessed his heartache of having to say goodbye to a mare that had all the promise of greatness, and have seen firsthand the respect he has from his peers in the NRCHA circle. He is truly a quality and dedicated horseman, and yes, he's opinionated, which is oftentimes misinterpreted as rude (which he is NOT). Don't judge him too harshly by his typed words... if/when you ever meet him you will understand.

''''Ohhhh Myyyyy'''',,,,,We are all here to learn,,,,,and Spurs you do need this ,,,,,you can also go to AQHA.COM and learn about the Amateur program ,,,also the ''Rookie'' programs ,,,,,and the non-pro..... as far as ''Lazy'' is concerned he is one of the very best ....''Non-pro's '' in his field ..,,AND EXPERTISE........ Jan in WV

spurs.....this may help..... NRCHA Rulebook 2.1.1 A Non Pro shall be defined as any person, regardless of age, who is not currently receiving remuneration directly, or indirectly for showing, training, giving lessons, clinics, or assisting in the training of a horse for remuneration..............

I thought I might contact lazyt after reading his posts and got a very blunt response that baffled me. After offering him to come and ride in my new indoor arena and give me lessons expenses paid of course he wrote back and simply said "I'm a non pro" what in the world is that and can't imagine anyone turning down an offer quite odd to me.

I thnk Im in shock .... I agree with lazy on the never put a lable on any horse, and cow on speed or speed on cow bred horses have been proven winners in the arena over and over again .One other thing I wanted to add for any of you that were saying you like Sherry Cervi, or even Clinton Anderson I sugggest you get the 6 DVD set that they made together, just turn the volume down every time Clinton talks and just appreciate the way he handles a horse lmao

"the truly great horses are the All Around Horse." lazytsha----well said!!!!!!! once upon a time the same mare that worked calves all day friday got cleaned up and went to town and aced the aged mare halter class only to get saddled up and run the speed events all afternoon and come back to that arena for the saturday night jackpot roping. then because mom held it all together for everybody on saturday----that same mare took her for a quiet trail ride after sunday dinner. just another average 6 yr old quarter horse mare doing what she was considered the horse for----and alot of it she just learned on the way!!!!