Show stable, training stable, hobby stable, where do you fit in? Naturally some aspects of each always exist within them, but in general; there is a big difference. When it comes to my choice, it will always be a training stable.....I would like to think it's the middle fork of the highway, where hobby horses and show horses are discovered, developed and ultimately find their place. A place where discovery, both horse and human happen. I have always been an explorer, adventurer and thrill seeker. I never get enough when it comes to that.......and horses dish out plenty.

Whatever your goals are and whatever your talents are, if your into horses, they will tend to take you in the direction you want to go...well sometimes in the wrong direction, at the worst moment...but that also leads you to a new place, in your riding ability or maybe a resolution.."I'll never try that again"! Being blessed with the ability to ride and the opportunity to share with others has culminated in a very unique and awesome fellowship., a clique that is very inclusive. Outsiders of the equestrian world are somewhat bewildered by the commitment to our horses and often it's futile to address it.

If you are a show rider, I know there is a thrill, a queasy gut when you walk through the in gate of your class....It is the moment to shine or maybe eat dirt (or crow)! For the trail rider, parking your truck and trailer in some remote, far away place, you step out into the crisp air and you reach for the trailer door...it's a new adventure. For the beginning rider, as you pull into the farm, your heart is light and head high in the possibilities..... dreams are reality and you cannot wait to see the horses and be "in the barn"! If your a trainer, slipping that leg over the saddle for that first ride is never a dull moment, "are we going to be good or is all he** going to break loose!"... hopefully your ground work has laid the foundation for an easy start....but, there are no guarantees!

I can say,  I know all these well and being able to share it with many brings me to a fine place, with good people and good horses. My place, I call it a training barn, because what we do here is explore all those possibilities and develop each of our riders and horses.  I really love to bring them together, make a team. I have often had troubled horses and riders rediscover themselves and go on to fruition, or at least find peace in the relationship. I suppose there is no greater feeling for me as a trainer, than to bring along a young horse or "fix" that relationship between human and animal. I am always so happy the day I realize my horse and I understand each other or the day the troubled horse shows trust regained....That to me is worth it all. As a riding coach, it is nearly the same....as each student finds a new ability and as they "connect" with the horse, I am thrilled to see it in their faces. What a great thing to work with a horse and be a "partner" a "team".

After a time, some riders are off to the show barns, others find their way to the less stressful hobby barn, but each still has the opportunity to learn (which I hope they do) that there is always more for the horse to teach us. Where ever you start and ultimately end up, I wish you well on the journey, check your cinch, it's a long ride!  Clay Jackson