A Step Back - Leadership

I’ve written and talked many times about the importance of backing a horse. Now I have a series of five short online videos that get into the why and how. Here’s the first one: Backing and Leadership. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Who is this Guy?

I have many fond memories of my sixteen days at the 2011 World Equestrian Games, and getting to know Aussie superstar, Guy McLean, is one of the fondest. Guy was a late addition to the schedule at the Clinicians’ Corral, where I was hosting, and his part-riding/part-liberty/part-comedy act left me with the overwhelming desire to scream, “Who is this guy?” Then I heard him recite some of his original bush poetry, the Australian equivalent of our cowboy poetry. It actually moved me to tears, and again I found myself blubbering, “Who IS this guy?” Well, it turns out that this newcomer to America is exactly what he appears to be – a world-class horseman, a sharp-witted entertainer, a thoughtful poet – and then some. That extra something could very well be Guy’s work ethic; his act incorporates not just one or two horses, but FOUR of them, all of which know their names and do things you simply don’t expect to see horses do upon command. If that sounds a tad cryptic, good! I want you to watch the TV show. Enjoy, and remember. You saw him here first.

Michael Richardson Benefit

Yesterday I emceed the Michael Richardson Benefit in Fort Worth. It was a great example of why the horse industry is so special. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much information and inspiration packed into one day. And not a single person involved made a dime. Presenters included Tom and Trina Curtin, Allen Pogue, Pat Parelli with Lauren Barwick, Curt and Tammy Pate with Charlie Trayer and his cowdogs, Chris Cox, Lee Smith, Craig Cameron, and Buster McLaury. Peter Campbell shared the emceeing duties with me. More than 200 items were sold to the highest bidder in live and silent auctions. Some bids brought in thousands. Forecasts of snow kept the crowd small, but hearts were big and cash was flowing. I was proud to be part of it. Extra special thanks go to Bill and Susan Muncaster and countless volunteers for putting the event together.
About Michael: Confined to a wheelchair since a jeep accident in 1986, Michael is a talented horse trainer, clinician, and motivational speaker. Sadly, another accident recently did further damage and his recovery took a bizarre turn when a bite from a brown recluse spider went undetected, resulting in necrosis. Although now out of the hospital, Michael faces a long recovery and large medical bills.
Listen to my radio interview with Michael
Benefit Facebook Page
Michael's web site