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MM Training and Consulting 2011 Versatility Buckle Award winner Joe Harrison and his horse, Carson.Joe Harrison is a great example of how an “occasional” horseman can develop into a champion. As a kid growing up in Walla Walla, Washington, Joe had very little supervision when working with horses, and no training. He admits that most of his experiences ended awkwardly for both him and the horse. Despite these setbacks, Joe’s inner desire to connect with and love animals survived.
After he grew up and moved to Endicott, Washington, Joe continued to ride horses occasionally, mostly on pack trips and trail rides. As fate would have it, he eventually met and married Marcia, who has trained horses professionally since the age of 13. At that point, his love and respect for horses was rekindled, and he began working on his horsemanship skills on one of Marcia’s horses, Tuff.
The journey to the show ring and winner’s circle wasn’t easy. Tuff required a very skilled horseman and was not a good match for Joe. As a result, Joe encountered some frustration and road blocks in his progress. Then he met Carson and became “star struck.”
“I thought Carson was the coolest horse I had ever met,” says Joe. “We worked very well together from the first ground clinic we attended. When we got the opportunity to buy him, I did what any self respecting man would do; I got on my knees and begged Marcia to let me have him!”
“After we set Joe up with a horse that was suitable in personality, Joe began to have success,” says Marcia.
Joe and Carson won the 2011 Versatility Buckle Award by competing in western equitation, trail and showmanship.
“To me, winning the buckle means that with a horse that is a good match for you, Marcia can teach anyone in the horse world to be successful,” says Joe. “I learned a lot by just being around all the people at the barn – clients, friends, the youth riders and family members – I give most of the credit to them.”
Learn more about the Versatility Buckle Award competition