Introducing Cowboy Dressage

The California sun shines on our heads, warming the brisk morning air.  A cowgirl’s paradise spreads in front of us at Murieta Equestrian Center (http://murietaequestriancenter.com/).  Four indoor arenas and thirteen outdoor arenas spread across the landscape and we head to the largest barn to begin our day.  Entering the main indoor facility, we see the Cowboy Dressage court set up in the center, gleaming white rails, poles and markers set in a 20m x 60m rectangle.  Smaller than a standard dressage court to fit the movement and stride of a western horse, the Cowboy Dressage court is also distinguished by the use of brands along with traditional letters for markers.  Tomorrow the World Finals will take place here. (http://www.cowboysolutions.com/cowboyDressage.html)

We head outside to a second indoor arena where the clinic portion of the weekend is about to start.  Many people are introduced who have been instrumental in creating this new discipline and putting together the first ever Cowboy Dressage World Finals.  Participation in the show is about quadruple what was originally expected.  There are 505 entries and they will be using four arenas instead of one.   A special guest is introduced and we are excited to hear Dr. Robert Miller speak.  He is a well-known and much respected veterinarian who discovered and introduced the method of imprinting new foals.  Dr. Miller is an avid advocate for the mental and physical well-being of the horse and is supporting Cowboy Dressage as one of two disciplines that are not hard on the horse physically (the other discipline is trail).  We are excited by the way he describes Cowboy Dressage and its benefits to the horse and the future of the horse industry.

We are next introduced to Eitan Beth-Halachmy, the founder of Cowboy Dressage.   Known to his friends simply as “8”, Eitan was born in Israel and attended university in Vienna where he spent much time at the Spanish Riding School.  Coming to the United States and attending the University of California at Davis in veterinary medicine, he decided what he really wanted to do was train horses.  He has won several world and national titles in the horse show industry.  Cowboy Dressage is the realization of Eitan’s vision to combine the best of traditional western and classical horsemanship.   By blending both disciplines, the rider becomes more educated, patient and understanding, allowing the partnership between horse and rider to bloom.  Soft Feel is the guiding principle of Cowboy Dressage.  In Eitan’s words, Soft Feel represents the highest achievement between horse and rider. There are no short cuts on the road to its success.  It is a pure partnership built on trust and reward. Soft Feel is accomplished when full use of the rider’s correct aids have maintained the horse in balance, cadence and carriage. When a horse is taught to “balance himself” and not rely on the riders hands to hold him in frame, “lightness” occurs. 

Eitan states, “For me, Soft Feel represents my own journey in horsemanship. It is what I wish to accomplish with each horse I train. The principles of dressage are the foundation of Soft Feel. The western is the freedom to ride it.”

Finally, we have some demonstrations of Cowboy Dressage tests.  There are tests for all levels of horses and riders.  Some tests are walk, trot only; others are ground tests.  Some are advanced with obstacles.  The riders have a specific test assigned and a caller to lead them through the various movements. Since Soft Feel is the mission of Cowboy Dressage, tests are scored with emphases on lightness, harmony, finesse, and partnership as a priority.  Timing and use of release, relaxation, preparation and execution are the basic fundamentals of Soft Feel.  Balance, cadence, carriage, control and performance are additional areas the horse and rider are judged and scored. After each test is ridden the clinicians make remarks on what went well and what could be improved.  Eitan’s remarks are insightful, positive and in our opinion, very accurate and helpful.  We are so excited to see the Cowboy Dressage mission and vision in action!

Afterward, we join in an informal gathering to get to know other Cowboy Dressage enthusiasts.  Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.   We have photos taken with Eitan and Dr. Miller.  Eitan encourages us to begin a Cowboy Dressage of Idaho and almost immediately we have a Facebook page for our state!  How exciting to be a part of this grass roots organization!  We are grateful for the support and encouragement of our new friends. (like us at www.facebook.com/CowboyDressageofIdaho)

Back at the hotel we can’t stop talking about how Cowboy Dressage is a perfect match for MM Training.  The vision and mission is completely in-line with our principles.  The horse’s well-being is set above all else and Cowboy Dressage does not discriminate against any discipline or breed of horse.  Connection and harmony is valued and rewarded, and ground training is encouraged.   Cowboy Dressage is judged to an objective standard rather than a subjective opinion and you compete against yourself.  Every rider is given remarks on their score card so they know what they did well and where they can improve.  There are opportunities for every level of horse and rider and you do not need fancy equipment, clothes or a particular breed of horse to participate successfully.  In short, Cowboy Dressage “fits”; it fits our lifestyle, our beliefs, our roots and traditions, and our principles.  Cowboy Dressage feels like coming home. 

We will begin integrating Cowboy Dressage into our barn immediately.  Stay tuned to hear more about this discipline and where we are heading next!  To learn more about Cowboy Dressage please visit this site www.cowboydressage.com and watch this YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6P9VEEHE1c