YOUR COW HORSE (AFTA COW CLINIC?)

Your horse herding, cutting and penning?  "Not likely" you say.  You'd be surprised.  You know about the versatility of the fox trotter.  You've heard that the Versatility has become the most popular growing event at the annual Celebration.  Regional versatility events will bring these fun competitions to every part of the Country this year.  Here in Arizona, last March, 8 riders and a bunch of spectators (auditors) gathered at the Double D Ranch in Cave Creek on a weekend for a tutorial on cow work.  Fox Trotters that never saw a cow before lined up in Tyler Wiese's arena for a weekend of who knew what.  Nervous riders and curious horses waited for the introduction by Tyler, a Quarter Horse and Arab trainer with a National reputation and many championship ribbons to his credit.  Tyler is the trainer who took our stud Ranger to Missouri as a "Junior" horse two years ago and placed fourth in points in the National Versatility competition.  He grew up braking horses and punching cows in the North Country.  He is a quiet, patient young man with a passion for horses and cows.  But don't get the idea that he is a cowboy.  Tyler and his dad Tim have been raising cattle on extensive ranch lands like their forebears did for several generations.  But Tyler is an FAA flying instructor.  When he finished his introduction in the cutting pen, the first of the riders was called up.  Tyler pressed a button on his remote control, the gate opened and the first calf loped into the arena.  He was right there coaching the rider.  With his quiet encouragement and consistent support each rider settled into a pattern with the horse sticking to the calf s hip.  We had the idea that cow work was a frantic chase at a gallop.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We were encouraged to follow gently at a walk.  It was amazing how our horses took to the task.  Once each horse came to the realization that the calves tended to flee, the light bulb seemed to come on and the game began.  The entire group agreed that it was great, great fun.  The way Tyler introduced us to cow work there was no embarrassment, no spooking, no scary conditions.

Now he is going to do it again.  Call me, Sam Pallin, at (602) 321-7056, or email to whitedogranch2@earthlink.net to reserve a place at the next cow clinic by Tyler Wiese.  It will be at his Camp Verde Ranch on May 11 and 12.  As a part of the weekend's festivities there will be a trail ride on Sunday.  Tyler will be hauling 25 calves up from Cave Creek.  The cost for participating in the cow clinic for riders will be $150.  That covers his cost.  There will be a limit of 10 riders.  Any number of observer/auditors are welcome at $20 each.  Check the AFTA web site for directions, or read the May Newsletter.  Don't be shy.  There will be nothing scary happening, just fun, fun, fun.