Cowboy Dressage. Jessica Black

      FOREWORD

       In my lifetime I have ridden horses of every conceivable breed and of many different disciplines. However, I have never been on the back of a horse trained in classical dressage. Yet, I know and understand the discipline. I have visited some of the finest dressage schools in the world. I sat at the warm-up ring during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, California. My clientele included many respected dressage masters, including a half-dozen from Europe. I understand the anatomy, the movement, and the horse’s temperament that make a good dressage prospect.

      Consequently, a lot of my practice experience was at dressage stables. I was frequently asked to do pre-purchase exams for potential dressage prospects, sometimes several in a single day. I developed great respect for the sport of dressage and the skill involved. I also became silently critical of some aspects.

      Years ago, an unknown party sent me the video Dances with Cows by Eitan Beth-Halachmy. I had never heard of him, but I was overwhelmed by what I saw: sophisticated horsemanship with draped reins, relaxed lightness, gentleness, and above all, a happy and willing horse. My reactions were: 1) I knew it could be done. 2) I must get to know this man. 3) I hope this becomes popular.

      All three of the above have been achieved. I am especially pleased that Eitan, belatedly, has achieved well deserved recognition. And, I am very happy that the discipline of Cowboy Dressage, his creation, is growing so rapidly in popularity.

      It emphasizes kindness and gentleness, not mastery. It discourages excessive drilling and rigidity. Its aim is a mutually satisfying partnership between human and horse. It is a moderate discipline, not extreme in its goals.

      Importantly, as a veterinarian, I see a competitive event that is not damaging to the horse, mentally or physically. Having spent a lifetime seeing the damage, often irreversible, that so many horses suffer in more traumatic disciplines, it is gratifying to see Cowboy Dressage, which benefits the horse mentally and physically, yet gives the rider the opportunity to compete in a complex and challenging event.

      Moreover, older and less athletic riders can effectively compete in Cowboy Dressage. My wife, Debby, for example, in her eighties, has won in Cowboy Dressage shows.

      So, I enthusiastically support the sport of Cowboy Dressage. I know that it will contribute greatly to Western horsemanship with its already long history, originating in North Africa and then spreading over the centuries to Iberia and, eventually, to the Americas. This book, written about and with the man who created Cowboy Dressage, should help.

      Dr. Robert Miller

      Thousand Oaks, California