A dozen cutting horse enthusiasts joined world-renowned horseman Tony Ernst for a weekend workshop at the Sahara Park Riding School last weekend. The riders and their horses came from across the state to refine their skills under Tony’s expert instruction. Tony is one the most sought after and highly respected horsemen in the world. He has developed a unique approach to horsemanship, based on respect, attitude, and breathing. “Horse whisperers are for Hollywood,” he said. “You’ve got to be a horse listener.”
Tony stressed that his approach isn’t just about helping horses, it’s about helping people. And he has helped a lot of people. Aside from cutting horse enthusiasts, Tony has delivered workshops for troubled students, and has also run corporate clinics to help executives enhance their leadership skills. It all comes down to earning respect. “You have to prove you’re someone worth following,” he said. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Tony believes that a lot of wisdom is found in adversity. Listening to his story, it becomes clear where his wisdom was forged. In his youth Tony was involved in an horrific accident and was confined to a wheelchair for three years until he taught himself to walk again. He credits his recovery to a positive attitude, his practice of Kung Fu,
and the power of breathing exercises. This formed the foundations for Tony’s unique horsemanship program, which he has branded Cowboy Logic. “The only thing you’ve really got control of in this world is your attitude,” he said.
By Raen Fraser
