Shane Dowdy has developed a unique training program over the years that have developed numerous World and Congress Champions.  If one was to randomly stop by during a training session some may think they were at the wrong place.  They walk up to the arena and see a horse working cattle, your initial thought is “where is Shane”…  You soon find out this is just part of Shane’s program training some of the top Western Pleasure horses in the industry. 

 

So why would a Western Pleasure Trainer be working cattle?  Shane doesn’t just want to develop a solid pleasure horse he wants a solid riding horse.  Shane goes through these same training routines with all of his horses.  He wants his horses to relax and respond to his hands and legs.  Talking to Shane you will hear him emphasize the importance of steering.  For Shane how quickly and effortlessly a horse responds to his cues is based on the overall balance of the horse.  A horse that isn’t balance cannot work a cow properly.  They will be slow in responding and cannot keep up with the cow.  While working cattle Shane works on supplying the horse’s shoulders and rib cage.  This corresponds directly with a horse that can be heavy of their front end, which can have a less desirable gait as a pleasure horse.

 

Shane takes the time to work with each horse individually and develop a program that suits them.  Each day is different for each horse which has proven to work over and over.  Take the time to listen to Shane explain his theory on horses and you will soon see there is more than you can capture in just one conversation.