Mustang Makeover meets Cowboy’s Pride Horse Rescue equals Rescued Horse Makeover - Horsemanship Challenge.
Ten of the top trainers from Oklahoma have teamed up with Cowboy’s Pride to bring you what is sure to be one of the most exciting events of 2010!

They have each agreed to take one unbroken rescued horse and put 100 days of training into it! THEN, they are going to show off their horse in two upcoming events! We are very excited to get this competition underway and see how these horses turn out!
The first part of this challenge will be held during our Competitive Trail Ride at Prague Lake on July 10th.
The finale will be held at the Meeker Round Up Club on July 11th during an open play day. The trainers will perform freestyle runs showing off their training skills and their horses’ talent and progress while a panel of judges decides the winner!
Everyone is invited to come out and participate in both the trail challenge and the play day, or, if you don’t want to compete, at least come on out and cheer for your favorite horse/trainer! Everyone is welcome. There will be a small fee for the play day events to help raise money for our horse rescue!
Let me introduce you to these great trainers who are volunteering their time and their talents to help the rescued horses here at Cowboy’s Pride.

Please consider using one of these trainers for your own training needs or adopting one of the wonderful horses they are working with. All of the horses competing in the challenge will be adoptable at the conclusion of the competition.

(Trainers listed in alphabetical order)

Josh Bright - 22 years old with 7 years training experience, living in Meeker with his fiancé’ Brooke and their adorable son, Cooper. Josh specializes in young horses that have not been started. He trains with a soft hand and believes ground work is essential. He spends a lot of time training in the round pen focusing on lunging, flexing, yielding and engaging the hindquarters. He gained experience training barrel and roping horses from some of the ranches he has worked on. For your training needs, email brighthorseco@yahoo.com or call (405) 501-4970
***UPDATE*** 4/3/2010
Josh chose Flint as his horse for the training challenge. Flint is a cute grey gelding with a sweet temperament.
***UPDATE*** 4/6/2010
Josh is moving along quite well with Flint, they seem to be a great team! Josh says Flint has a very quiet, willing attitude and that he picks up on everything quickly. Flint’s first ride was today!!! Looks like he’s coming right along!
***UPDATE***
Due to an increasingly hectic work schedule, Josh was forced to resign from the competition. We picked Flint up and were impressed with the change he made while with Josh both in appearance and training. Although they didn’t get to spend a lot of time working together, Flint made a lot of progress in the short amount of time.

Maria Cammack - I am 21 years old and grew up in Lincoln, NE. I transferred from the University of Nebraska Lincoln to OU last fall to be able to continue going to school while working with Dr. Joe Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital in Washington, OK. I grew up working with and riding horses, started when I was eight riding dressage and quickly found a passion for the western discipline. I made money through high school and college by riding horses and giving lessons. I was on the UNL horse judging team and was Vice President of the UNL equestrian team for two years I attended UNL. I am currently Zoology major at the University of Oklahoma and will apply to veterinary school this fall.
***UPDATE*** 4/3/2010
Maria picked Yogi for her partner. He is such a cute little guy and what a great personality. They make a good team and I think they’ll do well together!
***UPDATE***
Shortly after posting the first updates from the trainers, Maria called and withdrew herself from the competition. She returned Yogi and he is now available for adoption.

Daryl Householder - More info to come.
***UPDATE*** 4/6/2010
Daryl chose Cheyenne to compete with. He liked her leadership in the herd and she responded very well to him and his training just in the few minutes he worked with her before loading her.
***UPDATE***
Daryl and Cheyenne seem to be working well together. He says she’s coming right along and has done everything he’s asked of her. If you’re looking for a well trained, flashy horse for a small adult or child with some experience, she should really be a great horse!

Sam Keith - My name is Sam Keith I am 19 years old (and probably the youngest) I graduated from meeker high school in may of 2010. I have been riding all my life. I have been riding horses professionally for about 6 years long before that I learned to ride and compete in several events. I have worked under several cutting trainers throughout my whole life. I have competed in ranch sorting and team penning since I could walk. Since that time I have made several accomplishments I was the RSNC national youth Team Sorting Champion in 2008. That same year I went on to place 4th and 10th in the world in ranch sorting, as well as 7th and 11th in Team Penning at the AQHA world show. I have started and finished several horses that have went to the world in both those events, one In which was 4th in the world in ranch sorting at last years AQHA world show which was the biggest number of entries in that class ever. I give riding lessons to people of all ages and love to work with children as it gives them huge enjoyment to be able to go from no knowing anything about horses to riding like a pro. My only job through junior high and high school was starting and finishing colts which I might add was not under a trainer but for my own business. I live in Jacktown about 4 miles west of Meeker and would be happy to show anyone around the place who is considering sending me a horse for training. My cell phone number is 405-808-3908.
***UPDATE*** 4/3/2010
Sam had first pick of the horses and chose Blondie as his mount for the competition.
***UPDATE*** 4/12/2010
Sam says Blondie is coming along very nicely and is nice to work with. He has been on her a few times and things are progressing well.
***UPDATE***
Right after making the first updates from all the trainers, Sam dropped out of the competition. Withouth going into much detail, when we picked Blondie up 28 days after Sam had picked her up, we were suprised to say the least. Be sure to take a look at the pictures taken days before Sam picked her up and the ones taken the night we brought her home. For more details, feel free to contact us directly.

David “Tony” James - Tony has been training for a little over 2 years. He left his home town of Stroud for college at the Friends University in Wichita, KS for criminal justice where he also played football and ran track. He is now located in Oklahoma City where he trains and has 2 horses of his own. He loves training horse for kids and feels it is important for children to have the opportunity to have a safe horse to bond with. He also specializes in quiet trail horses and is currently training a horse for barrels. He trains with a persistent, quiet and gentle hand. For more info about him or if you would like to speak with him about your horse training needs, please call him at: (405) 408-1837.
***UPDATE*** 4/12/2010
Tony will be competing with Zip, a nice looking paint gelding who is gentle and smart but has a problem with kicking. Tony will be working extra hard on this vice.
***UPDATE*** 4/15/2010
Tony says Zip is already getting better about not kicking and is now even letting him handle his hooves for a short time before becoming uncomfortable and trying to kick. Other than the kicking, he is progressing quite well and has already been saddled although Tony is going to focus more on ground work for a while longer before attempting the first ride.
***UPDATE***
Tony and Zip’s relationship is full of ups and downs. Zip is coming along great in most areas and is really turning into a nice quiet horse. There are a few walls they still need to break through together but Tony is dedicated to Zip and is really putting in a lot of time and effort to turn Zip into the best horse he can be! They go on many trail rides and quiet rides down the road together and Zip is not a jumpy or spooky horse. Tony says he stays calm and laid back and seems to really enjoy seeing the new scenery.

Scha Miller - Hi there. My name is Scha (shay) Miller. I’ve been around horses almost my whole life. I’m not a “professional” trainer, but, I’ve trained almost every horse that I have owned, several for my children and even for a few friends. I’ve had a few rescue horses, several OTT, and many young green colts. I ride western. I don’t “show”, other than barrel racing. My daughter and I have been involved with barrel racing for several years. I trained all of ours for barrels and all the other play day events. I love competition that is fun and not out for blood. My horses all have 1000’s of trail miles put them. I want a horse that is fully rounded in everything. Not just an arena horse or just a trail horse. I make sure that to the best of my ability nothing is going to spook my horses (this means I have kids, dogs, cats, go carts, lawn mowers and tillers always running some where! ha-ha). I work with my horses using mostly Clinton Anderson’s methods. I’ve found his methods fit my style and the kinds of horses that I want to own and would like to train. I also do some ridding lessons. I believe kids need a chance to experience horses and horse care, so I provide this to several kids. I am in the small town of Healdton Oklahoma, (west of Ardmore, south of OKC) If you would like to know more about me, or my family, there is a lot of info on my “MySpace” page. Here is the link, myspace.com/schamiller88 There are lots of pictures of some of my horses and my family, feel free to check it out and add me! I’d love to hear from you!
***UPDATE*** 4/3/2010
Scha picked Rayne, a big beautiful black TW mare to work with for the competition. Rayne’s a pretty particular horse but she seemed to work well with Scha. I think they’ll get along pretty well together!
***UPDATE*** 4/15/2010
Scha says Rayne is really coming along nicely, she’s done everything Scha’s asked of her so far and Scha commented on just how smart Rayne is. She’s been doing a lot of ground work and has saddled Rayne a few times so far.
***UPDATE***
We were very happy to see Rayne and Scha at our last competitive trail ride in May! I think everyone was impressed with the work Scha has done with Rayne, even with her having to take time off from their training due to a family emergency. Rayne rode down the trail like a veteran trail horse and even did most of the obstacles! She wasn’t scared at all by our “bag of cans” which even some of the brokest ‘ole horses think is a horse eater! If you’re looking to adopt a beautiful, big, BLACK trail mare, look no further! Scha has done a great job with her and I’m sure Rayne will make someone a very happy trail partner!

Donna Rae Mize - Breeds, raises and trains barrel horses. She has been riding all her life & grew up with it. She lives near Wilson, OK. She can also train horses for western pleasure, pole bending, and trail. For more information about her and her horses or training call her at 580-504-7442.
***UPDATE*** 4/3/2010
Donna Rae picked Sis to be her partner for the competition. I think Sis picked Donna Rae before Donna Rae picked her!! They should make a great team!
***UPDATE*** 4/15/2010
Donna Rae and Sis have been working very well together. Sis just loves all the attention she’s getting and has been very good with everything Donna Rae has asked of her. Donna Rae saddled her and got on for the first time today and things went very smoothly!
***UPDATE***
Donna Rae and Sis also joined us at our May trail ride and let me just say “wow, what a difference!” both physically and mentally. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more well groomed horse at a trail ride (or anywhere for that matter)! She was stunning! Sis rode great, went down the trail like a pro and really showed off all the great work Donna Rae has put into her.
Donna Rae has also taken her to a few playdays and is putting a great start on her for barrels. Sis keeps blowing away her own times every time they run and is really speeding up nicely. If you’re looking for a FLASHY black and white, blue eyed, paint mare that rides quiet, has a sweet temperment and a wonderful start - here she is!

Scott Skinner - After growing up in Texas and Oklahoma, Scott graduated from college in Kansas. He began starting colts and training ranch horses in the 1990s. At that time, his focus was primarily on Ranch Horse competitions. In 2001 he was introduced to the world of cutting horses and took advantage of the opportunity to apprentice with Bobby Ingersoll, considered by some to be one of the greatest horsemen in the world. That is when Scott found his passion for training cutting horses. Now, with a lifetime earnings in equitation competition of just over $200,000, Scott currently trains out of Skinner Training Stables, Home of SS Cutting Horses, where he trains cutters, starts colts, work with problem horses and offers lessons and boarding.
***UPDATE*** 4/6/2010
Scott and Chip will be working together to try to win the competition. Chip is a very cute paint gelding who has had very little handling but seems to have a gentle willing disposition.
***UPDATE*** 4/12/2010
Scott sent pics of him working with Chip - very impressive, they’ve come a long way already! I’ll get the pics posted ASAP, but for now, here’s what Scott has to say about working with Chip -
“The first week that Chip was here, he was rather skittish and flighty. He has been ground worked daily and is currently working under saddle. His demeanor has changed a lot and he is very gentle and easy to be around. He has taken to anything and everything we’ve worked on very quietly and without any problems. He takes a bit like a champ, ground ties to saddle and is very light and responsive in the mouth. In summary, this little gelding has been a pleasure to start, and I’m very excited and anxious to see him advance in the next several weeks.” - Thanks for the wonderful update Scott!
***UPDATE***
Scott and Chip are still doing wonderfully together! Scott loves Chip and I think it’s safe to say, Chip loves Scott! Scott has built an obstacle playground for Chip and Chip loves practicing. These two are sure to make a great performance at the finale that you won’t want to miss! For more updates on Scott and Chip’s journey together, visit Scott’s website at www.skinnertrainingstables.com They have some great pics of Chip!

TJ Smith - More info to come.
***UPDATE*** 4/3/2010
TJ has teamed up with Velvet, a very cute well made 2y/o filly.
***UPDATE*** 4/12/2010
TJ called to say Velvet is coming along very nicely in the round pen and that he keeps getting compliments on her from other clients! (And some people say rescued horses are inferior! She fits right in with the high dollar horses in his barn!)

Jeff Storms - Jeffery Storms with Storms Performances Horses has over thirty years in the equine and bovine industry. With being raised under the tutelage of his father AQHA Judge Dennis Storms, it has given him a well rounded style of humane training.
He has trained for some of the most prestigious ranches in the country including: Pitzer Ranch (Nebraska), KIS Land and Cattle (Wyoming), Bingham Quarter Horses (Illinois), and Bobby Lewis Quarter Horses (Oklahoma).
Jeff has accomplished making several champion horses with both the AQHA and the APHA and is very successful with his rope horses. There is always time for the 4-H kids and their horses. For more info - 580-302-1961 or email jcstorms@sbcglobal.net
***UPDATE*** 4/3/2010
Jeff will be working with Ranger, a very cute and flashy black gelding with 4 white socks. Ranger really responded to Jeff while he was picking and I think they’ll make a great team!
***UPDATE*** 4/6/2010
Ranger had his first ride today! Jeff says he’s doing great and coming along nicely although I hear Ranger put on quite the show after being saddled for the first time! After his first ride, he got what I am sure was also his first bath and he loved it! I’ll post the pics they sent ASAP!

We truly appreciate these trainers for their generosity and can’t wait to see the horses when they come back!
Remember- the horses will be adoptable, if you’re interested in one of them, you can get pre-approved now!
Also, come out to the trail challenge, participate in the challenge or just ride for pleasure, then join us Sunday for the challenge results and come compete in the payday!

Payday events will include:
Barrels, Poles, Flags, Stakes, Rescue Race, Keyhole Race and we’ll have a Princess Pageant so bring the kids!!! We’ll probably have a few other events as well such as an obstacle race, etc.
All proceeds help horses in need!

Donations towards and sponsorships are greatly needed for this event!! If you have items that could be used for prizes or work for a company you think would be willing to become a sponsor, let us know!!!
Keep checking back for updates! Pick your favorite horse/trainer team and come cheer them on!
For more info, please call (405) 426-0110
We’ll have more info in our April Newsletter, if you haven’t already subscribed, please send an email to horserescue07@gmail.com to be added!

Check back for more updates on or upcoming rides!

We have Competitive Trail Rides monthly and will try to offer another training/practice session every few months. We’re also going to try to have a clinic to help anyone with working with their horse on obstacles.

Here’s a list of our planned events - dates/locations are subject to change though, so please call (405) 426-0550 or email if you’re interested in coming! Check back often for new events! I’m sure we’ll be adding to this list throughout the year!

We will also need 5 - 10 volunteers for each event. Wether you have a horse or are just interested in helping us raise money for the rescued horses here, we’d love to meet you and can definately use your help!

Feb. 20th - Trail Challenge, Dinner & Campfire - Location: Prague Lake - Prague, OK
Details: Ride a beautiful and extremely well maintained (apx) 6 mile trail with 6 - 8 challenging, judged, obstacles along the way. RV hook-ups available if you’d like to spend the night. We’ll plan to ride out around 1pm and after our friendly competition, head back to camp for a great dinner and campfire. Check in will begin at noon. Please pre-register to reserve your spot and your food! If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we WILL reschedule for the 3rd Sat. in March. If the weather is iffy - please call or email ahead of time to make sure we aren’t re-scheduling for weather. 50% Payback pays 1-3rd place and prizes for the top 5 competitors! (Volunteer judges also needed!)
Fees: Competitor - $45 Youth - $30 Pleasure - $25 Dinner & Campfire w/ marshmallows - $8

March 27th - Competitive Trail Ride & Poker Run with a Practice/Training Session in the morning! - Prague Lake
9am-12pm We’ll have many of the obstacles we use throughout the year set up for you to practice in the campground area. Fee for practice is $10. There will be judges to help you out or answer any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity for those of you who haven’t come to a ride before or aren’t familiar with obstacles/competitive trail rides.
1pm the Trail Competition will begin. Apx. 6 miles of beautiful well maintained trails. 6-8 obsatcles for you and your horse to try! As always, CASH & Prizes will be awarded to our top competitors but you can also chose to ride for pleasure! Pleasure: $25, Youth:$35, Competitor: $45. All proceeds from this ride help the rescued horses in our care! Donations of prizes also needed! Volunteer judges always welcome! For more info or t sign up, please call (405) 426-0110.

Check back for more updates on or upcoming rides!

Halloween Competitive Trail Ride – come join us for a day of fun & prizes, and more importantly to raise money for our local Horse Rescue! There will be 6 judged obstacles where you and your horse compete to win cash or great prizes!

First place is $100+ cash
Ribbons & Prizes 1st – 5th places!

There will also be an exciting POKER RUN with prizes awarded for best hand!
Prize awarded for best costume for horse & rider!
Breakfast & Lunch available

Fees:
$45.00 Competitive Riders $25.00 Pleasure Riders
Poker Run - $10 for first hand, $5 for additional hands Meals $6 each or $10.00 for both!
Everyone welcome and all proceeds go to charity!

To register please call
(405) 426-0110 or (405) 210-6226
or email horserescue07@gmail.com

Sign ups on day of the ride welcome but please try to pre-register by Oct. 20th!
Call before you haul! Ride could be cancelled due to weather.
Hope to see you there!