Cowboy Dressage: Riding, Training, and Competing With Kindness As the Goal and Guiding Principle

The equestrian pursuit known as Cowboy Dressage melds the best of Western riding traditions and classical dressage in the pursuit of a harmonious relationship with a horse. Intended to be accessible to all, Cowboy Dressage is open to all breeds and all levels of riders; there isn't a set frame for overall look, head carriage, or action.

Lifelong horsewoman Jessica Black traces the evolution of Cowboy Dressage back to its roots, sharing the story of Eitan and Debbie Beth-Halachmy and their phenomenal Morgan horses that have served as the movement's ambassadors. Black then expertly weaves Eitan Beth-Halachmy's experience and expertise into an engaging and articulate explanation of the philosophy of Cowboy Dressage; defines the expectations of the rider; describes what a participant needs in terms of equipment; and explores how the most important element--the horse--should be prepared. A wonderful and thorough section on groundwork, as well as specific training advice for achieving engagement, regulating the gaits, smoothing transitions, and balancing bend and straightness, get the reader started with a solid foundation. Specific descriptions of the Cowboy Dressage tests are provided, with additional tools for those interested in competition, including rules, divisions, and how to execute and judge tests.

Jessica Black grew up riding and showing Morgan horses. She was introduced to Spanish doma and rode pure Spanish-bred and Lusitano horses while studying in Spain. Later, she spent several years training, galloping, and racing Thoroughbreds and Arabians as an amateur in Spain, and galloped Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in Mexico and Panama. She earned an MA in Psychology from Humboldt State University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate at the University of Oklahoma. Her research is focused on the intersection of narrative and morality.

Eitan and Debbie Beth-Halachmy founded Cowboy Dressage and have devoted their lives, their Morgan horses, and their Wolf Creek Ranch in Grass Valley, California, to spreading the movement’s ideals of lightness and kindness as reward in training.

Photographer Lesley Deutsch is a lifelong horseperson. She operates Blue Mountain Farm, just a few miles from Wolf Creek Ranch.

Robert M. Miller is a world-renowned veterinarian, animal behaviorist, author, and lecturer. Since 1965, he’s been a much sought-after speaker at universities and veterinary and horsemen’s groups on various aspects of veterinary science and horsemanship. His lectures and seminars have been presented all over America, Europe, Australia, and Africa. He’s also appeared as an expert witness in many court cases. His other books include Health Problems of the Horse, Revised Health Problems of the Horse, and Most of My Patients Are Animals, plus the video titles Influencing the Horse’s Mind and Imprint Training of the Foal. He lives in Thousand Oaks, California.