Eclectic Horseman Communications, Inc https://eclectic-horseman.com Just What Works! The magazine for serious horse trainers and owners of every level and discipline who want to establish trusting relationships with these magnificent working animals. Subscribe today for the latest techniques, relevant information, educational books and videos, plus interviews from the most qualified horseman and horsewomen in the equestrian world. Fri, 08 May 2026 16:03:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://eclectic-horseman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-favo-1-32x32.png Eclectic Horseman https://eclectic-horseman.com 32 32 Eclectic Conversation with Lee Smith and Tom & Trina Curtin https://eclectic-horseman.com/eclectic-conversation-with-lee-smith-and-tom-trina-curtin/ Fri, 08 May 2026 15:46:14 +0000 https://eclectic-horseman.com/?p=69583 Read more

]]> A Community of Horsemanship: Celebrating the Second Annual Ray Days

Visit site to get tickets

Following the success of last year’s inaugural gathering, Ray Days is returning this fall to celebrate the legacy of Ray Hunt and the community he inspired. The event will take place on October 23rd and 24th, 2026, at the beautiful Harmony Hills Ranch in Estancia, New Mexico, hosted by Lee Smith and Mark and Trina Curtin.

Last year’s event was described as “old home week”—a reunion of friends, family, and horsemen from across the country who gathered to share stories, memorabilia, and a deep-seated passion for the California Vaquero style of horsemanship. Building on that foundation, the 2026 event promises to be even more immersive.

What to Expect: Learning and Legacy

The vision for Ray Days extends beyond a simple meeting; it is the cornerstone of a new foundation dedicated to preserving this style of horsemanship and mentoring the next generation. This year, the event introduces hands-on educational opportunities:

  • Colt Starting with Tom Curtin: Beginning Friday morning, Tom will lead a focused colt starting session. This class is limited to 6 colts to ensure a high-quality, intimate learning environment.
  • Horsemanship & Trail Preparation with Lee Smith: Lee will host a horsemanship class designed to prepare riders for the open trail. The session will cover essential skills, including arena drills, obstacle work, and trail etiquette.
  • The Signature Trail Ride: On Saturday afternoon, participants will head out to experience the stunning New Mexico landscape on horseback. To maintain safety and a quality experience, this ride is limited to 20 riders.

Atmosphere and Artistry

Ray Days is as much about the community as it is about the horses. Attendees can look forward to:

  • The Campfire Tradition: Evenings will feature a Friday night potluck, a chuck wagon dinner, and live music.
  • Craftsmanship: The event will showcase specialty artists and gear makers. These hand-picked craftsmen—ranging from bit makers to silver smiths—specialize in traditional horsemanship goods, often donating unique pieces to help support the foundation’s future.

Join the Gathering

Because of the intimate nature of the ranch and the focus on quality instruction, both the colt starting and horsemanship sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is available on-site for those who want to stay under the New Mexico stars.

“This style of horsemanship has become a community,” says Tom Curtin. “We need to keep the community involved, keeping it going and growing.”

For more information on registration, scheduling, and camping accommodations, please visit the official website or follow the event updates on Facebook and Instagram.

]]> <link>https://eclectic-horseman.com/69586-2/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Eclectic Horseman]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:59:20 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Eclectic Conversations]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://eclectic-horseman.com/?p=69586</guid> <description><![CDATA[Interview Synopsis: The Inaugural Ray Days Event “We give our life to do it, and we’re at the thought that it would continue, that people could benefit from their association together, and that there’s a ... <p class="read-more-container"><a title="" class="read-more button" href="https://eclectic-horseman.com/69586-2/#more-69586" aria-label="Read more about ">Read more</a></p>]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Interview Synopsis: The Inaugural Ray Days Event</h2> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We give our life to do it, and we’re at the thought that it would continue, that people could benefit from their association together, and that there’s a pathway for people to learn more.” — <strong>Lee Smith</strong></p> </blockquote> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This interview features <strong>Emily Kitching</strong> in conversation with <strong>Lee Smith</strong> and <strong>Tom and Trina Curtin</strong> as they reflect on the inaugural <strong>Ray Days</strong> event and discuss the vision for its future. The discussion highlights a deep commitment to preserving a specific legacy of horsemanship and fostering a supportive community.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-vimeo wp-block-embed-vimeo wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe title="Eclectic Conversations - Ray Days Recap" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1189502021?dnt=1&app_id=122963" width="840" height="473" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe> </div></figure> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Core Purpose and the New Foundation</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The inaugural event served as a critical “meeting of the minds” to establish a formal direction for the future. A primary outcome was the collective desire to build a <strong>foundation</strong> dedicated to:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Supporting the future of this specific style of horsemanship.</li> <li>Providing educational opportunities for those who did not have the chance to study directly with Ray.</li> <li>Mentoring the youth to ensure these traditions continue through future generations.</li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Highlights of the Inaugural Event</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The speakers described the first gathering as a deeply emotional and atmospheric weekend characterized by:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Community and Connection:</strong> Attendees traveled from across the United States, creating an environment that felt like “friends and family.”</li> <li><strong>Shared Memories:</strong> The event centered on reminiscing and sharing personal stories about Ray’s impact, complemented by a display of meaningful memorabilia.</li> <li><strong>Collaborative Visioning:</strong> Emily Kitching noted that a standout moment was the open discussion where attendees shared their own visions for the organization, making the project feel like a “team effort.”</li> </ul> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h3> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">With the first annual meeting successfully accomplishing its goal of setting a foundation, the group is now looking toward the <strong>second annual event</strong>.</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Growth:</strong> The organizers intend to evolve the gathering from a business-style meeting into a larger, more comprehensive event.</li> <li><strong>Accessibility:</strong> Trina Curtin emphasized the importance of the venue’s accessibility and the commitment to keeping the community involved.</li> <li><strong>Media:</strong> Emily Kitching will be releasing edited video footage from the inaugural event, including the emotional stories shared by participants, to provide a “taste” of the experience for those planning to attend this fall.</li> </ul> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Get Tickets and Learn More: <a href="https://raydays.net">RayDays.net</a></h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Smoothing the Ride: A Conversation with Ivy Starnes https://eclectic-horseman.com/smoothing-the-ride-a-conversation-with-ivy-starnes/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:27:11 +0000 https://eclectic-horseman.com/?p=68997 Read more

]]> What happens when a horse is bred to glide but ends up feeling like a bumpy ride? In this insightful interview, host Emily Kitching sits down with Ivy Starnes of Ivy’s Glide Gate to demystify the world of gaited horses. Ivy isn’t your typical show-ring trainer; her mission is to help recreational trail riders, endurance competitors, and horse lovers—many of whom have switched to gaited breeds for a more comfortable experience—achieve that elusive, “puck-a-puck-a” rhythmic glide.

Ivy delves into the science behind the movement, explaining the role of the DMRT3 gene and how it allows for a more flexible spine. However, as she points out, genetics are only half the battle. From saddle fit and hoof pain to rider anxiety and muscle memory, Ivy explores why a gaited horse might lose its rhythm and how she uses softness, relaxation, and dressage techniques to bring it back.

A highlight of the discussion is Ivy’s personal journey—from volunteering for John Lyons at the Midwest Horse Fair as a teenager to now preparing for her own dream-come-true appearance as a clinician at the very same event. Whether you are a seasoned gaited horse owner or a “walk-trot-canter” rider curious about the other side of the spectrum, Ivy’s philosophy of training on a loose rein and prioritizing the horse’s mental well-being offers a fresh perspective on horsemanship.

Learn More:

Ivy’s Web site: https://ivyshorses.com

YouTube:    / @ivysmidwest  

Midwest Horse Fair: https://midwesthorsefair.com

]]> Eclectic Conversation: Meet Ty Evans The “Mule Guy” with a Mission https://eclectic-horseman.com/eclectic-conversation-meet-ty-evans-the-mule-guy-with-a-mission/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 05:10:38 +0000 https://eclectic-horseman.com/?p=68884 Read more

]]> This interview features Emily Kitching of Eclectic Horseman and clinician Ty Evans discussing the upcoming Midwest Horse Fair. Ty, an experienced presenter returning for his fifth or sixth appearance, praises the event as a premier educational venue that “embodies” its mission of learning.

The conversation centers on the unique educational structure of large-scale expos. Ty explains that while his multi-day clinics offer deep immersion, expo sessions act as a “magnification” of specific subjects—such as “building a better backup” or “controlling the quarters.” He emphasizes teaching core principles through specific maneuvers, using the horse’s natural inclinations to “make the right thing easier.” Ty and Emily highlight the value of being an “ambassador for horsemanship.” They discuss how expos provide critical exposure for animals, building mental resilience in horses and mules through the busy, “people-y” environment. Ty encourages attendees to maintain an open mind, urging them to learn from disciplines outside their own—whether it is dressage, reigning, or barrel racing—to find “traits of the greats” they can apply to their own programs.

The interview concludes with a call for visitors to disconnect from distractions, bring a notebook, and fully immerse themselves in the diverse “melting pot” of knowledge available at the fair.

Learn more about Ty Evans: tsmules.com

Learn more about the Midwest Horse Fair: midwesthorsefair.com

]]> Eclectic Conversation with Chris Cox – “Teaching Over Training” https://eclectic-horseman.com/eclectic-conversation-with-chris-cox-teaching-over-training/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 21:50:22 +0000 https://eclectic-horseman.com/?p=68825 Read more

]]> When you’ve spent a lifetime in the saddle, the lines between life and horsemanship don’t just blur—they disappear. For Chris Cox, a household name in the clinic circuit and a fixture of the upcoming Midwest Horse Fair, the journey hasn’t just been about refining a lead change or winning a buckle. It’s been about a fundamental shift from telling horses what to do to asking for their opinion.

I recently sat down with Chris to talk about his return to the Midwest Horse Fair, his intense recovery from a ten-hour spinal surgery, and why he believes a learning struggle might just be a rider’s greatest gift.


Learn more about Chris Cox: https://www.chris-cox.com
Learn more about Lead Changes: https://www.leadchanges.org
Learn more about the Midwest Horse Fair: https://midwesthorsefair.com

]]> Eclectic Conversation with Heidi Herriott of Cirque Ma’Ceo https://eclectic-horseman.com/eclectic-conversation-heidi-herriott-of-cirque-maceo/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:36:32 +0000 https://eclectic-horseman.com/?p=68708 Read more

]]> Step into the world where high-level equestrianism meets the thrill of the big top. In this interview, Emily Kitching sits down with Heidi Herriott of Cirque Ma’Ceo to pull back the curtain on one of the most unique touring shows in the world. Described as an intimate, theatrical experience under the big top, Cirque Ma’Ceo blends the artistry of human performers with the raw power and elegance of fifteen horses, representing an extraordinary array of breeds.

Heidi, a third-generation specialty horse trainer, shares the fascinating history of her involvement with the show’s founder, Olissio Zoppe. She provides an inside look at the rigorous 90-day training process required to transform a halter-broke horse into a seasoned performer. A highlight of the discussion is her work with the rare Akhal-Teke horses, Barron and Marshmallow, and the “90-day makeover” that prepared them for their stunning liberty act debut.

The conversation dives deep into the philosophy of performance training, where “manners” serve as the vital foundation for complex maneuvers. Heidi demystifies the world of the traveling stable, explaining how seven stallions can live in quiet harmony and why “High School” (Haute École) movements like the Spanish March and the Piaffe are essential to the show’s identity.

Whether you are a lifelong equestrian or a fan of the circus arts, this interview offers a profound look at the mutual trust and confidence required to perform under the lights. From the challenges of training young horses on the road to the upcoming clinics at the Midwest Horse Fair, Heidi’s insights reveal that while the show looks like magic, it is built on a lifetime of experience and a relentless dedication to the welfare and training of the horse.

Heidi will be appearing in the Cirque Ma’Ceo show as well as hosting clinics for liberty and trick training during the Midwest Horse Fair, look for her on the schedule!

Learn more: cirquemaceo.com

Buy Tickets!

Watch training videos from Heidi

Heidi Herriott’s HorseTrix TV series

See the horses: cirquemaceo.com

Midwest Horse Fair: midwesthorsefair.com

]]> Eclectic Conversation with Jake Harvath – Year of the Mustang https://eclectic-horseman.com/eclectic-conversation-with-jake-harvath-year-of-the-mustang/ Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:53:12 +0000 https://eclectic-horseman.com/?p=68643 Read more

]]> The wind in the Rocky Mountains doesn’t just blow; it bites, especially when it’s early December and you’re cresting a ridge on the back of a horse that has carried you across twenty-five different state lines. For Jake Harvath, December 5th, 2024, wasn’t just the end of a trip; it was the completion of a 6,000-mile conversation between a man and the wild soul of the American West.


Jake didn’t just ride across the country. He lived it, breathed it, and occasionally shivered through it alongside three Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Mustangs. His project, aptly named “The Year of the Mustang,” was a loop of epic proportions—an odyssey that began in the red dust of Utah, touched the salt air of the Atlantic, and circled back through the heart of America.

I sat down with Jake to discuss the logistics of such a feat, the lessons learned from the saddle, and why the Mustang is far more than a symbol of the past—it’s a working horse for the future.

Youtube: Year of the Mustang
Web site: yearofthemustang.com
Facebook: Year-of-the-Mustang
Midwest Horse Fair: midwesthorsefair.com

]]> From the Round Pen to the Digital Arena: A Conversation with Ryan Rose https://eclectic-horseman.com/from-the-round-pen-to-the-digital-arena-a-conversation-with-ryan-rose/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:40:04 +0000 https://eclectic-horseman.com/?p=67950 Read more

]]> In the world of horsemanship, there are trainers who can get a horse to perform, and then there are those who change the way we think about the performance itself. Ryan Rose falls firmly into the latter category. Once a traditional trainer focused on the grit of colt starting and foundation work, Ryan has successfully pivoted into the digital age, becoming a premier online creator and clinician who reaches thousands of riders through YouTube and Patreon.

In this insightful interview, Ryan sits down with Emily Kitching to discuss his upcoming appearance at the Midwest Horse Fair—a venue he’s attended since he was thirteen—and his high-stakes journey to Road to the Horse. But this isn’t just a talk about schedules and competitions; it’s a deep dive into the “soft skills” that define his philosophy.

Ryan’s core “selling point” is simple yet profound: Connection. He isn’t interested in mindless obedience or “making” a horse listen. Instead, he focuses on the “Zoom call” of horsemanship—a two-way conversation where the horse is a willing participant who understands the idea and puts in the effort. From his “doing less first” mantra to his belief that horse training is a mirror for personal growth, Ryan offers a perspective that is as practical as it is philosophical.

Whether you’re interested in Ranch Versatility, curious about the biomechanics perspectives shared by his wife, or looking for a way to bridge the gap between professional training and your own daily rides, this interview provides the roadmap. Ryan reminds us that while horse training is undeniably hard work, the goal is always a partner who is “sweet on the job.”

Learn more about the Midwest Horse Fair: midwesthorsefair.com

Learn more about Ryan Rose Horsemanship: rosehorsemanship.com

]]> Eclectic Conversation: Feeling What A Horse Needs with Tom Curtin https://eclectic-horseman.com/eclectic-conversation-feeling-what-a-horse-needs-with-tom-curtin/ Sat, 07 Feb 2026 18:20:24 +0000 https://eclectic-horseman.com/?p=68097 Read more

]]> In this interview, horseman Tom Curtin and photographer Emily Kitching discuss their collaborative book, Feeling What a Horse Needs, which distills decades of horsemanship clinics into a deeply visual guide. The core philosophy centers on the ability to anticipate a horse’s needs before the animal himself even realizes them, a skill Tom honed through decades of observation and mentorship under legends like Ray Hunt. Tom cautions against the “one-size-fits-all” training programs common in the industry, encouraging instead a flexible approach that prioritizes the individual horse’s psychological and physical needs. The book utilizes Emily’s high-detail photography to freeze specific moments in time, allowing Tom to provide a deep analysis of the subtle cues and decision-making processes involved in effective communication. Ultimately, the project serves as a testament to the importance of building a continuous foundation with horses while setting aside human ego to achieve truly rewarding results.

Buy the book

Learn more about Tom Curtin

Learn more about Ray Days

]]> Eclectic Conversation with Jennifer Truett https://eclectic-horseman.com/eclectic-conversation-with-jennifer-truett/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:07:00 +0000 https://eclectic-horseman.com/?p=68020 Read more

]]> Jennifer Truett, a highly sought-after USDF and FEI clinician and coach, offers a deep dive into her multifaceted life at Dancing Horse Farm in Lebanon, Ohio. Her journey is defined by a commitment to holistic training, a passion for community, and a diverse equestrian background that sets her apart in the dressage world.

Learn More at jennifertruett.com

Jennifer will be presenting at the 2026 Midwest Horse Fair, visit the web site to learn more.

]]>