The Cowboy Dressage School of Horsemanship

By Jennifer C. Chisholm-Høibråten

Longstanding readers of Hästfocus will remember the pioneer of Cowboy Dressage, American-Israeli horse trainer Eitan Beth-Halachmy. For years he has thrilled audiences in America with his spellbinding performances to music on his exquisite Morgan and Saddlebred stallions. The unique combination of elegant high dressage movements and reining carried out in western equipment and feather light contact in a western curb bit has won Eitan admirers from all equestrian disciplines and invitations to appear at dozens of major horse events from coast to coast. He has also been invited to give clinics and demonstrations all over America, and also in such diverse equestrian nations as Brazil, Germany, Canada and Sweden. One of the pinnacles of Eitan’s career was the invitation to present a performance of Cowboy Dressage at the closing ceremonies of the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen. There on his Morgan stallion Santa Fe Renegade, Eitan served as a sort of “equestrian ambassador” for the United States, demonstrating a uniquely American riding style on a uniquely American breed of horse. Indeed, what more fitting way to set the stage for next time? For the next WEG will be held in 2010 in the United States at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Though Eitan semi-retired in 2008 and no longer accepts outside horses from the public for training, retirement for the Beth-Halachmys has not resulted in a slowdown and withdrawal from the American horse scene. On the contrary, the couple is as busy as ever! Far too active and creative a person to hang up his spurs, Eitan was never the horseman to spend his twilight years looking out from his living room window on fields of young colts from the ranch’s breeding program. He and his wife Debbie continue to train and show their own Morgan horses – Eitan’s beloved Santa Fe (his WEG horse) is siring some outstanding foals, some of which Eitan is looking forward to training and developing for the family to show. He continues to teach and share his horsemanship all across America and occasionally abroad. Eitan also continues to give public performances of Cowboy Dressage on Santa Fe Renegade and the equipage is still a favorite at major American horse expos from east coast to west coast and all points in between.

No, far from being a transition resulting in a slow down in their activities, retirement for the Beth Halachmys has been more a change of gears that allows the couple time to pursue other aspects of their equestrian interests, namely teaching, breeding and showing horses. It has also opened space in time for Eitan to further develop his longstanding interest in filmmaking, and in particular, the making of horse-related DVDs. For years, this had to take a back seat to his training and showing commitments. Now there is more time, and he has been working on a “labor of love” so to speak. The last two years he has been putting together a DVD on the bio-mechanics, foot falls and cadence of the horse … simplified. The new DVD is animated and easy to follow, with diagrams and animated examples. Eitan uses his own horses in making the films, and built their muscles and bones inside each one. Typical of Eitan’s work, this production is beautifully done and very entertaining while packing a huge educational wallop! Indeed, upon reviewing footage from the new film, famed equine behaviourist Robert M Miller DMV remarked that the DVD would be the new teaching standard in today’s highly competitive equine educational market.1

But by far the best consequence of Eitan’s “retirement” for the Cowboy Dressage enthusiast is the founding of the couple’s Cowboy Dressage School of Horsemanship (CDSOH) at their Wolf Creek Ranch in Grass Valley, California. The Beth-Halachmys established the school in response to the constant flow of requests they received from horsemen hungry for learning and in-depth training in Cowboy Dressage that went beyond the clinics. They run the school from January to May, during the brief quiet spell before the show season and clinic schedule start up again in earnest. The school opened for its first year of operation at Wolf Creek Farm in early 2008, and was fully booked from January 2009 in its second year too.

Mutual learning

The CDOH school was a completely new venture for the couple, and when they welcomed their first students to the ranch last year, they were both curious and eager to see how it would be received. So far, the experience has been a rewarding one, not only for the participants, but also for the trainer himself. Never one to rest on his laurels, Eitan considers the school not only a means of transferring his own experience and knowledge to others, but as a way to keep learning and developing as a horseman himself! Teaching is one of the most challenging endeavours a person can undertake, and it tries and tests every precept and the foundation one has established to the utmost. Furthermore, it is one of the best means by which horsemen can transfer knowledge between themselves, access new angles, share experiences and test new approaches as the teacher comes into contact with other horsemen who bring fresh eyes to the challenges of training, horsemanship and the goal of ever improving understanding with one’s horse. Through his students at the CDSOH and the Light Hands Horsemanship Clinic which the Beth-Halachmys have also been instrumental in organising and running2, Eitan is in constant contact with horse trainers and horse owners on a continual quest for knowledge and improvement.

Bringing the benefits of classical dressage to the recreational rider

The CDSOH is not intended as a place to start young horses. Nor is it a standard lesson program as in a riding school where people can learn to ride. It is for serious riders seeking to improve themselves and who desire a more quality experience with their horses and their riding. As one student put it, “it’s about a whole lot more than just getting from A to B!” Most of the riders who are attracted to the school and the concept of Cowboy Dressage are western or recreational riders who want to improve themselves and their horses without giving up their western horse and riding style. Most do not show; but for those that do, there is lots to learn that will give them that competitive edge. They are there because they recognize that dressage training can improve their riding, their horses, and also the physical physique of the horses in developing the right muscles in the right places. However, they want to ride in the gear they are comfortable in and intend to continue in, achieve higher responsiveness and finesse, yet in a way that preserves and maintains the spirit and utility of the western horse. Because Eitan is a western horseman well studied in classical dressage and the biomechanics of the horse, he can offer the western rider a dressage and classical foundation that compliments their western horse and as we all know, improve him. This creates a very comfortable “comfort zone” for the western rider or serious cowboy. Eitan is first and foremost a western horseman, but he is one who knows and utilizes his dressage and classical horsemanship. It is the combination of the two disciplines that define his horses and their look. Hence, Cowboy Dressage.

Debbie explains:

“We make it clear to people right away that this is not a colt starting school, though we certainly understand the eagerness of owners to build principles of lightness into their horses from the start. Nor are we a standard lesson program where we teach “heels down" and how to ride. It is for those that have a serious desire to learn and go beyond "what will get you by” or is easy. It seems that there are many non-dressage riders who want to learn better horsemanship in the non-dressage disciplines they like to ride in by using dressage basics and principles. Western horses for example. People are reluctant to approach dressage barns for help in that they do not want to give up their western type horse or style. They do however want to make themselves and their horses better and increase their own knowledge. I think there is a comfort zone and familiarity getting dressage instruction from a fellow western horseman....it opens many doors resulting in better horses and horse people. The majority of riders are eager to learn and improve their horses and their skills, even if they are just trail riders. It is the knowledge that they come for. We meet each horse and rider, and horse and rider together as equipage, where they are and try to take them forward. What we want people to leave here with is a better understanding of what the horse is. How it functions and how to set it up for success mentally and physically in each lesson. How to avoid the failures that require more and more training and less reward.”

"It was a dream come true for my sister and me to work with Eitan in his Cowboy Dressage School of Horsemanship; although when we first arrived, our levels of ability made us feel a little awed and uncomfortable working with such an awesome horseman!”, reports Joanne Hender of California. ”It didn't take long to find our footing, though. And Eitan's easy-going and understanding teaching style made us very comfortable and receptive to him. He clearly communicated his natural horsemanship philosophy of understanding, softness and lightness, which in turns leads to a trusting relationship with the horse. Over the five days, each of us was assisted and supported in incorporating this philosophy into a concrete, problem-solving strategy. My goal in attending was to help my horse overcome her fear of cantering. We succeeded! My sister's goal in coming was to overcome her fear as a rider of riding the canter. By the end of our visit, Eitan had her cantering in the round pen with her hands in her back pockets!”

Imparting a better training culture

The school also has the effect of imparting a better horse training culture to its students, giving them permission to slow down and take the pressure off so that they can go back to basics and fix the holes in early training – holes that have manifested months or years after the colt was started and are now impeding further progress. The lesson “make haste slowly” comes to fore again, and as much as the Beth-Halachmys are working to fix mistakes in the early training of their students’ horses, they are imbuing the riders with a new mindset based on education and knowledge, thoroughness, slowing down, and striving for carefulness and thoroughness in further training of their animals.

“We have found that many people think they have covered the basics in training. They want to move on to flying lead changes when the rider has no control over the haunches of the horse. It is not a matter of having willfully skipped that part of the training; it is a matter of not knowing you needed that in the first place. Everyone is in such a hurry these days...we slow them down when they get here.”

Small classes, close personal supervision

Classes are intense as there are only three people per class. This keeps the school more like a semi-private clinic and allows students a lot of individual attention and time. Eitan works and demonstrates from the back of his own horses as well as teaching and schooling each rider on their own horse as well. Each day is about five hours in duration, and actual riding time for each student is a full hour each. The rest of the time is spent observing, listening and watching Eitan teach. Riders can bring their own horse or they may borrow one from the ranch. The couple does not accept problem horses – it was never the intent that CDSOH would be a colt starting school or a place to bring problem horses with serious or dangerous issues to solve. All horses must be well mannered and be able to perform a basic walk, trot and canter. Riders should be proficient in the basics and have a good independent seat. The couple does not teach early or beginner riding lessons. The goal is to take good horses with riders who are eager to elevate and refine their horsemanship.

“Most of the people who attended last year and those who signed up this year are serious horse people who love their horses and want to elevate their understanding and enjoyment of them,” says Debbie. “They are people who take pride in their horsemanship knowledge and are proud of their desire to learn more. We have had people of retirement age who are just going back to horses after a long career and family. They want to do it right! And then on the other end of the spectrum we have had very accomplished and well studied horsemanship students who are looking for more refinement and elevation in their skills and communication. Common to all of them is the fact that they are all madly in love with the HORSE……he is the center of their life.”

"Debbie and Eitan’s Cowboy Dressage School must be the ultimate working vacation!” enthused California horsewoman Susan Carlino. “Eitan is a wealth of knowledge and sage advice, Debbie is the perfect hostess, and the setting is straight out of a John Steinbeck novel. I learned so many things that not only improved my riding, but helped me to rediscover some of that youthful confidence that was in such abundance in my earlier years."

Focus on the individual

The Beth-Halachmys do not set a fixed topic for each session, thereby leaving them freer to address the specific needs of students as they arise. They try to leave the format open, see what they have for the day or what people bring up and go from there. It is all about the student and their horse’s needs at that time. Even with this format Eitan keeps the class very centered and methodical in his approach. If he thinks a student is too far ahead of himself or his horse, he will take them back to studying the basics...Eitan style! With only three students, the sharing and interaction between the three is an excellent learning experience in itself. They learn from watching, observing and listening to each other while being schooled. And they learn to recognize what it should feel like when the horse is going well from riding a horse that has been correctly schooled. Murray and Mandy Ford traveled to California from the Netherlands to attend the school in 2008. They borrowed horses from the Beth-Halachmys, and were powerfully affected by the experience:

“Eitan has a unique way of training and handling of young horses,” observed the couple. “It was as if he could communicate with the horses directly – almost telepathically. We’ve never experienced anything like it. The experience has greatly influenced the way we manage our own horses. By applying the lessons we learned there, we've quickly been able to bring our horses up to a new standard. Our friends already notice the improvement when riding our horses. That being said, we took enough ideas home to keep us busy with a full year of practice and further learning. We can hardly wait to see the impact of further application of the lessons we learned at the school applied to our stables. If we can get just 50% of the impact Eitan had on his horse, we'll be the envy of Holland. Eitan’s horses were amazing – comparable to driving a Rolls Royce! Really impressive. 

“When people are comfortable, they learn better!”

The level of intense concentration abates and lessons are allowed to soak in when lunch is served at the ranch. These shared meals are happy occasions characterized by a collegial atmosphere and lots of stories and laughter. People seem to enjoy having lunch in the couple’s home, getting to know them a little more personally and spending time with them. “It seems to relax them and make them feel more comfortable, and when people are comfortable, they learn better!” laughs Debbie.

“Debbie's hospitality and good food at lunch enhanced the whole experience. Her warmth and kindness, and Eitan's sense of humor made us feel like family as we sat around the table, laughing and sharing stories. It was an experience we shall never forget,” remarked the Hender sisters.

“Yes – getting to know Debbie and Eitan and the other participants, was equally memorable. It was great to be with other lovers of horses in such a collegial atmosphere. It was just another dimension in a simply an outstanding week!” came the comment from the Ford family in Holland.

The quest for lightness

In everything Eitan teaches, everything he does with a horse, from the minute he enters his stall to the time he spends on the horse’s back, he strives for “lightness”. Lightness is the ultimate goal and the thrust of both CDSOH and the Light Hands Horsemanship (LHH) clinic the couple also arranges. Every exercise, every interaction with the horse is an incremental step on the way to the horse achieving self-carriage. “Self carriage is the heart that pumps the blood of “lightness,” says Eitan. “Likewise, the idea of 'Light Hands' for me is a concept that goes far beyond merely riding with a light contact on the mouth. ‘Light Hands’ represents the highest achievement between horse and rider. There are no short cuts on the road to its success. It is a pure partnership built on trust and reward. Light hands are accomplished when full use of the rider’s correct aids have maintained the horse in balance, cadence and carriage. When a horse is taught to balance himself and not rely on the rider’s hands to hold him in frame, “lightness” occurs.”

“For me, the achievement of light hands represents my own journey in horsemanship. It is what I seek to accomplish with each horse I train. For me, the principles of dressage are the foundation to 'Light Hands Horsemanship'. This is true for every breed and every discipline. I am a western horseman by trade but my 'light hands' were built from the school of dressage.”

Important components in developing this lightness and self carriage in the horse are timing and feel, and Eitan expends considerable effort in trying to teach students how to set their horses up to succeed and not fail. To instinctively recognize and reward the slightest try. Developing feel however, is a tricky area. Eitan personally feels that it is not possible to teach feel to a person….it is an individual gift that some horse people are born with. He can teach the concept and the mechanics of “feel”, he can help make a rider better, and to improve his timing, but so much of horsemanship is of an instinctive, intangible nature that is not easily broken down into parts. It is up to the individual horseman. In Eitan’s experience, it takes much longer to build a good foundation and train the rider than it does to train the horse. A good horseman only comes from a good foundation, and most people have simply not taken the time. But as Eitan in turn echoes the great masters, training horses – riding horses properly – takes time, lots and lots of time. There are no short cuts, no substitutes…..not if one really wants to advance. The foundation must be there, and time and an open mind are the keys to success.

Repeat customers

Riders travel vast distances to attend the school, and some have even come from as far away as Europe (Holland). The best confirmation that one is doing something right is in repeat customers. Debbie reports that a lot of their CDSOH customers for the 2009 session were people who had come to the school when it first opened in 2008.

Vicki and Jim Hackett of Rocky Ridge, Maryland flew across country in both 2008 and 2009 to spend a week at Wolf Creek Ranch, and were aglow with enthusiasm after having attended the school “We were immediately embraced by Debbie and Eitan who shared their phenomenal knowledge in horsemanship, their home, their horses, and their cats and dogs. By the end of week, we knew we had been blessed with new friends and a new approach to the horse that would prove to be a life changing experience. And with only three riders in the clinic, it was like having a week of private lessons with the greatest horseman we had ever met. Can't wait to return!

“I think people get hooked on the "rush" from all that they learn and because Eitan makes it clear and simple for them,” comments Debbie. “Because Eitan came to this country and could not speak English, he had to learn to communicate in the simplest forms to get his messages across...it gave him very good experience to build his teaching methods from. In all things he teaches, he tries to reduce it to the simplest forms and what makes sense to both horse and student. He feels that oftentimes, instructors make horses way more difficult than they actually are. If you observe and study your horse, endeavor to learn about your horse before you try to become his teacher, it will make thing much better for both horse and rider. It is when a trainer has all the "how to’s" but not the "when" or "why's" that trouble soon starts to brew. Here we teach the "Why, When and How!”

“Our goal at the CDSOH and LHH is to plant a seed, to inspire, to open the mind, to expand knowledge and comprehension, to help the individual rider further along his way in his journey into horsemanship,” she concludes. “If we can help our students do that, then and only then will we have succeeded in our mission.”

To learn more about the CDSOH, visit www.cowboydressage.com

For more information about the LHH seminar, visit www.lighthandshorsemanship.com.