Horsemen, women get ranch savvy at 'Cowboy Weekend'

By JULIET BRISKIN | Staff writer

As Stacey Robinson, left, and Tammy Paschal, right, of Corsicana work a lone steer, instructor Kenneth Woodell gives que's for proper cattle work during "A Cowboy Weekend" held at the Warren Ranch near Whitney. "I love Kenneth's methods. He tells it exactly like it is," stated Robinson. "You may not want to hear what he's saying, but he's doing it for your own good." -- Photo by Juliet Briskin

Sept. 23, 2004 - Despite what residents of the other 49 states may think, not everyone in Texas owns a horse, and those that do own horses do not necessarily use them to drive cattle north along the Chisholm Trail.

In reality, many modern-day horse owners have little or no access to ranch property and very little if any experience working with cattle.

Recognizing that there was a real need for a program that would provide horsemen and women an opportunity to expand their horsemanship skills while learning to work cattle, Mike Warren, owner of the Warren Ranch in Whitney, decided to host what he now calls "A Cowboy Weekend."

"Not all horse owners have access to a ranch setting or get the opportunity to use their horse to work cows," said Warren. "So we decided to have this weekend program where they could drive some cattle and learn some basic cattle-working skills in a genuine ranch environment."

Committed to providing a clinic in which riders of any age or skill level could participate, Warren, along with Kenneth Woodell, Warren Ranch general manager, created a training program based on Jack Brainard's method of developing understanding and communication between horse and rider.

Woodell, who worked with Brainard from 1995 to 2000, is a firm believer in his methods. "Before I was introduced to Jack's methods I just rode very cowboy style," explained Woodell. "Jack's method goes back to one-plus-one and he teaches you how to use your body and legs to ride with. After working with Jack, I have more control over the horse; I can stop, turn, go forward, go sideways, and do it quicker and faster when needed."

Woodell's goal for the program is to provide riders with a fun, light-hearted environment in which to learn. He explained that he starts each weekend with a basic horsemanship clinic so that he can evaluate the abilities of each rider.

"Easily, the highlight of the first two events for most everybody was the pasture penning," he said. "But to really learn these skills you have to treat each one as a building block for the next. Before we head out to the pasture I want to see what you can do and the horsemanship clinic gives everyone a chance to get comfortable with their horse."

With two "Cowboy Weekend" clinics behind them, both Warren and Woodell, have their sights set on the next two events which are scheduled for Oct. 8-9, and Nov. 13-14. According to Woodell, both weekends will focus on developing the basic skills necessary for working with cattle and will include horsemanship, a sorting clinic, a two-man sorting, a gathering and cattle drive, and pasture penning.

The cost for the "Cowboy Weekend" is $165 dollars in advance and $200 dollars at the door and includes four meals. For more information call 254-337-0263.