Richard doing a sliding stop.
While other grade school boys dreamed of being firemen, astronauts, or race car drivers, this young horseman thought of nothing other than being a cowboy. It was not the most convenient dream, considering he lived in town with parents who had no ties whatsoever to the equine community.
During those early years the boy wore out several bicycles peddling seven miles to a stable across town where he was a self-confessed “stable brat.” Opportunities to be involved with horses were few and far between, but they did come! Cleaning stalls, learning to drive the single horse feed wagon, and helping to saddle the dude string, little by little, the boy’s desire was intersecting with experience.
As a teenager, this boy — Richard Winters — spent four summers wrangling dude horses in the mountains, which added to his experience. He then had the opportunity to work for the late, great bridle horse trainer, Troy Henry, of Clovis, California. This was Richard’s first introduction to higher levels of horsemanship. Troy introduced the idea that horsemanship was only about 10 percent mechanics and 90 percent psychology. It was there that this high school kid had the privilege of riding some true bridle horses. Though he couldn’t duplicate it, he knew there was a feel with horses that could be obtained.
During this same time, Richard enrolled in a nine-month farrier program, giving him the skills that financed most of the obligations a seventeen-year-old boy could accrue.
Graduating from high school a year early, Richard was college bound. However, it was not necessarily for scholastic opportunities. Rather, Hartnell College in Salinas, California, had one of the most outstanding varsity rodeo programs in the country. Two years of roping calves and riding saddle bronc horses was a lot of fun for Richard. However, it was self-evident that there wasn’t much future in it for this aspiring horseman.
It was in Salinas that he met Cheryl, the girl who would become the cornerstone of his success. This pretty, strawberry blond has spent 23 years raising their two children, running their business, and being the number one supporter of Richard’s ongoing adventures.
Over the years, Richard’s shoeing clients recognized his horse-handling skills, and training opportunities began to present themselves with more frequency.
During the late eighties and early nineties, horsemanship clinics were gaining in popularity. This is where Richard has shined. A strong horsemanship foundation, balanced with unparalleled people skills, has been the perfect mixture for the outstanding clinician that he is today.
Never satisfied where he is on the journey, Richard continues to hone his skills as an avid competitor with the National Reined Cow Horse Association, with world championship titles to his credit. He is also an A-rated Judge and a trainer and coach to world champion non-pro riders as well.
In March of 2009, Richard competed in the world’s largest and most prestigious colt starting contest, Road to the Horse. From hundreds of trainers and clinicians, only three were selected. Richard competed against John Lyons and Tommy Garland in this world-class event and won.
About his articles on ridemagazine.com Richard has this to say: “I’ll not show you the way to do it. However, I will show you a way to enhance the athleticism and performance of your horse.” He goes on to say, “I’m on the same journey you are. We’re all aspiring to accomplish more with our horses. I’m anxious to share a few things with you that I’ve learned along the way!”
Sharing training information is nothing new to Richard. You can find out more about Richard Winters Horsemanship at www.wintersranch.com.
It’s been said, “Find a vocation you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life!” For Richard, this is a truism, and he invites you to come along for the ride.
