When
I was 18, a neighboring rancher, who
I had worked for and dearly loved,had a
serious horseback hunting accident that
caused paralysis to his left side. To Jerry,
riding was more than a way of life; it was a
connection with creation, a love that gave
ranching purpose. Watching Jerry's
frustration was tearing the rest of us apart.
His was the first horse I ever taught to lay
down to allow his rider mounting access. To
this day, Jerry continues to tend his cattle
horseback. Starting in the first two weeks of May, RFD-TV viewers
will learn this
wonderful exercise.I love training horses, but
my real passion is helping people discover the
abilities already waiting within themselves.
Born to Horses
When I was 10 days old, I was on a family
pack horse trip in the mountains. Growing
up in ranch country, 30 miles from town,
naturally gave me thousands of hours
working and playing the saddle. Today on
our ranch we maintain a herd of 80 working horses to meet the
needs of several
disciplines.
Boys' Home Background
For over 32 years my parents have operated a
boys' home for “at risk” teens. When I was
born, I instantly had 10 teen-aged brothers. I
always enjoy the shock value of telling people
that I have 400 brothers. Growing up with
that many siblings wasn't always fun, but as I
look back, I'm thankful for the ability to
work with all kinds of people that it fostered. As a teenager,
Dad put me in charge of our
50 horse remuda. It was my job to ensure
proper care of the horses and to teach new
boys how to ride. I remember asking Dad
for better horses. I also recall his reply,
“
Make what we've got better.” It has been a
great pleasure over the years to help people
discover that they already own better horses
than they thought they did.
Apprenticeship
Each Spring and Summer horse lovers from
all across North America and foreign
countries come to spend three weeks on our
ranch near Cody, Wyoming, to participate
in our horsemanship apprenticeship
program. Having begun in 1994, it is the
oldest program of its kind available.
Students typically work with three horses:
an unstarted two year old, a green-broke and
and aged horse. We instruct our students in
dozens of techniques that help them take
horses to new and higher skill levels. Here
on RFD-TV we will be demonstrating those
same exercises. penning and cutting. For a number of our
ladies we also work on barrel racing. Here
on RFD-TV you'll be seeing some of those
sessions, too.
Colt Starting Clinic
Each summer we offer a single, two week
colt starting clinic. It's a great opportunity
for those who really want a foundation in
training colts. The clinic is held on
Montana ranch that spreads into three
counties as well as the State of Wyoming
We'll take our RFD-TV watchers with us
into these beautiful mountain pastures and
valleys as we drive cattle 30 miles and more
You'll be able to start a colt as well as drive
the cows.
White Mountain Outfitters
Early Autumn finds our students high in the
Bear Tooth Mountains. This class teaches
environment-friendly horse camping as well
as horse packing and trail riding. Of course
we take time to enjoy beautiful wild life an
opportunities to fry our own freshly caught
fish over an open fire. This year the camera
will be with us so that you folks at home can
enjoy this great time and learn some of these
nearly forgotten skills.
Wagon Train Clinics
Driving is one of America's fastest growing
horse sports. Starting here at the ranch we
offer 12, 55 mile trips each summer.
Hundreds of families from across America
learn to handle a team of Percherons or
Belgians. Then, with their assigned team
and wagon, they join us for a four day
adventure over a 100 year old stage coach
road. We'll take you with us.
I consider myself very fortunate to make
my living horseback while helping other
people realize their horsemanship dreams. I
hope you'll join me, along with my wife,
DeeDee and our sons Kurt and Trent, as we
share our world of horses with you.
For a complete listing of clinics, videos and
other products
visit: www.kenmcnabb.com
PO Box 2350
Cody, Wyoming, 82414
1-307-645-3149
info@kenmcnabb.com |
