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 I
had the distinct pleasure of interviewing one of the brightest and
talented Arabian/NSH trainers on the East Coast. Mr. Bowen has all
the qualities one looks for in a trainer/handler. Now without
further ado…….lets meet Mr. Wes Bowen up close and personal:
ML: How do you
like the new Sport Horse classes?
Wes: I feel that the Sport Horse classes will be a great
asset to our industry. They give people another avenue to show and
also show the great versatility of the Arabian breed.
ML: Do you
have any ideas on how to rekindle the interest and popularity the
Arabian horse once had?
Wes: We need to make it affordable for the Arabian horse
owner to show. We also need to initiate A rated shows to give out
greater prize money in order for them to be more fun and
prestigious, making them worthwhile in themselves, not just as a
stepping stone for qualifying.
ML: Over the years you have been a professional trainer do you
feel that most clients have a realistic view of the ability of the
horses they bring for training?
Wes: Most people understand the ability of their horses.
There will always be a few people that feel their horse should go
farther than its ability will allow. That is when the responsibility
of the trainer is to be HONEST with their customers, whether the
customer wants to hear it or not.
ML: What are some of your favorite horses you have trained?
Wes: Over the years, some of my favorite horses I have
trained were: Waywardnight (2 time Reserve Champion at National Show
Horse Finals). Another one is a horse I am currently working with,
Eurosong. He was Reserve National Champion yearling colt at National
Show Horse Finals, and will debut at U.S. Nationals this year in the
H.A. English Futurity.
ML: Are there certain bloodlines you enjoy working with for
their athletic ability, intelligence and temperament?
Wes: In training Arabians, I am partial to the Polish
bloodlines. I feel they are very athletic, which allows them to
succeed in all disciplines and makes them more trainable.
ML: What is the best advice you can give to a JTH showmanship
exhibitor?
Wes: Be "polished" and do not overshow yourself or your
horse. ML:
What is the most common mistake you see in a "reining" class?
Wes: Not using the same centerline when doing circles.
ML: What is the most amusing or funniest story that occurred
while showing in a class?
Wes: I had a client riding at National Show Horse Finals one
year and when they called for the reverse, she cut across the ring
and proceeded to continue in the same direction, as the rest of the
class was trotting the other way!
ML: Let's go back in time to when you first started riding,
who was the most significant person in your life and why?
Wes: Definitely my mother, Kathy Bowen. She taught me
virtually everything I know today, from training to horsemanship.
ML: If you were not a horse trainer, what would you be?
Wes: An N.F.L. head coach.
ML: If God gave you one thing to change in the Arabian
industry, what would that be and why?
Wes: More "consistent" judging.
ML: If you could own or ride any horse in history, who would
that be?
Wes: I would have to say "Skywatch".
ML: While traveling the country attending horseshows, what is
your favorite place to show?
Wes: Lexington, Virginia. It's a great facility, beautiful
countryside, and only an hour and a half away.
ML: Who has been the most important trainer you have every met
and why?
Wes: Gene LaCroix. He is unbelievably talented
ML: You used to live in Buffalo, New York area and your
parents have a horse farm there called Wes-Kay. Do you still show
horses from their farm?
Wes: Yes, I still have some clients from New York.
ML: What do you like least about the Arabian Industry?
Wes: The negative and narrow-minded people.
ML: Upon retirement, what do you visualize yourself doing?
Wes: I never fully plan on retiring from the horse business.
Thank you for allowing us to view your opinions. If you would like
to speak to Wes on training your horse or just to say hi, please
feel free to email him at
Waywardnight@aol.com or
call 434-981-2634.
WES BOWEN TRAINING TIPS
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