Michael Damianos

Michael Damianos Performance Horses

If you are a Ranch Rider … What attracted you to trying Ranch classes? What element in Ranch Riding patterns really allows your horse to shine? How do you make sure you stand out to the judges?

No division requires a larger variety of talents by the horse than the ranch division. If you are enamored by a beautiful, charismatic, athletic, responsive, graceful, brave, mentally focused, stalwart horse - then riding a ranch horse is your passion. The beauty of the patterns is that collectively the maneuvers offer something for every talent of a ranch horse. One way to prepare is to actually do ranch work with your horse. If you want to stand out in the pattern, you need to ride a horse that is fit and looks up to the challenge of ranch work. I believe it is better to look good or very good at every maneuver than excellent at a few. That way you display the versatility of your horse and appear confident. That requires promptness without looking rushed or pushed. The rider also needs to be spatially aware in the show pen in order to lay down an effective and attractive presentation.

What characteristics (human and/or horse) make up a well-rounded competitor in your chosen division?

Preparation and experience. In order for a horse or a ride to be great, they both have to develop a muscle memory, just like professional athletes. The right moves and actions must be reflexive to achieve excellence. That requires frequent, but not overwhelming preparation. Secondly, the cruelest, but most effective teacher is experience. No horse or rider ever got good staying home. It requires an inventory of experiences in the show ring to become good. Will Rogers said, “Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement.” Truer words were never spoken.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a pattern class?

Before you swing a leg over a horse, know your pattern inside and out. Even then there will be days of mental lapse. Look at the arena and plan your pattern out. When you mount up, understand your horse needs to loosen up before competition just like you do. Picture your run in your head and repeat mentally to yourself what you need to do at each part of the pattern. Walk the pattern if you find it helpful. Remember, your goal is to be the best you can be. Never consider what you have to do to beat your competitor. Watch one or two runs before you, but not more. Watching too much just clouds your judgement. Never try something new you saw someone else do. Wait until you get home. Finally, never get in a fight with your horse before the class. Horses are incredibly perceptive and if you have angst or are stressed, your performance will be impaired.

If given the chance to be in a scene of any western TV show, who would your character be and who would you share the screen with?

I’d be some kind of horse whisperer. I would share the screen with my wife, Dawn. I couldn’t find a better leading lady than the one I already have!

What horse past and present, exemplifies the working western discipline?

For me, TR Despret For Achic+// (Desperado V x Smart Chic Olena daughter) was like no other. He was a national champion in English and western trail more than once. He could win the reining and the ranch riding and work a cow as well as anyone. He had the best characteristics of both the Arabian and the Quarter Horse. He was great in the arena and he was great doing ranch work. He was handsome in western tack and very photogenic. I miss him every day.

Gary Ferguson SLIDE TO WIN

If you are a Ranch Rider … What attracted you to trying Ranch classes? What element in Ranch Riding patterns really allows your horse to shine? How do you make sure you stand out to the judges?

The ranch riding has for our barn, given the reiners another way to compete. It allows us to take our horses into the arena at a slower and not as intense pattern and helps keep them fresh in the reining pen. Ranch riding puts great emphasis on the transitions, and a horse has to be well trained to make their transitions smooth and effortless.

What characteristics (human and/or horse) make up a well-rounded competitor in your chosen division?

On the horse side of things, a horse must be relaxed and be able to put together multiple steps on que. Ranch riding and ranch rail require a good moving horse with good balance and natural headset.

If you know your horse struggles with a particular maneuver/element in a pattern, how do you correct it?

Generally, if a horse is struggling with a specific maneuver, it is not the maneuver itself, but about something missing from your training element. I will go back to whatever body part or training segment to fix what is occurring in that maneuver.

What is the key to a good warm up prior to a pattern class?

For me I do not practice the pattern. I will practice the individual transitions and get my horse reacting to my ques and body.

How important do you feel the AWWA class is for breeding?

We are supporting the AWWA with donating breedings for the auction as well as trying to help grow the working western arena. It would be great to see more Arabian enthusiasts breeding this direction.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the working western discipline?

We call Arkys Smart Leo Lad (The Arkangel x Smart Leo Lady) THE GOAT. This horse has won National titles for several years now in the Open, Non-Pro, Youth and even outside the AHA in the NRHA. He to us is what we would like to close for our next group of babies.

Connie Schmidt Walling ROCK HILL LAND AND LIVESTOCK

What characteristics (human and/or horse) make up a well-rounded competitor in your chosen division? Good sportsmanship and work ethic.

What trends are worth investing in and which ones don’t you like? The working western disciplines are very important, especially for the amateur rider. Amateurs want an enjoyable place to show their horse. Exorbitant clothing and tack aren’t needed or encouraged. A willing equine partner that is well trained and capable of performing within the designated discipline is what matters most. I have never liked breeding for extreme heads and necks with no regard for soundness, athleticism, and attitude. A successful working horse needs to be trainable, stand up to use, and be able to breathe with large nostrils. It would be great if the show sponsors could offer some clinics at the shows to expose more exhibitors to this fun aspect of Arabians.

How important do you feel the AWWA class is for breeding?

I feel the AWWA is important when making breeding decisions. I Lifetime nominated E Zee Slider+// because I felt he could make a valuable contribution to the breed. Working western horses need to be physically sound, with a quiet, willing mind in order to be competitive. AQHA has been breeding specific lines of horses that excel in working western disciplines for quite some time. I think the Arabian breed needs to do likewise.

What horse past and present, exemplifies the working western discipline?

Some past horses that stand out are Xenophonn, Authenticity, Hesa Zee+/, Khemander Khody + and Rontezza. For present day horses, I am partial to my own horse, E Zee Slider+//. He has multiple national championships and top tens in four different working western disciplines. I also think highly of TA Mozart and Nobles Top Gun.