Don West: Come Ride With Me

Don West
Professional Horseman - Equine Success Coach
Specializing in Peruvian Paso, Paso Fino, and Naturally Gaited Horses

Invites You To
"COME RIDE WITH ME!"

At West Gait Equine Learning Center
"The candle of life burns brightest in the winds of adventure." D.W.
"So Saddle Up -- Let's Ride!"

Dear Potential "Intensive" or "Practicum" Participant,

Thank you for your interest in my Basic Training and Trial Riding "Intensives" for Peruvian Paso, Paso Fino, and other breeds of naturally gaited horses. As a student/ participant you'll be getting my personal attention as you learn my Horse Handling-Horse Sense methods of training, hands on... using finesse instead of force, and patience and perseverance instead of pain and punishment to get the right results. Because I take no more than three participants at any one time, I can custom tailor your program to meet your needs. While you're here with me at West Gait Equine Learning Center, near Fruita, Colorado, I'll teach you how to catch, halter, tie up, groom, clip, hoof trim, saddle and tack, ground work and (of course) ride, our beautiful, tractable, easy handling, easy riding, naturally gaited Paso-Pleasure Horses.

I believe in experiential learning... learning by doing, so, come prepared to get your hands, and occasionally your dignity dirty. Once you've become familiar with what I call "horse handling-horse sense", "sit-down equitation", and "synergistic-synchronistic riding", I'll take you out riding in the most fantastic desert-canyon country, with red rim rock cliffs that are breathtakingly beautiful. My goal is to make sure you have a safe, fun filled, safe, and satisfying equine learning experience; either alone, or with a few fellow like minded participants. So, don't wait! This year, come ride with me!

Here at West Gait I still have a dozen home bred, home grown, raised, and trained naturally gaited Paso-Pleasure Horses, (Mountain Pleasure over Peruvian Paso) just waiting for you to be with, work with, fall in love with, and, perhaps, take one (or two) home with you. Our company, Have Saddle-Will Travel, can fix you up with the right saddles and tack to bring out the best qualities bred into these beautiful, smooth riding, trail horses. So, "Come Ride With Me! Don West

"Saddle Up -- Let's Ride!"

BRONC STOMPIN

WELL THE SUNS COME UP, THE CHORES IS DONE
AND MY COFFEES GETTIN COLD
GUESS ITS TIME TO TAKE TO THE SADDLE
FOR THE MORNIN GETS TOO OLD

CAUSE THERES HOOVES TO TRIM- AND THERES COLTS TO LUNGE
AND THERES BRONCS WHAT NEED TO BE RODE
TAKES A BUNCH A SWEATY BLANKETS
FORE THEY'RE READY TO BE SOLD

YA NEED TA HAVE HORSE HANDLIN-HORSE SENSE
IF YER GONNA START EM OUT RIGHT
BUILDIN TRUST AND UNDERSTANDIN
WITHOUT FILLIN EM FULL OF FRIGHT

TAKES A SPECIAL KIND A COWBOY
ONE WHO'S GENTLE- BUT KNOWS WHEN TO BE FIRM
ONE WHO'LL TAKE THE TIME TO TEACH EM
THE LESSONS THEY NEED TA BE LEARNED

ALL MY LIFE I'VE WORKED WITH HORSES
HORSE HANDLIN- THATS WHAT I DO
AND I'D LIKE TO THINK I'M A RIGHT FAIR HAND
SO PARTNER LET ME TELL YA TRUE

IF YA TREAT EM RIGHT- DONT GET EM ON THE FIGHT
WHILE KEEPIN THE UPPER HAND
THEYL COME ROUND TA BE WILLIN PARTNERS
WAITIN FUR YER NEXT COMMAND

RIDIN HORSES IS JUST LIKE DANCIN
IT TAKES BALANCE AND HARMONY
THE CLOSEST THING TO GOOD LOVIN
I RECKON ILL EVER SEE

SO COME RIDE WITH ME! - SET YER SPIRIT FREE
AND OPEN YER MIND AND YER HEART
YOUR SURE TO HAVE SOME FUN LEARNIN
AN YOUL BE OFF TO A PRETTY GOOD START

SO, SADDLE UP…LET'S RIDE! HAPPY TRAILS! DON WEST

DON WEST

Your Learning Leader For Equine Adventure

"I have three major rules when I'm working with horses: I don't get hurt, my horse doesn't get hurt, and I'm having fun!" -- D. W.

Old Chinese proverb says: When the students are ready, the master appears. When the master is ready, the students appear.

Don West is a professional horseman/ clinician. Not just a lecturer or teacher, Don thinks of himself more as an "equine success coach". For the past thirty years he has specialized in Peruvian Paso, Paso Fino, and naturally gaited horses. Don isn't internationally recognized and respected expert on basic training for trail riding, backcountry travel, saddle fit, and low impact horse camping. In his "Come Ride With Me!" - Gaited Horse Training and Trail Riding "INTENSIVE" he teaches what he calls "horse handling-horse sense", "synergistic-synchronistic riding", and "sit-down equitation" . Don's motto is: "Saddle Up- Let's Ride!"

Don is the co-owner, product designer, and field tester for Have Saddle-Will Travel, Inc. the INNOVATIVE OUTFITTER for today's discriminating trail riders who were "Born To Ride". He is the creator of the Don West Gaited-Trail Saddles & Tack, "the sit-down saddles with the fit built in - not added on", Saddle Software Systems, Cordura saddlebags, packs and accessories, "bringing backpacking technology to horse packing equipment", and Storm Riders, weather beating outerwear; "classic western designs in today's hi-tech fabrics".

Don has a lifelong history with horses, and a deep love for the out-of-doors. He is a trained and accomplished experiential educator. He holds a B.S. in Parks and Outdoor Recreation Education from Penn State (not to be confused with thru State Pen), and did his masters work in counseling at South West College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His work with Boston University, the Colorado Outward Bound School, the Verde Valley School, Pecos River Learning Center, Four Corners Center For Experimental Learning, and other outdoor education programs, personal growth and enhanced communication seminars, and horse-handling skills spans over forty years. Don is an Eagle Scout, served in the U.S. Marine corps, and was Town Marshal in Crested Butte, Colorado, where he also spent a season as a working cowboy. Besides horsemanship, in his younger years he taught hiking, biking, skiing, camping, backpacking, rock-climbing, and mountaineering. His saying: "A comfortable horse is a happy horse, and a happy horse makes for a happy rider" sums up his straight forward, no-nonsense, easy to understand approach to basic horsemanship.

Don is an author, poet, and philosopher. His articles have appeared regularly in many well-known horse magazines and equine publications. He is the author of four books, the award winning "Have Saddle, Will Travel, Low-Impact Trail Riding and Horse Camping", "Paca, Paca A Sure Cure For The Trots (Everything You Wanted To Know About Peruvian Paso Horses, But Didn't Know Who To Ask)", and his latest book "Horse Handling-Horse Sense™: A Practical Guide for Today's Pleasure-Trail Riders (especially for naturally gaited horse riders)." For those who like cowboy poetry he wrote "Lessons in Life, Love and Learning - Selected Poems by Don West". Happy trails!

To find out more about Don West Saddles & Tack™, Saddle Software Systems™, or Storm Riders weather beating outerwear™, or any of Don’s riding programs contact: Have Saddle-Will Travel, Inc., PO Box 700, Fruita, CO 81521. (800)821-3607 or fax: 970-858-7861, or e-mail: maria@wic.net

"MY PONY AND ME"

I WAS FILLED WITH CONFUSION
HAD BAD FEELINGS INSIDE
SO I SADDLED MY PONY
AND I WENT FOR A RIDE

WE COVERED THE GROUND
LIKE A BIRD ON THE WING
AS THE MILES FELL BEHIND ME
I STARTED TO SING

I SANG TO THE COYOTES
I SANG TO THE SKY
I SANG TO MY PONY...
AND I STARTED TO CRY

I FELT THE EMOTIONS
LETTING GO FROM INSIDE
LETTING CARES FALL AWAY
AS AHEAD I DID RIDE

THE TEARS KEEP ON COMING
TO THE TOP OF THE HILL
WHERE I REINED IN MY PONY
AND SAT THERE... REAL STILL

WE LOOKED OUT TOGETHER
ON THE COUNTRY BELOW
AS I STROKED HIS LONG MANE
NICE AND EASY AND SLOW

FROM THE BACK OF MY PONY
MY PROBLEMS SEEMED FEW
AND I GATHERED THE COURAGE
TO START LIFE ANEW

YES I RELISHED THE MOMENT
SAT THERE TAKING IT IN
BUILDING STRENGTH FOR THE FUTURE
TO START LIVING AGAIN

AS FINALLY THE SUN PASSED
BEHIND A TALL HILL
THE LONG RAYS OF TWILIGHT
GAVE US BOTH A COLD CHILL

IT WAS TIME TO BE GOING
IT WAS TIME TO MOVE ON
'CAUSE THE TIME IT IS PASSING
AND THE PAST IT IS GONE

SO I CLUCKED TO MY PONY
AND HE MOVED DOWN THE HILL
FATHER TIME WILL NOT LINGER
BUT THE MEMORY WILL

NOW I CHERISH THOSE MOMENTS
THAT'S THE WAY IT SHOULD BE
MILES OF WILD OPEN COUNTRY
AND MY PONY.... AND ME D.W.

Don invites you to "Come Ride With Me!" at                   West Gait Equine Learning Center, near Fruita, Co. Training, and Trail Riding my Paso-Pleasure Horses

One Hour Lessons: single $50.00/hour couple $75.00/hour
Two and a Half Hour Lesson: single $100.00 couple $150.00
Four Hour Trail Rides (for people who can ride): $150.00/ person, $250/couple, $325/3 who sign up together                                      Using my Paso-Pleasure Gaited Horses, and my saddles and tack.

Training for Trail Riding "Intensive" $200.00/ person/day, $350.00 for couple/day, $450.00/3 who sign up together/day
Includes my horses, saddles, tack, with morning lessons, and afternoon trail ride

Maximum of 3 participants in any program.

"Intensives" are limited to five fun filled days. We cancel (and refund) for bad weather days. Includes my Paso Pleasure Gaited Horses, my saddles and tack, lessons, and trail rides.

When you come to West Gait Equine Learning Center expect to get your hands on horses. Learn what Don calls "horse handling'-horse sense", "sit-down equitation", and "synergistic-synchronistic riding": that's how to be with, catch, handle, groom, ground train, and ride gaited horses, especially Peruvian Paso and Paso Fino Horses. Under Don's watchful eye and hiss demonstrations with explanations, the more you work, the more you'll polish your riding and training skills. Once you feel confident and comfortable with your basic riding skills, you'll enjoy trail riding with Don in the spectacular canyons, deserts and mountains of Western Colorado. Includes: basic horsemanship, gaited horse training, and trail riding. Be prepared to learn and have fun!!! We supply our home bred Paso-Pleasure Gaited Horses and Don West Training-Trail Saddles and Tack... or you can bring your own.

P.S. Worried about your age? Nervous around horses because of some negative past experience? Don't worry! I'm seventy years old, and I've worked with people like you for forty years. I'll look after your hide and your pride while you're here with me. O.K? Here's my Don's Seven C's of Horsemanship: Comfort, Capitulation, Confidence, Cooperation, Coordination, Conditioning, and Collection.

"Come Ride With ME!" Teaching Training For Trail Riding Peruvian Paso, Paso Fino, & Naturally Gaited Horses APRIL, MAY, and early JUNE, and again in late SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER & early NOVEMBER are the best for the five day "INTENSIVES", and full day trail rides. July and August are HOT here! JULY, AUGUST, and early SEPTEMBER is when Don offers "GO RIGHT-GO LIGHT" Low Impact Horse Camping Trips into the West Elk Wilderness, a rugged experience for the truly adventurous and fit trail rider. If you're interested in finding out more, call and talk to Don personally for details, and to see if you qualify.
One of my past participants had these helpful questions. I thought the answers might help you, too.
Q: Any recommendations on which hotel/motels in Fruita? A: Yes! First of all, if you have a live-in unite, and it's got a good holding tank, you can park in my driveway, and hook up to my power and hose. If you don't have a live-in rig, we have three brand new hotels only a few miles from West Gait. Comfort Inn & Suites, (970) 858-1333 Hotel Information Check Rates Super 8 Motel, (970) 858-0808 Motel Details La Quinta Suites & Inn (970) 858-8850 Los Altos B&B 888-774-0982 or 970-256-0964 Los Altos Bed and Breakfast And, for those (like me) on a little tighter budget I suggest: The Balanced Rock Motel (970) 858-7333 A very nice, clean little motel, run by friendly people, but no pool. Q: Is everything provided? Saddle, tack, food, transport to the trails, etc.? A: I provide my beautiful, smooth riding Paso-Pleasure Horses, and my saddles and tack, or you can bring your own horse, saddle, tack, etc., if you want to. We take a lunch break (siesta) sometime each day. Y you provide your own meals. Q: What are the hours of the classes? All day, pre-dawn to after dusk, etc.? A: I assume you are here to relax and have fun...not kill yourselves! We usually start around 9:30 with coffee (and donuts?), horse talk, review of the past day, and time to plan the day. We usually work with the horses here in the morning, and then take a lunch break (or Siesta if it's hot). We often go trail riding in the afternoons or evenings. A "day" usually means five to seven hours in all. We make it up as we go. My goal is to help you get what you want from your time here, and go home safe and happy.	Get directions!
Q: What kind of terrain is the trail ride(s) on, and how long is it? A: I picks terrain to fit your skills and your desire for adventure. Around here we have everything from easy (relatively flat), to rough and rugged deserts and canyons. What do you want to ride? What ever it is...we probably have it, and my horses can handle it. Q: What is the weather like in Fruita? Need jackets, sweaters, long sleeved shirts, etc.? A: In Western Colorado, the weather is has become more unpredictable over the past few years...global warming!? Still, it's usually sunny and warm in the spring and fall. A jacket, sweater and raingear in your saddlebags almost always guarantees good weather. As we get into June the weather gets hotter. If the weather is too bad to have a useful day, we cancel and refund your money...you can't loose, and I don't feel guilty. Q: Where do we eat? A: There are all kinds of restaurants in Fruita, only three miles away. Chow down!

Q: How far from a jet airport is Fruita? Can I rent a car there?
A: Grand Junction has a major airport linked up with Denver, CO, Salt Lake City, UT and Phoenix, AZ. We are about 15 minutes from the airport, West on I-70. You can rent a car and enjoy the freedom to run around and see the local sights when we are not working with horses (or if we get some bad weather).

Q: How far ahead will I, or should I make a reservation?
A: Each "Intensive" is limited to 3 participants and five days. To help me plan my Spring schedule, please make your reservations ASAP!

Q: Should I be practicing anything before I get there?
A: Do what ever you want, but don't worry about practicing. Just come to have fun and learn. Believe me, you will! P.S. Please don't come here and say:"I do Parelli, or I do Lyons" if you want to get off to a good start with me. They are my professional acquaintances and I respect their promotional abilities, but they are Quarter Horse people, not gaited horse people. Please leave their names and ideas at home when you come here.

Q: Other than what you pay me, what are my other expenses going to be?
A: You take care of your transportation, meals and lodging. You choose how high on the hog you want to live.

I look forward to having you join me for what I know will be a fun filled, safe and satisfying, memorable horseback riding-learning vacation in colorful Western Colorado. So, pick a date, plan to come, schedule your time, and Saddle Up -- Let's Ride!

Happy Trails,

Don West

phone: 970-858-7739 -- fax: 970-858-7861

e-mail: donwest@wic.net or westgait@wic.net

Last Updated: March, 2011

West Gait Equine Learning Center

P O Box 700

Fruita CO 81521-0700