Purpose

I have been a horseman all my life, and never before have I found such purpose for my practice than with working cowhorse horsemanship.

Remembering the purpose and the culture behind the why has helped me ground into my roots, and the history of my culture, while remaining grounded in the present.

Reacting to the present moment, feeling joy and connection to those around me and in the task at hand. That is what reading a cow, and a feel is, is it not?

Harmony with horsemanship, but while extending that harmony into a dance with the cow, the herd, and life. A dance with social structures, cultural appropriateness, and appropriation.

Understanding the dark side of all things, and seeking to bring it to the light of understanding and connection. To understand where the roots of purpose are seeded, and to pay respect and homage to those roots and the fruits they have generated.

To the vaquero tradition, the history of Spanish and American Colonization of the west, the role of the church and the imprint that has forever had upon the people who call this land home.

This perspective allows me to see how I can be devoted participate in sharing seeds of this horsemanship and culture by just being myself, being humble, and appreciating this mastery.

How to share the fruits I’ve produced through the study of this, the application of it, and how to help others do the same for themselves. Honoring something bigger than ourselves, becoming forever students of the horse and of life.

Respecting the complexity, while forward facing towards a bright future.

Living in the now, becoming one with our nervous systems and reacting from perspectives of centeredness and logic versus emotion and tension.