TRAINER SPOTLIGHT by Katie Shoultz
Jeff Cook With a sharp eye and approachable demeanor, Jeff Cook travels the country as one of the top clinicians in the industry. Based in Bend, Oregon, Jeff’s teachings and operations, as former assistant trainer to George Morris, reflect classic, honest horsemanship. Ever in pursuit of excellence, Jeff Cook leads by example. If he spots a stray shaving in the aisle, he’s quick to have a broom in hand. His boots and spur straps are wiped down promptly after riding. And blankets are always folded expertly over the stall door. A true renaissance horseman, Jeff embraces the concept that there is never an end to learning. His interest spans the disciplines (he is known to read the latest issue of Western Horseman in route to his next clinic). Oftentimes, it’s his small tweaks that make all the difference with his students. Jeff’s masterful presence truly brings out the best in people and horses.
Horse & Style: How you got your start in the horse world? Jeff Cook: I grew up riding as a kid with Don Kerron and Joan Curtin,
and even at 12 or 13 years old, I knew I wanted to be a professional. My first job, like many in the industry, was grooming, and I would save money to go to clinics, especially if George Morris was coming out West. I would make my way out East, too, when I could and try to watch and learn as much as possible.
H&S: How did your time with George Morris shape your perspective? JC: Oh, a lot! I still miss working there. I worked for two separate times, and each time was basically for 5 years. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t teach or remind me of something. It’s been a long time, and I still miss it. The example he sets and the detail – not just in the riding and training but the whole operation. It wasn’t necessarily the fanciest, but it all had a purpose.
H&S: Does anyone else in your family ride? JC: We have three children, 11-year-old twin girls and a 14-year-old son.
I’d say they’re summertime riders. My son is into football and skiing. The girls enjoy skiing, cross-country, and swimming. In the area where we live, there are plenty of opportunities for trail riding, and they enjoy that quite a bit. To me though, I don’t want to push it on them.
H&S: You travel extensively around the country, what’s your perspective on riders nationally? JC: It’s interesting. A few years back, maybe 5 or so years ago, I saw a lot of lower legs too far forward in the air. Presently, there’s not something like that, which is a great thing. The basics are pretty
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solid. Different areas have different issues. To me, nationwide I can’t put my finger on one thing though. One goal as a country, because I’m so adamant about truly sticking to the basics, is to keep a solid foundation in place. I’m not a fan of gimmicks. George teaches, whether you’re an eq, hunter, or jumper, the same foundation and basics; that’s important.
H&S: Do you think your teaching style has evolved throughout the years? JC: Oh yes, but you have to make an effort for that, and that it evolves
in a good way. I make an effort to keep reading. Last December, I flew down to watch George teach a couple of days. If Buck (Brannaman) were in town, I would watch him. That’s something I do see lacking a little – I don’t see riders watching enough. That is really important - study and watch at the horse show. But, things are always evolving. People don’t stay the same; you tend to go up or down. So you have to really make sure you are able to evolve in the best way possible.
H&S: You will be starting a little more training this year; are you
looking forward to it? JC: I’ll be working with Kilkenny Crest in Bend, Oregon. Kilkenny breeds a number of horses. You learn when you ride, and riding helps your teaching; so, I wanted to get back riding again. I was really kind of missing that. Kilkenny has a whole range of horses on the farm from weanlings to retirees. There are a lot of areas for learning at the farm, and there will be a few riders aspiring to be professionals; I look forward to working with them. There’s also stable in Idaho that I work with quite a bit.
H&S: With your passion for reading, any recommended reading for us? JC: Obviously George’s, I guess that’s a no brainer, huh? But there are numerous books – just to name a few, Chamberlin and Littauer. My favorite book on the flat is Gymnasium of the Horse (Gustav Steinbrecht), but this is definitely for the more advanced. Rereading books is an important aspect, too. It seems you always miss some points on the first read. (With a laugh) You know, I don’t have that great of memory so I have to kind of go back and reread a lot. Above: Photo ©Nathan Welton Below: Cook in action at a recent clinic in Lebanon, Ohio. Photo ©Katie Shoultz