Appointments The Hoofbeats of the Carolina Foothills
Volume 5 Issue 11
F R E E August 2011
Cowboy's style rooted in natural horsemanship by Barbara Childs
Bill Ennis enjoys riding associated with the traditional Vaquero methods as taught by Ray Hunt, Buck Brannamam and others. “For a number of years I competed at reining, which is now an Olympic equine discipline,” Ennis said. “I train my horses to work stock cattle in the traditional methods employed in the Great Basin. These traditional ways of horsemanship came up through California from Mexico and into the Great Basin (Southeast Oregon, Southwest Idaho, Northern Nevada and Northwest Utah). "The Vaquero methods were developed over time through studying the nature of horses and cattle and using techniques consistent with their natures. These methods all involved roping and are by far the gentlest and most humane way to work livestock, whether branding or doctoring,” said Ennis. Ennis said a trip out west in May allowed him to witness an “amazing display of horsemanship, roping and stock handling.” “I flew out to Reno, Nev., last month to enter and ride in the Californios - the biggest traditional ranch roping and stock horse contest in the
Bill Ennis waves his hat in true cowboy fashion as he takes a ride around the ring on Cody. Ennis recaptured his love and passion for riding when her purchased a horse at age 53. (photo submitted)
world. It covers three days with events like three-man doctoring, two-man doctoring, bull doctoring, “Off the ropes” and other events. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at an event of that type...it was very motivational!”
Spotlight on local equestrians: Rachel Wood, Price Story and Daryl Nelms
Buck Brannaman, a natural horseman of Montana who is the focus of a recent film called “Buck,” and Joe Wolter, another apprentice of Ray Hunt, both competed in the event as well. Meanwhile other greats like Dave Weaver and Martin Black
'Helping your horse cope with summer's heat,' by Anne Basket
were two of the judges. Today Ennis typically rides ranch-bred Quarter horses. His heroes for training and instructing horsemanship are Black, Hunt and Brannaman. (Continued on p. 3)
Carolina Carriage Clubs seventh annual horse trials by Barbara Madill
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