Surrounded by friends and family, Richard was honored to receive the annual "Equitarian Award" given by Monty & Pat Roberts in Solvang, CA., just last night! This award is dedicated to the Western trainer who has worked with the horse's mind without using force. Past recipients of this award have been Greg Ward, Crawford Hall, Sheila Varian, Tom Marvel, Bobby Ingersoll, John Ward, Al Dunning, Craig Cameron, and Chris Cox.

When asked if Richard would receive the honor, for 2007, he was only pleased to be placed in the same category as the above mentioned horsemen and women!

Here is a glimpse of what was said about Richard Winters last night.

As other grade school boys dreamed of being firemen, astronauts, or race car drivers, this years equitarian recipient thought of nothing other than being a cowboy. Not the most convenient dream considering he lived in town with parents who had no ties whatsoever to the equine community. During those early years this boy wore out more than a few bicycles peddling seven miles to a stable across town where he was a self confessed "stable brat." Opportunities to be involved with horses were few and far between but they did come. Helping clean stalls, learning to drive the single horse feed wagon, and helping to saddle the dude string, little by little desire was intersecting with experience. Four summers as a teenager wrangling dude horses in the mountains added to this experience. Then the opportunity to work for the late great bridle horse trainer, Troy Henry, of Clovis, California. This was the young mans first introduction to higher levels of horsemanship. Troy introduced the idea that horsemanship was only about 10% mechanics and 90% psychology. It was there that this high school kid had the privilege of riding some true bridle horses. Though he couldn't duplicate it, he knew there was a feel with horses that could be obtained. A 9 month Farrier program gave the young man skills that financed most of the obligations a 17 year old boy could accrue. Graduating from High School a year early he was college bound. Not necessarily for the scholastic opportunities. Rather, Hartnell College, in Salinas California, had one of the most outstanding varsity rodeo program in the country. Two years of roping calves and riding saddle bronc horses was a lot of fun, however it was self-evident that there wasn't much future in it. It was in Salinas that he met the girl who would become the cornerstone of his success. This pretty strawberry blond has spent 23 years raising their children, running their business, and being the #1 supporter of this ongoing adventure. Over the years, shoeing clients recognized the horse handling skills of this young farrier and training opportunities began to present themselves with more frequency. In the late 80's and early 90's horsemanship clinics were gaining in popularity. This is where our recipient has shined. A strong horsemanship foundation balanced with unparalleled people skills has been the perfect mixture for the outstanding clinician he is today. Never satisfied where he is on the journey, this gentleman continues to hone his skills as an avid competitor with the National Reined Cow Horse Association with world championship titles to his credit. He is also an A rated Judge and a trainer and coach to world champion non-pro riders as well. It's been said "Find a vocation you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life!" Richard Winters is living his boyhood dream and we are pleased to honor him here tonight!

Thank you Pat and Monty for honoring Richard with such a prestigious award!

For nearly three decades Richard Winters has dedicated himself to honing his horsemanship skills and to passing this knowledge onto others. His vast experience has included starting literally hundreds of horses that have gone onto almost every equine discipline imaginable. Richard's credentials extend from the rodeo arena and high dessert ranches of the west to the highly sought after horsemanship clinician that he is today. Richard's masterful communication skills with horses and humans have made him a favorite at clinics, horse expos, and symposiums throughout the country.

Richard continues to expand his horsemanship experience with the National Reined Cow Horse Association as an A rated judge and avid competitor with World Championship Titles to his credit. Richard's most recent accomplishment was having earned the Championship Title of the Equine Experience "$10,000. Colt Starting Challenge" for 2007. Richard was presented with the "2007 Equitarian Award" by Monty and Pat Roberts. This award is dedicated to the Western trainer who has worked with the horse's mind in a humane manner without using force.

Richard along with his wife Cheryl operate their horsemanship center from the historic and prestigious Thacher School in Ojai, CA. For more information about Richard Winters Horsemanship, you are invited to visit www.wintersranch.com. Or you can call direct at 805- 640-0956.