Whisper Challenge Rebuttal

by Michelle Eccles

Another View

On August 3rd 2002, in Fort Worth Texas, there was an extraordinary event held, that captivated about 2500 observers. 

Three horse trainers, Pat Parelli, Craig Cameron, and Josh Lyons were the attraction. There were three different training methods, and everyone wanted to see the outcome, and see the best training methods. In this event, there were three different parts. 

First, the three men had to choose there horse. They each were given two to choose from. When they chose these horses, they had a little over two hours to bring them as far as they could, and at the end of the time limit, they had to complete an obstacle course. These horses had little to no handling, except to be weaned and gelded. They were all the same age, (about 2) the same breed and same gender. Pat picked a red roan , Craig picked a nice little bay, and Josh let the people standing around pick his for him, which was also a nice little horse. 

It was an incredibly HOT day. All the horses were put in three different round pens, and everyone waited while the producers got the show on the way. 

Josh offered his horse water right away, and the other horses also got some soon to follow. 

Pat, through most of the training, went from different training tool, to another. He used a rope, a carrot stick, and another longer stick. He also used a bareback pad, and some other things. 

Craig was the first to get his horse saddled. He also worked on the horses legs, and it looked like he tried laying his horse down, but didn't finish. He worked on getting the horse to bend, and get used to things. He used a dressage whip with a bag, tarp, etc.

Josh started with round pen reasoning. He worked on both sides of the horse, and put a bridle on, with a full cheek snaffle. He then began to work on ground work, and creating a good foundation with this horse before he saddled it. When it was time to saddle, his girth was too big for this horse, so he lost about 45 min. trying to replace his equipment. Craig let him use one of his saddles, 'good for you, Craig, that was nice.' Josh then got his horse saddled. Josh's horse was the ONLY one of the three that did not buck. Unlike the other two horses, who bucked more than anyone could keep track of. Josh's horse 

was the one horse that didn't at all act scared. Josh had complete control.

When the time was up, the trainers &horses got a break while they set up the arena with the obstacle course. In this obstacle course some of the things the men had to complete included:

walk

jog

lope

Doing a figure 8, jumping a small jump, caveletti's, roping a bail of hay and dragging it and backing up. Craig took his horse in first, then Pat, then Josh.

Craig's horse did well, a little bit of refusal here and there, and he did buck, but overall, he did a nice job. After the guys finished the course, they got to do a freestyle of their choice. Craig rode bridle-less. Good job Craig!

Pat was next. His horse also bucked (again) and he completed some of the obstacles, but not all. His freestyle consisted of riding his horse to the gate, and taking his shirt off. Well, it was a hot day....right?

Josh was next. He completed the course perfectly. The only thing he did not do, was lope his horse. He felt it would be too much for this young horse, and was concerned for the horses safety and he didn't want to make him scared. 'Way to go Josh.' His horse looked just like a little western pleasure horse. Wow. How impressive. For his freestyle, He SIDE-PASSED. 

The judges, evaluated all three, and Placed: 

1st: JOSH LYONS 

2nd: Craig Cameron and 

3rd: Pat Parelli. 

The best method was proven there, and not to mention, Josh would have done just as well, with any horse handed to him. He was so professional, and I have never seen a horse trainer like him. The people sitting around me, in the beginning were cheering for Parelli and Cameron. It seemed though towards the end all you could hear was Josh's name. Good job to all the guys. There was a lot of pressure I'm sure.
My advice to everyone is to watch Josh Lyons...he is incredible!

The event was great. I am sure they will be doing it again.

This event is coming out on DVD, watch it and see! Horse Buddies is sure to let you know when it is available.