For the fourth in my Cowboy Dressage interview series, I asked Dr. Robert Miller and his wife Debby to share their experience with the discipline. Dr. Miller is a veterinarian and animal behavior expert whose friendship with Eitan Beth-Halachmy led him to do the Forward for our book, Cowboy Dressage: Riding, Training, and Competing with Kindness as the Goal and Guiding Principle. He also very kindly read and critiqued the chapters involving equine behavior.
(Read my Interview with Eitan Beth-Halachmy.)
Perhaps best known for his work on imprint training foals (get the book on amazon), Dr. Miller has authored or contributed to many books and videos (you can find most on his site). His wife Debby is also a lifelong horsewoman, and has enjoyed Cowboy Dressage immensely. They both generously answered the questions below.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background. How did it predispose you to become interested in Cowboy Dressage?
Bob:
I started riding as a child, but never had the advantage of lessons. I always wanted to learn more and finally we learned about Natural Horsemanship, and Cowboy Dressage (CD).
Debby:
I started riding as a child, but never had the advantage of lessons. I always wanted to learn more and finally we learned about Natural Horsemanship, and CD.
Q: How did you first hear of Eitan Beth-Halachmy and Cowboy Dressage?
Bob:
I can’t remember out initial meeting, but it started a lifelong friendship.
Debby:
I saw Eitan’s video DANCES WITH COWS, and knew that I wanted to know Eitan and Debbie. We have become lifelong friends.
Q: What first caught your attention about CD?
Bob:
It is gentle, effective, humane, and revealing.
Debby:
I have always had a good relationship with my horses, but wanted to learn so much more about correct movements, softness and effective training.
Q: From the point of view of a veterinarian, what is there about CD that contributes to the health and soundness of horses?
Bob:
Unlike so many equine activities, it is not excessively traumatic to the horse, physically or mentally.
Q: How about riders? Is there anything about CD that you believe helps foster a better relationship between horse and rider? Does this relate to the health and soundness of the horse?
Bob:
Yes, of course. I have seen harsh training methods ruin horses, physically and mentally. They aren’t necessary to produce excellent performance, as proven by today’s best horse trainers.
Q: Are there any other strengths of CD that you would like to mention?
Bob:
Because it is humane, it contributes to human character. Results are obtained without excessive force and/or cruelty.
Debby:
I admire the relationship, the softness and kindness that I see at the CD shows and want to encourage them and their use.
Q: What about weaknesses? Is there anything about CD you would like to see change?
Bob:
I am probably not qualified to answer this.
Debby:
I hope that CD, as it increases in popularity, never becomes indifferent to the relationship between horse and rider.
Q: Speaking of changes, we first met six or so years ago, and CD has evolved since then. Is there anything you would like to say about how CD has changed over the years?
Bob:
It has increased in popularity, internationally.
Debby:
CD is improving as it gains popularity.
Q: Do you still have any horses?
Bob:
Yes, but I am mourning the loss of my favorite trail-riding mule, Scooter, at age 33.
Debby:
Yes, I still ride several times a week and work on anything new that I have learned.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Bob:
Not all horsemen are good people. Many are cruel, harsh, and indifferent to training techniques which, although cruel, have persisted throughout history. This is why I became a supporter of Natural Horsemanship and Cowboy Dressage.
Debby:
I hope that CD has a great future and never loses its original goals of expert horsemanship without unkindness or human behavior that is inconsiderate to the horse.
