What was I thinking? (An interview with Debbie Beth-Halachmy)

About two weeks ago I published An Interview with Cowboy Dressage founder Eitan Beth-Halachmy. I’ve known Eitan for a long time, but I’ve known his wife even longer, since I was a child, so I’ve been particularly looking forward to sharing this post, my interview with Debbie Beth-Halachmy.

Q: The story of Cowboy Dressage is as much yours as it is Eitan’s in many ways. If it hadn’t been for you, Holiday Compadre would not have been bred, much less ended up in Eitan’s care.
What made you decide to take Compadre to Eitan?

Eitan came on the Morgan horse Show scene in the late 80’s. He was unique and different and quite special as were his horses at that time. Just watching him ride and his persona made me want to someday have a horse in training with him.

Q: How did that lead to romance?

Pretty simple. He asked me to lunch at a horse show and we have been joined at the hip since that one date. It was after that that Holiday Compadre went to Eitan. I came with the horse so it worked out for all parties.

Q: What have been some of the challenges facing you as a spouse on the road to making Cowboy Dressage what it is today?

Facing the negativity from others. I am protective of my husband and know of the honest hard work he puts into his “art” He is successful and unique, and that combination can be hard for others to embrace. Also coming from an unknown persona to a national persona was a constant lesson in dealing with that growth and numerous “life lessons” that come with that territory.

Q: What are some of the challenges Eitan and you have faced as a couple?

Not always agreeing with concepts and ideas.  Riding the ups and downs of establishing a new discipline.

Q: What have been some of the best part of this road for you as a spouse?

This journey and success could have only been accomplished as a team. We had to be so committed as a husband and wife that there was only one outcome….a good one. We are both opinionated and stubborn so it can make for differences and we had to get past those to keep the “magic” alive.

Q: What about as a couple? What have been the most exciting moments?

The moments that make me proud of my husband. A good ride, a kindness and the depth of his understanding of horses.

Q: Is there anything you wish you had done differently that you would like to share with us?

That my husband had not been such a heavy smoker. (He no longer smokes.) It changed his health dramatically.

Q: Where do you feel that you are today with Cowboy Dressage?

It is now a national discipline that continues to grow. I am so very proud of this. It was a concept, a dream and now a reality. Lots of hard work…..lots and lots of it. Tears, laughter, arguments but we got it done.

Q: What are some of the good and bad things about where you are today?

It is totally consuming but knowing you are leaving something special behind for future generations is very rewarding.

Q: Of course, one of the worst things for us all is COVID-19. How has that affected the business of Cowboy Dressage?

It kicked our butts into creative mode. We launched a new online education program and Virtual Cowboy Dressage Shows. Both are very successful. So in that way COVID improved what we were doing and inspired us to get some things going that we were dragging our feet on.

Q: Has it affected your personal life?

At first, but now life is still good and we always keep our cups half full.

Q: How have you adapted to it?

We just kind of roll with it and the trick is to stay positive and supportive of others who are way more affected by it than we are.

Q: You’ve had many horses over the years that I’ve known you. What horse is your current mount? Tell us something about her!

I am riding a half Arabian half Quarter Horse mare named Kit. She got the best of both breeds. Stunningly beautiful and talented. She is a delight to ride and as a 4-year-old really coming along nice. I love her and have a deep connection to her.

Q: Is there anything you would like to tell people interested in getting into Cowboy Dressage?

Yes, I think that we’ve created a place for all those that are more based on educational horsemanship than competition based. There is a difference… Cowboy Dressage is for those that don’t quite fit into the heavy show industry. It is for the everyday horseperson, no matter income, and type or quality or age of horse is not a factor. Nor is tack. Riders’ ability is grouped in levels so like participates against like. You get feedback from the judge along with your score…..very helpful to both horse and rider. There are so many reasons to do Cowboy Dressage, but I think the biggest one is it is just plain fun!!!

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Everyone is welcome. Everyone. We are inclusive, kind, and friendship-oriented. The horse and rider have a safe place to advance their training and show.

Read more about Debbie and Eitan’s Cowboy Dressage journey in our book, Cowboy Dressage: Riding, Training, and Competing with Kindness as the Goal and Guiding Principle

Next up:

Taking Cowboy Dressage to Europe: An interview with Lesley Deutsch