Testimonials

After 10 years I decided I wanted to run barrels again. I bought a 7year old green broke horse and green on the pattern, running 19 & 20's. I sent him to Joanie Cowden for 1 month and took lessons with her for another month and we were running consistent 18's and some 17's. Thank you Joanie for all that I accomplished and all the fun I had on Tractor.

Roxie Jimenez

P.S. I can't wait to see how I do on Flower, the 2nd horse I sent to Joanie!

Joanie Cowden is a professional horse trainer and teacher. In the 20 years I've known Joanie, I've had the privilege to watch her work with horses and students. She is very knowledgeable in this field and stays abreast of the new methods of training and most effective techniques for riders and horses.

If her students are willing to learn they can. She opens up a whole new world of opportunity that is exciting, fun and challenging. I've seen students attend and be striving for more knowledge with each lesson at is exciting, fun and challenging. She has the ability to give each and everyone the confidence in themselves and thier horses to go on and be at the top of their competition.

Judy Schultz

President

ARSI

My internship with Joanie Cowden was not only educational, but was full of life's lessons. It was an experience that has helped shape my skills as well as my people skills. Joanie along with her family and friends are filled with knowledge; valuable resources, that by taking the internship I was privileged to tap into. I encourage anyone who is considering an internship to take advantage of it. As long as you love horses and don't mind riding on a daily basis, Joanie will share with you as much of her expertise as she can cram into your visit (Dub -- her husband is always willing to share knowledge too.) I will always look back on my time with the Cowdens as an amazing opportunity that I was lucky enough to be involved in.

Kristy Sinnott

Joanie Cowden has a lifetime of experience with horses to share with every rider, whether they are a beginning rider or a seasoned competitor. She can teach the novice person basic horsemanship, the use of proper equipment and how to look for the right horse to fit their needs. The competitive rider can improve their performance by picking up the small details that can make the difference of winning or placing. Joanie has the ability to select a horse for all ranges of riders. She knows the needs of a young rider and also the needs of a competitor that is looking for a tough winner. She has the expertise in the areas of nutrition, conditioning and training. Any person coming to Joanie will gain confidence and assurance in their horsemanship and in their animal. I highly recommend Joanie Cowden.

Deb Brunel

Joanie has been truly an inspiration to barrel racing as a whole. I have learned so much from her the past few years, I've probably already forgotten most of it. She's very talented in every aspect of horsemanship and has an uncanny way of teaching all levels of riders from beginner to the professional level. She always makes you feel like you and your horse are capable of making that "NFR" run, even if you're at the 4D level. She sees little things that others don't, from health issues to a tack change, that will improve your run. I would and do recommend her for training and lessons. If you want to improve your riding skills or fix a problem with your horse, or shave seconds off your run, go see Joanie!

Respectfully submitted,

Dawn Barrett

WPRA Professional Barrel Racer

I took a pack trip with Jake, in November of 1999. This was the first time I had been around pack horses and pack animals. Jake was very well versed in pack-tripping. I had an amazing experience. Jake taught me everything. I felt as if I had spent at least a couple years riding when our week was over, even though I was a complete novice. He kept a tidy, environmentally sound camp, and even packed out my bull elk. It was a great trip!

Michael Hubbard

Electrical Engineer

I have known Jake for 25 years, and horses have always been a large part of his life. But, it wasn't until the summer of 2000,when we put on a pack trip together that I truly could see how gifted Jake is with horses. My father is a professional outfitter and guide in Cody, Wyoming and I would rank Jake Cowden with the best.

Justine Derroche

I have known Jake Cowden for ten years and I have gotten to see first hand many of his talents. He is an excellent outdoorsman in many ways. I trusted him for several years as I followed behind him kayaking class III and IV rivers. I have seen him downhill ski, telemark ski, and cross country ski with great skill. He even plays a really good game of tennis. Honestly, I can say, that it is with finesse that he rides a horse. After a three year sabbatical from team roping, I once watched him amaze an arena full of faithful everyday ropers, as he was able to head and heel better then most of them. He really has a confidence and natural talent in horsemanship.

Heather Merten

Joanie did a fabulous job in training our young horse on barrels. She took her time and turned him into one very confident performance horse. Also, she worked with me and taught me exactly how to ride him and win on him. Within one year, he was clocking in the 17's and 18's without being pushed to his capacity. Joanie is a wonderful Christian who will and does build confidence in every horse and rider she works with. She has also worked with my daughter and really built her confidence in being a more aggressive and smart rider when running barrels and poles. Also, Joanie is currently working with my daughter and teaching her to ride my young horse to proper way and with confidence. Within a few years with Joanie's help, Shalynn and Zippy will be a tough act to contend with on the rodeo road because of Joanies' training ability with Zippy and the knowledge that she has given Shalynn. I would highly recommend Joanie to any person who wants to barrel race regardless of ability. She is wonderful with all ages.

Thank You and may God Bless You!

Thanks,

Shaunda Jacobs

Joanie is very nice. She really helped me and continues to help me learn to ride my different horses with confidence, style, and grace. She teaches me the proper terminology of running barrels in simple language that I can understand. I can't wiat to serve an intership under Joanies' guidance. Thank you for all the help that you give me every time and anywhere I see you. I love you for what you have taught me and continue to teach me.

Love you,

Shalynn Jacobs Age 11

AJRA & NCBRA Member