Who Is This Guy?
Ancient History
Robbie was born and raised in the
mountains of North Carolina.
Robbie notes: "I learned to get
along with anything I was put on."
He raised his first filly from birth,
and at age 9 he saddled her, threw
a leg over and launched his career
as a trainer.
In college, Robbie started reading
about Ray Hunt and Tom
Dorrance, and recognized that they
were talking about some of the
same things he had been doing
for years. At about this time,
Robbie began working as a farrier
and trainer professionally. In his
"spare" time, he finished his
degree in education and began a
career teaching English.
mountains of North Carolina.
Robbie notes: "I learned to get
along with anything I was put on."
He raised his first filly from birth,
and at age 9 he saddled her, threw
a leg over and launched his career
as a trainer.
In college, Robbie started reading
about Ray Hunt and Tom
Dorrance, and recognized that they
were talking about some of the
same things he had been doing
for years. At about this time,
Robbie began working as a farrier
and trainer professionally. In his
"spare" time, he finished his
degree in education and began a
career teaching English.
Current Events
Robbie and his family live at the foot of Roan
Mountain, in Mitchell County, North Carolina.
Horses that come to train with Robbie will
typically spend an initial period of time working
in a round pen, and then a riding arena. After
that, they move to roaming the Potter Ranch,
and then on to trail riding in the rugged
mountain terrain. This training is invaluable in
teaching the horse collection and balance, as
well as putting a purpose to the training of
subtle cues.
Mountain, in Mitchell County, North Carolina.
Horses that come to train with Robbie will
typically spend an initial period of time working
in a round pen, and then a riding arena. After
that, they move to roaming the Potter Ranch,
and then on to trail riding in the rugged
mountain terrain. This training is invaluable in
teaching the horse collection and balance, as
well as putting a purpose to the training of
subtle cues.
The Things That Matter
During a training session, a lovely petite blonde woman came
to Robbie for help with her out-of-control horse. Robbie made
a difference in the life of the horse, and Tammy made a
difference in Robbie's life. They are now married and sharing
their lives with 6 children ranging in ages from 1 to 17, three
horses, and assorted dogs, cats, chickens and livestock.
to Robbie for help with her out-of-control horse. Robbie made
a difference in the life of the horse, and Tammy made a
difference in Robbie's life. They are now married and sharing
their lives with 6 children ranging in ages from 1 to 17, three
horses, and assorted dogs, cats, chickens and livestock.
Cleo Edwards
Before anybody knew
anything about a Horse
Whisperer, people called
Cleo a horse charmer. He
lived on Roan Mountain and
everybody knew if you were
having trouble with a horse,
you went to see Cleo. Cleo
taught me to think – I would
never think like a horse and a
horse would never think like
me, but there was a place we
could get together. He taught
me to be considerate of the
horse and recognize that
when a horse makes an
offer, you take it.
anything about a Horse
Whisperer, people called
Cleo a horse charmer. He
lived on Roan Mountain and
everybody knew if you were
having trouble with a horse,
you went to see Cleo. Cleo
taught me to think – I would
never think like a horse and a
horse would never think like
me, but there was a place we
could get together. He taught
me to be considerate of the
horse and recognize that
when a horse makes an
offer, you take it.
Robbie Potter Horsemanship
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Tammy Potter is the Business
Manager for Robbie Potter
Horsemanship. Tammy
provides logistical support for
clinics and works directly with
horses and clients on training
issues.
Manager for Robbie Potter
Horsemanship. Tammy
provides logistical support for
clinics and works directly with
horses and clients on training
issues.
Ray Hunt
Ray Hunt said to me (quoting
Tom Dorrance) "All horse
training is feel, timing and
balance." For years I thought
balance was being in
balance while I was on the
horse’s back. But it’s the
balance of being in the
saddle, a balance of
firmness with softness, a
balance of compassion and
understanding with doing
what needs to be done at that
moment.
Tom Dorrance) "All horse
training is feel, timing and
balance." For years I thought
balance was being in
balance while I was on the
horse’s back. But it’s the
balance of being in the
saddle, a balance of
firmness with softness, a
balance of compassion and
understanding with doing
what needs to be done at that
moment.
Tom Curtin
In working with Tom Curtin,
the concept of balance
continued. A horse is just
living a moment, so we need
to get in balance with him
physically and mentally.
the concept of balance
continued. A horse is just
living a moment, so we need
to get in balance with him
physically and mentally.
