Tommy Thompson
For as long as he can remember Tommy Thompson grew up listening to stories about his father and grandfather working with and getting around horses nobody else could get along with.
Born and raised in rural Wyoming Tommy developed the passion that led him to where he is today.
Tommy was only 9 years old when he started his first horse. Soon after he was breaking colts for local ranches. Throughout his young life Tommy cowboyed for many ranches. At 12, Tommy took his first job at a show horse ranch, cleaning stalls and grooming horses. Tommy's childhood also included 4-H and FFA. |
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Before his high school years, Tommy began his very successful bareback riding career. His success continued after high school, with the PRCA and accepting a full time scholarship to Oklahoma Panhandle State University. After receiving a degree in Agriculture Education, Tommy decided to return to his passion and began a career in horse training.
Moving to Cailifornia opened up opportunities to learn and achieve. Through years of experience Tommy has built a facility and reputation that he is proud of and others admire.
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Training Philosophy:
Tommy's methods of horsemanship grew out of long hours spent working in the open country of Wyoming where wild horses still run the deserts. Ranch bands are kept in large pastures where a pecking order is set and adhered to. Watching horses in their own environment brought about the knowledge of horses instincts and behavior.
Having dozens of miles to cover daily with a job to do teaches that we need to have a partnership with the horse based on an equal and strong worth ethic. Many ranch jobs are fast paced and dangerous. Horses need to be willing, reponsive and trust the rider to guide them. These horses are asked to perform any task put in front of them. Their job is to perform efficiently and with more agility than the livestock or the terrain. |
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The same requirements are made on today's show horses. The days are shorter but every ounce of the horse's energy, try, athleticism and instinct are called upon in a few short minutes.
We have to start with a quality prospect, one with conformation, dispostion and the desire to excel. From there it is our job to build a foundation that is solid and built on trust and respect. |
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Tommy starts horses using the Tom Dorrance method teaching the horse to hook up to the rider and to quietly move away from pressure. From the initial start on a colt, Tommy moves on to more of a dressage style of training, focusing on control and manipulation of the horses body and dictacting movement of the feet and legs. As the horses progress they become truly broke.
Show horses are used to doctor cattle, brand calves or what ever jobs need to be done. Finished horses go on to be shown by youth and non pros as well as to be ridden for pleasure or roping and ranch work. |
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Tommy believes that horses should not be burned up just for the hopes of one show. Every horse has something they can be good at.
If the big futurities and derbies are the goal, we can find a horse that can fill that bill. Tommy will not try to fit a square peg in a round hole.
Tommy has developed a good reputation for producing solid show horses, putting a quiet foundation on young prospects and for handling tough stallions. |
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Thompson Family |
Josey and Tommy |
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