Meeting My Horse-Trainer Idol: Les Vogt
Everyone has an idol. When it comes to horse training, mine is Les Vogt. Even though I’d never met him, I had this idea about the kind of person he was. He just seemed like such a nice person, and a natural born teacher with a sincere interest in helping people improve their horsemanship skills. I’ve been watching those training videos of his for months now.
Then again, do you really want to ever meet your idol in real life? What if he isn’t what you thought? What if he’s just a dude looking to make a buck; someone who doesn’t really care at all? I’ve heard stories about people meeting their idols before, stories of football heroes that wouldn’t give a kid an autograph; or a famous authors who talk down to their fans; stories about idol meetings that were devastatingly disappointing.
BUT THAT’S NOT MY STORY! LES VOGT WAS THE BEST!!! I got to attend one of his clinics this weekend (just watch; not with my horse). My brain is so full from everything I learned and my grin still hasn’t gone away.
He is the nicest person! And an amazing instructor–he tells you how to do it, shows you how to do it, and then has you show him how to do it. Everyone was having so much fun. My favorite moment was when one young woman, (after Les spent about 5 to 10 minutes with her), got her horse to do the most amazing slide. She couldn’t believe it! No one could. We all clapped and cheered like she’d won the gold.
I have a lot more to say about the clinic, but for now, I’ll just say, if you ever get the chance, go to his clinic. You won’t regret it.
I’m glad to hear it worked out well for you. I know you were kinda worried about it as it got closer. Too bad Leo didn’t get to make the trip this time. Bet next time you’ll be at the clinic in a saddle.
01 May 2008 at 12:39 am
I learned a TON! You should have been there. You would have loved it. He even did some cow work. Watching him was amazing. I’m actually really really glad I didn’t bring a horse this time. I think I would have been all locked up and too nervous to really absorb everything. But now that I know what it’s all about, I definitely want to go with a horse. He’ll be in Washington 3 more times this summer!
01 May 2008 at 11:16 pm
I’d sure like to meet Mr. Vogt sometime. Whether at a horse thing or just in town he seems like somebody I could get along with pretty well.
Some years back, when Two Eyed Jack was still around and doin his thing, me and a buddy used to talk about Howard Pitzer and some of things he done with Quarter Horse breeding and ranching.
Now my buddy was like me…a little rough around the edges. Didn’t have much use for people with “status”. I’m sure if we had ever met up with the president of the United States he wouldn’t have no problem callin him “pardner”, “hoss”, or somethin a little less respectful depending on how he felt about him.
But he always referred to Howard Pitzer as “Mr. Pitzer”.
So I suppose someday if we meet up I’ll say Mr. Vogt. Maybe come out there to Washington to see him with you all. Not sure how far that is. Probably have to saddle up pretty early to ride there from Illinois and get there in time.
04 May 2008 at 5:37 am
I’m glad you had a good time at the clinic MJ. That same weekend you were at the clinic I was at a reining show here in IL & got the privelige to meet Clint Haverty. I’d only heard of him, but knew he was well known in the reining horse world. He was a judge & was checking bits while I ran the out-gate so we sat next to each other. What a great guy. He’s into making tooling on breastcollars & briefcases & things so he would doodle on paper while the class went on & put it down to check the horses after. I tried not to bother him too much, but was able to sneek in a few questions I had on showing!
05 May 2008 at 10:41 am
Al, I know! I fully intended to call him Mr. Vogt; but when you meet him, he’s just so nice that you feel like you’ve known him forever. I knew I shouldn’t call him Les, but Mr. Vogt sounded so unfamiliar or something, so I went with what came most natural and respectful and just called him “sir.”
Amanda, I’m going to have to look that trainer up. What were the answers to the few sneaky questions? You’re not going to hold out on us are you?
06 May 2008 at 12:06 am
One I asked was if the judge knew before-hand if the person showing was just schooling or really showing. He said, to be courteous, you should use 2 hands to let the judge know you’ll be schooling, but some people don’t & some judges do hold that against you later if you show again (although he said they really shouldn’t). But I suppose there is times when you intend to really show, but end up schooling if the horse messes up bad enough. I guess you would go to 2 hands from that point on.
06 May 2008 at 7:22 am
Ooooh! Good to know. Thanks!
06 May 2008 at 9:20 am