Alex
My name is Alex Borton and I've been with Laughing Buck Farm for about a year now. I'm a double major Equine Science and Psychology student at CSU. I grew up riding horses in Michigan where I spent 12 years in a local 4H program where I competed in everything from jumping to barrel racing. Which would probably have to be my two favorite events to ride in. In addition to 4H I was also an active member of my high schools equestrian team and an assistant coach for the middle school team. I spent the past two summers in Buena Vista giving guided horse back tours through the mountains which was an amazing experience and gave me the opportunity to teach all kinds of riders and ages. And also gave me the opportunity to ride all different kinds of horses from Welsh ponies to Percherons.
My own horse right now is a five year old Mustang named Chance whom, in my opinion, is the smartest and sweetest horse in the world. I've taught him almost every thing he knows using all natural horsemanship methods, which has built the amazing relationship we have today. In addition to him I also have one incredibly obese deaf cat named Toby who gets brave from time to time and likes to explore the small patch of farm surrounding my apartment.
The small amount of time I'm not spending with my animals I love reading and exploring all of the amazing trails and hiking opportunities Colorado has to offer.
My own horse right now is a five year old Mustang named Chance whom, in my opinion, is the smartest and sweetest horse in the world. I've taught him almost every thing he knows using all natural horsemanship methods, which has built the amazing relationship we have today. In addition to him I also have one incredibly obese deaf cat named Toby who gets brave from time to time and likes to explore the small patch of farm surrounding my apartment.
The small amount of time I'm not spending with my animals I love reading and exploring all of the amazing trails and hiking opportunities Colorado has to offer.
Willow
My name is Willow and I'm a senior in high school, and have been riding for 11 years. I've ridden English and all kinds of Western, but reining is by far my favorite discipline that I've tried so far and I am an intern at a reining stable called Sunnyluck Farms just down the road from Laughing Buck Farm. I start colts, tune up older horses, and ride and exercise the finished reiners. I have one horse of my own that lives here at Laughing Buck, a 19 year old quarter horse/standardbred cross named Clifford that I have known for 5 years. Right now he's my fun, messing around with horse that gets to go trail riding and get fat in the pasture with his buddies. He also loves young riders, and I'm planning on gradually incorporating him into the lesson program. He's extremely safe and sane, but definitely still has more energy than a lot of horses half of his age so he'll be used for more experienced riders off the lunge line, and less experienced riders on the lunge line.
I love teaching older students and students who have some riding experience and are looking to further refine their riding, but my passion lies in training the horses. I believe that every horse should be respectful and calm on the ground before riding. Some natural horsemanship has it's place in my program, especially groundwork, and I believe that to form a safe relationship with an animal 10 times your size, respect should be first and foremost, and a good relationship will eventually come from a mutual respect. In most respects of ground work and riding, however, I have a more traditional approach. My favorite trainers include Clinton Anderson, Chris Cox, Al Dunning, Shawn Flarida, Andrea Fappani, and Larry Trocha. My goals for the future include attending Colorado State University for a degree in Equine Science and then eventually becoming a professional reining and/or cutting trainer.