A grassroots movement within the horse industry suggests many of us yearn for the “good ol’ days” when a handshake and a person’s word was his bond. It is a code of honor still practiced by some horsemen and horsewomen today.
A code of honor for horsemen and horsewomen
While no formal Cowboy Dressage organization currently exists, we believe a handshake signifies our commitment to our shared values, vision and to our horses.
Yet for most folks, a contract is regarded as a necessary tool of doing business. A whole generation is missing the feeling of pride of being known as a person whose handshake and word is as reliable and ironclad as a written legal document.
Cowboy Dressage is growing nationally and internationally. We are humbled by the enthusiasm it is generating and its enormous projected influence on the equine community. Such rapid expansion, while exciting, also places our sense of being a close-knit community and our grassroots identity at risk.
And while no formal Cowboy Dressage organization currently exists, we believe we need a meaningful gesture that signifies our commitment to our shared values, vision and to one another. Member With a Handshake is our answer. We feel good about it and think you will too.
No annual fees or group passwords are required for Cowboy Dressage membership, but we do have expectations of ourselves and of you:
With our handshake and our word we promise to:
- Continue to educate and teach as much as possible in all formats.
- Keep Cowboy Dressage simple and uncomplicated.
- Provide tests, rules and information to everyone who wishes to show
- Support and educate individuals outside the show ring who want to learn and improve as horsemen and -women.
- Strive to maintain Cowboy Dressage as a grassroots, community-focused movement.
- Ensure Cowboy Dressage is accessible to everyone regardless of their income or status within the horse world. Whether they show, trail ride, barrel race, cut, rein or just love horses, this will be a place they can hang their hats and be proud.
- To look for “the try” in you, the Cowboy Dressage members.
With your handshake and your word, you pledge “to try” to:
- Become the person others can trust with a handshake and your word.
- Exemplify the Cowboy Dressage way of life and find the courage to chase your dreams.
- Not allow defeat when faced with setbacks in your life and your horsemanship.
- Treat all horses and people with integrity and kindness.
- Look for “the try” in your horses and always reward them.
- Look for “the try” in people as you travel down your horsemanship path.
Learn how with your handshake and word you can become a member of Cowboy Dressage.