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At the
AHCC Show May 25-27th in W. Springfield, Mass, I met one of the
calmest and nicest Western Pleasure/Reining trainers I have ever
known - Patrick Corrigan. Whether he was riding his champion Arabian
horses or schooling his students on the rail - his easy-going
demeanor never changed. Listed below are the answers to questions we
all want to know - so without further ado, lets meet him:
1.
When did your
interest in horses begin? Is your family involved in the horse
business?
About 45 years ago, my parents bought me a pony. My mom Elinor
White, has raised English Pleasure horses for years, including a
Reserve National Champion.
2. Tell us
about your training facility called Regal Bay Farm?
I usually have (10-15) horses in for training at any given time such
as Western Pleasure, English Pleasure and Reining. We have wonderful
clients and we all work as a team. Everyone helps out at the
shows and are very supportive of each other.
3. Do you own
horses now? If yes, what are their breeds and names?
My wife (Heidi) and I presently own four horses. PB Arabian Gelding
"Chisolm Bey", a 1/2 Arabian Mare; "WC No Questions Asked", a 1/2
Arabian Mare; "Audrey Rhiannon" and a Palomino Mare "Midnights
Angel" - all are Western Pleasure horses.
4. Tell us
about your Reining Career?
I bought Regal Bay, a young stallion with great reining ability; I
fell in love with reining at that time. I also worked for a Quarter
Horse Reining farm for 8 years and really enjoyed this wonderful
discipline.
5. Do you have
a breeding stallion? If yes, tell us about him and why he is
successful.
One of our clients Carol LeBlanc, recently purchased Tamar Halistic
from Tamar Arabians in Texas. He is a beautiful bay western pleasure
stallion with a wonderful Disposition, great bloodlines and easy to
work around.
6. What are
some of your favorite horses you have trained?
My own stallion Regal Bay (passed away 7 years ago) had a 1/2 Arab
daughter called Tiffany. Three (3) Western Cross Arabians: WC
Eureka, WC Dutch Treat, WC No Questions Asked and Tattinger's
Pride. I have been fortunate to work with many great horses. I would
need more space to list all of them. My Top 10 US National win was
in Western Pleasure Futurity
7. Are there
certain bloodlines you enjoy working with for their athletic
ability, intelligence and temperament?
My favorite bloodlines are Russian/Polish crosses and Half-Arabian
Quarter Horses.
8. What is the
most common mistake you see in a "reining" class?
The most common mistake I see is the riders rushing through their
patterns not allowing them to show the quality of the maneuver.
9. What is the
most amusing or funniest story that occurred while showing in a
class?
While riding a reining pattern, my rein came off the bit. I had to
ride the whole pattern with one rein, at the end of the pattern it
called for a back up and my horse started to do a roll back - I had
a score of 0 - but the cheering from the spectators made it a high
score ride for me.
10. Let's go
back in time to when you first started riding, who was the most
significant person in your life and why?
My mother Elinor White - she encouraged me to ride and show,
starting with 4-H and proceed where I am today.
11. If you
were not a horse trainer, what would you be?
Cattle Rancher or Dairy Farmer
12. While
traveling the country attending horseshows, what is your favorite
place to show?
I always enjoyed showing at the US Nationals in Louisville,
Kentucky.
13. Who has
been the most important trainer you have every met and why?
I have worked with many great horsemen such as: Lee Mancini, Eddie
Ralston, and Cody Ralston to name a few. They have taught me to
understand the horse, the horse world and Arabian industry. But the
most important person in my life is my wife (Heidi) - she is my eyes
in the show ring.
14. If God
gave you one thing to change in the Arabian industry, what would
that be?
That the exhibitors would treat their horses and each other in a way
that would glorify God at all times.
There
you have it, his thoughts/views on everything from the beginning of
his life to where he is now. They are always accepting new
riders/horses - If you are looking for that extra special,
confident, talented Western Pleasure/Reining trainer, don't wait -
call him today. I have seen him in action and I can tell you he
would be my choice - make him yours. He can be reached by calling
860-847-1076 - stop over to his facility - coffee is always on!
Patrick has graciously offered to answer any questions you may have
concerning Western Pleasure & Reining. Send him your questions at
myuskiew@rochester.rr.com
and get advice to assist you in/out of the show ring.
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