Home > Talk of East Texas > Archives > 2009 > November > 20 > Entry
Area horse lovers seek to raise community profile
The bond between horse and rider is such an enduring theme that longtime trainer Monty Turnbow isn’t sure he can explain it.
He thought for a moment on a November afternoon in Longview.
“Horses take you to a place in life you’ve never been before,” he said.
Not satisfied, he walked into the stable he owns with his wife, Cindy, where she was grooming a large sorrel. He asked if she could put it any better.
“Horses will mirror the personality of the rider,” she said. “They pick up on emotions and where you are in life, simply by the way you’re riding. They pick up on your inner feelings.”
The Turnbows, owners of Turnbow Performance Horses and Training Stable, and other people who love horses say the history of equine East Texas is long and rich. Now horse owners around Longview are coming together, issuing surveys and making plans to let people know they haven’t gone anywhere.
“We don’t want to form a club, but maybe raise awareness,” said Stuart Russell, a former police officer who owns Spur of the Moment Farm with her husband, Stoney.
She said plans include a “tour of barns” clinic in which professionals offer training about reining horses, barrel racing, halter and pleasure and other competitive focuses.
The horse owners also hope to offer their two cents about Gregg County’s planned multipurpose facility, which has been put on hold during the recession. The nearest public indoor facility that hosts horse shows is in Marshall, according to Gregg County extension agent Dennis Smith.
“Especially in the summertime, you don’t see many horse shows held outdoors,” he said. “I guess we’re getting softer.”
Click here to read the entire article.
Are you a horse lover?
Comments
By Kathryn Smith
November 21, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this
Monty is not only a great horse trainers, but he and Cindy are great at developing kids. I have been blessed to have them as 4-H Club Managers and Leaders for many years. Thanks!
K Smith
By Brenda N.
November 20, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this
I waited many years to get my horse, a promise my husband made me 32 years prior. The Turnbows helped me realize those dreams. They patiently taught me how to ride and how to care for a horse. Now I own a horse that is the joy of my life. I don’t know what I’d have done if the Turnbows hadn’t been there. Both of them have been a blessing to me. The best place to start is lessons and the best place to learn is from Cindy & Monty. I’m almost 60 years old which proves the saying, it’s never too late!
By elizabeth
November 20, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this
my husband,daughter and grandaughter have horses and what a great time they have. they have bonded them together and we LOVE our horses. just need more places to ride
By Tammy Greene
November 20, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this
Monty and Cindy are the best. We board our house Oliver at there stable and he is well taken care of. They love him like he is there own. Monty has taught my daughter more then just riding the horse, he and Cindy showed her how to care and love him and it made her a much better person. Love to both of you.
TAM
By Sandy Horton Arledge
November 20, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this
Growing up in Longview in the 50s provided a horse-crazy girl a remarkable opportunity to ride and enjoy horses in an enviornment of quality animals. Tom’s (how could he be 80?) comments that Gregg county had some ‘name brand’ horses is an understatement! Barney Skipper, the Johnstons and many others bred some fine animals that made their mark on the Quarter Horse industry. I benefited from that environment, and spent countless hours riding, watching, listening and learning. That background (and a good education) provided me the groundwork to live a childhood dream and go on to raise fine horses that have made an impact. As an AQHA Director from California, I hope to continue being involved in the industry until the lights go out…