 | Welcome to Bruce Laird, LLC
Shaping horse and rider for real-life situations. |  | Horses have long been a way of life for Bruce.
Whether he’s starting colts, preparing a young horse for a cutting futurity, coaching a dressage rider, or dragging calves to the fire it’s all about horsemanship. Striving for the feel of oneness between horse and rider is what motivates him.
Every day and every moment offer opportunities for the rider to learn from the horse. Bruce spends his days starting colts and preparing horses for a variety of jobs. He wants all of his horses to ride with confidence and understanding. That base allows him to add the specific jobs the owner may have in mind which match the pair’s abilities and needs.
While never intending to do clinics, Bruce has found himself in that role. As people request clinics, he will try to accommodate their needs. Each clinic may take on its own perspective such as starting colts or working cattle. The horsemanship classes can vary as well, from all day riding including each person’s specific requests, to a smaller group riding all day and mixing in cow work. It is important to Bruce for participants to understand the value in the horse, the value in themselves, and the value in the horsemanship journey and how it relates to life. “Shaping horse and rider for real-life situations.” is his motto, and each word holds importance. Bruce endeavors to help riders become more aware so as to illuminate a true view of horsemanship that applies to any discipline or level of expertise. |
2010 Clinic Schedule
Please contact us if you are interested in attending.
February 27-28, Ray Hunt Memorial Clinic, Fort Worth, TX
April 16-17, All-Day Horsemanship, Midland, TX
April 24-25, Wyoming Horse Expo, Douglas, WY Download the brochure.
May 7-9, Colt and Horsemanship Clinic, Goshen County Fairgrounds, Outdoor Arena, Torrington, WY, $400 colts, $250 horsemanship plus arena, call Bruce and Joan 307-532-9902
June 12-13, All-Day Horsemanship, Longmont, CO, $350, no arena fee, Kathie Hibbard, hibbard@mesanetworks.net, 303-579-4974
June 19-20, Ranch Horse Versatility, Goshen County Fairgrounds outdoor arena, Torrington, WY, $350 plus arena and cattle, contact Bruce and Joan Laird, 307-532-9902
July 3-4, Ranch Roping and Horsemanship, Oshkosh, NE
July 16-18, Colt and Horsemanship Clinic, Last Resort Equestrian Center, Fort Collins, CO, $400 colts, $250 horsemanship plus arena, Gretchen Topel, gesmith77@yahoo.com, 970-217-6863
July 24-25, All-Day Horsemanship, Dubois, WY, $350 plus arena, contact June Bonasera, 307-455-3310
September 11-12, All-Day Horsemanship, Goshen County Fairgrounds, Outdoor Arena, Torrington, WY, $350 plus arena, call Bruce and Joan 307-532-9902
September 25-26, Redneck Dressage Class and Horsemanship Class, Last Resort Equestrian Center, Fort Collins, CO, $250 per class, or $350 for both plus arena, Gretchen Topel, gesmith77@yahoo.com, 970-217-6863
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 | Tribute to Ray Hunt
If you ever wanted to know the truth about the horse, all you had to do was ask Ray Hunt.
Ray not only knew the truth, but he always told you the truth about the horse. In this he
was resolute. For this we thank him. That truth causes you to think. It shows how
deeply you are willing to dig within yourself to find and learn and live the truth. It points
to your integrity and your resolve to be willing to travel the horsemanship journey and to
do it with a smile and a good attitude. You find you learn a lot of truth about yourself
along the way. If you are sincere, without ego, and not out for the all-mighty dollar, you
just might find your way through this truth. You will also find it leading you to that third
thing Ray and Tom talked about—a spiritual truth. Ray never went wrong telling the
truth about the horse.
Bruce and I have lost our friend. The world has lost its horseman. As Bruce said, “Ray
was my mentor, my hero, my friend and the best cowboy I ever saw."
We will always remember Ray with that big smile and twinkle in his eye cheerfully
reminding us all to, “Ride, whistle and grin. Ride, whistle and grin!” It is life. May God
bless Ray Hunt. |
Testimonials
It was truly a pleasure and privilege to watch Bruce work with that colt at Ray's tribute.... he was awe inspiring!! I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you personally, however I met a couple of Bruce's students at your table when I stopped by. They think the world of both of you and went on and on about how incredible Bruce is with horses as well as the people. I saw it for myself early Saturday morning at the clinic! Such a special event. Feel so blessed to have been there. I consider it a very special "once in a lifetime" and will hold the memory with me forever. Would love more info on sponsoring a clinic in the future....it would be great to have the caliber horseman Bruce is share with those of us in the Southeast. He is incredible! ~ Elyse
I found Bruce to be a genuinely remarkable horseman. He has so much experience and is able to communicate to me in a straight forward and pleasant manner. Bruce has a wonderful way of making it simple but not prescriptive; that is, he taught me techniques and concepts to apply to lots of situations. He also did a wonderful job of helping every rider address some specific issue they had. I have never seen another clinician just ask if he could try a horse and see if they could work through an unusually difficult step. Bruce did this several times in a very helpful manner and accomplished so much with a horse in just a few minutes. It also helped to watch him and learn by seeing rather than by hearing. I learned a lot watching him move somebody else’s horse through a tough spot. Bruce made everyone feel competent and was extremely patient when helping rider and horse through a sticky step. Pups and I learned so many handy moves, and Bruce always made it relevant to every day riding situations. I cannot wait to spend a few more days with Bruce on my horse, or any horse, getting to be a better horseman. ~ Dave
I am so excited. The colt starting motivated me to finally get on my five-year-old mare and get her started. I’ve had four wonderful rides. Bruce, thank you for riding my gray mare. I now realize that I’m just not assertive enough. She is being much straighter. Still has her moments, but now I know how to correct it. Your clinics give me and my horse so much more confidence. It makes a huge difference. Again, I truly value Bruce sharing his knowledge, his kindness, patience and non-arrogant attitude. Thank you both for helping all of us with our horses. ~ Fran |  |
 | Many of you have heard me talk about Bruce Laird from Torrington, WY. He is truly, one of the best horsemen I have ever seen in my life. That’s saying a lot as I have attended clinics of Olympic-level riders, who yes, are incredible, but Bruce has something even deeper to offer—communication with your horse to a level that is unmatched by anyone I have ever heard of or seen to date. I have never seen any horseman who can ride the horse so true, so balanced, so correctly as I see in Bruce. He has an incredible feel that begins from his heart. That is where it must start. What Bruce passes on to us as riders, are the skills to get to the mind of your horse through your thoughts and your feel. We learn to read how our horse is feeling and thinking on the inside, changing up our feel to complement the situation and the horse so horse and rider can go together. ~ Gretchen
It was a really wonderful weekend for me. Please thank Bruce again for all the extra work he did with my mare. I think now that all the good work that my husband had done with her will really show and come together well. And now I have a lot more confidence in trying some things that I didn’t before, along with actual techniques. I like how Bruce explains things, very direct and the stories that illustrate his points are not only entertaining but are good examples to visualize. Thank you both again! ~ Bobbi |
THANK YOU for allowing us to audit your clinic at Pat and Val's. It was, as usual, an eye-opening experience. We continue to be amazed at your ability, Bruce, to conduct your clinics so that there is such a success for the horse and the rider. THANKS again for sharing your expertise. (And that moving flag was so cool !! ) ~ Jody and Marty
I wanted to thank you for the wonderful learning experience for both my horse and myself. Right from the first welcoming moments to all the little details of learning, I could feel myself and Ally changing and learning in a comfortable yet challenging environment. I'm not even sure I can put into words exactly the change that has occurred for us. I think I will know that better several months from now as the lessons sink in. For sure though we developed more confidence in communication and are paying attention to being particular, having life and moving those feet together. Thanks again and look forward to future clinics. ~ Karen and Ally
Bruce has helped my horse and I more than can be expressed in one short paragraph. He is able to say what needs to be said with more kindness and patience than I have ever experienced. Whether it is on the ground, trail riding, jumping, or working on my overall horsemanship, Bruce’s knowledge and leadership have helped me forge a growing relationship with my horse which has led to better results in a shorter period of time. With each clinician I work with I hope to walk away with one gold nugget of wisdom. When leaving Bruce’s clinics I feel like I have a full pot. I am delighted we have such a great horseman as a mentor and a friend. ~ Jess
Just wanted to let you know my filly rode really nice this morning!! She learned a lot these three days and so did I. Now just to get it figured how to do it. I saw it, and felt some of it, just need to figure it out. Soooooo glad I came to the clinic. Next time, since I have such trouble with left and right, I am going to wear gloves and put an L and R on them!! Thanks again! ~ Cheri
Classes offered:
Ranch Versatility Class
Here’s a venue that offers fun and purpose in riding your horse. Give us a call if you and your friends would like to check this out. If you are interested in putting one together, you ride at no charge. Let’s limit it to eight riders, and get everybody ready for the coming competitions.
One-Day Clinics
Several have asked if we could do more one-day clinics instead of the two-day class format. Absolutely! We definitely value your input and are open to your suggestions and to the type of class you think would help you and your horse meet your goals.
Branding Class
Who’s up for one?!? When Bruce gave a branding class a few years ago I was amazed at how much we all learned—and there were people there who had branded calves all their lives. We started with our roping skills and learned different throws for different situations. He showed us the importance of safety in the roping pen, how you can create a flow in the pen as you rope cattle out, how to make the most out of the shots presented to you, and how to shape your horse and cattle to achieve a safe and successful loop. It really is an art. We learned how various parts of the country handle their cattle differently so we could adjust to any style of branding. Also, we learned proper technique on the ground which leads to a safe, satisfying and efficient job. If you have always wanted to learn this skill or be better help at your neighbor’s next branding, then round up your friends, give us a call and we’ll do it!
Messages from Bruce & Joan
Midland, TX, April 16-17
Kudos to Candi “Cowgirl” Cowden who put together a great bunch of horses and riders in April in Midland, TX. Thanks to all the locals and to those who flew in to ride. There are some seriously dedicated folks in the Permian Basin! It sounds like Candi and Shirley are working to put it together again this coming winter, so come a’ridin’!
All-Day Horsemanship, Longmont, CO, June 12-13
It was great to ride with Kathie Hibbard and her group in Longmont. Kathie is a “can-do’er” and found a super place for the clinic even when the pouring rain was trying its best to douse it. When the sun broke through she expertly provided a pasture trail course that let us all utilize our new horsemanship skills while enjoying her sense of humor! Many thanks to Kathie, to new relationships, and also to Kim Lampert at Somerset Farm who so graciously accommodated us during the rainstorms.
Ranch Horse Versatility, Torrington, WY, June 19-20
This was one of the best-received classes yet! From those who were seasoned in RHV to those who were checking out new horizons, we had a blast! RHV is a lot to cover in two days so we all stepped up and soaked it in. The cattle were good, and we fooled the afternoon thunderstorm by going to the adjacent indoor arena. Anytime you would like to do another RHV let us know—it really does provide purpose and “real life” to riding.
Bruce and Joan
Ray Hunt Memorial Clinic
Honoring Ray Hunt is a distinct privilege, and twenty-one invitees were given the opportunity to pay tribute to the great horseman on February 27-28 in Fort Worth, TX.
Greeted by Carolyn Hunt, a nearly-full house was in attendance at the Watt Arena to enjoy two days of colt starting. The riders each did their best in starting their individual colts, and the spectators seemed to genuinely appreciate their efforts. With an outpouring of respect for Ray, nearly all the attendees desired their poster of Ray be signed by each and every participant. Both the audience and the riders shared an esprit de corps that could only transpire in celebrating such an inimitable man as Ray Hunt.
Joining Bruce as invited riders were: Ty Van Norman, Wayne Robinson, Jason Leitch, Brook Hazlett, Mike Schwarm, Mike Sears, Harley Green, Doug Jordan, Jaton Lord, Wade Black, Martin Black, Buck Brannaman, Paul Dietz, Kip Fladland, Lee Smith, Ricky Quinn, Tom Curtin, Buster McLaury, and David Stuart, with Charlie Hill being named by the audience as the favorite presenter.
Bruce and Joan
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| FOR SALE | Thunder
2002 Black Gelding
View Flyer
15.3 hh
Torrington, Wyoming
$6,500 |
2001 Bay gelding, Chase is 15 hh, 1025 pounds and ready to go to work on the ranch. $1800
2003 AQHA Black/Brown gelding, Toby is 15.1 hh, 1200 pounds, ranch or barrel prospect. Azure Te and Hancock bred. Call.
2005 APHA (solid) bay mare, Bugsy is 14 hh, 900 pounds, and is started. She’ll make someone a good project to go on with. She is by Hickoryote and out of a Dry Doc/War Leo mare. $750 | Mary
1996 Brown Mare (In Foal)
View Flyer
15.0 hh
Torrington, Wyoming
$1,500 | 2006 AQHA sorrel gelding, Pedro is 14.3 hh, 1025 pounds. This colt is super quiet and nice to be around. He has everything you need to be well-mounted on the ranch or in the arena. He is by a son of Peppy Badgerchex and out of a Dry Doc/King Fritz mare. $3500
STUD FEE FOR SALE: $750 to “The Dualler”, offspring earnings of over $214,000. (Current stud fee is $1000). Please call Bruce or Joan Laird if you are interested in purchasing this quality stud fee. 307-532-9902.
SADDLE FOR SALE: 15 ½ custom-made McFarland cutting saddle. This saddle also makes a really nice lady’s, youth’s or barrel saddle with its good seat. Roughout and in very good condition. $1800 |
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