John Young
How many years have you been riding?:
I have been making a living with horses in one form or another since I was in my early teens. Back then my goal was to work on the six largest ranches in the world and learn something from each place. I think I achieved that goal. Because of my undaunted personal commitment and goals from such a early age to work in the horse industry I have traveled to most continents in the world in order to further develop my knowledge, skill and most of all, exposure to every horse related venue that I could involve myself with. The coaching end of it just 'happened along somewhere in my adventures' and meshed in with all my activities and experiences.
I have been very fortunate to understudy and work with very good teachers, trainers and role models through out my career. Of course, the life style I chose made settling in any location for any amount of time, impossible. My wife and I have moved to so many locations throughout North America, that I have lost count!
How many years have you been with the Cariboo Cowgirls?:
In or around 2003, I was approached to provide technical and safety input to the Six Pack Drill Team. It continued from there, both in my involvement and input and that of the drill team dynamics. Within a few years, there was a merger of existing drill teams in the area and the Cariboo Cowgirls were 'born' from that union. There has been significant growth, direction and change since the birth of the Cariboo Cowgirls.
What other equine activities do you do outside of the Cariboo Cowgirls?:
In the last decade, my wife and I started to focus on cow horse breeding. It has always been an interesting facet to me. We decided to settle in an area that would allow us to continue with a reputable breeding program and enjoy a less hectic, transient lifestyle. We now focus our energy on our registered Quarter horse breeding program for production cow horses. In addition to foals we raise and sell, I have a yearling and two-year training program. The Cowgirls take up 99% of my extra circular time so there isn't much time left at the end of the day!
What do you like best about being in a drill team?:
The 'Completion and Accomplishment' has always been the best part for me. The fact that you can take raw talent of any form and develop and work with it until it becomes a 'creation'. I relate it to that of making a movie. You make or take ideas and match it with horses and riders instead of actors. Your goal is to make it entertaining for both the horse and riders to do and the public to view. I take great pride in the girls with their goals and accomplishments. As individuals they not only work hard to make it a good solid performance, but a 'Team Effort' where everyone is included. To me that's what coaching is suppose to signify.
The Cariboo Cowgirls are very fortunate to have the continued and devoted coaching skills of John Young. Our coaching staff provides the team with a well-rounded knowledge in multiple disciplines of riding style, equine training and management. Their combined learned horse and rider skills accompanied with sound equine knowledge lend them selves to escalating and honing the Cariboo Cowgirls Drill Team Society style and skill. The Cariboo Cowgirls refer to the coaching staff as 'Lion Tamers', as there isn't to many men that are willing to step into an arena filled with aggressive, energetic women and there mounts!
