Circle B Ranch
At the Circle B Ranch, we offer a full line of horse training, but our most requested
seems to be starting colts. We seem to start about 20-30 colts per year for the
public. Occasionally, we also get a chance to work with an older problem horse, or
just get to put some time on a younger horse who needs some more experience.
Whatever the situation, we learn from every horse we encounter.
seems to be starting colts. We seem to start about 20-30 colts per year for the
public. Occasionally, we also get a chance to work with an older problem horse, or
just get to put some time on a younger horse who needs some more experience.
Whatever the situation, we learn from every horse we encounter.
We maintain a herd of cattle at the ranch and can get your horse started on
moving cattle, breakaway roping or even ranch roping. All of these are good
places to start for a young team roping prospect, or just a trail horse that you would
like to be a little quieter.
moving cattle, breakaway roping or even ranch roping. All of these are good
places to start for a young team roping prospect, or just a trail horse that you would
like to be a little quieter.
We also offer clinics for beginning horsemanship, and can do a colt starting
demonstration, if needed, call for details.
demonstration, if needed, call for details.
Here are a few links to some
websites that feature horse trainers
in Michigan.
websites that feature horse trainers
in Michigan.
The Circle B is still taking bookings for the 2008 year, however, as of February,
we are booked into mid August. Training is booked on a first come, first serve
basis, so booking early will guarantee your spot. Occasionally we get a
cancellation, so feel free to check with us. Our price for the 2008 season will be
$450 for 4 weeks of training. Half of this fee will be paid upon the start of training,
with the remainder paid when the horse is picked up. We have also started to
receive bookings for the 2009 season.
we are booked into mid August. Training is booked on a first come, first serve
basis, so booking early will guarantee your spot. Occasionally we get a
cancellation, so feel free to check with us. Our price for the 2008 season will be
$450 for 4 weeks of training. Half of this fee will be paid upon the start of training,
with the remainder paid when the horse is picked up. We have also started to
receive bookings for the 2009 season.
Horse training by Larry & Patsy Bourke
Colt starting by Larry Bourke
"I have been starting colts for over 10 years, my biggest influences
have been Buck Brannaman, Ray Hunt, and the Dorrance brothers. I
only hope that I can do these superb horseman justice as I transition
down the road to becoming a true horseman myself. They have taught
me the true meaning of trying to see things from the horses point of
view, and to listen to what the horse is trying to tell you."
Larry Bourke
have been Buck Brannaman, Ray Hunt, and the Dorrance brothers. I
only hope that I can do these superb horseman justice as I transition
down the road to becoming a true horseman myself. They have taught
me the true meaning of trying to see things from the horses point of
view, and to listen to what the horse is trying to tell you."
Larry Bourke
Larry recently had a chance to compete in and win
the 2007 Trainers Challenge held in Southern
Ohio. 5 trainers from 3 different states competed in
a judged competition where unbroke 2 yr. old colts
were drawn at random, and the trainers were given 2
hours in front of the crowd and judges to get the
colts ridden and complete as many obstacles as
possible in the main arena. Trainers worked in
separate round pens until they felt ready to move to
the main arena.
Pictured at left are 4 of the 5 trainers at the
conclusion of the competition. It was a pleasure to
compete against such fine horseman!!
the 2007 Trainers Challenge held in Southern
Ohio. 5 trainers from 3 different states competed in
a judged competition where unbroke 2 yr. old colts
were drawn at random, and the trainers were given 2
hours in front of the crowd and judges to get the
colts ridden and complete as many obstacles as
possible in the main arena. Trainers worked in
separate round pens until they felt ready to move to
the main arena.
Pictured at left are 4 of the 5 trainers at the
conclusion of the competition. It was a pleasure to
compete against such fine horseman!!
| Professional Horseman |
In 2008, Larry was awarded the distinction of being added to list of American
Quarter Horse Professional Horseman.
Quarter Horse Professional Horseman.