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     RANDY BIRD

        Randy Bird’s passion for horses began at an early age.  A passion that has been his profession and calling for over thirty-five years and one that has led to his total dedication to the education and well being of every horse he handles.  At age ten, Randy raced his first pony, and began competing in barrel racing and other events. At the young age of just 13 he began working with Standardbreds at a local stable.  It was soon obvious to the owners that the young man had a special way with horses and they encouraged Randy to take up racing. He not only secured his driving license at only 17 but also won his first race. Along the way, people kept approaching him to ask if he could work his magic and make their horses as calm and responsive as the ones he was training.

        Randy’ career took an unexpected twist in 1986 when he met Australian horseman Alan Barber who told him about the training methods of the legendary Australian horse trainer J. D. Wilton. Randy accompanied Alan to Australia with a load of horses and the trip changed his life - and the life of every horse he has since come in contact with.  As Randy has said, “When I saw what they were able to do with a horse, I realized that this was what I wanted to do with my life and that if I couldn’t do the same , I would never be happy in the  horse business again.  I have been using and adapting the method  to my needs in educating riding and driving horses ever since”.

       Randy’s career took another important turn when in 1998 he was invited to give a clinic in Michigan. Randy was warmly received by the people there and they expressed a great appreciation of his work in preparing coach horses. On the drive home he realized that another important chapter in his life as a horse trainer had been opened. This was the start of a steady stream of carriage horses making their way to Harwood, Ontario.  In fact, Randy’s equine pupils have come from Ontario, Quebec ,Nova Scotia and 12 U.S. states.

         To watch Randy work with an unschooled horse is to truly witness the mystical bond between man and animal.  Every move, every lesson, every step is accomplished with the utmost respect and care for the horse.   “If I can make a horse’s life better and make the world a better and safer place for it, then it is worthwhile and I have done my job.” RANDY BIRD.

       It is rare to find a trainer who works with both riding and driving horses. In fact, many of Randy’s clients ask him to teach their riding horse to drive as they see that the finish put on the horse helps with attitude, control and responsiveness.

  Well In Hand

         Throughout North America there has been a resurgence in the art of driving, from simple one-horse carts all the way to elegant antique carriages and from driving the single pleasure horse to the classic four-in-hand matched teams.

        Randy explains the resurgence as the natural progression of a lot of horse people getting older and looking for fun and safe ways to extend their “equine” years beyond just riding.  As well, driving allows the entire family to share in the sport. Spouses, children, even grandparents can go for a leisurely carriage ride along a country road or enjoy a cross-country trek. It also introduces the wonderful world of horses to a larger group of people.

         Driving provides a whole new set of demands on the horse –

a complex set of tack, the presence of a carriage’s weight and noise behind them, the need and ability to work in unison with another horse and more reliance on voice commands. In effect, the horse has to be more trusting of the handler and more confident in its job.

   “I want all the horses coming out of here to not only calmly accept the cart or coach but also to move out with complete trust no matter what the situation:  traffic, dogs, backfires, bridges, rivers - you name it. And we make every effort to ensure that the horses are not only ready for these experiences but that the experiences will be safe, fun and enjoyable for horse and handler.” RANDY BIRD.

 A Word About Problem Horses

      Although Randy says that he doesn’t specialize in problem horses, a significant number of them seem to wind up under his care every year.  As Randy says, “A lot of times  a horse arrives here as a last resort; some have never been handled properly and  unfortunately some have been abused by a previous owner.”  Time and time again under Randy’s steady hand, these lost souls are turned into safe and willing companions and given a whole new lease on life.  “They just needed a chance,” says Randy “and they rarely disappoint me. I love to see the look on the owner’s face when they return and take their former ‘problem child’ for a jog or a drive.”

      As an example, Randy recently rescued a young horse that was found in bad shape and down to 500 pounds.  “There was something about the little guy that struck me as special so we brought him home and got him back in good condition .”  At his recent clinic, Randy rode the sleek young three year old through an obstacle course of turkey decoys, noises, trucks, even a shotgun blast. Even though the horse had never experienced any of this before, his trust in Randy had him handle it all with ease.  Three attendees at the clinic offered to buy ‘the horse that nobody wanted.’

        At last year’s clinic, Randy began work with a steel gray racehorse (see pics) that would not go into a starting gate and was terrified of loading in a trailer.  In fact ,the owners had spent several dangerous and anxious hours loading the horse to come to Randy’s clinic.  Randy began by introducing the horse to leading, then led it to a wooden bridge; the horse stood straight up in the air, Randy retained his calm and control and gently eased the horse forward again. The horse placed one foot on the bridge, Randy backed him off reassuring him, then two feet, back off, then four feet and across the dreaded bridge they went.  Randy then approached the trailer, he let the horse sniff it then asked it for one foot, backed off, two feet, backed off then, to the amazement of the crowd and especially the owners, he walked into the trailer and the horse calmly followed him.  He repeated this five times then asked the owner to lead the horse in. No problem. All this in the space of less than one hour.  The good news is the horse returned to the track, willingly entered the starting gate and won his first  two races.

       Audiences at Randy’s clinics, the Royal Winter Fair and the Columbia Grand Prix have seen these types of dramatic transformations as the most wild and wily horses become responsive, relaxed, focused and willing partners as they are introduced to leading, loading, noises, crossing a tarpaulin, crossing water, first saddling and introduction to driving.

       Randy is currently accepting a few horses for training. If you wish to speak to him re training your horse to ride or drive please call him at:  (905) 342-3053  or email him  at rbird@eagle.ca .

Map to Randy Bird Equine Education at Willow Wind Stables

Movie Producer/Director Simon Wincer Says

"Quiet man, quiet horse"

Is the credo by which Randy Bird works. His extraordinary ability to win a horse's trust and confidence has to be seen to be believed. It seems so right, so obvious and so perfect. I wish I had witnessed his method years ago!   I have been around horses all my life, as well as producing and directing many major horse and animal movies including the "Man from Snowy River", "Pharlap", "Lonesome Dove", "Free Willy", "The Light horsemen", and "Operation Dumb Drop". It is so satisfying to watch someone who can communicate so clearly and calmly with an animal.  And that is something all great trainers have in common!  Don't miss the chance to see Randy work. It is awe inspiring".

Simon Wincer

Simon Wincer on location in Africa

A few words from Randy's clients

Manny     Click on thumbnails for larger picture Manny is a nine year old Thoroughbred cross gelding, who was with us for training as a three year old. He is owned by John and Nadia Lennox of Brooklyn Ontario, and ridden and trained by Diana Burnett of Blackstock Ontario. In 2008, he was named as the first alternate [or spare] for the Canadian Eventing Team at the Beijing Olympics. Most recently he has been named to the 2009 Canadian Equestrian Team. He will be competing at the Rolex Kentucky CCI this spring, and hopefully at the Burghley CCI in England this fall, both being four star events.  Plans for Manny also include possible competition in both the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington Kentucky, and as well the 2012 Olympic Games in England. We wish John, Nadia, Diana and Manny, all the very best in their upcoming competitions, and commend them for  their incredible success.   Photos courtesy of www.DianaBurnett.com

 

Patti, Cathi, Kristi and Anni                    are Percheron -Thoroughbred  mares, owned by Bob and Susie Cook of Southern Pines, North Carolina. They were with us for training as two and three year olds. They are seen here in Ocala, Florida being driven by their trainer- driver, Cindy Oreilly at the first selection trial for the World Equestrian Games, where all four were approved. They hope to be selected as one of the top four in hands to represent the United States at the Games in Kentucky, in 2010.The final selection will be made in July, of 2010,and we wish them all the very best. As well we would like to congratulate them on all of their successes, and wish them the best of luck,  in achieving their final goal. "Randy Bird is the most quiet and patient horseman I have ever known. I have probably been connected with 30 or 40 horses that Randy has trained to ride or drive. All were done successfully. If you have tried the rest, try the best. Bob Cook

 

These Hackney horses are owned by Frolic Weymouth of  Chadds Ford Pennsylvania. They are shown here at  coaching meets in both Virginia and Pennsylvania, and as well, crossing the Brandywine River. Their driver is Frolic Weymouth. The two lead horses Luscious and Troubadour, were with us for training and re-schooling.   "Randy, many many thanks. No one can train a horse like you. Frolic"

Hank was with us at our two day clinic in July. He had been sent home from the track after one and one half years of training, as he refused to enter the starting gates. He was also reluctant to go on a trailer. At the end of the clinic he was loading nicely, and in five weeks time had won his first race, in his next two he ran 1st and 3rd.Our congratulations to the McCracken family, and we wish them, as well as Hank, all the best in the 2006 racing season. Randy

Just a quick note to thank you.  My Dad is going to give you a call himself, but I too wanted to tell you how much we appreciated your help. We worked on Hank, and then handed him over to a trainer, and he had his first race of his life yesterday.  And he won, with Ramone just sitting there for the ride.  He clocked a 79 speed index on 330 yards, and didn't even start to sweat.  What a day, everyone in the stands seemed to know what he's been through, it was just great.  Thanks for giving us the confidence to not just give up on him.   Colleen McCracken

Randy Bird Equine Education at Cosyland Farms Open House

Pictures and Letter click here

1999 Columbia Classic Grand Prix in Maryland

Pictures and Letter click here

Clinic and Demonstration Dates

  What his clients said   Technique and the Method

Grande Rapids Western Michigan Winter Equine Expo

 Clinic at Willow Wind    The Graduates   

  For Clinic and Expo Appearances contact  

 Contact Information

If  you want to attend a Randy Bird clinic or have your horse trained to 
ride or drive, please call Randy  at 1 905 342 3053 or email 
rbird@eagle.ca .

 

 

       

   

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Copyright © 2010 by [M.P.M. WEBS]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 02 Sep 2010 07:49:02 -0600