PROFILE
- VAN HARGIS
BIOGRAPHY |
Van Hargis
is known as one of the most versatile horsemen/clinicians in
the business today. Van has trained and competed in the show
arena in
events ranging from western pleasure to calf roping, in the rodeo arena in the
timed events of calf roping, team roping and steer wrestling. In keeping
up with his responsibilities on his horse and cattle ranch in Texas, he
keeps his own top quality foundation ranch horses such as those he takes
on the road to the many clinics and expositions throughout the country.
Van's practical experiences in the show ring, rodeo arena and on the ranch
coupled with a dynamic speaking ability have made him one of the most exciting
presenters and highly requested clinicians. Van uses each presentation he gives
as an opportunity to share how the horse has helped him realize the important
lessons in his life. He utilizes the arena and the horse to empathize the
oldest most fundamental lesson, the need for a solid foundation in horse
training as well as everyday life.
Growing up in a small town in Texas, Van Hargis began riding horses at the age of four. He acquired his love for equine from his step-father, a Dallas schoolteacher who bred, raised, and trained horses on the side. After gaining eight years of horsemanship experience by the age of twelve, the wife of world-renowned saddle-maker, Billy Cook, retained him to train his first horse professionally. With years of training experience now under his belt, Van continues to train, specializing in young colts and ranch horse versatility.
Van's desire to share
his experience and educate horses and their owners through superior 
horsemanship
and communication has motivated him to develop and perform seminars and clinics.
He established his horsemanship seminars while living in New Zealand in 1991,
simultaneously offering individual counseling and western riding lessons. Upon
returning to Texas in 1992, he opened his own training facility in Sulphur Springs,
Texas, and began traveling throughout the south performing seminars that have
attracted considerable media coverage including television, radio, and numerous
print publications.
Van Hargis' versatility stems from his ability to deliver an exciting educational, motivational, inspirational and entertaining program to audiences regardless of the setting or the topic. From colt starting clinics to ranch roping, to presentations on the concept of fear, trust and confidence to versatility, Van finds a way to relate practical methods and messages to everyone.
