Hello Alex & Leon,
I have been meaning to write and let you know how much I enjoyed the training sessions; thanks to you Leon, I have made significant strides in improving my confidence and getting my horse across the pen. My scores have been more consistent too. I am your best advertisement to anyone who will listen…I keep hearing your voice saying “go in and cut another one”…It was such a blast. Great horses…plus world class instruction.

Thank you so much!
Sheila Nash
Quincy, CA

Dear Leon,

I’d just like to say, you are one of the finest horseman and greatest teacher that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and learning from in the cutting industry.

You’ve been a great leader in promoting this industry, especially through the eyes of the amateur riders just getting started. I know because I am one of those amateurs who greatly appreciates all the horsemanship and fine cutting points you have been able to pass on to me through your easy way of teaching cutting 101 to beginners.

You took me from my first clinic to my first competition with amazing ease. I didn’t even realize I had gained that much cutting ability and confidence until I was leaving the arena after my first run. I was on top of the world! Thank you Leon for all you have given and continue to give to myself as well as the rest of the amateurs in the cutting world. I always look forward to riding, learning and laughing with you.

Best Regards,

Vernon E Smith
Atascadero, CA

Leon & Alex

Just wanted to drop a note to tell you how much I enjoyed my time with you at your ranch. My training with Leon was extremely helpful. This being my first year riding cutting horses I can honestly say my time with Leon has definitely advanced my riding and knowledge of cutting. I thought I had gained so much from watching Leon's new cutting video, but to experience it first hand changed my whole outlook and excitement for cutting.

Thank you for the opportunity you gave me and your gracious hospitality.

Don Schlotfeldt
Yakima, Wa.

Dear Alex and Leon
I took some vacations and spent the last two weeks studying your video and tuning up my horse on the mechanical cow and on real cattle. The goal was to get smooth, precise and elegant moves and proper positioning. I wanted him to "listen" on my leg work. I practiced a lot leg coordination. The right message at the right time.

This last week-end I went to France to an international show where the top notch men and women from France, Switzerland and Germany shows up. I started in Non-Pro , 10k limited and 3k limited.

Guess what, I brought two checks home and made my highest score with this horse. The judge told me later: " this is the most elegant and clean cutting and work I’ve seen this year. I couldn’t give you more because you were not "spectacular". If you speed the whole thing up, you gonna be right there.
Your video really works and helps me a lot.

So I am very happy with my week end and I’m going to work now on the "show" part and keep on building muscle.. Of course Peptos Stylish Fool deserves a week off after this busy period. After all he’s only five. On my part I need to work on positioning the horse right after the cut. I found out that he really needs the best possible starting position for his work. If I’m not in the right position from the start he’s is not (yet) experienced enough to correct that himself.

That’s all for now. I wish you all the best.
Benedict Broennimann, Switzerland

August 22, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Harrel,

Thank you so much for extending Mike and I such hospitality during our recent visit. We obtained so much information, so succinctly put, that will aid us in our riding. Mike was especially encouraged in his riding and with his horse.

Sincerely,
Harris Hollingsworth

August 15, 2009

Wayne and Just Add Cattle "Jac"

Just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that I am completely in love with Jac. He is everything and more than I ever imagined he could be. I haven't found a flaw in him yet. Don't think I've ever been around a horse that is as loveable as he is. He follows me around like a dog. He is so dependable. Today Wayne had a great flag lesson on him. He got off and we put our five year old granddaughter on him and he was a perfect gentleman. Both our granddaughters ride him. They're 8 and 5 and I don't worry he'll do something stupid. He's very patient. We haven't taken him trail riding yet, but I'll bet he'll be great. I haven't really had much of a chance to show him because Wayne's horse became lame and I didn't want him to lose his standings so I told him to finish up with Jac and Jac has done well. Wayne's first time showing him he marked a 74. I think that's when I lost Jac to Wayne. Next year I think I'm going to show in the 2,000 rider and Wayne will show in the $10,000 Am, both of us on Jac. For only having had him since the end of April, we've done really well on him. I won a buckle; Wayne won a jacket; he's won both the 500 and the 2,000 and placed 2nd or 3rd consistently. I think that's pretty darn good for a couple of green cutters. Thought you'd like to know that he's happy and we're happy!

~ Jo Rawlins

Hello Mrs. Alex!

How are you?! I hope that Leon has rested and is very well. Here he works too much and it helped very much all those that made the clinic. We passed many pleasant short whiles. I hope that they are repeated and that you also accompany to us.

I believe that the clinic was a success for both, a lot of people knew him and they were fascinated with Leon and they are going to go to your ranch to take more clinics.
Please give thanks to Leon to worry about the problem that I have with my horse Dulces Instant, I must tighten it too much because the saddle is always rolled. Please, let me know when you know about the shipment of the Neoprene and say hello to Leon from my part, and I hope to see both of you before the Summer Spectacular.

Keep in touch,
Very thankful,
~ Juan Rengel
President NCHA Venezuela
Click here to view photos from the Venezuela Clinic

Terry Randall and "Cat's Curly Kitty"

There is no question that I have one of the best cutting horses around. Kitty has been an absolute joy to own and show. In the past 18 months, we have won many shows and year end awards. This year we did very well at the World Finals and the Western National Championships. Leon and I actually owned Kitty together for a while and then I bought her entirely so that I could start to show her myself. I was not sure that I could handle such a high powered horse, but Leon was very encouraging and helped me to get comfortable on her. He always said we were a good match and that has proven to be true. In the initial purchase and the buyout, Leon made sure that I was fully informed about the horse and the deal. I was treated totally fairly and paid a high, yet, reasonable price for a great mare. I could not be happier with Kitty and with my business dealings with Leon. I have always enjoyed learning from Leon and look forward to maintaining a long relationship with him.

~ Terry Randall
 

"I would like to take this opportunity to give some special thanks to Mr. Leon, because I have participate in the best cutting clinic of my life! and I felt very happy to hear and learned so many good things and experiences from Mr. Leon, including, some philosophies of life applicable in cutting...!! And that´s so great, because he made me learn to focus in "Those little things that makes big differences" applicable in cutting and life too.
I feel very graceful because i had had the opportunity to learn cutting from him, a Big Master, Teacher and Friend..."

Thank You very Much Mr. Leon
~ "TONY" from Venezuela.

P.D.: I'm looking forward to ride with you again!

I have had the privilege of attending 3 clinics with Leon Harrel. From my first visit in Temecula and subsequent visits in Bend, Oregon and Calgary Alberta I have been impressed with the level and intensity of instruction from Leon. From novice to experienced rider, beginner cutter to seasoned weekend warrior, the pointers and tips you receive from a master like Leon are second to none.

Leon’s personal touch and patience interacting with students of the sport of cutting are unparalleled to any thing I have experienced. After attending my first clinic with Leon, I purchased one of the horses from the program that he had paired me with. Best investment I could have made and I have received numerous compliments from my peers in the sport here in Canada on how my skills have improved over the past year. I highly recommend to any enthusiast to take advantage of the vast experience Leon has to offer as it will only improve you skills.

Don Smith
Calgary, Alberta

Leon is honestly the most effective, and kind trainer I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Working with him for several months straight has put me way ahead of the competition and I have been able to get a behind the scenes look at the man Leon truly is. His honesty, practicality and genuine concern for the horse and rider allows him to match riders with the right horses that not only take the cutter to the pay window, but also keeps the horse sound, happy, and healthy. Working in his barn was such a pleasure because I got to see horses and riders become partners before my very eyes, and then go off to bring home checks at the shows.

Leon matched me with my first show horse, completely within all the specifications I asked for and more specifically, she was within my budget. Leon always has integrity and is attentive to your needs as a rider. I since have sold my mare and I am looking to move up, obviously having Leon help me find another good match. I wouldn't dream of working with anyone else.

~ Jenna Otto
Wyoming
 

Hi Leon and Alex ,

As you know we love Bodee. Up here, everywhere Ken goes, he is a “super star,” and I tell you no lie Alex, everytime Ken comes out of the show pen, people come up to him and say what a nice horse, and we tell everyone how proud we are and who we got him from, if you have anyone who wants a reference you give them our number.

Ken and Karen Mix
Calgary, Alberta
 

"In 2004, I attended a Leon Harrel clinic in Pagosa Springs. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It changed my life, and I purchased a horse from him that very weekend. I’ve been extremely pleased with the quarter horse gelding Summer Soda (Pecos) that I purchased from Leon. He’s a great overall ranch horse that can do anything I ask, including sorting hundreds of pairs in one day or a hard week long cattle drive. He’s used for competitive cutting, team roping, sorting, and team penning. And I confidently let my 6 year old grand daughter ride him. Great horse! Thanks Leon!!”

Richard Beal
Santa Fe, New Mexico.
 

I purchased a wonderful 5 yo gelding from Leon and Alex in 2006, and 3 months later, I went to Las Vegas, won the Amateur Division, and took home a check for $65K after it was all over. Leon was right there every step of the way for me. I have gone on to win many more championships and checks since then with Red, (Million Oaks), and he has been 100% sound and healthy since the day I bought him. I would not hesitate to go through Leon again when the time comes to move up. I enjoy the peace of mind knowing that his genius was behind this perfect match, and I’d trust him to do it again.

Charlie Eade
Yuma, AZ

 

Wess Behm

Audrey Behm

Wess and I had the opportunity to take our very first cutting clinic with Leon back in May of this year. We had always ridden ranch horses and worked cows, so cutting seemed to be the next logical step. It was an incredible learning experience and confidence builder. By the end of the clinic we both were hooked.

Following the clinic Leon and Alex invited us to come to their ranch and spend some more time training with Leon. We took them up on the offer and asked them to have a look for some horses that would be suitable for us.

Prior to our arrival Leon had selected a couple of horses for us to try out. We spent the next 4 days training on these horses and working cattle. Leon was always positive and encouraging. We never once felt unable or inadequate When we looked back on the video of our first day and compare it to our last the difference was immense. We were reading our cattle better and cutting better. By the end of our stay we had decided that we really wanted to get serious and decided to purchase the horses that Leon had found for us, Smart Preppy Jae Bar and Deep River Hickory .

Alex worked with us to get all the paper work together so we could get them brought back to Canada in time for Leon’s next clinic K & K in Strathmore, AB.

At the Aug clinic at K & K in Strathmore we refined some of the skills we had learned in TX. We left the clinic feeling confident enough to start competing.

We really want to say how much we appreciate the encouragement, caliber of teaching, the knowledge that Leon has passed on to us and Leon and Alex’s friendship. We encourage anyone wanting to achieve more in cutting to spend some time training with Leon. It is well worth the investment and you will not be disappointed.

~ Wess and Audrey Behm
Bearberry, AB, Canada

Hi Leon and Alex, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your clinic in Strathmore, AB. in April/08.I was very unsure about going to a clinic with someone of your caliber teaching it, but it was very much more than I could have hoped for. You are a very gifted teacher and seem to be able to understand what each person needs to succeed. I have always loved cutting horses and think that they are the ultimate in what a cowhorse should be. Thanks for encouraging me and helping me with my self-doubts about my abilities to show in this sport. My husband tells me that I came home with much enthusiasm and I need to follow through and go to some shows this year. I think I will need more than one clinic to bolster my confidence but I am so far ahead of where I used to be. Thanks again for all your help and encouragement. I hope to see you again in the near future-maybe in August in AB. Thanks again for your kind and thoughtful ways of teaching and encouraging.

Hope to see you soon,
~Linda Davies Lloydminster, AB.

Leon is honestly the most effective, and kind trainer I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Working with him for several months straight has put me way ahead of the competition and I have been able to get a behind the scenes look at the man Leon truly is. His honesty, practicality and genuine concern for the horse and rider allows him to match riders with the right horses that not only take the cutter to the pay window, but also keeps the horse sound, happy, and healthy. Working in his barn was such a pleasure because I got to see horses and riders become partners before my very eyes, and then go off to bring home checks at the shows.

Leon matched me with my first show horse, completely within all the specifications I asked for and more specifically, she was within my budget. Leon always has integrity and is attentive to your needs as a rider. I since have sold my mare and I am looking to move up, obviously having Leon help me find another good match. I wouldn't dream of working with anyone else.

~ Jenna Otto
Wyoming
 

"I couldn't have done it without all the training and knowledge I got from Leon while I was with the team. I would never have dreamed of trying to do it on my own. Any success we had this past year is a real testament to what a great teacher Leon is. I really value the time I had with him. In the end it was time for me to move on, but I will always be thankful for the time I got to spend with him as a student."  

~Allan Due, Bloomfield, NM
 

"I had the pleasure and opportunity to take a clinic from Leon last year in 2007. I received it as a gift from my wife. I talked my buddy into joining me. As said prior, and in other testimonials, you will not find a better instructor in the industry. After taking the first clinic, we had the time of our life improving our riding skills, and just having great fun. After the first clinic, we left there like leaving an Amway convention – high on life and ready to conquer the world, or the cutting horse industry anyway. We were so hooked that we went back in June for another dose. Then we had Leon come to Canada to do a clinic at our place just outside of Calgary. The amount of knowledge that Leon passes on is absolutely amazing and words cannot express how you feel. Leon has the ability to take each person, no matter what level of rider, and progress to where you have a great understanding of cutting horsemanship skills. Cutting takes a lot of dedication and commitment. If you’re looking to gain more experience in a short time, I highly recommend spending some time with Leon."

~Ken Mix
K&K Livestock
Calgary, Alberta
 

John Beman and "Joe's Last Lena"

"I just got back from a week at Leon’s and Alex’s new place in Springtown, Texas. It is a great cutting horse facility in a wonderful cutting horse community. Having been to several of Leon’s clinics in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, California, and Oregon, I can truthfully say from personal experience that the one common denominator in all of these that has given me the confidence and ability to compete in the cutting horse arena is Leon’s expertise in training both horse and rider producing a competitive team. His constant positive attitude and encouragement is exceeded only by his skill and knowledge of the cutting horse industry. When I came to a clinic without a horse he was able to match me with one of his horses to fit my ability level and riding style. If I brought my horse, he trained both me and my horse raising our performance level as a team."  

~ John Beman, Evansville, IN
 

Terry Randall and "Cat's Curly Kitty"

"Working with Leon Harrel the past few years has been one of the best experiences of my life. Leon is a great teacher and his personality and teaching style have made learning a pleasure. His positive attitude and upbeat personality shine through in the way he teaches and in the way he treats people in general. My riding skills, cutting skills and general horsemanship have improved dramatically since I hooked up with Leon. I have been fortunate to be able to spend several days working one on one with Leon. Those days of personal attention and concentrated learning were a huge help in my development. The skills, knowledge and confidence I have gained have allowed me to become very competitive on a very talented horse. I have gone from a “club cutter” to qualifying for the NCHA World Finals in three classes. No matter how laid back or competitive someone wants to be, they can learn and have fun doing it with Leon."

~ Terry Randall
 

"I had the honor and privilege of attending a clinic with my lifelong hero Leon Harrel recently, and I have to say, that he is a magician extraordinaire! I never dreamed that anyone could so completely transform my life in such a short time. My beautiful and very expensive new mare and I were doing pretty good, but we just weren’t quite as “in sync” as I wanted to be. The trainer I bought her from simply didn’t have the time for us, and I searched and searched for someone who could put the “finishing touches” on us. Then I happened upon Leon’s website through the NCHA’s cutting clinics page, and was amazed to find that he was right in my own backyard! There are no coincidences and I feel truly blessed to have the “Master” himself so accessible to help me make my dreams come true! Thank you Leon for giving me everything I always dreamed of, finally!"

~Amy Bowman
Aledo, TX

April 30, 2008
"I attended Leon's Intensive two-day Seminar on March 1-2, 2008 and learned more about Professionalism, Horsemanship, Compassion and a True Understanding for Horses and Cattle than I had previously learned in the past twenty years. Leon, Alex and their entire staff were awesome and made my out-of-state commute and stay a breeze!

As an added bonus to all of the great wisdom that Leon imparts to you regarding the Art of Cutting, you get to listen to Leon tell some of the best stories about a few of the Horse Industry Legends. Hopefully, some of those legends, who are still with us, are also telling some stories about the Legend who's seminar I attended. Leon is truly a gentleman!

I highly recommend a trip to Leon's wonderful facility in Springtown!!!"

~ Lance Ivey, Palm Beach, FL

"Hi Alex,
I've attached a couple photos. One is Mark on our stallion ~ Smart Chicaway ~ last summer. the second is me on our mare ~ Sweet Sugar Boon. Both Mark & I took Leon's clinic ~ Mark in Pagosa Springs summer of 2006 and I joined in October 2006 in Temecula. We both took the clinic before we started showing cutters and boy did it make a difference! Our first season we both got our achievement buckles and both won several classes in Non Pro, 2000 limit rider, 10,000 and 50,000 amateur. We are heading to Ogden tomorrow for the Western National Finals. We both qualified for the 2000 limit rider. Our stud made the finals in the 10,000 novice horse open. He shows again today. Check out our website at www.freshhorsesfarm.com . We look forward to seeing you soon. Oh, tell Leon that we had a Peptoboonsmal baby this year out of our Smart Little Lena mare. Her name is Boonalicious!"

~ Patti Blackwell

Leon,

You are a wonderful communicator and teacher. Your skills are immeasurable. I bought my mare 3 weeks ago and I was amazed at how much I need to learn to really be able to connect with her. What you have taught me will not only help me with her but any other horse I have in the future. Teaching me to use that herd side leg more seems to really have made a difference when needed. The horsemanship technique you have instilled in me will be used every time I get on my mare. What you taught me regarding the mental prep and mind set that I need to have to be competitive in this sport was the best thing I learned. How true it is to have this mental focus. How walking into the herd with, instead of the concept of, “I am going to win”, but rather the thought of, “ I am going to show her to the best of my ability”, seems to take a lot of the pressure off. Now knowing when to start
her into the turns, has made a world of difference. The amazing thing is, you taught me this in only 3 hours. I have been going to trainers for 4 months and didn't receive as much in the entire 4 months as I did with you in that 3 hours!

By pointing out so many ways for my mare and I to continue to build our relationship and partnership was such a benefit. Although you make your living helping horses with people problems, you clearly love what you do and what a pleasure it is to be around such a positive and motivating person who respects and admires these amazing animals.

I just finished watching the video you gave me. All I can say is "AWESOME", I only wish I had watched this video before I got really focused on this sport. What things I could have done and should've done differently are numerous. But with your help I've learned how to approach this sport with confidence in myself and my horse. The light at the end of the tunnel is shining bright, thanks to you. I am looking forward to this weekend's show, so I can go apply all you taught me.

I look so forward to working with you again. You have a gift from God that so few people in this world have. I can’t thank you enough.

Sincerely and with great respect,
~ Andrea Bedell

6/5/08
Alex & Leon;
Even though I have many more days to be here, wanted to try & tell you how much the experience so far has exceeded every expectation I had. The expectations were great to begin with, but what I am getting out of it, plus the flat out fun each & every day was something I never guessed would be.

Talking to people at home I have used this analogy: Imagine going from Camden SC to Paris.

The challenge for all us lucky people with Leon on the podium is to step up to the plate & try not to let him down in performance. Apparently Leon is unable to say anything remotely negative & boy do I need that influence in my life at this particular time. I have worked with many many teachers, albeit English, a few of which I would consider great in all respects but, I am totally honest when I say I have never experienced anyone with the gift & ability that Leon possess. There are people who can teach but are not at all horse savvy, some ride, some don't. Then there are those who are classic riders but are unable to impart their knowledge since most of it is sheer "feel" which they can not translate. Leon has it all. On the video I have & in person, I watch his hands which make me think of a surgeon's hands. Beautiful.

The hospitality & camaraderie is unending & I look forward to the remainder of my visit which, without any doubt is only the first in what I truly hope will be a longstanding relationship with both of you.

I won't even touch on my feelings for Flash as that would take another page & with your schedule I doubt you have any time at all for email.

Thank you, thank you,
~ Marilla Van Beuren from Wellington, FL.

June 10, 2008
I have dreamed of owning and learning how to ride a cutting horse since I was five years old. I am a city girl, and from the moment my Dad took me to see the cutting at the Calgary Stampede in the summer of my fifth year I have pursued the dream. Along the way I have been fortunate to have been around and owned a horse for most of my life. The dream of having a cutting horse and pursuing the sport was always out of reach from a financial and practical perspective. All of this changed in the spring of 2007. I attended a Leon Harrel clinic in Temecula California, and for the first time in my life, actually rode a cutting horse. In spite of riding for the better part of thirty years, I was terribly afraid of falling off. This was manifest in an attitude of great seriousness and intensity. I’m sure that Leon knew I was scared to death, but he chose to acknowledge my fear by working with my intensity. I was very grateful for his discreet and respectful approach because I certainly didn’t want anyone to know how afraid I was. I was hooked after this clinic and went home resolved to buy a finished cutter that could get me started.

There were a lot of obstacles in my way. Some were practical like trying to find out who to call to get started and especially trying to find a trainer that was interested in taking on a complete amateur who wanted to buy a cutter AND do the riding. Early on, I discovered that most trainers are very keen to talk to you if you want to send them a wonderful prospect for THEIR TRAINER to ride and show. I found it more difficult to find someone who was interested in taking on a complete amateur and teaching them the sport. There are very, very few trainers who are truly interested in bringing in new people and teaching them to do the riding and the showing. I am lucky I discovered that Leon is very interested in helping people get started.

In April of 2008 I went to Leon’s new location in Springtown. He put me on a pretty snappy horse, and I was very worried about falling off. Before we did any cutting on the first day Leon talked about many things, all woven in and around horsemanship and cutting. And then he said something that just really rocked me. He said: “You can let life touch you, or you can let it kill you. No matter what happens to you in life, you can make that decision”.

I have a long ways to go to get to a point where I am not afraid every time I get on my mare to cut, but that one comment from a man who has processed and understood life very well has taken me well down the path. So, cutting horse trainer extraordinaire? Yes. Talented teacher? Yes. Superb horseman? Yes. Compassionate respect for these beautiful creatures? Yes. But most of all and most telling of all: a profoundly wise and gentle human being.

~ Nancy Calvin
Calgary, Alberta

"Leon Harrel!! What a name, what a man, and what he stands for! My husband and I have always had horses. One day I came home with a cutter!! We decided that we both wanted to pursue cutting and needed a trainer. My husband said lets go to a clinic with "Leon Harrel". We have known Leon for four years now. Leon doesn't look at you as just another client, or another person rolling through. Your horse is not just another horse in the barn that is replaceable, you both matter to him. He knows what it takes to train your horse, and keep your horse tuned up. Through learning of the "Cutting World" I have seen trainers that can train horses, trainers that can train people, and Leon has both qualities. His personality and positive attitude make learning come naturally. During the day when you repeat the same mistake a hundred times; then you finally get it, he will always end your day on a good note. I feel that he has touched our lives in a positive way as a great instructor and life- long friend."

Thanks Leon Harrel
~ Michelle and Gary Reichart
Frankton, Indiana
 

Alexandria Harrel
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Fax: 817.523.5223
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