Argyle, TX – March 12, 2013 – After welcoming a brand new baby boy, Lucas Henry, into their lives in January, Bob and Dana Brawley greeted the horse show season ready for adventure. Their family-run Brawley Farms, based in Argyle, Texas, offers training for riders at all levels. With an emphasis on a diverse show schedule they travel to many of the top horse shows throughout the country. Following a fantastic 2012 season, the Brawleys jumped right into the winter circuit in Gulfport, bringing home the blues with baby Lucas along for the ride.

“Gulfport is a great place to start the year,” Dana remarked. “We are on the road for about 25 weeks out of the year and love when people join us along the way. It not only grows our horse show family, but also gives Bob an opportunity to offer his expertise to a diverse group.”

Bob, Dana and Lucas Henry Brawley
© Kimberly Wylie Photography

The show schedule, including Lexington, KY; Traverse City, MI; Katy, TX; Tyler, TX; Upper Marlboro, MD; and Las Vegas, NV, offers a chance to enjoy great locations as well as achieve yearlong goals. Brawley Farms invites riders to experience a top-notch training curriculum by joining them and taking part in their unique, family-oriented program.

Head trainer Bob Brawley has over 30 years of success on the hunter jumper circuit. He started showing and training in Oregon under the guidance of his mother, Judy Brawley. Together they ran a show barn that included a string of hunters and jumpers for juniors and amateurs. In 2003, Bob moved to Southern California to establish his own training stable. The result was a flourishing business that led to multiple USEF Zone 10 and Pacific Coast Horse Shows Association year-end awards. In 2011, he relocated to Texas and in just two years, his new horses are Texas Hunter Jumper Association, USEF Zone 7, and USEF National award winners. Bob is known for his classic style, quality horsemanship, and unwavering attention to detail. He conveys these virtues to his students and horses, giving them the ability to have fun while they pursue successful show careers with confidence.

Bob Brawley and DDM Equestrian’s Obelix © Flashpoint Photography

Developing Effective Riders and Horsemen

“I like to teach riders to really understand what is happening underneath them. I teach a lot about position, but it is more about a rider being in a good balance and helping the horse to jump its best,” Bob stated. “Regardless of whether the horse is a hunter or jumper, my goal is to develop riders who think and feel. That’s what makes effective riding.”

With an emphasis on the importance of horsemanship and matchmaking, Bob puts all the pieces together for each horse and rider combination.

“We have a really good work ethic in the barn, and I truly enjoy my job,” Bob explained. “We find the right horse for the right job, as good matches are extremely important. Once you have the right match, the addition of solid conditioning and a great learning environment are the keys to success.”

National Success

Everyone at Brawley Farms is still smiling about last season. DDM Equestrian’s Amadeo and Bob Brawley were named the 2012 USEF National Horse of the Year as well as the Texas Hunter Jumper Association year end champion in the Performance Working Hunter 3’6″ – 3’9″ division. This pair has also been in the top five six times and the top ten nine times in the USHJA International Hunter Derby series.

When asked about his exceptional year with Amadeo, Bob said, “He was just Mr. Consistency. He has a nice big stride and he is a very confident horse. His strength is generally in the handy round. When he makes the top 12 of the first round in a derby, he almost always moves up in the standings after the handy round.”

Bob Brawley and Amadeo, owned by DDM Equestrian, © Shawn McMillen

This versatile horse not only shined in the professional division but also competed successfully in the Modified Adults with his owner, Diane DeMatteo.

“I love Bob’s training methods. He treats the horses with respect and never asks them to do anything they can’t or shouldn’t do. The horses trust Bob and perform at their best, from Amadeo in the hunter derbies to Obelix in the grand prix ring. You can tell the horses enjoy their jobs,” DeMatteo explained. “With his students, Bob doesn’t emphasize winning as much as ‘riding your system’ and putting in the best ride for your horse. Winning Horse of the Year was an unexpected bonus.”

Brawley Farms welcomes some fabulous new matches to the barn. Congratulations to DDM Equestrian, LLC, on the purchase of Esso-L, the Torti Family on the purchase of Giselle, the Hurt/Pasternak Family on the lease of Bada Bing, and the Barnes Family on the lease of Monaco.

From a new baby to new mounts, 2013 is certain to be an exciting and fun filled year.

For inquiries, call Bob at (760)801-6655. Visit www.brawleyfarmsinc.com, with a redesigned site launching this spring.

Brawley Farms home base is situated on a beautiful 20-acre equestrian facility located in Argyle, Texas. The facility provides unsurpassed accommodations with three gorgeous barns and large, sheltered turnout paddocks. Permanent, matted box stalls are available for year-round boarding, and clients have access to two training arenas, multiple tack rooms, grooming stalls with vacuums, and ample storage areas. Caretakers live onsite providing 24-hour security and horse care.

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