Testimonials
Please, check out what past and present clients have to say about us. We’re so thankful for the opportunities we’ve had to help so many with their equine partners. All testimonials are almost straight from the horse’s mouth!
If you are currently (or have in the past) utilizing any of our services and would like to submit a testimonial please email us.
Jimmy & Cindy C0e
I show in Reined Cowhorse and Versatility Ranch horse with my 8yo Quarter Horse Jimmy. Gary assessed Jimmy before I purchased him two years ago to make sure we would be able to get the job done. He provided training and worked closely with us during our learning curve first year. Last year we began having great success in the show pen. We are now in our third year and thanks to Gary’s continual pushing of us to excel, we are now learning to go down the fence!
Jimmy stays at Gary’s facility and receives the best of care, and I never worry about him. I take lessons from Gary to improve in areas that need some polishing as we discover holes at shows. Periodically, Jimmy will go back into training with Gary if something has gotten out of whack and needs his skillful hand to correct. Gary is an exceptional horseman, and I have learned so much under his tutelage. He wants both you and your horse, as a team, to be successful! He recognizes everyone is on their own journey, and is adept at understanding what you need to reach your goals in a way that enhances that journey. In my case, he knows I am independent and gives me space to fail and grow.
I admire Gary for his work ethic, his skill as a trainer, coach and teacher, and for his desire to continue his own education so that he too can improve in ways that benefit both the horses he has in training, as well as in how he teaches his clients. If you are interested in showing in cutting, reined cowhorse or Versatility Ranch Horse, I would not hesitate to recommend Gary.
If you have a desire to become a better horseman, and have a competitive spirit, I highly recommend Gary to help you find the right horse and set you on a path of enlightenment! If you are committed to the process, you will find success with Gary!
Rey & Sandy Newsome
I grew up with horses but life happened and I didn't ride a horse for a few decades. In 2015 I started riding with friends. I did not own a horse but was trail riding with friends using their horses. I first met Gary in 2016 when I went to a clinic with a friend. I attended a couple more clinics and continued to ride with friends. I liked Gary's style and that he genuinely cares about each horse that he works with. Gary is passionate about giving young & older horses a thorough education. He finds the areas they need confidence and understanding in and teaches them the things they must know to get along in our human world.
In 2019 I decided to purchase Rey, a finished reining horse. I don't have a good place for my horse at my house and I was grateful that Gary found a place in his barn to board Rey. Every horse that enters his property is treated like one of his own. They are fed properly while he helps them grow mentally, physically and emotionally. Each horse learns how to feel good about themselves while learning what a solid foundation is all about. Gary has been very willing to help us overcome many challenges, sometimes technical, often-times mental. He has helped me reach that place where I trust my horse and believe in myself.
I take lessons with Gary and he has helped me to establish better communication with my horse, not only to improve our relationship in general, but to also take our horse show performances to a more advanced level. While I bought a finished reining horse and competed exclusively in reining initially, we have started showing in Versatility Ranch Horse events. Rey and I enjoy the variety of events in VRH shows. We have had some success and I look forward to showing in more events. We enjoy going to shows and spending time with our "barn family".
Testimonial by Rosie Deurmeier
I brought my 3 year old Quarter Horse “Cody” to Gary to begin his training in reined cowhorse. Gary spent a lot of time, and demonstrated great patience in teaching Cody to correctly use his body in loping circles, stopping and turning. Soon he began working Cody on the flag, and within a few months he was learning to work cows. Gary was very mindful during this process that Cody was young and never pushed him too hard or too fast so as not to scare him.
Due to Gary’s training and hard work, Cody was able to show at the NILE in 2023 as a 4 year old in VRH junior horse reining and ranch riding. He performed very well! I am so proud of Cody and the progress he has made in the past year. Thank you Gary, and I look forward to a great show career for Cody in the coming years!
Gary competing on Cody in the ranch trail and working cowhorse
Testimonial About JR
I have ridden with Gary Cooper for 8 years, attending clinics, taking lessons, showing and getting help with a number of horses. Suffice it to say, he knows me pretty well. When I found myself in need of a trail horse in 2021, it was a no-brainer to ask Gary. I am familiar with Gary’s training program, have tremendous respect for him as a trainer, and I trust him. After having had difficulties with several horses I had purchased elsewhere, I was really hopeful I could acquire a horse that Gary had trained. He had a horse I was acquainted with that I thought might be right for me, but after discussing it with Gary, he thought that JR, a 4 year old colt he’d bought as a yearling and started would be more in keeping with my personality and skills. Gary was very gracious, and allowed me to start messing with JR; grooming him, and doing ground work so we could see if it was going to be a good fit. I felt after the first few times of working with JR, that we had a connection. It is that feeling I had ignored and/or not had the opportunity to determine before purchase in other horses I owned. And it was always what was missing. Gary casually watched and coached me during a number of ground work sessions. He could also see the connection JR and I had. He rode him a couple of times so that I could see what he was like under saddle. I was impressed with JR’s willingness and desire to please, so I bought him! After about 60 days of training, during which I continued to groom and do groundwork with JR, Gary thought he was ready for me to ride. Gary wanted to ensure that JR and I were successful in this next phase of our relationship, so we started in the roundpen. Gary observed how JR and I “communicated”, and incorporated a few changes into his training so that he would better respond to me. A week or two later we had another roundpen session and then we rode out in the big arena all by ourselves! Gary continued to observe and tweek the training so that JR and I could continue to grow in our relationship. Soon we were loping circles, and riding out on the obstacle course! Before long, Gary believed JR would soon be ready to take home. In our next couple of sessions, Gary took us out on a trail ride so we could go up and down some hills, through the woods, and into the river. Then he sent his assistant with me on a longer ride which was another big confidence builder for us! We were ready for lift off!! I brought JR home and started taking him on trail rides with my saddle pals, and in between brought him to Gary’s to ride and take an occasional lesson to continue JR’s education. (And mine!) This has by far been my best experience in purchasing and bringing a horse home. JR and I have strong bond, we trust each other, and we understand each other on that “connection” level. He has never been mishandled or scared, and is such a willing and calm partner. I am so grateful to Gary for steering me toward this horse, and for engaging in a process of training and teaching so that we would be successful! If you’re in the market for a horse, I would steer you to Gary. Let him assess your horsemanship and riding skills, and get to know you a bit. Then let him find you the right fit. Life is too short to struggle with a horse that you don’t click with, and
Testimonial by: BJ Flor
My wife, Barb, and I have always broke out our own horses. A few years back we had a horse that taught me that I no longer bounce when the ground comes up to greet me, I splat. It now takes weeks or months to heal up instead of days. It was about this time we decided to take our colts to someone else to break out. We sent 2 of our young horses out to a gentleman who was recommend to us by a friend. When the colts came back home, one was cinch sore, & the other one was beat up. We were both thoroughly disgusted. At this point, Barb started looking for trainers on the internet, located in the intermountain region. After two months of searching, Barb had her list narrowed down to five trainers. She poured over their qualifications, testimonials, and facilities. After another two weeks of thoughtful deliberation, and a few discussions with me, Barb picked a trainer, Mr. Gary Cooper.
After a few comments about the movie “High Noon”, and Gary Cooper, it was now time for me to get to work. I called the training facility and left a message on their answering machine. In a few days Miss Sue, Gary’s very capable assistant, returned my inquiry. After about 15 minutes of conversation, consisting of question after question from me, I felt like I had known this person for 10 years. Miss Sue answered all my questions with an affluence and confidence that put me at ease. Now it was my turn to be put on the hot seat. Miss Sue started asking about Copper, our 3 year old filly that we wanted to put into training. For the next 20 minutes I spouted off about the little copper colored filly my wife and I were so proud of. If Sue was taking notes, I’m sure she had filled at least two spiral notebooks by now. We set up a date for Gary to evaluate Copper, and I’m sure, her 2 owners as well.
As Barb and I drove through Cody heading west to Gary’s place, my stomach started to churn. We were both anxious to get Copper’s training under way, but after our previous experience with a so called, “horse trainer,” the nerves were off the Richter scale. When we pulled onto the facility, a gentleman, with a grin as wide as the brim on his cowboy hat, came strolling towards us. He stuck out his hand and said, “Hi, I’m Gary.” My nerves started to subside as I introduced myself, then Barb. We unloaded Cooper, and the appraisal began.
We placed Copper in the round pen to stretch out and relax after a long ride. Gary asked if we would like to take a look around the place. As we walked around and talked, you got an old down home feeling. Gary was very proud and confident, as well he should be, of both his training ground and his ability to work with any horse that stepped onto the place. When the tour and discussion session ended, we headed for the round pen to see if the three year old filly we had brought to Cody, had the muster to become Gary’s newest pupil.
Gary stepped into the round pen poised to see just what made Copper tick. As Gary worked her, he would explain, what response he wanted to achieve. If Barb or I had any questions, Gary would gladly take time to reply and be sure we both understood the explanation. Watching Gary put Copper through her paces was nothing short of a thing of beauty. Nerves, what nerves. While Gary continued to move Copper around testing her intelligence, agility, and willingness to listen and pay attention, Barb looked at me with a big smile. We both knew that the months of scouring over the internet, looking for a good trainer were over. The choice we made was definitely the right one. The both us could see, Gary was not only a good horse trainer, Gary was a horseman, who loved to work with horses!!!
Given that we live 280 miles from Cody, the Wyoming winters, and our work schedules, we could not get up to check on Copper’s progress. Gary or Sue, would take time out of their busy agenda, to call us every week to give us updates on the training. Not only would they explain where she was with her schooling, they would let us know what the workout schedule for the next week was. Gary and Sue even made a video of Copper during her training session so we could see the progress she was making.
Barb and I asked Gary to put 60 days on Copper. We also explained to Gary that Barb had been in a horse wreck 3 years ago that required 5 surgeries over a 22 month period. Since Copper was going to be Barb’s horse, we would like her to be as bullet proof as possible. When the call finally came that Copper was ready to come home, we both were very excited to head to Cody to get our girl. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Gary and Sue like we were long lost relatives that had not been heard from or seen for over 20 years. We talked about Coppers achievements, and what would be needed to keep her on the right track, as well as where she could go from here. When we brought Copper up to the indoor arena and tied her up to be saddled, Barb and I stepped back to watch Copper for a few minutes. We both were amazed at the transformation our little 3 year old had gone through, under Gary’s guiding hand. Copper was no longer a carefree, teenage colt. She was a mature filly that was ready, willing, and able to go to work. With the saddle on and the reins in Gary’s hands, they walked into the arena. Gary stepped up on Copper’s back, and the show began. As Gary put her through her paces, we could not believe what we were seeing. If I had not known better, Copper was preforming like she was a 7 or 8 year old mare that had been rode for 5 years. Gary rode her over tarps, over a simulated wooden bridge, and over poles laying on the ground. Now it was Barbs turn to take a spin on her pride and joy. With a nervous smile, Barb climbed aboard Copper and got settled in the saddle. As they walked off, Gary looked at me and said, “Barb is going to love riding that horse.” Gary was right, after a few minutes the anxious grin had turned into a great big smile. While I watched Barb ride around on her little mare, I couldn’t believe the strides Copper had made in just 60 days. After a bit, like a 7 year old kid waiting for his turn on the rollercoaster, I pried Barb out of the saddle so I could take my turn on this 3 year old chestnut mare. The only way I can describe, walking, trotting, and loping Copper is, it was AWESOME!!! The work Gary had put in on our horse in just 60 days was simply amazing.
Barbara and I will always be grateful to Gary and Sue for the care, love, & training that they did with Copper. I know my body, employer, & insurance company will forever be in Gary’s debt. We both can say it has been our privilege to meet, get to know, and become friends with Gary & Sue.
Let me sum up this testimonial for you, Gary Cooper knows horses, what makes them tick, and how to get everything they have to offer, out of them. The bottom line is Gary KNOWS HIS BUSINESS!!!
Testimonial by: Margaret Doane
For those of you who may not know Gary Cooper, let me tell you about the man I know. When my husband and I moved to Cody in 2009, we wanted horses and Gary found 2 for us in 2010. Gave us all the extra help we needed whether then or a year later. I found myself needing to find homes for the horses in 2014. That one day I called and asked him to take them back and that same day they were with him. No hesitation whatsoever. Gary took the horses back and took care of them until he found excellent homes for them. Then he billed me for their care for the few months. He is the most moral and ethical trainer we have known. His clinics are great too.
Margaret Doane (©2014 Courtesy photo).
Reuben & Cindy Coe
Reuben was just coming 5 when I bought him, and knew virtually nothing. I began working with a trainer to lay down a foundation for him, and I rode him on the trails. Reuben had begun to find ways to intimidate me, and was getting the upper hand. This culminated in him bucking me off. Although I got back on and continued to ride, my confidence was shattered. And, Reuben’s intimidating behaviors got worse because I was now afraid to discipline him. It was my great good fortune to find Gary Cooper. I attended a lot of Gary’s clinics, and also began taking private lessons. I slowly began to regain the respect I had lost with Reuben. After discussing my goals for Reuben with Gary, I decided that some concentrated training time would be the way to go. I told Gary I wanted a safe horse that was also versatile. My main goal was to be able to join the rodeo drill team. Reuben, who had not ever taken his right lead, now, takes his right lead every time. We can do pretty and collected lead departures, lope concentric circles, back up, sidepass, two track, turnaround on the hind, perform rollbacks, counter flex, stop, and do simple lead changes!
Cindy Coe on Reuben (©2014 Courtesy photo).
I can move his body around, I can frame him up, and I learned how to deal with his tantrums which have become infrequent because he now knows it doesn’t work! Although I have ridden my entire life, I never learned true equitation. I would read articles and watch video clips but much of it was way over my head. Working with Gary has dramatically improved my horsemanship, my confidence level is strong, and my relationship with Reuben is wonderful. I am now the leader he needed, and although we have not yet ridden in an actual performance, I am successfully practicing with the rodeo drill team, and recently carried the flag for the first time! Through it all, Gary has been there to help me overcome fears, training obstacles, and boost my confidence. He has answered my multitudeof questions with patience, explaining things in a way I can grasp and execute successfully. Gary is helping to make my dreams for my horse and I come true.
Bitzolena & Marilyn Wegweiser
Gary brought me and my horse Bitzolena (AQHA) together on working cowhorse. With just a few private lessons and a couple of cowhorse clinics under our belt we were 4th out of 13 in Novice Amateur Working Cowhorse at the the 2013 AQHA Region 2 Championship horse show. It was our first cowhorse class. . That 4th Place win was qualified us for all events at the 2014 AQHA Novice Championship Horse Show in Las Vegas, NV, where we finished in the Top 25 in Amateur Ranch Horse Pleasure (there was no Cowhorse Class in Vegas). Gary's patience with a horse and rider is a real asset when you are starting a new event. I highly recommend Gary for this reason.
Marilyn Wegweiser on Bitzolena (©2013 Gary Cooper Performance Horses).
Smarty & Susie Barry
"I have been riding with Gary for about four years, mostly in the Cutting discipline. When I started my horse, I was very green. I believe Gary is very passionate about his training, for the horse and rider. He is patient and caring to explain things in a manner that I can apply to my riding. We discuss my goals, making sure they are realistic and we can accomplish these goals. He has prepared me mentally for the shows and taught me to ride for the horse, which has brought success in the show pen. Gary has helped me build a willing partnership between me and my horse.I have also had horses in training with Gary. I know my horses are safe and getting the best possible care at his facility. He often calls to keep me up-to-date on the progress of my horse. Gary and his staff always make me feel welcome at his barn. I have learned so much and want to continue improving my horsemanship with Gary. We are blessed to have Gary in the valley. It has been a great ride! Thanks Gary!
- SUSIE BARRY
Susie Barry on Smarty (courtesy photo).
Cody & Susie Barry
Susie Barry on Cody (courtesy photo).
Doc & Lori T.
“I recently attended a Gary Cooper Trail Clinic. There were a total of twelve riders. We started in the outdoor arena and learned to go through some obstacles. When I felt a little anxious about an obstacle, Gary did not push me. He defused my anxiety by telling me I didn't have to do it. Because I was not under pressure, I eventually was able to try the obstacle. I also felt that Gary was able to give everyone one-on-one attention. He assessed me with my horse to see where I needed to improve and how he could help me. We then went out of the ring to an area where we had to cross water. This was tough for some of the horses, but everyone eventually was able to cross. We then went on a long, beautiful trail ride up the mountain. We came across some other natural obstacles such as a stream to cross. We all did it. I had such a great time and learned how to disengage my horses hind quarters so that I was safer on my horse. I feel that safety is first and foremost on Gary's list. I would highly recommend Gary's clinic. I am looking forward to another clinic.”
- LORI T.
Doc and Lori T. (© S. Frame).
Duke & Susan C.
“Having attended multiple clinics led by Gary Cooper, I can say enthusiastically that Gary is THE BEST!
His knowledge with horses and his ability to teach make him unsurpassed in the Cody area.
Gary's easy style and friendly manor makes every session a fun learning experience for me and my horse.”
- SUSAN C.
Duke and Susan C. (© S. Frame).