Greg Ward, a legendary figure in the reined cow horse world, passed away on December 6, 1998, at the age of 63 after a courageous battle with cancer. His departure left a void in the industry he so profoundly shaped. Ward was not only a four-time National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Snaffle Bit Futurity winner and a leading breeder but also a perennial supporter whose influence extended far beyond his personal achievements. His final victory at the NRCHA Futurity, just two months prior to his death, was a testament to his indomitable spirit, showcasing an inspirational performance as he battled his illness to pilot his homebred stallion, Reminics Pep, to a remarkable 12-point win. This win, achieved against formidable competitors like Bob Avila and Ted Robinson, underscored his enduring mastery of the sport, often described as the triathlon of performance horses, encompassing herd work, reining, and cow work down the fence.
The Genesis of a Dynasty
Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Greg Ward’s early life was marked by a passion for athletics, playing football, baseball, and basketball. However, a tractor accident in his senior year of high school dashed his hopes for an athletic scholarship. He pursued animal husbandry at California Polytechnic State University, where his involvement with the rodeo team ignited a lifelong passion for roping. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Laura “Shorty” Odle, Ward began his career as a ranch hand, learning the practicalities of “cowboying.” He later honed his skills as an apprentice with horse trainer Harry Rose, eventually striking out on his own in 1960 to establish the Greg Ward Training Stable.
The pivotal moment in Ward’s career came in 1962 when, at 26, he purchased a spirited 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare named Fillinic. Despite her “hot-tempered, sensitive, and quick as a cat” nature, Ward recognized her exceptional athleticism and lightness. This mare would become the cornerstone of his breeding program. Fillinic’s 10 foals and their descendants revolutionized the Western performance horse industry, establishing a dynasty that included notable horses like cow-horse supersire Reminic and NRHA Futurity champion Boomernic. Through the 1960s to the ’90s, Ward’s success was largely built upon the progeny of Fillinic, a testament to his astute breeding program and training philosophy.
Ward’s Distinctive Training Philosophy
Greg Ward’s training methods were largely self-taught and diverged from many traditional approaches. Proteges like Jon Roeser and Crawford Hall describe his style as one that granted horses significant freedom, often utilizing a loose rein. Ward encouraged his horses to think independently, a crucial trait for a successful cow horse. His philosophy emphasized a deep connection with the horse, allowing them to take cues more from the cattle than from the rider’s hands. This approach was particularly evident in his mastery of the cow work, where his horses’ ability to anticipate and react independently allowed them to excel even with challenging cattle.
Ward’s technique involved subtle cues and a focus on balance and impulsion. He would often use his hand on the horn during turns, allowing the horse to initiate the turn naturally. This method prevented the horse from getting its head pulled around, thus maintaining its position and enabling a proper stop. As Crawford Hall observed, “Greg’s horses always got into the ground straight before they started to ‘cup’ the cow and hold it on the fence.” This distinct style extended to the cutting pen, where Ward’s horses were known for their relaxed, expressive heads, weight carried on their hindquarters, and ability to work on a loose rein. Photographer Midge Ames noted that Ward’s horses were visually distinct, often moving closer to the action due to their confidence and ability to control the cow.
Drawing from Classical Principles and Mental Fortitude
Interestingly, Ward’s training methods were deeply influenced by classical dressage principles. For over three decades, his go-to resource was The Manual of Horsemanship of the British Horse Society and Pony Club. This handbook, rooted in military classical training, provided the foundation for his “bible” of horsemanship. Ward believed in achieving suppleness, a low head carriage, and a high poll, with impulsion originating from the hindquarters. He described his approach as riding “from back to front,” a philosophy that contrasted with the more common “front to back” method, with his hand-to-leg ratio reportedly being 30 percent hands and 70 percent legs.
Beyond horsemanship, Ward was a proponent of mental conditioning. He immersed himself in books like The Inner Game of Tennis and Mental Toughness for Athletes, practicing mental imaging techniques long before they became commonplace among elite athletes. His advice was to “Paint good pictures in your mind and then do it just like you see it.” He stressed the importance of mental and physical preparation before competition, allowing the subconscious to take over during the event. This holistic approach, combining horsemanship with mental discipline, was integral to his consistent success.
A Heart for Horses and a Spirit of Resilience
Greg Ward’s connection with horses transcended training; it was deeply spiritual. He often spoke of loving his horses and training them “from the heart,” emphasizing kindness and mutual respect. His daughter, Wende Ward Lourenco, noted that he “worked with a horse, rather than just making it do this or that,” and that he “never met a horse he didn’t like.” He treated his horses as companions, fostering a bond that allowed them to perform at their best.
Ward’s philosophy of “letting them be horses” meant he was permissive about certain behaviors, like nickering or pawing, believing that such expressions were part of a horse’s nature. He understood that protecting their natural spirit and explosiveness was key to long-term performance. This approach, influenced by horsemen like Tom Dorrance, whom Ward consulted with in the late ’80s and early ’90s, allowed him to nurture the horses’ innate abilities. He firmly believed in taking responsibility for training outcomes, famously stating, “Don’t blame the horse!” and viewing all faults as “man-made.” He saw the potential in every horse, a perspective that enabled him to develop even below-average horses into top performers.
Despite facing a dire cancer diagnosis in March 1997, Ward’s fighting spirit was extraordinary. After initial grim prognoses, he found another doctor willing to perform extensive surgery. Remarkably, he was back in the saddle by August 1997, first helping his daughter Wende prepare for her competition, and then focusing on a colt nicknamed “Magic” for the 1998 NRCHA Futurity. Further health setbacks, including kidney stone surgery in May 1998, did not deter him. His victory at the 1998 Futurity aboard Magic was not a mere tribute but a hard-won triumph, with near-perfect performances across all phases of the event. His final competitive moments, showcasing his colt Reminic Starnic despite his profound weakness, exemplified his unwavering passion.
Greg Ward’s legacy is one of innovation, deep empathy for horses, and remarkable resilience. His life motto, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift–that’s why it’s called the present,” perfectly encapsulated his approach to life and competition. He inspired many, including fellow trainers and industry figures, with his courage and dedication. Scott Clark, who eulogized Ward, stated, “He stood up for what he believed in… And he always went to bat for the traditions of NRCHA.” Ward’s ability to see the best in every horse and person, combined with his tenacious spirit, solidified his place as a true icon in the reined cow horse world.
