Monte Foreman, a distinguished horse trainer whose innovative methods were ahead of their time, passed away on March 4th at the age of 71. He died at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Denver due to complications from a prolonged battle with diabetes. For over two decades, Foreman resided in Elbert, Colorado, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in horse training, disseminating his knowledge through written word and illustrations.
A Vision Ahead of Its Time
Foreman’s contributions to horse training began as early as 1945 when he authored and illustrated articles for “Back in the Saddle” magazine. In an era when publishers often shied away from opinionated content on horse training, Foreman was breaking new ground. He recalled in 1983 that editors were hesitant to publish “how-to” or self-help articles, a genre now immensely popular. “In the ’40s, the popularity of horses was getting into high gear,” Foreman observed, “and the few top magazines that were catering to this popularity really didn’t know how they wanted to go as far as telling horseback people how to do it. So they didn’t go any place.”
The varied and often contentious opinions within the horse training community also posed a challenge for editors. While some publications, like “Back in the Saddle,” experimented with such content, they often faced criticism from readers. “When The Western Horseman published a long, serial-style feature called ‘The Romance of the Western Stock Horse,’ horse training began to take on an air of respectability,” Foreman noted. This series offered valuable training tips and significantly contributed to the acceptance and popularity of instructional horse content.
Advancing Horsemanship Through Publications and Clinics
Beyond his early magazine work, Monte Foreman authored several influential books, including “Monte Foreman’s Horse Training Science,” published by the University of Oklahoma Press in the fall of 1983. He also penned “Horse Handling Science” and “Cantankerous Leads,” further solidifying his reputation. Throughout the 1950s and ’60s, a period when training stories became highly sought after, Foreman produced hundreds of illustrated articles for various horse magazines.
Foreman’s core philosophy centered on the interconnectedness of rider balance and horse responsiveness. He believed that if a rider could achieve ease and balance, the horse would naturally respond to the best of its ability. For Foreman, balance was paramount for the rider, while leads were the most critical element for the horse.
The Importance of Leads and Athleticism in Equine Sports
During his extensive involvement with horse shows and rodeos, the author frequently encountered Monte Foreman. He recounts an instance in Fort Worth in the mid-1950s where they observed saddle bronc riding together. Foreman posed a pertinent question: “Would you call a saddle bronc an athlete . . . an equine athlete?” The author agreed, acknowledging their developed maneuvers. Foreman then emphasized that the most crucial maneuver for any equine athlete is their “leads.” He would often point out how bucking horses utilized their leads, highlighting the significance of changing them smoothly and efficiently. “A lead is one thing,” Foreman stated, “Changing leads quickly and smartly is quite another.” He believed that a smooth, effortless, and coordinated lead change was essential for any horse performing complex actions.
Monte Foreman conducted his 845th horsemanship clinic on December 18, 1983, in Norman. The enduring impact of his teaching is evidenced by the success of his former students. In 1983 alone, at the National Reining Horse Association’s Championships in Columbus, Ohio, nine out of the top 15 finalists were ex-students of Monte’s, attesting to the effectiveness and lasting influence of his training methods. Foreman’s dedication to advancing the understanding and practice of horsemanship has left an indelible mark on the equestrian world.
