Ryan Rose’s journey with horses began in childhood, a fascination that evolved into a lifelong passion and career. His admiration for the “cowboy bug,” characterized by grit and unwavering commitment to animal care, has shaped his approach to horsemanship. While he may not consider himself a “true cowboy,” Rose deeply respects their dedication and has cultivated a deep understanding of horses and their behavior, enabling him to foster strong connections, mutual respect, and partnerships between horses and their owners. His expertise spans colt starting, resolving challenging behaviors, and training horses for ranch versatility, solidifying his reputation as a respected horseman.
Rose embarked on his professional journey as a horse trainer in 2005, quickly realizing that a successful career in training and clinics required more than just technical skills—it demanded true horsemanship. He dedicated himself to learning from world-class instructors, including Pat Parelli and Doug Jordan. His engaging teaching style and passion for horsemanship are evident whether he’s conducting small clinics or addressing large crowds at events like Equine Affaire and Road to the Horse. Rose conducts a comprehensive training program from his Wisconsin-based home and has garnered a significant following on his YouTube channel, @ryanrosehorsemanship.
A core aspect of Rose’s philosophy is educating horse owners to empower them to achieve and maintain the results he helps them develop. He distinguishes between a horseman and a horse trainer, noting that while both are valuable, they emphasize different aspects. “A horseman focuses on giving the horse a really good deal—it’s more about the horse, helping him feel more comfortable,” Rose explains. He contrasts this with a horse trainer, who may prioritize delivering results for the owner and can sometimes inadvertently sacrifice the horse’s well-being in the process due to the pressure to perform. Rose believes that the ability to integrate these skill sets is crucial for effective equine partnerships. “I think there is value in being a good trainer, in being a good horseman, and in being a cowboy,” Rose states. “You need to add each of those skills at different times.”
Cultivating a Deeper Understanding of Horses
Rose emphasizes that applying these skills effectively requires careful observation and a process of understanding where each horse is in its journey. “One of the first principles of horsemanship that I follow is that I work with a horse at where they are,” Rose says. He assesses whether a horse is fearful of people, has learned to dominate humans, is spoiled, or has been trained through forceful methods. Rose dedicates time to observing both the horse and the owner, gauging the level of connection, trust, and confidence the horse has for its handler.
This in-depth understanding, according to Rose, can take hours, days, or even weeks to develop. He meticulously watches for subtle cues—shifts in the horse’s head, neck, ears, eyes, mouth, muscle tension, and the direction they are facing—all of which signal the horse’s emotional and physical state. Beyond these observable signs, Rose notes an intuitive element. “It’s like if I’m having a bad day, I could probably fool you and hide it, but I couldn’t fool my wife. She would know. You can develop that with a horse and just feel something is bothering them.”
Rose’s approach to working with reactive or easily spooked horses is demonstrably showcased in his YouTube videos. He posits that both humans and horses need gradual exposure to challenging situations to overcome them. The process begins with the human’s desire for change. At his clinics, Rose aims to ascertain whether individuals are prepared to confront their fears or simply seek an enjoyable time with their horses. If they are open to change, his role is to assess their current state and then safely guide them beyond their comfort zone. Recognizing the inherent dangers involved with horses, Rose carefully evaluates both the horse and the rider, seeking to understand the root of any fear. He questions whether the fear is valid, if the horse poses a genuine danger, or if past negative experiences are influencing the present.
For individuals experiencing fear, Rose provides coaching through exposure to the triggers, whether it involves riding down steep hills, cantering, riding bareback, or riding on a loose rein. He has witnessed profound transformations in people who, when placed in difficult situations and supported through them, become empowered, experiencing a significant boost in confidence. Rose advocates for this hands-on approach as more meaningful than mere visualization, asserting that “a level of toughness and confidence comes through having to actually do it.”
A Synergistic Partnership: Husband and Wife in Horsemanship
Beyond the psychological aspects, Rose is committed to helping riders understand the critical role of correct body position in their progress and the horse’s physical well-being. “You could ride lameness into a horse with incorrect body position,” he warns. While not an expert in rider biomechanics, Rose collaborates closely with his wife, Emily Rose, who is a Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner at Reaching Strides Equine Rehabilitation and a vital member of the Rose Horsemanship Center team.
“I make sure the horse is safe, but if the rider is struggling to sit the canter or feeling pain while trotting, Emily and I work together to get that sorted out for the rider and horse’s sake,” Ryan explains. Emily, an accomplished dressage competitor, functions as Rose’s business partner. “One of the things I enjoy most about working with my wife is our ability to help people—whether horse health issues or rider biomechanics. I can troubleshoot issues with Emily. It’s all in-house; I don’t have to outsource for that expertise. Emily is such a high-level professional, I have one hundred percent trust in what she recommends. And if Emily sees a horse for a physical issue and it turns out to be a behavioral issue, she can refer to me, and I can quickly step in to help. The response time is so much quicker because we are working together.”
For Ryan and Emily Rose, the ultimate goal is to cultivate enduring connections between horses and the people who cherish them. For further information on Ryan and Emily Rose, including upcoming clinics and events, please visit rosehorsemanship.com. This article, originally featured in Horse Illustrated magazine, highlights Ryan Rose’s dedication to the world of horsemanship.
