Taylor Gillespie’s path to becoming a professional reined cow horse trainer is a testament to resilience, a conscious evolution of dreams, and the transferable skills honed in the crucible of military service. What began as a childhood fascination with horses transformed through the discipline of the U.S. Army and the challenges of combat, ultimately leading him back to the arena with a newfound perspective and a seasoned determination. This is the story of a veteran who traded the battlefield for the backstretch, finding purpose and passion in the partnership between horse and rider.
A Dream Rekindled
At 14, Taylor Gillespie harbored a clear ambition: to become a horse trainer. Yet, life’s trajectory presented him with various callings – attorney, soldier – each shaping his character and equipping him with unique skills. By his mid-twenties, after serving in Afghanistan, Taylor found himself at a crossroads. The U.S. Army’s structure of military ascension presented a choice: a promotion to captain, which would shift his focus from hands-on leadership to desk-bound duties, or a return to his foundational dream. The camaraderie and lessons learned in the Army – patience, mental fortitude, and trusting his instincts – proved invaluable, preparing him for the intricate world of horsemanship. The ability to lead, teach, and connect with his fellow soldiers, as he describes it, “We lived together, fought together, laughed and cried together,” offered a parallel to the deep bonds required in training horses.
Overcoming Adversity
Taylor’s journey wasn’t without significant personal battles. During his military training, he experienced a series of mysterious seizures, initially dismissing them as stress. These episodes, culminating in a grand mal seizure, led to a medical discharge from the Army. Despite the diagnosis and the Army’s initial steps toward disability retirement, Taylor’s determination to continue serving and pursuing his passion for horses fueled his advocacy. He successfully lobbied Army officials, competed rigorously to prove his fitness, and was eventually re-enrolled in military school, leading to his deployment to Afghanistan.
Lessons from the Front Lines
In Afghanistan, Taylor’s mission extended beyond combat. He actively engaged with village elders, fostering relationships and contributing to the community’s well-being through building projects and improving infrastructure. This diplomatic approach, where he learned to balance humanitarian efforts with necessary aggression, mirrored the nuanced communication required in horse training. He emphasizes the vital role of his non-commissioned officers, like Sgt. 1st Class Platt, in providing mentorship and guidance. “At the end of the day, the results were on me, but I needed the mentorship and guidance of a guy with more experience to make good decisions that benefitted everyone,” Taylor reflects. This experience underscores the importance of learning from those with greater expertise, a principle he carries into his training career.
Transition to Civilian Life
Returning to civilian life in May 2010, Taylor faced the challenge of decompressing and preparing for a new career. He found solace and clarity in working with horses, which he describes as far easier to communicate with than humans, particularly after the complexities of war. Early influences like AQHA exhibitor Magie Wolfe, and reined cow horse trainers Tim Unzicker and Dan Roeser, provided foundational horsemanship skills. A pivotal year spent with Tim Unzicker in Montana offered a much-needed respite, allowing him to focus solely on riding and training without the pressures of his military experiences.
During his time in Arizona, under the tutelage of AQHA Professional Horseman Brad Barkemeyer, Taylor expanded his skills to include roping and further refined his colt-starting abilities. He also had the opportunity to learn from AQHA world champion Corey Cushing, another significant influence on his development. After marrying his wife, Jen, the Gillespies settled in Colorado, re-establishing themselves within the reined cow horse community.
Building a Future in Performance Horses
Today, Taylor and Jen manage Gillespie Performance Horses, balancing family life with the demands of training horses for clients. Taylor approaches his business with a strong sense of commitment, likening customer interactions to the “shura-type” meetings he conducted in Afghanistan. He understands that success in this field is a blend of horsemanship and interpersonal skills: “What I can control is how hard I work on my horses and my business, and how I treat people. It’s 30 percent riding horses and 70 percent people and business.” His five-year goal includes becoming a finalist at major cow horse events and achieving an AQHA world championship. He remains actively involved in regional associations, volunteering his time to support the growth of the sport, a commitment rooted in his belief in service and community.
Faith, Family, and Perseverance
Family remains Taylor’s top priority. He chose to move closer to family in Colorado to raise their son, Kaden, emphasizing the importance of strong familial relationships over professional accolades. He attributes his clear direction to his faith, stating, “If I look back 60 years from now and have a good relationship with my kids, but very few world titles, it’s OK. Family is most important.” This guiding principle has led him to make decisions based on integrity, even when financially challenging, trusting that the right path will unfold.
The Lingering Impact of Service
A decade after returning from active duty, Taylor continues to navigate the lasting effects of his military service, including PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, and a broken back. He finds solace in his work with horses, particularly on difficult days when he turns to “clean tack.” He remains deeply connected to the men he served with, acknowledging their profound impact on his survival. His approach to sharing his experiences is mindful, withholding disturbing details from his family while finding a crucial outlet in connecting with fellow veterans. Taylor Gillespie’s journey is a powerful narrative of how the discipline, resilience, and leadership forged in military service can pave the way for a fulfilling and successful career in the world of reined cow horses.
