Tommie "wows" them
in Australia at the 2003
 Asia-Pacific Equitana

Melbourne, Australia Tommie Turvey arrived in Australia with 10 days to train and prepare a roman team and a comedy horse for the entertainment during the Asia-Pacific Equitana being held in Melbourne, Australia. This posed a unique challenge for Tommie, but he was up to the task. "It was quite the challenge, I had no idea of what to expect. Thanks to David Simons letting me have the run of his place, I was able to work the horses enough to let them understand what I was asking of them during the performance." says Tommie of the training he had to put into the horses. "None of these horses had ever seen the tricks I was putting on them, so it took a lot of patience and listening to what each horse would allow me to do."

After long days of training, Tommie finally got to show everyone at the Asia-Pacific Equitana Mane Event the results of his labor and why he is an "Equine Extremist". He performed his "extreme" cowboy routine featuring roman riding, jumping fire, and climbing on a pedestal. Then he performed his trademark act, "the Riding Instructor". With only 10 days training, Tommie "wowed" the crowd with his hilarious horse antics, where the horse, "Nevada Royal Deck" seems to get the best of him. Performing choreographed moves, a lay down, sitting, and of course the "head scratching" upside down move, Tommie showed the crowd just what you can get out of any horse with the right training and trust. "A horse really needs to trust me during this routine, so it takes mutual respect and understanding to make it happen at the right time and to get the right result. Comedy is all timing, so it's important for any horse to feel comfortable and relaxed."

After seeing this amazing spectacle, Tommie was able to show his techniques and training up close and personal at many clinics that were held during and after Asia-Pacific Equitana. "The response was incredible. The people of Australia are extremely friendly and have a great relationship and love of horses."

Tommie is now back in the States and gearing up for 2004. It is going to be a busy year, but Tommie is ready for all challenges. "Being able to teach people who really want to learn, and work my horses is something I will never get tired of. I make the most of every day in all that I do, whether it's with horses, skydiving, hang gliding, water skiing, or in my business. I always work hard to get the most out of every thing and everyone I work with. It keeps everyone on their toes and shooting for a higher goal every day." Things are definitely not boring around Tommie, so look out for him in the future and be ready to get "extreme".

NOTES AND MORE