Today we’d like to introduce you to David Sowers.
Hi David, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always been around horses. I grew up working with my grandfather on his tobacco and cattle farm and I just knew I wanted to be a cowboy. I learned how to ride, rope, and work from horseback. At about 15, I thought I would try something different, so I got away from the farm but I always knew I’d get back to it. Life happens, and things don’t always go as planned but fortunately, I have made it back, a few times.
After I got out of the military, I made my way north to New England and started working horses for Suzanne Hourihan, who owns Newport Equestrian Center. I was their trail guide. It gave me the opportunity to see a different side of training. They were a hunter/jumper barn and I had never seen that. Once it got too cold up north, I headed back down south and wound up several years later (and many wrong careers) back in the horse industry.
Today, I work in the Reining Horse field and have finally found the career I can call home.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, but mostly because of my own self-destruct button. I have battled addiction, being homeless, poverty, blood, sweat, and tears.
But through it all, I have kept my head up, a smile on my face, and continued to push forward. If you continue to work as hard as you possibly can, you’ll get to the end goal.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a horse trainer and I specialize in reining horses. Although I am very new to the specific discipline. I am most proud to be a father to my beautiful daughter. But professionally, I have been able to build a business from literally nothing.
I started with just me and a dream. I had a lot of help and a lot of people who supported me in this, and I got a horse trailer and a truck. This year I am working towards the rookie professional of the year and hopefully come November, that will happen.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting.
If you think you want to be a horse trainer, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to be the first person in the barn every day, and the last to leave.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/4squarterhorses
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088299910767&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Kirkbride Photography
