“Trained by Broadmoor, Mike Goebig, Dwayne Knowles in for the winning victory pass”. That is a phrase Peter Fenton, Morgan Grand National show announcer, says quite often. A phrase that so many of us horse show fans have heard before. No stranger to the winner circle, Mike Goebig and Dwayne Knowles truly do make the perfect pair. Countless champions at every level in the Morgan Horse arenas all over the country, they really have found success in each other and their wonderful horses.
As we gear up for the Morgan Grand National I was able to sit down with Dwayne and ask him a few questions on how he found success with the beautiful Morgan Horse. I hope you enjoy a small look into Broadmoor.
YP: What is the history of Broadmoor?
DK: Too long to type up. You can find the whole story on our website.
I read it, Dwayne is right, too long. Go to Broadmoor.com for some light reading!
YP: They say quality over quantity, you seem to have both. How do you make this possible?
DK: We are lucky to have great clients, strong staff and a perfect location to work horses. Quality in each horse is necessary, so when we get to Grand National it makes a difference, when there are several great performers in each class. The quality allows you to be a "step" ahead going through the gate.
Quantity-we try to stay under 35 working horses and with our current staff that is possible. We also have to figure in farm up keep, updates to farm etc. so that the financial situation stays equal.
YP: What qualities do you look for in a great show horse?
DK: Heart. Expression. Quality.
YP: What do you wish you knew when you started out as a young trainer? In other words, what should we know as young trainers hoping to be successful?
DK: You can never work hard enough. You can never stop learning. You are only as successful as your last blue ribbon.
YP: Are there any "rules to live by" as horse trainers?
DK: Love the daily grind. Enjoy your clients. Give every horse in training the same energy and time, whether is is a park horse, classic horse, western or carriage horse. You are being paid to work the horses, not like them.
Do you have any pre-show superstitions, or rituals you must follow before you show?
DK: Nope! Boring, right?
How do you match horse and rider so perfectly?
DK: Personality of each, combined with the talent of each.
This or That:
A good harness horse or a good saddle horse?
50/50 for me
Felt hat or straw?
Felt after Labor Day and before Memorial Day
Straw Memorial Day to Labor Day
Bike ride or boat ride?
Boat Ride
Jane weekend or Horse show?
Jane Weekend.
-Famous saddle seat instructor Jane Bennett is Broadmoor’s riding instructor, and she comes once a month for a sort of “Boot Camp”, also known as “Jane Weekend”.
New England Morgans or Morgan Grand National?
Grand National
Stilts (Stand and Deliver) or Astro (Astronomicalee)?
Not touching that one!
Interview Conducted by: Jessica Sebring
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