GaWaNi Pony Boy is mixed blood Tsa-la-gi, full blood human. After attending college in Boston, MA, he spent three years traveling the United States with a Native American drum group. It was during these on-the-road years that he was able to seek the advice and council of Tribal Elders from many different Nations and backgrounds to learn about the beliefs and methods used by this Nation’s first great horsemen. By weaving the “old ways” with his own already successful training methods, Pony has developed Relationship Training™.

GaWaNi Pony Boy is an accomplished horseman and trainer. He is recognized throughout the country as the authority on Native American Horsemanship™ and is considered an innovative educator in the field of Native American history.

When not writing, Pony can be found presenting clinics to help people get more understanding and enjoyment from the companionship of their horses. GaWaNi Pony Boy is the author of the highly acclaimed Horse, Follow Closely, Out of the Saddle, Time Well Spent, Of Women and Horses and Horse, Follow Closely: Relationship Training, the Foundation: GaWaNi Pony Boy Video Package. Pony divides his time between Pennsylvania and Arizona.

Q. How do you pronounce GaWaNi Pony Boy?
A. GaWaNi is pronounced gah-wah-NEE, but I prefer to be called Pony.

Q. What is your Native American tribal ancestry?
A. I am mixed blood Tsa-la-gi, a tribe most noted for its civility, statesmanship and education.

Q. How did a young man who grew up in places such as North Carolina and Virginia become not only a spokesman for Native American cultures but a bona fide expert at ancient tribal horse training methods, weaponry, music, food, clothing and lifestyle?
A. My grandfather encouraged me to tour with a Native drum group. We traveled all over the country, performing traditional music and dance at fairs and expositions. But more importantly, I lived with these men, many of whom were in their seventies, and I Iistened every day to their wonderful stories. It created within me a burning desire to learn more of the traditional ways. And I felt a responsibility to share that knowledge with others, to pass those traditions down.

Q. Did you grow up with horses? Have you had any formal horse training?
A. I always had a horse growing up, and while I never actually took a lesson on horse training, I became quite proficient at it over the years. I used common sense and trial and error. But whenever I encountered a real problem, I would consult with some of the elders who were versed in the ‘old ways’ of horsemanship. It was from these traditional native techniques that I created and developed my Relationship Training™ method, which stresses that horse and rider build a relationship of trust, harmony and respect.

Q. What is Native American Horsemanship™?
A. Native American Horsemanship is a historical presentation that I developed that focuses on the reintroduction of horses to North America. The history presented in this lesson provides us with the foundation necessary to understand the methods used by Native Americans with their horses.

Q. What exactly is Relationship Training™?
A. Relationship Training is a collection of ideas and exercises that revolve around two basic principles: The relationship between horse and rider is more important than the immediate results a rider or trainer hopes to achieve from a specific exercise, and in order to achieve optimum results, riders and trainers must work within the type of relationship that horses understand best—the herd relationship.

Q. What makes your method different?
A. This is not a method or a new technique concerning horse training. I share with those listening that if they want to train their horses, they should take their time and do it right the first time.

Q. How has your extensive background in education and teaching affected your lifelong work in Native American Horsemanship™?
A. The many years I spent with students gave me valuable insight into human relationships. I learned that the best way to teach anyone is to entertain him or her along the way. My program, which resulted from years of study, is part entertainment, part education and part instruction.

Q. What do you do in your spare time?
A. When I’m not writing or traveling, I spend most of my time presenting clinics and seminars around the world in an effort to help people get more enjoyment from the companionship of suktanka (horse) and, on a deeper level, to help people have a better understanding of our relationship with all things.

Q. What is the most important lesson about the relationship between horse and rider that you want your readers and students to learn?
A. No matter what the ultimate equine goal, whether it is simple pleasure riding, competitive showing or even jumping or roping competitions, Relationship Training™ can show the rider how to build a foundation for success with his or her equine partner. There are no quick fixes. It takes dedication and commitment to develop a satisfying relationship with an equine partner. And if someone is truly sincere, my methods can show him or her the way.

If you wish to schedule an interview/segment with GaWaNi Pony Boy, or for more information on BowTie Press, please contact (949) 855-8822 ext. 4708; fax (949)458-3856. Be sure to also visit Pony's website: www.ponyboy.com.