At Spirit of Texas Arabians we specialize in training the Arabian and Half-Arabian horse through basic training to trail riding and endurance training. Through our individualized Combined Training Program you have the opportunity to acquire all of the skills necessary to have your horse perform as well for you as he does for us. We encourage active participation by the owner in all aspects of your horse's training, so you can experience personal growth in your skills, knowledge and confidence. A good training program begins with good communication between the trainer/coach and you. We want to understand your goals, past experiences, current skill level and get your feedback along the way.
Your horse will learn to stand quietly in cross ties for clipping, tacking up, bathing and farrier work, load, haul and unload easily and tie to the trailer. We strive to have all of our training horses comfortable and confident on the trail, crossing mud, creeks and bridges, and meeting bicycles, motorized vehicles and dogs. Through training in the company of experienced horses they gain confidence in leading, following and passing on the trail. Hank has taught several well-attended Spook Clinics for desensitization of trail horses. He was also the featured trainer in an article in the October 2007 issue of Horse Illustrated on opening gates from horseback. We also strongly believe in cross training, i.e. our trail and endurance horses are trained in the basics for either reining or dressage and horses being started for the show ring receive time on the trail. Correct arena work is invaluable for promoting balance and correct carriage necessary for long-term soundness in endurance competition as well as increasing responsiveness and confidence in the rider.

We teach horsemanship from the ground up, including nutrition, grooming, lunging, tacking up and caring for horses on overnight camping trips. You will learn simple, gentle methods for establishing yourself as a dominant, trusted leader in your equine partnership. Your confidence will increase as you gain a balanced, centered seat perfect for the trail, how to post the correct diagonal and the proper cues for canter leads and lateral movements. You will also learn how to handle a refusal or major spook with confidence and do fun stuff, like opening gates from horseback and jumping logs.

ENDURANCE TRAINING
If you have never tried endurance, you will be hooked after your first ride. Our main goal for every competition is for everyone in our camp to have a great time and every horse to return happy, sound and a little further down the road in their training. Endurance riding is the horse version of 5ks, 10ks and marathons for people. So think of a 25-mile ride as similar to a 5k. A 25-mile completion is obtainable for most horses and trail-riders with proper training and conditioning. The majority of endurance riders have a goal of being able to successfully compete in the 50-mile distance for many years with their equine partner. To reach that goal you will need a horse suited for the sport, good endurance tack, optimal nutrition and a good conditioning program for your horse and yourself. Our endurance students learn how to pace their horses and strategize during a ride. But most importantly, to read and listen to their horse, to know when he is tired, dehydrated, or just not feeling his best and how to best manage and care for him during a competition. You need to acquire a good feel for your horse's gaits so that you can detect a minor lameness, before it becomes serious and before you arrive at the vet check. We will also help you plan a good nutrition and conditioning program, unique for your horse, to help the two of you realize your potential while keeping your horse healthy and sound for many years. If you think you might want to try the sport, but don’t have a suitable horse, you can lease one of our horses or we will help you find the perfect horse for you. Below are links to see photos and videos of the endurance horses we have available for lease:

HSC Phoenix     HSC Envoy’s Pistolera

TRAINERS

Hank and Selena Copeland have each worked with horses for over 30 years. Hank grew up on a cattle ranch in Alabama riding Morgan horses. In later years his passion turned to Arabians and showing Country English Pleasure. After training and showing Country English Pleasure horses on the Class A circuit for 15 years, he refocused on endurance riding. Endurance riding offers the opportunity to not only compete in a timed rather than a judged event, but to see miles and miles of beautiful scenery in our National and State Parks. Hank’s career as an Army Officer, including two years combat experience commanding tactical reconnaissance teams, a national police strike force, and 10 years coaching children's sports has given him a strong base of skills to instill confidence in both his horses and his students to help them overcome their fears and become the best they can be. He also never loses sight of the fact that having fun, being safe and always learning are the cornerstones of his program. Hank also believes in building athletic horses that last - his first personal endurance horse, American Xpress was still winning 50-mile AERC competitions at the age of 18.

Hank’s next personal horse, BA Bearcat started endurance by placing 2nd and getting BC on his first 25-mile ride and continuing to improve over time. Hank and Bear placed 1st and BC on the 2nd day of Bear’s first 50-mile per day multi-day ride. After completing his first 75-mile ride with Hank, he was sold to Barry Waite of California. Bear has continued on to win his first 2 100-mile rides and place 9th at the 2009 Tevis Ride ridden by Jennifer Niece.

Hank and BA Bearcat  
Photo by Selena Copeland

Currently, Hank mainly competes on his breeding stallion, Envoy BBF++. In addition to Endurance competitions, Hank and Envoy competed in Sport Horse In-Hand, placing Top 10 in the Open Stallions class at the 2005 Arabian US Sport Horse National Championship. Hank has also shown 2 of Envoy’s get, HSC Strike Force and HSC Phoenix to Reserve Championships in the Region 9 2-yr old and under Jackpot Sport Horse In-hand classes. Soon you will also see Hank on the trail with Envoy’s son, Strike Force.

Hank and Envoy BBF+
Photo by Stephanie McLaughlin

Selena Copeland has an Animal Science degree with advanced courses in Equine Nutrition, Genetics, and Reproduction. She is also a trail advocate. She was instrumental in establishing Trinity Trail Preservation Association, the non-profit association that built and maintains the 9-mile Lake Lavon Equestrian Trail, serving on the Board of Directors for 6 years in various positions, including President and Trail Steward. She enjoys riding the trails on a fast horse and the training it takes to get there. Selena is very proud of her first endurance horse, Sioux Warrior who placed Top Five in the 50-mile Region IX Championship and was 8th Lightweight at the AERC 50-mile National Championship in 2002.

Selena & Warrior
Blue Bonnet Endurance Ride 2002 IAHA Region IX Championship Top 5
Photo by Ardell

Selena’s next personal endurance horse, DA Propane was not only a joy to ride on 50-mile rides, but in the arena he could perform leg yields, back-up, do trot and canter patterns and halt from a trot or canter without a halter or bridle. Lynn De Vrie in Vancouver, Canada now proudly owns him. Click Propane to see his arena video. Lynn continues to send us photos and video clips of their adventures, including photos of the bears they pass on trail! In 2009 Selena started 2 personal horses, MW Doctor Z & HSC Phoenix, in endurance. Selena has also placed Top 5 at the AHA Region 9 Competitive Trail Championships on Carmaleata, owned and trained by Cindy Mettes. In addition to competing on the trail, Selena has shown Dressage through 1st Level and trained movements through 2nd Level. She continues to participate in Dressage clinics with her personal horses. She loves working with horses on gymnastic exercises to improve their gaits on the trail. She also really enjoys working with riders to improve their position and technique to get the best communication with and performance from their horse.

HSC Phoenix at 2009 Season Finale Photo by John Nowell	MW Doctor Z at 2009 Freeze R Burn Photo by John Adame

FACILITY

• 16 Stall barn with hot water shower stalls
• 16 acres of improved Bermuda pastures with large oak shade trees
• Steel pipe with non-climb 2x4 horse wire fencing
• Outdoor standard size dressage arena
• Indoor small arena
• Gate opens to 75 miles of equestrian trails at the LBJ National Grasslands

Facility Photos to be added this summer.