You’ve Got to Stand for Something – Troy Oakley Equine Mentorship

“Legacy is not leaving something behind for other people. It’s leaving something behind in other people.” – Peter Strople.

By Delores Kuhlwein

A near-death experience is enough to shake anyone in their shoes. When it happened to renowned horseman Troy Oakley, his survival made one thing perfectly clear: he was left here for a purpose. That epiphany led him to launch his “Have Knowledge, Will Travel” campaign to share the knowledge he has acquired in his lifetime.

“With the health issues I’ve been through, I saw a need, and I wanted to service that need,” says Oakley, who recently officially named his organization Troy Oakley Equine Mentorship.

One prime example of that plan in motion: a two-day learning opportunity on September 27-28, 2024, at Bullen Equestrian Center in Eaton, Ohio, which empowered Oakley, Tommy Sheets, and Alex Ross to fulfill a need for riders with trainers and DIY riders alike.

For the sessions, Alex Ross focused on Ranch Riding, Tommy Sheets on Trail, and Oakley on pattern work and elements, as well as lead changes and topline.

“Where do I sign up?” texted DIY Amateur Beth Moon to Troy Oakley when the dates and location were announced.  “I’ve known Troy since we were youth exhibitors, but never had the opportunity to learn from him in the past. Though I don’t exhibit in the Ranch classes,  I had received a bit of help from Alex Ross back in the 1980’s and knew that he was an amazing teacher.  I had audited a few of Tommy Sheets’ trail clinics over the last several years so I knew that I could learn much from him.  The attention to detail that Tommy Sheets has is incredible!  I hope to be able to ride with him again soon.”

AQHA Professional Horseman Willie Matthews of Bar W Equestrian Center in Saint Paris, Ohio, had several of her customers attend, and she explains, “I feel like you never know it all, and people forget things they’ve learned over the years. Even if you pick up a couple of tips and are inspired to try something new, Troy is such a wealth of knowledge.”

One aspect that keeps shining through in the Oakley mentorship events, however, is a step beyond education.  The sessions become a building block of a learning community, which is an element Oakley is striving to create.

A Community was Built

“Knowledge was shared, and people were opening their hearts with emotional experiences as pure as could be,” says Stephanie Wilson, who facilitated the Ohio event.  “For me, it was what we had hoped would happen with the generational knowledge transfer that occurred.  It was inspiring to see people hungry for the knowledge, including DIY amateurs who were so appreciative.”

She also credits Kaylee Lebo of Bullen Equestrian Center for making the magic happen.  “She said yes when the Quarter Horse Congress was also coming, and she could have said no. We could not have done it without her.”

For Beth Moon, she learned tips she’s never heard before, and lots of new-to-her exercises to improve her connection with her horse.  “I was reminded of some things that I knew but had not given much thought to lately.  As a DIY amateur, it is really helpful to have eyes on the ground now and then!  I think we can all fall into bad habits without realizing it.”

Willie Matthews also stopped by to audit while her students were learning, and she says the teaching she observed solidified what she already does.  “It’s hard not to get in a rut, and I wish more trainers would take advantage of the opportunity for their clients, because sometimes it’s {Troy} saying the same thing I’m saying in a different way. He’s very personable and easy to talk to, and you can ask him anything.”

The community built that weekend is part of a bigger plan to break down the old perception of the “clinic.”

“There’s a barrier that needs to be broken down with new trainers,” proclaims Oakley.  “They’re afraid they’re going to lose a client, but I’m at the end of my career. I’m not trying to set up a new business; it’s all about sharing the knowledge.”

Ridin’ Live with Troy Oakley

Another arm of Troy Oakley Equine Mentorship is coming soon, and though Oakley will still be traveling to his students in a different location each month, he foresees another void he can fill.  “When people are at the World Show and Congress, they’re on their phones, and with a webinar, they can go to their phones and partake in one.”

Jenny Rowland, who produced the Cleve Wells Horse Training Channel, will be helping Oakley reach the masses online, and he’s excited to find more ways to fulfill his vision.  “We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with, and I like to be around people who are a whole lot smarter than me,” Oakley explains.  “Lester Howard taught me to be a great observer.”

Still on the fence?  Perhaps the best advice comes from a DIY Amateur herself: “If you are even considering attending a clinic, my advice would be to do it!” says Beth Moon. “You can learn something from everyone.  Take home what you learn from every opportunity, practice it, and perhaps you will find that it improves your own program.  If it doesn’t work for you, just keep the information in your mental bank, as it might come in handy with another horse in the future.  Aside from the educational opportunity, participating in clinics is a great way to meet folks and establish long lasting friendships.”

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For more information on upcoming mentorship sessions or webinars, follow Troy Oakley Equine Mentorship on Facebook, or contact Troy directly:

(940) 230-5142

troykoakley@yahoo.com