Q & A with Royal Arabians

AHW:  You have worked for Royal Arabians for nearly a decade now. Tell us what this farm and the family mean to you.

Justin Cowden:  Mark, Cindy, and Amanda have unwaveringly supported my journey with them at Royal. I always enjoy riding and showing horses that are from our breeding program. I look forward to showing Maestro and Bvgulari this year.

AHW:  Amanda, Justin has worked for your family for many years and trained your amateur horses. What qualities does Justin display that make him such a great fit for Royal Arabians?

Amanda Pagan:  Besides Justin’s horses winning, he always has his horses completely prepared. I know my horses’ weaknesses and their strengths. Justin is very good at explaining these things to me so that I can be as prepared as possible when entering the arena. Justin always makes me very confident in the show ring. Beyond his talent, he is a lot of fun to ride with. He is a teammate who wants us to succeed but has a lot of fun along the way.

AHW:  Justin, you are known to often come in the gate first on your horses. What is your theory on this?

Justin Cowden:  If I have a horse with the confidence to go in first, I feel it sets a precedent for the class. Of course, I won’t ride one through the gate first if it needs the security of the herd. However, I always prefer the confident ones.

AHW:  Erin, knowing how much you love each horse in your care, can you pick a favorite of your career thus far?

Erin Belton:  This is a tough question, as each horse has helped me grow in many ways.  Sparkin Afire, who I still own to this day, must be high on the list because she introduced me to the Arabian horse industry and opened the door. Royal Kharisto will always be special to me as he was the first horse I showed at U.S. Nationals as a professional, and he was bred and owned by Royal Arabians. Lastly is Aria Titlest. He was the first horse that Justin handed the reins over to me. He allowed me to find my way and navigate training an amateur rider within the Royal program. He went on to win many great titles with us. Returning to your original question, the most special horse of my life still lies in my future, and I cannot wait to meet them!

AHW:  Ryan, if you could list two things about Just that you admire in a trainer, what would they be?

Ryan Dunn:  The two things that come to mind are that Justin is very much a student of the game, paying attention to what others are doing and bringing those tips/tricks home. Justin is very goal-oriented and knows exactly what he wants to accomplish. When he rides, he knows his goal for each ride, gets it done, and calls it a day, not repeating over and over, which is very effective for his horses.

AHW:  You have been a client of Justin’s for many years. What about his training style do you feel has brought you so much success? 

Tom & Leola Hansen: He is a natural talent with the ability to bring out the best in our horses. His seat, hands, timing, and ring knowledge have repeatedly proven that he excels at his craft.  He has an excellent eye for quality and can visualize what a very young horse will blossom into. He understands that each horse is an individual and lets them dictate the advancement in their training. He is absolutely against pushing a horse… they have to be ready. 

AHW:  Texie, what does your pre-show preparation routine look like?

Texie Lowery: TN Khaliente is always true to his job! He requires very little work down before competition. A short warm-up by Justin Cowden, and we are ready to go!

AHW:  Justin, you’ve had many great horses in your career thus far. If you had to pick one that is most special to you, who would it be and why?

Justin Cowden:  FVF Bucarrdi, he signifies all the growth in my career. Bucarrdi was the first big-time horse I competed with and was noticed on. He has since turned into an incredible breeding horse which has allowed me to craft the style of Arabian horse that suits my taste. He produces the style of horse that people are used to seeing me enter the ring on.

AHW:  Working under Justin Cowden must be quite a thrill. What is it about him that makes a great mentor for you?

Erin Belton:  I started working for Justin because he is one of the most talented Hunter Pleasure trainers in the industry. I will not lie, the idea was a bit intimidating. However, it was the best decision that I have ever made. He has pushed me out of my comfort zone and created an environment that allows me to grow greatly. Not only is he a mentor of mine, but he is also a dear friend. Going to work each day with him is fun. An important part of our teamwork is that he is not easy on me. He wants me to be the best trainer I can be, not only because it benefits his program but also because he wants that for me. 

AHW:  Justin, you have entered the show arena countless times, do you have any specific routines that you do to prepare to show?

Justin Cowden: Alone time with music in my dressing room always does it. I think about my horse and what they need from me, the good situations, the situations to avoid, and hone in my focus.