Tilley's Custom Colts and Horsemanship

11/22/2024

Look who dropped in for a visit! Put this young fellas correct nickname in the comments for a chance at a free audit pass to use at a clinic next season.

11/22/2024

Poem:

A December To Remember

By: John Tilley

Horses galloped through my mind, since I was just a lad
They are all that I could think of, I wanted one so bad
I’d make a bed roll on the floor, with my stick horse grazing there
Nap with thoughts of wild horses, a boy without care

I wore out Western Horseman and my folks ears every day
“I really want a horse!” is all that I could say
They never did say yes, but they never did say no
The problem was, we lived in town with no place for it to go

My Aunt Willa had a place, with several horses too
I’d follow her around with lots of chores to do
When my eleventh birthday came, chores still needed done
We headed out to beat December’s early setting sun

We slid the barn door open, and there standing eating hay
was a tiny weanling filly, a skinny little bay
I said “Dad why is this horse here? I thought we came for chores?”
He said “ we did, now feed her, cause this little horse is yours.

My eyes filled up with tears, I had no words to say
A feeling each December, I remember to this day
I called the bay horse Dolly, off together we would go
With tough and happy times, together we would grow

I’ve had a lot of presents, that cost a pretty dime
But this was the first one I couldn’t break by suppertime
My new present came without instructions or a fancy box
It came with paid tuition to the school of hard knocks

The theory “they will learn together”, I wouldn’t recommend
For many kids, this kind of way would be a certain end
But I wanted it so badly, though it did scare me some inside
I was bound and sure determined that I’d have this c**t to ride

We made a lot of memories, like riding into town
Lopin back in the evening before the sun went down
And doing lots of wild things, but coming back alive
And helping out some friends, with their cattle drive

I kept her all through high school, but sold her after grad
I was heading off to rodeo and needed money bad
to you have to part this way, left me feeling some remorse.
But Joy came knowing that another kid had found their special horse

I hope that my Aunt Willa is there to brush and give you hay
and take care of you ol’Dolly, till we meet again someday
Every year another birthday has always went, then came
But since that one in 90, my life has never been the same

11/17/2024

Our 2025 schedule is now released! Save your dates and we look forward to riding with you all in 2025!

Tilley’s Horsemanship 2025 Clinic Schedule

May 2, 3, 4 2025

Tilley's Horsemanship Clinic

Second Wind Stables

Moosomin, SK.

Contact:

Gail Venaas

306-435-9212

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May 23, 24, 25 2025

Tilley's Semi Private Clinic
Leroy, SK.

Contact:

Jamie and John Tilley

306-287-3389

tilleyscustomc**[email protected] or on facebook

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May 30, 31, June 1 2025

TIlley's Horsemanship Clinic

Biggar Rec Valley

Biggar, SK.

Contact:

Lindsay Sagon

306-948-6555

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June 6, 7, 8 2025

Tilley's Horsemanship Clinic

Melville Agripark

Melville, SK.

Contact:

McKenzie Stevenson

306-620-8083

[email protected]

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June 20, 21, 22 2025

Tilley's Semi Private Clinic

Leroy, SK.

Contact:

Jamie and John Tilley

306-287-3389

tilleyscustomc**[email protected] or on facebook

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June 27, 28, 29 2025

Tilley's Horsemanship Clinic

Carnduff Agricultural Grounds

Carnduff, SK.

Contact:

Colleen Goertz

306-339-7997 text or facebook messenger

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July 16, 17, 18, 2025

Tilley's Semi Private Clinic

Leroy, SK.

Contact:

Jamie and John Tilley

tilleyscustomc**[email protected] or on facebook

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July 23, 24, 25 2025

Tilley's Semi Private Clinic

Leroy, SK.

Contact:

Jamie and John Tilley

tilleyscustomc**[email protected] or on facebook

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August 1, 2, 3 2025

Tilley's Horsemanship Clinic

Horses in Motion Arena

Portage la Prairie, MB.

Contact:

Crystal Neudorf

[email protected]

204-252-2179 or on facebook

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August 13, 14, 15 2025

Tilley's Semi Private Clinic

Leroy, SK.

Contact:

John and Jamie Tilley
tilleyscustomc**[email protected] or on facebook

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August 20, 21, 22 2025

Tilley's Semi Private Clinic

Leroy, SK.

Contact:

John and Jamie Tilley
tilleyscustomc**[email protected] or on facebook

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August 27, 28, 29 2025
Tilley's Semi Private Clinic

Leroy, SK.

Contact:

John and Jamie Tilley
tilleyscustomc**[email protected] or on facebook

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September 5, 6, 7 2025
Tilley's Semi Private Clinic

Leroy, SK.

Contact:

John and Jamie Tilley
tilleyscustomc**[email protected] or on facebook

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September 12, 13, 14 2025

Tilley's Horsemanship Clinic

Pine Notch Stables

Limoges, ON.

Contact:

Eileen Wiskar

613-795-9370 or on facebook messenger

Cortney Honey
[email protected] or on facebook messenger

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11/14/2024

Poem

Good Horses

By John Tilley

Good horses are like fine art, they always catch your eye
You can’t ignore a good horse, each time that it’s rode by
I believe most horses souls are good, cause’ that’s how they are made
But to be good in their work, a foundation must be laid

A good horse is not a good horse, if not rode without the care
And to rob him of his fullness, that wouldn’t be quite fair
So when I see a good horse, he operates with “Feel”
There’s a peace inside his soul, something that is real

A good horse wasn’t rushed, he learned his job so well
When under lots of pressure, you can always tell
Because he never does get lost, he tries the whole way through
He knows what is expected and does what they ask him to

Good horses exude love, where time and patience went
And the rider beams with pride because of passion that’s well spent
I think it’s so important, to have done the best you could
You’re going to ride them anyway, so they might as well be good

A life well spent with good cause, working at your trade
A legacy that lives on, one you hope that never fades
When the good lord calls you home and your spirit changes courses
You’ll hope your headstone reads “ he always rode good horses”

11/11/2024

Thank you to all who have served our country. Past, present, and future.

11/05/2024

Poem:

The Porcupine

By John Tilley

There aren’t too many ranch dogs, that haven’t felt the wrath
Of the dreaded porcupine, when he came across their path
Your dog gives out a high-pitched bark, you know that something’s weird
When you finally roll up on him, he’s got himself a new white beard

In the nose, in the mouth, and also in the feet
It’s going to be a week or more before he can finally eat
after several hours, the vet says that they’re all through
Now to pay a hefty bill, is all that’s left to do

Your best cow spies a critter and she feels him with her snoot
Then she spends the next two hours with her head locked in the chute
She put her tail straight in the air, the next time you rode by
She doesn’t want you anymore and porky knows just why

Old Roany’s got a limp coming up there at the back
Wonder what’s the problem? must be feeling that hoof crack
Well his leg looks like a cactus, as he finally gets up near
A Visit from the porcupine, the answer is quite clear

He’s been keeping vets in business since the dawn of time
That pesky little critter, they call the porcupine
I’m pretty sure I’d get along and live my life just fine
If I never ever, ever saw another porcupine

I trust in God’s creation because he knows his work the best
And the ones that still should be here, have truly stood the test
Of all of God’s great creatures, most I sure don’t mind
But I’ll never understand why he made the porcupine

11/04/2024

Poem

Mules Are More So

By John Tilley

I’ve always heard it said, that mules are more so
And it doesn’t take them long, and they know what you know
And the people that don’t know, will end up looking just like asses
That’s the reason mules don’t appeal to the masses

Compared to horses often, by those that just don’t know
I’ll say it once again, mules are more so
Yes they can ride, and they can drive, and they can pack all day
But they don’t work for just anyone, first they read your résumé

But there must be something to them because the mule folks are loyal
And they always pick a mule, to help them through the toil
A stubborn beast some say, but I’m not sure it’s true
he’s a little more methodical and must think what he should do

They’ve packed into the canyons and hauled out of the mine
They’re a version of a semi truck long before it’s time
They got the west all settled before the railroad tracks
And they helped to build a country upon their tired backs
They deserve a lot of credit, despite their reputation
Most would admire a mule more but they lack communication

We’ve all heard the stories, about the runaways
where mules were recovered after several hundred days
Then there’s the ones that bite and kick ,that you just couldn’t shoe
The ones that just won’t come around, no matter what you do
And I too, have heard the stories and been held back by fears
I’ve always been quite hesitant to work with the long ears

But….They say once you get them figured, they are the keeping kind
A more loyal tough companion, you will never ever find
Remember Mules have a soul and they aren’t just a working tool
If you think you’re a good Horseman, just go try it with a mule

10/31/2024

We had a great show last night! It was an honour to share the stage with Ryan Fritz . Thank you to all that came out! Thank you to Rob Krieger and Dustin Lynch for helping get things organized. Big thanks to the Jansen kinsmen for providing refreshments. Here’s to hoping we do it again sometime!

10/27/2024

Horseman’s Prayer

By: John Tilley

Lord thank you for this day and I pray you watch over me
I thank you that I’m horseback and for another day I am free
I pray you keep my family safe who’s working by my side
Put your hand upon the horses as we teach them and we ride
I pray for patience Lord and empathy I’ll find
I pray for guidance lord as we treat the horses kind
I pray the horses feet are sure and my gear all holds together
I pray his spirits soft as we tackle different weather
So thank you Lord so kindly for this life we get to lead
Thank you for the blessings, we’ve got everything we need
Amen

Photo: Jamie Hupaelo Tilley

10/17/2024

This will be a great evening! If you plan on attending, please purchase your tickets at Ryanfritz.net. Buying your tickets in advance helps us to better prepare for the show. See you there!

JOIN US! We are really looking forward to this show! I’m honoured to be working with Ryan Fritz to bring an evening of Ranch Music and Cowboy Poetry to Jansen , Saskatchewan! Advance tickets are available through Ryan’s website as on the poster. Please share and let’s fill the Jansen Hall for a fantastic evening!

10/08/2024

UPDATE: Horse Training, Clinics, and Cowboy Poetry.

10/08/2024

JOIN US! We are really looking forward to this show! I’m honoured to be working with Ryan Fritz to bring an evening of Ranch Music and Cowboy Poetry to Jansen , Saskatchewan! Advance tickets are available through Ryan’s website as on the poster. Please share and let’s fill the Jansen Hall for a fantastic evening!

10/04/2024

Far Too Bow Legged For That

By: John Tilley

I once heard an old feller say
In regards to his work back in the day
When he was on the cowboy crew
There were certain jobs he wouldn’t do
And he’d say no right off the bat
Cause he was far too bowlegged for that

To be hired for a straight riding gig
Can make your head get kind of big
There are things not included on your resume
Like changing oil and making hay
You’re a wild buckaroo, standing strong and Pat
Cause you’re far too bowlegged for that

And I can say that I felt the same
When I entered in the cowboy game
All I thought I’d ever do was ride
So my ears weren’t open very wide
when learning maintenance, I had the mind of a gnat
Cause I was far to bow legged for that

Now I have a place of my own
And I find I’m always on the phone
To find a mechanic, a plumber or welder
If the house needs a reno, we hire a builder
I hire my hay or ground work from a cat
Cause I was far too bow legged for that

Young Cowboys keep that cowboy pride
And never lose your love to ride
But broaden your skills and learn some things
Cause you never know what life will bring
It’s tough on your financial resources
And the only thing you want to see broke are your horses
You’ll pay some bills that are awful fat
Because you were far too bowlegged for that.

09/17/2024

We are in search of an Arena groomer that can be pulled with an ATV or side-by-side. let us know your favourite one and where a person might be able to purchase it. In Saskatchewan preferred. Thanks for your help!

09/09/2024

With fall approaching, here’s some thoughts on Halter Breaking weanling foals.

www.tilleyscustomc**ts.ca