Cow Horse Productions
One day after riding, Aaron Ralston and Brad Zanin were talking about how much of the cowboy tradition may disappear after today’s cowboy legends pass away. These legends possess so much knowledge and skill that is not easily accessible to the recreational rider. After throwing around some ideas, Aaron and Brad decided to document the time-honored wisdom and the heritage of today’s cowboy in medium
that could easily be disseminated to the public and would provide future generations of horseman with practical lessons that could be applied to their own Ride.
Launched in 2008, Cow Horse Productions is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the traditions and art-in-handling of the working ranch cowboy, both in and out of the arena.
Meet Aaron Ralston
Welcome to “The Ride.” I am Aaron Ralston and I invite you to join me as I take a journey to live out my dream as I ride with many of my heroes in the competition arena (roping, reining, cow horse, cutting) and out of the arena in the working ranch environment.
Born and raised on my family’s ranch in Western Colorado, I was taught the importance of being a helpful cowhand. This mentality has stayed with me throughout my early career as I rodeoed and now as I participate in show reining and working cow horses. Through my work with cow horses I am finding a strong desire to return to my ranching roots before the lifestyle fades away as I knew it. No matter what we do, times will change and my goal is to help them change in a way that will preserve the working ranch cowboy.
Horses have given me the opportunity to compete all over the world. In 2006, I was fortunate to be a part of Team USA at the World Equestrian Games, held in Aachen, Germany. Riding Smart Paul Olena, we led the Team to a Team Gold Medal and took the Bronze medal in the Individual Reining Competition. The spectator’s enthusiasm for the sport of Reining was incredible and I feel very privileged that I participated in such a history making event.
I am not The Expert, however, the people and ranches that will be featured in "The Ride" will contribute their own expertise to represent a true general idea of today’s modern Working Ranch Cowboy.
So stay tuned, sit back, and hold on for “The Ride.”
Aaron can be reached at aaron@cowhorseproductions.com.
Meet Brad Zanin
Hello, my name is Brad Zanin and my “ride” to becoming a horseman began in the spring of 2007 when I purchased my first performance horse. He was a seven-year old gelding with some experience as a rope horse and had been shown a few times. I was interested in showing him in cow horse events and knew that I needed to improve my riding ability. I was very lucky that Aaron Ralston lived nearby and grateful that he agreed to help me. Aaron told me it was going to take hours and miles. We developed a plan and some goals and I started riding and practicing every chance I got. With Aaron as a mentor and coach, I have been able to compete in the NRCHA non-pro limited class and a few reining shows. I look forward to going down the fence someday and competing in cutting shows. I thoroughly enjoy the learning process and appreciate every bit of “the ride.”
I was born and raised in Aspen, Colorado. I grew up on a pair of skis and playing team sports. I spent all of my free time in the mountains hiking and camping. I have always had a passion for the outdoors and horses. After graduating from Aspen High School, I attended Pomona College in Claremont, California. I graduated from Pomona in 1988 with a B.A. in Economics. Following graduation, I went to work for Analysis Group, Inc., an economic and financial consulting firm in Los Angeles. In the fall of 1995, I purchased the performance measurement division of Analysis Group and moved back home to Aspen to form Aspen Performance Group, Inc.
I still enjoy financial consulting, but with the formation of Cow Horse Productions, I am now able to pursue one of my life’s passions. I have been fortunate to have met and trained with some of the best horsemen in the country and always enjoy visiting their incredible ranches. I look forward to the rest of the journey and hope that you enjoy watching “The Ride” as much as we do creating it.
Brad can be reached at brad@cowhorseproductions.com.
