A passion for horses runs in an equestrian’s blood. From a young age, Colton Pylman of Dorr, Michigan, developed that passion. During his childhood, he spent time with his father at horse sales and showed at rodeos and learned how to rope. After his rope horse broke its leg, he decided to try something new – showing.
Now, the 23-year-old is an assistant trainer for Becky George Show Horses in Hockley, Texas. Pylman has been developing a name for himself in the show arena winning several prestigious classes at the Sun Circuit and Florida circuits.
“Colton has an amazing work ethic,” says Becky George, who hired Colton four years ago. “His desire to get better and be the best he can be is so strong. He is an important part of my program. Without him, I wouldn’t have had the success I had the past few years. He is my biggest cheerleader. Meanwhile, he is trying to be the best he can be. I’m lucky to be part of his rise to greatness. I had no idea how much he was going to change my life and improve my program when I hired him, but I am so thankful for it.”
We talked with him about his goals, job as an assistant and much more.
Q: Hi Colton! How did you become involved in the equine industry?
A: As a child, I went with my dad to the horse sales almost every weekend. He bought and sold a lot throughout my childhood. We took horses home, rode them a couple of weeks and resold. When I wasn’t at a horse sale with my dad, I spent weekends either roping or at a rodeo. I team roped for several years before I got into showing. When my rope horse broke his leg, I decided I wanted to try something different.
Q: What has been your biggest obstacle thus far?
A: I don’t know that I could say there have been any huge obstacles along the way thus far. If I had to come up with one thing, I would say moving away from my family was a massive step for me. However, I wouldn’t change it at all. Moving to Texas has been the best thing that I could have ever done.
Q: What is your favorite part about working with Becky George?
A: Becky has become such an influential part of my life over the last couple of years. She’s not your typical ‘boss’!
Q: How did you end up working for Becky?
A: I inquired about moving here to work for Becky off of a Facebook ad. It took quite some time for us to get in touch playing phone tag as I was always working when Becky would call. We had three phone conversations, and I sent a few videos over the course of a couple of weeks. Within three days, my car was loaded down with just enough room for myself and my dog. It has been one of the greatest journeys that I have been on.
Q: What is one word that you would use to describe the atmosphere at horse shows?
A: The horse show atmosphere gets a little chaotic from time to time, but we always find a way to get through.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of being an assistant trainer?
A: To me, the most rewarding thing is watching hard work and dedication unfold into success, whether it be myself, Becky or our customers.
Q: Which class is your favorite to show and why?
A: I enjoy showing the trail, the western riding and the hunter under saddle. Teaching the young ones the trail is so fun and rewarding when it all comes together.
Q: Can you tell us about some of your favorite wins?
A: I’m not sure that I could pick a favorite win, but this year has started off great with wins in both the Green and Senior Hunter Under Saddle. Why Not be Lazy and I were the Reserve Circuit Champions at the Florida Gulf Coast, Reserve Green Futurity Champions at Fox Lea Farm’s Fun in the Sun and Circuit Champions in the Junior Hunter Under Saddle at the Sun Circuit. With Beter Late Than Never, we were Reserve Circuit Champions in the Senior Hunter Under Saddle at the Florida Gulf Coast and Reserve Circuit Champions in the Senior Hunter Under Saddle L2 at the Sun Circuit. I am excited for what this year has in store for both of these horses. I’m also looking forward to showing my Green Trail horse, Certenly A Good Time – this is one that I have started myself and have had wins and top placings in both the Green and Junior Trail.
Q: What are your future horse related goals?
A: I have set several goals for myself, and I push myself every day to better myself and my horses to reach them. There is never a goal too big to dream.
Q: If you could say thank you to one person, who would it be?
A: There are so many people along the way that have been so supportive of me, I can’t thank just one person. I’ve been given endless opportunities over the years by so many and a simple thank you will never be enough for how grateful I am.
About the Author – Cat Guenther is a dedicated equestrian and junior in high school. When Cat is not at the barn, she focuses on her small businesses “Behind the Bit Tack Sales” and “Tack to Dye for.” Cat has four horses, a miniature horse, and a zonkey. She hopes to attend Michigan State University and study to become an equine veterinarian. Cat is extremely excited to start the all-around classes in 2018 with her new equine partner-in-crime, Royal Invite.
Photos © Jeff Kirkbride, Emages Design
