About Deb

Deborah Cooper began her journey with horses in high school, at Orme School in Cortez Junction, Arizona in 1973-74. It was here that she first learned to rope, brand, and barrel race. She won high point overall cowgirl, and was runner up to Rodeo Queen in her senior year.

In her early 20’s, Deb showed halter and western pleasure throughout California, and developed an interest and affinity for training horses. Soon thereafter she met John Lyons, one of the first “horse whisperers”, who used knowledge of horse behavior, horse psychology, and natural methods to gentle horses, rather than break them. Through her training she met another natural horseman, Pat Parelli in 1988. She completed the first Parelli Horse Course, which began a 15 year association with the Parelli organization.

During this time, Deb owned and managed her own boarding and training facilities in California, putting to use the information she acquired through Parelli, Tom Dorrance, and Ray Hunt. Deb also competed in both 3 day eventing and endurance. She trained and rode Samson, a challenging and unrideable horse, in the 100 mile Tevis Cup Endurance ride in 1990.

Deborah earned Parelli certification as a 3 star horse trainer and colt starter in 1991. Since then, she has continued her education with Les Vogt and Leon and Lance Harrel, who are the preeminent trainers in cutting horse riding, training, and competition. She is currently affiliated with the Galles-Harrel Training Center in Menifee, California.

Through this synthesis of training methods, Deb has developed her own trademark techniques, bringing together the worlds of the natural horseman and the traditional horseman, offering owners and their four legged partners the perfect training style.

A behavioral specialist and expert diagnostician, Deb excels at evaluating horses and riders and teaching both to become better athletes and partners. With her extensive knowledge, she teaches clinics on such diverse subjects as the foundations of natural horsemanship, advancing to sports such as reining and jumping, and foal and young horse handling.

Deb currently shows in reining, working cow horse, cutting, and ranch versatility events. She has a breeding program for her stallion, San Peppy’s Dun, grandson of the great quarter horse Hollywood Dun It. Deb also owns a full service training and boarding facility near Santa Cruz, California. She accepts limited number of interns every year.

To discover more about Deb's techniques and beliefs, click the button on the left to read a few of the articles she has written for Trail Blazer Magazine.