The Joseph Rae Equestrian Academy, located just east of Hardisty, hosted Lyle Jackson, who is a trainer, coach, and judge.

Jackson has won multiple international awards over his career, including placing in the top five in American Quarter Horse Association Honor Roll for both Reining and Cutting. The awards placed him in third and fifth place in the entire world in those categories.

Following his time in Hardisty, he is headed to Fort Worth, Texas, in order to compete in the American Paint Horse Association World Championships in Reining and Western Pleasure.

At the Joseph Rae Academy, Jackson held a three-day clinic, working with both students and coaches in what he referred to as Western Horsemanship.

Jackson takes an individual approach when coaching, and assesses each person’s individual goals and strengths in order to decide exactly what would benefit them the most during their time with him.

Part of his focus is ensuring that riders are always being observant of their horses.

Jackson travels all over the world to compete and coach. “This year, I’ve been to Brandon, Manitoba; London, England; Krakow, Poland; Oregon and Washington state.”