National Champion and Educator in the Arabian Industry
Tommy Garland is a nationally recognized Arabian horse trainer, clinician, and horseman known for his accomplishments in western pleasure competition and for his emphasis on practical horsemanship and horse-rider communication. Over the course of his career, Garland became respected within the Arabian horse industry for his ability to develop competitive western pleasure horses while maintaining a training philosophy centered on softness, patience, and understanding the individual horse. His influence has extended through competition success, educational clinics, online training programs, and mentorship of younger riders and trainers.
The Horsemen Who Shaped His Career
Garland grew up in a horse-oriented environment and developed a passion for horses at an early age. He has credited two individuals as particularly formative influences on his development as a horseman and professional trainer:
Garland's Training Center
Garland operates Garland's Training Center, based in Bristol, Tennessee (and for many years in Powhatan, Virginia), where he developed a reputation for training and showing highly competitive Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. His program focused not only on preparing horses for national-level competition but also on helping riders improve their understanding of horsemanship fundamentals.
Garland achieved major success in national competition, earning multiple championships and top placings at prestigious Arabian horse shows. His accomplishments included winning national championships in western pleasure futurity competition and earning numerous top-ten finishes at national-level Arabian events. Horses trained and shown by Garland became recognized for their movement, responsiveness, and polished presentation in the show arena.
Softness, Relaxation, and the Horse's Mind
Beyond competition, Garland became known for promoting a training style built around communication, confidence, and trust between horse and rider. He regularly discussed the importance of preserving quality horsemanship while adapting to the changing demands of modern competition.
- Softness and RelaxationBuilding correct fundamentals through repetition and patience rather than force or mechanical methods.
- Horse-Rider CommunicationDeveloping trust and confidence in the partnership between horse and rider as the foundation of effective training.
- Mental and Emotional UnderstandingRecognizing the horse's mental and emotional state during training, and working to develop consistency and responsiveness from that foundation.
- Versatility Within the BreedPromoting horsemanship principles that apply across disciplines — emphasizing the athleticism and trainability of Arabian horses beyond any single show division.
Online Training Videos
As his reputation expanded, Garland became increasingly involved in clinics, instructional programs, and online horse training education. Through these programs, he worked to make quality horsemanship instruction accessible to a broader audience of Arabian horse owners and riders.
Accomplishments
- Multiple national championships in Arabian western pleasure futurity competition
- Numerous top-ten finishes at national-level Arabian horse shows
- 2009 USEF Equestrian of Honor — Barbara Worth Oakford Award
- 2002 APAHA Western Pleasure Trainer of the Year
- Garland's Training Center — Bristol, Tennessee (formerly Powhatan, Virginia)
- Online training video series for riders and horse owners
- Clinician at national Arabian horse events and expos
- Mentor to younger riders and trainers in the Arabian industry
