Veterans of the game
Craig Cameron & Ken McNabb interviewed
Craig Cameron, Ken McNabb and Richard Winters were the competitors selected for Road To The Horse 2010 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. To celebrate the anniversary of that epic battle, Craig Cameron and Ken McNabb are stepping back into the Road To The Horse round pen for a rematch. Don’t let their hiatus from the event fool you; a few extra years under their belt has only made them better horsemen. We ask them what’s changed.
Describe Road To The Horse in one sentence.
Ken: An incredibly challenging yet enjoyable competition.
Craig: A grueling, competitive test of horsemanship, skills, desire, determination, dedication, and courage.
What insight did you gain from being a Road To The Horse 2010 competitor?
Ken: Follow my gut instinct no matter what. There were decisions that I made in the round pen in 2010 that I talked myself into or out of. I believe those were mistakes I made that I do not intend to make in 2021.
Craig: Road To The Horse 2010 taught me to believe in the horse and the ideology of working with the horse and not against the horse. By taking that approach you will find trust, respect, teamwork, and the horse will gain confidence in the companionship. You must be patient, and you must believe in the relationship between man and horse.
How is your approach to Road To The Horse 2021 different from how you approached the event in 2010?
Ken: I have more confidence in myself, my ability, and I am more relaxed in general. I believe that comes from two things. First, I am 10 years older and more confident in the methods I use. And second, I am more prepared and have practiced in a better manner than ever before.
Craig: Horsemanship is a lifelong process. I’ve had 10 years of learning, growing, and going. Not only am I growing in my horsemanship journey, Road To The Horse is also evolving. Every competitor has been able to learn from past competitors and the competitors are tougher than ever.
How has your horsemanship philosophy changed?
Ken: I don’t know that it has. However, I believe I am a better colt starter today because I understand my philosophy better than I did then. My philosophy has always been to put the horse first and reward every try. The difference between 2010 and now, is I believe I see the tries quicker.
Craig: I have even more respect and more love for the horse. I have a deeper understanding of horsemanship. My desire to learn everything I can about the horse just keeps growing and growing. As much as I think I’ve been able learn about horsemanship, sometimes I feel I’m just scratching the surface of this amazing animal we call the horse.
What are you most looking forward to at Road to the Horse 2021?
Ken: I have always enjoyed the friendly competition at Road To The Horse. I have been blessed to compete with old friends and make new ones, and I expect this year to be the same. I am also looking forward to all of the fans! Hearing their thoughts, encouraging words and stories helps to make it the amazing weekend that it is.
Craig: I’m ready to walk into the round pen. Let’s get started! I’m looking forward to meeting my colt and creating that bond. Waiting to compete at Road to the Horse is something that weighs on you all year long. I tore my rotator cuff and I’ve been fighting to come back from that. I have this competitive drive and a deep love in me for this competition we call Road To The Horse. I want to be the best I can be. I have a deep respect for any Road To The Horse competitor that has put themselves on the line. The 2021 lineup is incredible, and I’m glad to be there with people I call my friends.
How will Road to the Horse 2021 be different for you and your family?
Ken: It would be hard to quantify the differences. Both of my kids are 10 years older than they were then and will be my ground crew behind the scenes. They both are accomplished horseman who will have an opinion of what I am doing, how it is going, and that is an opinion I will value. One of the things that will be the same is I am excited to have DeeDee as my pen wrangler again this time. Anyone who has been involved in family business knows it comes with a challenge.
The exciting thing for us is we work together every day, and this is another memorable opportunity for us to work together.
What did your win at Road To The Horse 2010 mean to you?
Craig: I’ve lived a cowboy lifestyle. I’ve been a rancher, a bull rider, and a clinician. I’ve had numerous accomplishments and I’ve been inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. The one achievement I’m most proud of was my win at Road To The Horse 2010
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