From Fisherman’s Son to Horse Whisperer Extraordinaire: The Incredible Journey of Al Ragusin

Al Ragusin beside a black horse

About Al Ragusin

Meet Al Ragusin Jr., a champion horse trainer in eight different disciplines. From racing to western pleasure, reining to cutting, and even charro events and dressage, Al has made a name for himself in the horse world. He’s also the owner and trainer of the only “Real Dancing Horses” in the world.

Growing up in a small fishing town in Texas, Al first saw a horse at the age of six. Despite his father’s warnings about the dangers of horses, Al was drawn to the animals and eventually caught one to bring home. But his father’s hatred for horses stemmed from a tragic incident involving his younger brother. Still, with his mother’s support, Al pursued his passion for horses and went on to have a successful career, winning over 300 trophies and awards, and even being featured on TV and in magazines.

Today, Al continues to travel, performing in shows and giving training clinics. His unique performances feature him singing while his horses dance in sync to the beat. He’s truly one of a kind and feels that his father would be proud of his accomplishments.

Al Ragusin in front of some of the many trophies and awards he has earned

Al Ragusin is a renowned horse trainer and performer, with nearly 50 years of experience in the field. Born in the small fishing town of Port O’Connor, Texas, Al was introduced to horses at the age of six, when he saw a black horse grazing in his backyard. Despite his father’s warning that horses were dangerous, Al’s love for horses grew, and he went on to become a highly accomplished horseman.

Career in Horse Training

Al’s career in horse training began with showing quarter horses in halter, cutting, reining, and western pleasure. He also trained horses for racing and became a champion charro, a Mexican cowboy, and rejoneador, a bullfighter on horseback. Over the years, he has won over 300 trophies and awards in various equestrian events.

Horse Whisperer

Al’s unique approach to horse training has earned him the title of “Horse Whisperer.” Unlike traditional training methods that force horses to perform desired actions, often causing them discomfort and pain, Al uses subtle cues and body language to communicate with the horse. He has developed a patented technique that involves using double reins, causing no pain to the animal. His technique has been showcased in various media outlets, including CBS, Real TV, and RFD TV, PBS, and FOX.

Dancing Horses

In addition to training horses, Al is the owner of the only true Dancing Horses in the world. His show consists of him singing Country, Rock, and Mexican music, and his horses follow the rhythm of each song right on beat. He has performed at the Rose Bowl and the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and has traveled across the United States and into Mexico performing at various events.

Author

Al is also an accomplished author, having written several books on horse training and his unique approach to working with horses. He has also been featured in various magazines and newspapers, including Western Horseman and The Los Angeles Times.

Traveling Clinician

In addition to performing, Al also conducts horse training clinics, traveling across the country to share his knowledge and expertise with fellow equestrians. He continues to travel and perform at various events, always striving to improve his technique and expand his knowledge of horses.

Al’s career as a horse trainer and performer is a testament to his dedication and love for these magnificent animals. His unique approach to training and performing has earned him worldwide recognition and admiration from fellow horse enthusiasts.

Al Ragusin Featured on:

Arbor Daze CBS, FOX, PBS, RFD-TV, Real-TV Euless, Texas
Barney & Friends PBS (Public Broadcasting System) Beeville, Texas
Beeville Charro Days Austin, Texas
Bluebonnet Festival Hidalgo, Texas
BorderFest McAllen, Texas
Civic Center Auditorium Victoria, Texas
Community Center Arena Conroe, Texas
Conroe Rodeo Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi Coliseum Scottsdale, Arizona
Festival of Horses San Antonio, Texas
Fiesta Texas Rapid City, South Dakota (57 Shows) Mercedes, Texas
Hart Ranch Brownsville, Texas
International Association of Fairs & Expos Harlingen, Texas
International Convention Center Jackson Street Jubilee Wichita, Kansas
Kansas Horse Expo La Vernia, Texas
Laura Garcia Cancer Benefit Los Fresnos, Texas
Lions Rodeo Arena Mercedes, Texas
Mercedes Livestock Show Lansing, Michigan
Michigan Horse Council Kingsvill e, Texas
Northway Coliseum McAllen, Texas
PalmFest Benavides, Texas
Pan de Compo Festival Pharr, Texas
Pharr Convention Center Houston, Texas
Plaza Mexico Freer, Texas
Rattlesnake Round-up Pasadena, california
Rose Bowl San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Corpus Christi, Texas
Selena Bay Auditorium Sesquicentennial Celebration Rio Grande, Texas
South Plains Fair Lubbock, Texas
Strawberry Festival Pasadena, Texas
Strawberry Festi val Poteet, Texas
Texas Championship Charro Congress San Antonio, Texas
Texas Fair Association Dallas, Texas
Tournament of Roses Parade Pasadena, california
Tractor Supply Floresville, Texas
Tractor Supply Mission, Texas
Tractor Supply Pleasanton, Texas
Tractor Supply Seguin, Texas
TIRA Coliseum Belton, Texas
Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer Center Mission, Texas
Wes-Town Arena Alton, Texas
Will Rogers Coliseum ft. Worth Texas
San Patricio County

 

Portrait of Al Ragusin