Barn: (704) 838-0512 • Kim Cowart (704) 880-8848 cell • Peter Cowart (704) 252-0059 cell • Camille Cowart (704) 880-3072 cell
Email: Kim & Peter — peterkimcowart@bellsouth.net • Camille — camille.cowart@gmail.com

Training Program

 When you want the absolute best for your show horse.

CONTACT US

"You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows." —Bob Dylan

At the heart of the West Wind Stables training operation is the husband and wife team of Peter and Kim Cowart. Since 1989, they have truly put their “heart and soul” into making the farm successful. After first setting up shop in Taylorsville, the Cowarts headed about 20 miles down the road to Statesville, North Carolina, where they purchased a picturesque property and built the present-day farm.

The Cowarts have built the West Wind program on the premise that the performance of the horse is of paramount importance. For that reason, riders with horses in training at West Wind can expect the best from their horse, something they must be prepared to give of themselves to match the horse.
 
“We started with young horses and then all of a sudden we started having junior exhibitors and amateurs. It was funny how it evolved,” Peter said.
 
“If it’s not going to work (fitting an amateur or junior exhibitor to a certain horse), we’re not going to bring the horse down,” notes Peter.

West Wind has stacked up more than admirably with the best competition, with their horses and riders nearly always in the top ribbons. “We encourage our riders to do strength conditioning and to pay attention to their diet so they can keep up with their horses, but that’s up to them," Kim said ." They’re with us because they want a chance to be on top.”
West Wind has stacked up more than admirably with the best competition, with their horses and riders nearly always in the top ribbons. “We encourage our riders to do strength conditioning and to pay attention to their diet so they can keep up with their horses, but that’s up to them," Kim said ." They’re with us because they want a chance to be on top.”

Much of Kim and Peter's success is due to the balance provided by the two trainers. Their personalities are just different enough to complement each other, but they have the same strong work ethic.
 
Fellow trainer John Conatser is one who has seen and respects Kim and Peter’s hard work and dedication to detail. “They have one of the most beautiful and well-run barns in the country. If you haven’t been there, you’re really missing something. It is perfectly maintained at all times, Conatser said. “If I were to put a horse in training with someone they are one of a handful I would put a horse with. When it comes to a gaited horse, Peter is a genius and Kim has done more than her share of winning that Ladies Gaited Stake. Along with Camille, they are a testament to what a horse training family should be. They’re just top of the line.”

THE WEST WIND WAY
"A Championship Approach"

The mention of West Wind Stables brings to mind many great champions. It may evoke thoughts of winning Three-Gaited horses, like CH A Sweet Treat, shown to a World’s Grand Championship by Kim Cowart in 1999, or CH Real Action, presented to the same title by Peter Cowart in 2011. Possibly, you'll think of the Park exploits of CH Justa Rascal and Megan McClure and Camille Cowart, or maybe you envision a stunning Fine Harness performance by CH Amelie or CH Lace’s Last Tango. Perhaps what comes to mind is one of the many Five-Gaited greats like CH My Wonder, CH Memories Of Cabo, CH He's In Style, CH Breaking News, who earned a World’s Grand Championship and was a standout Amateur horse for years, or CH The Daily Lottery, the 2014 winner of the Five-Gaited Gelding World's Championship and Five-Gatied World's Grand Championship.
 
Yes, we are proud of our many great champions and there are too many to list here. More importantly, we are proud of the opportunities we have created for so many riders and drivers to enjoy and compete in horse shows at the highest possible level of performance. That requires a “Championship Approach” to training. We take great care to find appropriate horses and prepare them for their riders. This requires a thorough, patient approach, an understanding of what makes each horse tick, and of course, plenty of hard work. That’s what we mean when we say we take a “Championship Approach.”
 
To learn more about training opportunities at West Wind Stables, call (704) 838-0512 or click to email us.
Contact Us

Celebrating the American Saddlebred

At West Wind Stables, we celebrate the American Saddlebred. It is a breed that is second to none in beauty, athleticism, power, versatility and  intelligence. One ride on a Saddlebred is all it takes to become hooked, and become involved in one of life's most rewarding endeavors.

Your Saddlebred partner will teach and help you develop many things, including discipline, work ethic, patience and teamwork. Showing an American Saddlebred provides an adrenaline rush like no other, and a sense of fulfillment and achievement that is well worth the ride.

Start your American Saddlebred dream today.


 Horse Shows

IT'S WHAT WE DO.
Yes, we love riding our horses at the barn, but we love competing with them at horse shows — locally around the Carolinas and nationally against the best competition — even more!  Horse Shows are a perfect way to reward yourself for all the hard work you put in at home. Showing horses is something the whole family can enjoy and a great way to meet people, too. And of course, you get to watch exciting American Saddlebreds in action! 
Share by: