IF any man can lead a horse to water and make it drink, that man is a cowboy called Paul Yenny.

At a tip of his hat, he can persuade a troublesome horse to go into a trailer and has been known to tame a bucking bronco in less than half an hour.

If you've ever been thrown off a horse, then the solution to your problem could sit with this king of the saddle.

On his first visit to the UK, this American cowboy has travelled thousands of miles to help horse owners in Hampshire learn better riding skills.

Montana-born Paul, whose work with horses has never been seen outside the Unites States until now, is rated in the same league as famous horse whisperer Monty Roberts, recently immortalised on film by Robert Redford.

"I've never studied under anybody, I've not seen Monty Roberts in action or the movie about him. Mine is just a God-given talent I've developed in my years working as a full-time cow-boy," said Paul. who looks the part, dressed in Wild West chaps, Levi jeans and checked shirt.

He will be holding a series of five-day horsemanship clinics at Eldon Farm in King's Somborne during June. These clinics are the fulfilment of a year-long dream by farm owners Sam and Geri Olive.

Sam, who doesn't ride much himself, said: "Sitting on a horse trained by Paul is like sitting on a motorbike - the animal is so responsive to the rider. I know we can't all become full-time cow-boys, but the principles Paul applies can be used by any horseman."

Sam's wife Geri took part in one of Paul's clinics during a visit to the States last year. "This man is amazing with horses," said Geri.

"Within half an hour, he had broken in a fiery two-year-old colt and I was sitting in a saddle on the animal's back as though it had been trained all its life.

"Monty Roberts may have enlightened lots of people, but, unlike Paul, he doesn't allow them to participate.

"The aim of these clinics is for a horse and man to learn to trust each other and work as a team - to make a horse rideable and its owner a better rider."

The horsemanship clinics run from June 5 to 9 and from June 12 to 16. Spectator tickets are also available. Tel 01794 368158.

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