4C Quarter Horses:Training And Producing Color by Don Dowdle Skip Cook runs a low key training and breeding operation near the small community of Bethel Springs in McNairy County, Tennessee. 4C Quarter Horses is the name of his operation and the home of IMA PALE RIDER, a 13 year old AQHA palomino stallion which he stands to the public. Cook teaches his young colts the basics and then rides them until he feels comfortable placing them in the hands of a buyer. He has developed a “first time buyers program” which matches the needs of a beginning rider with riding lessons and a horse suitable for their needs. And if there is room in his stable he will take on horses who have developed problem areas that need attention. “I don’t care what I can do with your horse; what matters is what you do at home.” Cook says he could work on “problem horses” all day but that wouldn’t allow him time to properly train his own horses. Over the past 10 years he has developed a reputation of producing quality horses who have good careers in the show ring and in athletic events such as reining. It is not uncommon for former customers to purchase horses unseen based on what Cook thinks the horse can do for them. IMA PALE RIDER is producing colts with color: buckskins and palominos which seem to be what alot of people are looking for these days reports Cook. And the four palomino colts in the pasture are a testament to what the stallion can do. For more information Cook can be reached at 731-934-7636 or 731-645-2254.