Our Philosophy
We believe that developing human performance is the key to operating effectively in the corporate world of the future.
Our programs are based on a set of simple foundational and universal principles that teach participants how to significantly and effectively unlock and unleash human potential.
While the roots of our thinking stem from the basic logic to which every cowboy adheres—we aren’t about boots and spurs—rather about helping you make a difference in your organization and those you lead.
The Training
Our training works because we follow a step by step approach. A strong foundation is built systematically. We train based on standards not time meaning we ensure that every goal is met in a sequence before transitioning to the next.
We promise immediate—
and sustainable—results.
Why?
The world changed rapidly – from complicated to complex. To operate in this new complex and unpredictable environment, organizations need to be able to address challenges at a much faster pace, while doing so with greater accuracy and effectiveness at the point of need. Efficiencies, while important, will not guarantee success. The key to any success will be to rely on an organization’s ability to unlock and unleash human performance.
To do so will require a corporate culture that contains four components:
- Empowered teams
- Teams that work together interdependently
- A leadership group capable of leading empowered teams
- An internal culture that supports human performance
Our Difference
The key to unlocking high performance is to first understand that performance is the result of using all parts of the brain – the IQ (informational) and the EQ (emotion). While information is critical, most experts agree that only the emotional side of the brain drives performance.
Expressed as equation: A (EQ – Emotional) + B (IQ – Informational) = (Action) C (Performance)
Our training is based on utilizing all parts of this equation.
Experiential Learning
Experts agree that experiential learning is 95% more effective than any other format.
We’ve built our reputation on this.
WHY HORSES
Horses are used as a metaphor for your organization. As prey animals, horses won’t do anything unless they trust you. Therefore, they provide a unique frame of reference, enabling participants to discover new skills and experience using them as a leader, manager, or team member to achieve high-performance success.
FASTER
“The Cowboy Solution is able to accomplish more in 8 hours than we were able to do in 8 weeks at the Naval Academy.”
SUSTAINABLE
“Because of what I experienced with Rhapsody and the horses, even after five years I still remember and use what I learned at The Cowboy Solution.”
Our Team
The Cowboy Solution team is dedicated to creating a leadership development, team building, and corporate event experience that is powerful, memorable, and fun. No request is too big or small. We promise to help craft an unforgettable experience no matter how many times you’ve been through one of our programs.
As Don Hutson likes to say: “You come as a client, leave as a friend and return as family.”
We look forward to working with you.
Don Hutson
Don Hutson is what one would call a renaissance man. With a doctorate in music, he has been a businessman, successfully running a retail corporation, as well as an educator, teaching at both the high school and college levels. Then, in his mid 50s’ after losing his entire personal fortune, he came to Houston to start his life over and started training horses. It was through this personal reinvention that he also found his passion in life while nose to nose with a horse.Hutson holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Arts from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Oklahoma with 12 years of teaching experience at both the high school and college levels, including posts at the University of Oklahoma, Phillips University and the University of Southwest Louisiana. He also owned and operated a textile manufacturing business for 16 years. It is this culmination of experiences from upon which he draws, plus 40 years working with horses, to share his unique perspective on teaching. This includes the importance of building trusting partnerships; using clear, concise and consistent communications; and keeping expectations high. His visually exciting presentations make one thing quite clear: Failure is not an option.
In addition to The Cowboy Solution seminars, he enjoys training horses and working with riders of all ages. He also serves as music director and conductor of the Conroe Symphony Orchestra. He enjoys cooking and playing golf. But, he is truly happiest in the arena working with people, excited watching others experience personal aha moments and seeing how they can make a change in themselves with the slightest shift in thought process. He believes we’ve made life too complicated and that a back to basics approach is what is needed in business.
Debra Ford
Debra has been involved with the company over the past 6 years helping to shape its marketing and event structure. Having lived all over the U.S. as a part of a military family, Debra moved to Houston after college and has spent her career marketing many of Houston’s incredible attractions including Six Flags AstroWorld, the Houston Zoo, Museum of Natural Science and a host of other institutions. A passion for gardening and the outdoors, Debra created the rose garden on the property where she and Don Hutson married in the fall of 2011. “Several years ago we decided we needed a retreat facility so we moved the horses out of the barn and made it a bunkhouse. We are dreamers—turning those dreams in reality as fast as we can.” Debra enjoys writing, yoga and gardening. She and Don and have 3 dogs, 9 horses and a bunch of plants.Sara Klawinsky
A native Texan, Sara grew up around Conroe before moving to Anderson in High school. She and her husband of 11 years now live in Stoneham with their 3 dogs. She enjoys any thing that allows her to be creative, from painting and drawing to customizing or repurposing furniture and wood crafts.
She’s always had an intense love of horses and has owned them off and on in the past. Working with them now has had a great impact on her life. She now likes working with The Cowboy Solution and watching each individual “Ah-Ha” moment for our guests.
She is always eager to learn new things, willing to try anything once and isn’t likely to shy away from hard work or getting her hands dirty. Her favorite people are those with an open mind and willing attitude.
Trey
Sunny
Felicity
I actually was the catalyst for starting The Cowboy Solution. While working with me, Don realized that he needed to earn my trust before I would let him ride me. I was a handful and very scared at first. However, he learned to be patient and earn my trust. The result was a great partnership that lives today. I was a wedding present to Don in the fall of 2011. I enjoy seeing people change as they work with us. I am very picky now and will demand that you lead me if you want me to follow.
Rhapsody
I am the only Arabian horse on the property. All the rest of my friends are American Quarter horses. Since I have been here Felicity and I have become best friends. We like to hang out together. I really enjoy being around people and my personality shows it. I have been labeled “the flirt.” I don’t know why though. Well, maybe I have an idea. I like to work with people who have a lot of nervous energy. I feel as though I can help them understand their leadership role.
Star
I am the only Arabian horse on the property. All the rest of my friends are American Quarter horses. Since I have been here Felicity and I have become best friends. We like to hang out together. I really enjoy being around people and my personality shows it. I have been labeled “the flirt.” I don’t know why though. Well, maybe I have an idea. I like to work with people who have a lot of nervous energy. I feel as though I can help them understand their leadership role.
Socks
I too am Sunny and Trey’s half-sister, which also makes me Star’s half-sister. I am just starting with the program and enjoy my role as the “new kid on the block.” I am very demanding and will make everyone that works with me earn respect. I am pretty much a no nonsense horse. I am sure there are a lot of people just like me in every organization. However, I enjoy my job working with all of the groups that come out.
Princess
I am as my name implies – a princess. I have actually been told by many that they have a lot of employees just like me. I like to be the star of the show. But, I know that such a desire is not always in the best interest of success. If I can get those that work with me to understand that thought and teach me how to work with others in the team then I have done my job. I also enjoy teaching new riders how to become leaders in the saddle.