Age: 39
From: Glen Innes, NSW Australia
Phone: +61 417-703-304
Phil Dawson
Money Won
$695,000Titles/Finals
- Australian NCHA Classic Champion x3 (2013,2009,2010)
- Multiple NCHA Futurity Finalist
- 2013 Australian NCHA Futurity Champion: Foo-liscious
- 2008 Australian NCHA Derby Champion: Reynstorm
Top Three Horses Trained
- Metallic Moon
- Prestige Cat
- Dreamchaser
How I got started in cutting: Dad was always interested in cutting but never competed. We used to go watch the Futurity at Tamworth every year and I guess that planted the seed. After I finished at Longreach Agricultural College, I rode reiners as a non-pro for two years and that helped me learn more about getting a horse broke. I worked in a Feedlot at Chinchilla, Qld for 18 months which was managed by a good non-pro trainer Roger Elliot. Todd Graham would come down and work and I’d watch him. I then worked for both Todd and Kathy Daughn between 1999 and 2002 travelling to and from the States. In 2003, I moved down to Victoria and trained for the public under Aaron Wheatley who has helped me immensely.
Biggest myth about cutting: That you can buy a young horse and learn how to cut together.
Favorite quote: “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.” (In reference to training horses)
Most memorable moment in cutting: My first NCHA Futurity final in 2003 and winning my first aged event on Dreamchaser because it gave me the self belief I could train and be competitive.
Training philosophy: Train a horse to be mistake free. It’s about showing the judges you have done the least wrong compared to your competitors.
Videos by Phil Dawson
How To Teach Yourself And Your Horse To Neck Rein Better
“Smooth is fast, fast is smooth” says Phil Dawson, as he demonstrates a great exercise you can do at home to improve your neck reining, illustrating: Why momentum and fe...
Why Momentum And Neck Reining Is The Key To Successful Herd Work And Big Scores!
Losing momentum in your cuts is the main reason non-pro and amateur cutters can struggle in their herd work says $1.1 million dollar Australian trainer Phil Dawson. In this video [&...