Tour Itinerary (back to top)
Past itineraries - sorted by state and performance date (view)

1/15/10 thru 4/20/10 - NOT AVAILABLE

11/12/10 8:00 PM Parkersburg, WV West Virginia University at Parkersburg


Program Options: Ideas for presenting Fast Horse on your campus (back to top)
Workshops offered by The Fast Horses

1) Women’s Issues
- Traditional women's roles -vs.- contemporary roles
- Mother the first teacher
- Midwifery
- Elder roles
A unique look at womanhood through the Native American culture. The quiet yet strong roles that the Native woman played yesterday, today and tomorrow.

2) Healing and Traditional Medicines
- Midwifery and Medicine Women
- Medicine Men and Shaman
- Traditional -vs.- contemporary medicines
- Herbs
Herbs continue to heal us physically yet they can also heal us spiritually and mentally, giving us a holistic sense of well being.

3) Ceremonies / Spirituality
- Song and dance
- Vision quest
- The pipe
- Dreams and zymology
Ancient, Primitive and Mystical rituals sought to invoke the supernatural world to the natural world through ceremonies, song and dance.

4) Mythology
- Creation story
- Monotheistic / Polytheistic
- Native influences on the world
Legends, lore and myth of Native peoples have contributed greatly to the roots of our country, yet they remain foreign and unclear. Here is an inside look at the fabric of our humble beginnings.


Reviews and comments (back to top)

The Fast Horse event was AMAZING!!!! We had at least 150 + over what we had expected and the response was wonderful. I have had several contacts asking when they would be back again. I am always so very, very please at quality of performance the Fast Horses provide, as well as how easily that can get students to get involved in the performance when needed. This year the university president came, she stayed for the entire performance, and she gave me rave reviews of the performance and kudos for inviting them. Thank you so much for helping me bring them to our campus again. They are worth every cent.
Tammy Carter, Director of Multicultural Affairs, William Woods University - Fulton, MO

Fast Horse was incredible. The family was lovely. The show was educational, interactive and fun. For us, it was a good turn out, and people really enjoyed it. They couldn't have been nicer. Thanks for bringing us a great show.
Helen Manley, Coordinator of Student Activities, Prairie State College - Chicago Heights, IL

First of all thanks and it was a pleasure working with you and them.. very nice people all the way around. Very impressive dance and “showmanship” the hoop dance was terrific! My students truly enjoyed this and I feel learned from them. Delightful people! Delightful show…
Nina Lyons, Director of Student Life, Community College of Allegheny County – Pittsburgh, PA

They were great.. everyone loved them. excellent feedback from staff/faculty about how much they appreciated the message they brought, as well as the entertainment. Our students don't always stick around and pay close attention to the lunchtime shows quite as well as they did on Tuesday.. but they really were totally mesmerized by the peaceful and relaxed atmoshphere that the show creates. I think all of our female students, myself included, were totally in love with the children! they were so delightful. Reuben did a wonderful job of keeping the audiencd engaged, our students stayed really tuned in. This program was just perfect.. I am so glad we were able to bring the Fast Horses to our campus. Thanks for everything!
Laurie Johnston, Director of Student Activities , Fairmont State University – Fairmont, WV

Fast Horse was wonderful. We had great feedback. They did an excellent mix of performance and education and we would definatly be interested in booking them again next fall. They were a wonderful family to work with and the audience response was great.
Lisa Christensen, Director of Student Life, Saint Paul College - Saint Paul, MN

The performance was excellent! We had a pretty packed house and plenty of compliments to go around. Thanks for the great entertainment. We look forward to working with you again.
Rob Mestas, Multicultural Advisor, Hennepin Technical College - Eden Prairie, MN

It was fabulous!! They captivated the audience and kept the room full. There was at least 150-200 people there at all times and probably 300 people cycled through if they had to go to class, but it was probably one of the best thing I had this semester. So it was great and I was relieved because it was a high dollar venue and I am being asked ot justify things days.
Kimberly Heft, Director of Student Activities, Metropolitan Community College - Maple Woods - Kansas City, MO

They were GREAT! Easy to work with. I loved their performance. The audience loved them. They have a very cute family. I really appreciate their understanding with the hotel. We had some difficulties (on my side not theirs) and they were very understanding. You always have good performers that you send me. I would love to bring them back but people at Fontbonne have said that I need to bring Bill Miller back again. So maybe we will go that route for next year
Chris Gill, Director of Student Development, Fontbonne University – Saint Louis, MO


Ash Fast Horse was incredible! The students really enjoyed their performance and liked the fact that it was so interactive. Reuben did a great job getting everyone’s attention and their kids were adorable! They were super easy to accommodate and work with. Thanks so much!
Leslie Cragwall, Assistant Director Student Activities, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN

The Fast Horses were GREAT! They put on a really fun and educational performance that I know the audience thoroughly enjoyed. They included a great message about the use of language that crosses all cultural barriers. There was a great buzz and anticipation for them to perform as many had remembered them from when they had come to campus in 2001. Seven years later, they were just as great, if not better! The family was a pleasure to work with and very accomodating to the needs of our audience. Their two children are just too cute for words and are a welcome addition to their performance! We will definitely be bringing them back again.
Ernie Kimlin, Diverse Programming Coordinator, Harper College - Palatine, IL

Fast Horse was very good. They are a very nice family and always do a good show. We had over 100 people come and everyone enjoyed it.
Sarah McIntosh-Zirkle, Coordinator of Student Activities, Kankakee Community College - Kankakee, IL

Fast Horse (Reuben and Ash) was an excellent show. Well-received by students, educational, and very enlightful. Thank you for your recommendation.
Cassandra Fluker, Director of Student Activities, Henry Ford Community College - Dearborn, MI

Thank you so much for presenting such a wonderful performance to our students at Sam Houston State University. We thoroughly enjoyed the dancing, music, and magic! The students were obviously very entertained by the program, but what was really inspiring to see was how much the students learned from the program. You have a beautiful family and we can’t wait to have you back to our campus in the near future!
Ashley McDonough , Program Coordinator , Multicultural & International , Student Services , Sam Houston State University

The show went really well and we were pleased. Fast Horses were very nice and provided lots of feedback during the dinner that TMN hosted. It was about 12 student leaders and the family and they were able to address questions, talk about historical references, and the future of Native Americans in this country. We enjoyed the show – it was interactive and funny. Reuben did a great job of getting students to stop and watch for a while –we estimate that 100-115 students came by the event.
Ankita Rakhe, Assistant Director for Intercultural and Diversity Issues , Campus & Community Involvement , Trinity University , San Antonio, TX


Fast Horse (Reuben and Ash) was an excellent show. Well-received by students, educational, and very enlightful. Thank you for your recommendation.
Cassandra Fluker, Director of Student Activities, Henry Ford Community College - Dearborn, MI

The Fast Horse show was very entertaining performance with singing, dancing and educational commentary. I think that the audience really learned a lot about Native American cultures and history in a really fun and creative way. Truly a great performance, the performers really engaged with the audience. it was great family entertainment. The audience consisted of faculty, staff, students and Greencastle community members and everyone seemed to really enjoy the show.
Ann Malloy, Student Activities Specialist DePauw University - Greencastle, IN


The show was great! We had a good mix of students and community members and they seemed to really enjoy the performance. The kids are the most adorable children I've ever seen! We would love to have them back.
Julie DeMoss, Student Activities Director - Penn State, Mont Alto, PA


Awesome. They entertained the audience with stories and information about native Americans that helped to dispel many stereotypes. The performance was captivating, exciting and diverse. People have already asked me when they'll be coming back!
Scott Simonds, Director Student Activities - Penn State University, York, PA


FAST HORSE was awesome. Yes, the audience was wowed by their talent and inter intermized education about the Indian culture--and all they myths that we believe about it! Ruben was very easy to work with and we would consider having them back in the future.
Amy Gartley - Student Activities Director - Penn State Beaver, Monaca, PA


The Fast Horse performance was great. The audience really responded to them. They even stayed after for an extra 45 minutes or so to talk with some of the students and families that attended. I would definitely recommend and even host again!
Stephanie Chastain, Penn State Shenango Valley - Sharon, PA


Reuben and Ash were wonderful to work with. The students really enjoyed the workshop, we had about 20 participants. We had about 100 people for the performance which is considered a success on our campus since it is so difficult to get commuters to go to events on campus. Their children are adorable and well behaved and the experience was a very positive one. Thanks!
Sue Gelsinger, Student Activities Coordinator - Reading Area Cmty College, Reading, PA

They were wonderful and everyone loved them!
Becky Bourque, Student Activities Advisor, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College – Superior, WI

The event went really well. The performance was really interesting and it was something different for our students to enjoy. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Can I just tell you their little girl is the cutest little person I have ever seen.
Carey Redmond, Program Coordinator, Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, OH

Thanks you for recommending the Fast Horses. Ruben is an awesome teacher and a wonderful entertainer. The Healing and Traditional Medicine workshop was very informative and educational it was exactly what we had hoped for. The evening performance was good.
Teresa Stitt, Student & Educational Services, Delta College - University Center, MI

The Fast Horse performance went well, attendance was low as students had started departing for Thanksgiving L However, the family educated, engaged and entertained those who came out. Furthermore, they were a joy to work with. Thanks for all of your assistance with Fast Horse, and I look forward to working with you next year.
Kelly-Ann Vassel, Specialist, Diversity Advocacy, Illinois State University - Normal, IL

The FAST HORSE program was great. The audience was mixed with students and community members. Some
adults also brought children. The program was appropriate for everyone present. Reuben and Ash were great to work with. Our sound equipment and table were not there on time and Reuben was very good about using his. Overall, great show and good people!!!!
Pat Singleton-Young, Director of Multicultural Affairs, Coastal Carolina University, SC

The Fast Horse performance went well, attendance was low as students had started departing for Thanksgiving L However, the family educated, engaged and entertained those who came out. Furthermore, they were a joy to work with. Thanks for all of your assistance with Fast Horse, and I look forward to working with you next year.
Kelly-Ann Vassel, Specialist, Diversity Advocacy, Illinois State University - Normal, IL

The FAST HORSE program was great. The audience was mixed with students and community members. Some
adults also brought children. The program was appropriate for everyone present. Reuben and Ash were great to work with. Our sound equipment and table were not there on time and Reuben was very good about using his. Overall, great show and good people!!!!
Pat Singleton-Young, Director of Multicultural Affairs, Coastal Carolina University, SC

The show went great! As usual, they did a fantastic job, all those in attendance enjoyed the performance. Many positive comments were received on the part of the performance in which members of the audience participated.
Especially the members that participated, they thought it was a blast! Please let Reuben and Ash know how much we enjoyed their performance and we hope to have them come back again in the future.
Jody Steile, Multicultural Affairs, Minnesota State University at Moorhead - Moorhead, MN

Everything went well with Ash and Reuben. They were a great couple and fun to work with. We did have a smaller crowd than I had hoped we would have, they did a great job regardless.
Tom Hogan, Student Life Coordinator, Hawkeye Community College - Waterloo, IA

Fast Horse was terrific for our Family Weekend ! They got a standing ovation! I loved how they incorporated their children into the show – I wasn’t sure how that would be done at first, and as Ruben started the show, he talked about how they perform and share their culture as a family, and that sometimes unexpected things happen – he completely incorporated the kids in a way that everyone LOVED. Their son, Calen, is so talented! I’ve heard good things from those who attended too (not a full-house, but enough to make me happy). Our Provost (my interim supervisor) and his wife attended, and gave me some very wonderful comments this morning. Parents and students stuck around afterward to talk with the family, and there was a request for more programming of this format. In a nutshell, I’ll definitely have them back on campus. It was great. I am so glad you sent me that routing info and that this worked out. It’s funny how important a well-timed email can be!!
Kate Lake, Assistant Dean of Students, Kalamazoo College - Kalamazoo, MI

The show was FANTASTIC!!! Reuben and Ash were extremely entertaining and friendly...I would definitely recommend them to other people...
Kayla Harris, the Cultural Arts Chair for the Student Activities Council at the University of Memphis, TN

The show was very well received! We have a lot of interest in Native American culture locally, so the crowd was totally into it. The Fast Horses were a pleasure to work with. Thanks for your help!
Neil Outar, Program Coordinator, Arkansas State University at Beebe, Owen Center

Everything went great! We were happy to have them on our campus. They did an awesome job performing.
Jane Bello-Brunson, Director of Multicultural Programs, Valparaiso University - Valparaiso, IN

The Fast Horses were absolutely amazing! Everyone loved the show, they were so personable and wonderful to work with. They stayed after the show to answer questions and speak with our guests, who just applauded the show to no end. A standing ovation, no less! Thanks so much for everything--it truly was a wonderful experience, and we will definitely have them back!
Kelly Lewis, Coordinator of Student Activities, Kankakee Community College - Kankakee, IL

The show was FANTASTIC!!! Reuben and Ash were extremely entertaining and friendly...I would definitely recommend them to other people...
Kayla Harris, Cultural Chair, University of Memphis

The show was very well received! We have a lot of interest in Native American culture locally, so the crowd was totally into it. The Fast Horses were a pleasure to work with. Thanks for your help!
Neil Outar, Program Coordinator, Arkansas State University at Beebe, Owen Center

The Fast Horses were wonderful and loved by everyone. We look forward to having them return in the future. Please accept my sincerest appreciation for your assistance and likewise look forward to working with you again.
Marcy Burr, Educational Coordinator, Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History - Hastings, NE

Fast Horse's performance was great. The audience really enjoyed them and there's been students thanking me all day for bringing them. Their performance was much more modern than I had expected, it worked well and they gave great explanations for why they were doing what they were doing.
Alex Johnson,Vice President, Northland College Student Association, WI

Interview (back to top)

What type of Educational Programs can you present on Campuses?
Lecture Series
Question and Answer

I see you offer a Workshop titled, Mythology, “Legends, Lore and Myth”, can you talk to us a little about this?
This workshop pertains to the understanding of Native American Storytelling and the continuation of myths passed down from one generation to the next. In understanding the story and why it’s told helps to understand the people and their function.

- Another Workshop is Healing and Traditional Medicines. Please take a minute and speak on this offering.
With this workshop, we look at the psychological understanding of medicines, the diagnosis, administrations and result through the use of rituals and shamanism.

You also offer a program that you call Ceremonies / Spirituality. Please elaborate on this for us.
Ceremonies and Spirituality: Here is the joining of all of the above because they are all interlinked. One serves and gives way to the other. Native Americans continue to practice and hold their spirituality as the fiber of their existence. Everything they believe to do is related back to their Spiritual life.

Song and Dance – Can you talk a little about each dance, maybe demonstrate for us?
a. The Eagle Dance
b. The Butterfly Dance
c. The Vision Dance
d. The Fire Dance

Song and Dance are expressions that walk a fine line between the social and ceremonial with a drop of a feather (literally) everything will stop unexpectedly and eerily. Knowing how to dance and when to sing are important as a group or individually. Again the spiritual has an influence on the person’s choice of expression. All demonstrations contain a story before or after for the understanding of the dance or song.

The topic, Women’s Issues, sounds interest, perhaps Ash could speak on this presentation.
In this class, Women’s Issues, we look at the role of women in the past as to the present from a Native American perspective. My wife Ash can elaborate on this having to portray as a re-enactor before as a native woman of the past and the modern present women of today. She is a wife, mother, performer and re-enactor.

Besides the Educations Programs, your presentations are also entertaining. Why do you feel that you must entertain to educate?
To speak or present as information and lecture are natural and common and expected on a campus. However to combine it with entertaining reaches the masses, those who were not expecting to come, come and stay, delightfully surprised. We have learned over our career that to reach our audience we must appeal to their intellect as well as their senses they will retain the information far longer than without entertainment.

And finally, we have just the Entertainment part of The Fast Horse, when the school just feels they need and want you to entertain. Please, describe to us, a little about the entertainment value of The Fast Horse show.
The tools we harness for entertainment prepare us to perform in all venues, stage, classroom and outdoors. Humor, dance, magic song and the reading of the audience all determine what will happen next. The show promises to bring people together and for awhile forget the cares of the day.