Being the last one standing in the arena is one of the most exhilarating moments any equestrian will ever experience. You feel the gratitude that all of your hard work was 100% worth it. When you are the final exhibitor to exit that arena with your trophy in hand, you know exactly what awaits you – the smile of the number one person in your riding career, your trainer.
The trainers in this industry work tirelessly to improve their clients. Their dedication is demonstrated as they sit in the Celeste Arena at 3 a.m. at the Congress, when they spend hours teaching lessons daily and most significantly, when they are standing in the chute awaiting the final competitor to exit the arena victoriously. We love the passion that these professionals exhibit and, although it would be impossible to talk to everyone about all of the great trainers in the industry, read what some clients have to say about why they love their trainers so dearly.
Sarah Lebsock: Mil-Max Training Center – My past two years with Brent and Melissa Maxwell, along with their assistant Kyle Flatter, have been truly eye-opening, to say the least. They are so talented in what they do and passionate about this lifestyle. Not to mention, there’s never a dull moment when we are all together. Ultimately, what I love most about training with the Maxwell’s is that they lay it out for you like science, and then they teach you how to perform it like art. It is the most brilliant thing I have ever been a part of and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to ride under their guidance.
Natalia DeVencenty: McDowall Quarter Horses – Not only has Kelly made some of my wildest dreams come true, but his entire family has practically adopted me. Three years ago at the Select World Show, Kelly was doing the ride-the-pattern clinic and I was the demonstration rider. Before the pattern started, someone came up to me and asked if my dad was the person giving the presentation. I was very confused until I realized that they thought Kelly was my dad. I spend more time in the summer with them than with my family.
Kelly always knows what to say and when to say it. He always gives you the extra boost of confidence when you need it most. Not only does he work endlessly at trying to help us all be the best horsemen we can be, but also the best people we can be. Kelly is a great trainer and person, which makes me feel very blessed to be in his program.
Natasha Blanchard: Capital Quarter Horses – Rusty and Katie Green are amazing trainers. They helped me last year and led me to a Reserve World Championship and a Congress Championship with Only A Breeze. I’m so thankful for the Roberts family. And I have learned so much from both Rusty and Katie with my new horse, Made N The Shade.
Ashton Krutulis: Piper Performance Horses – The number one characteristic that I appreciate from the Pipers is their dedication. They are always there for you, both inside and outside of the show arena. Not only do I value their devotion, but I also appreciate their perseverance, even when things get tough. They are my ultimate role models. I just want to give a super big thank you to Heidi because she means the whole world to my family and me. Without her, I don’t think I would have kept riding. Heidi, Duane, Chad, and Katie all play a significant role in my life and the life of my horse, Wilt.
Gavin Patterson: Ty Hornick Quarter Horses – I appreciate Ty and Karen more than they will ever know. They took me in with open arms and completely transformed my horse in just a month before youth world. When I started training with them, I felt as though I had worked with them forever. They have transformed my horse and me into a fantastic duo, and I know they will do the same as I begin working with my new horse. They make a great team and I am forever thankful for them, along with everyone at Ty Hornick Quarter Horses.
Livvie Van Lanen: Highpoint Performance Horses – I ride with Charlie Cole and Jason Martin at Highpoint Performance Horses. Charlie shows my horse, All But Sudden, in the senior events. Highpoint has an incredible team of talented trainers including Beth Case, Brad Ost, Ashley Dunbar-Clock, and Adam Smith. I also work with Caley Coffey from Highpoint for showmanship. They all do a great job preparing our horses and us. Most importantly, they have helped me grow as a rider and they helped me gain the confidence in myself and Stevie as a team that is necessary to compete with the best. I love having trainers who believe in my abilities and push me to be my best.
Cassidy Jensen: Gilliam Show Horses – Working with Jason and Jessica Gilliam isn’t just a training program, it’s a family. Their approach is positive and their focus is on building you up. That’s not to say there isn’t criticism and frustration. Jason always says, “You can’t continue training the same way or doing things the same way and expect a different result. If what you are doing isn’t getting the results that you want, your plan and your approach need to change.”
I will never forget my first Congress with them. Practicing for horsemanship the night before was a little rough, but Jason and I had talked and made a plan. They had one last trick up their sleeves to help me – Shayne’s lucky sparkle tattoo. Before I showed that day, I got her to apply one for me. Sure enough, that’s what I was missing. Shayne and Caleb always do their part at Gilliam Show Horses as well. The whole Gilliam family has done so much for my horse and me in such a short time. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for not only my horse and me, but for the other members of Team Gilliam as well.
Cameron Crenwelge: Reid Thomas Performance Horses – I am so thankful for Reid Thomas because of his kind heart, go-getter attitude, and ability to work with horses as well as his clients. He has helped me overcome a very steep learning curve, found the perfect horse for both my sister and me, and taught us to be better people along the way. He’s kind to everyone he meets and always sees the good in people. I am so thankful to have him as my trainer and as a significant role model in my life.
Natalie Vargo: Robin Frid Show Horses & Turning Point Ranch – All four of my trainers teach me so much both inside and outside of the horse show world. I have learned so many skills and met so many people because of them. They always value me, whether I win or lose, which I appreciate. One of my trainers, Robin Frid, is very meticulous and makes me bring my “A” game every day, with no excuses. No matter how hard he is on me, at the end of the day I realize that we both want the same thing: success.
Emily Maul: T&L Quarter Horses – I’m very blessed to have coaches who care about me, my horses, and my success. Leslie Lange is a great rider and competitor, setting the example of how to be a great showman. She has taught me how to relax while competing, which allows me to focus on each pattern. Tom Lange is an excellent horseman in every way. He keeps my horses healthy and ready to compete. Jeff Mellott is very technical and precise. He knows how to break down patterns so I can get the most out of them when I’m showing. They are all great as individuals, making them an outstanding team.
Emily Ambrose: Eaton Clark Performance Horses – Honestly, I cannot adequately express my appreciation for my trainers merely through words. Simply put, the ultimate reason I love Seth and Amber is because of the family they have fostered and supported through their business. I do not refer to everyone as my show “group,” but rather, I refer to them as my show “family.”
The family they have crafted is filled with trust, honesty, and respect, all of which they exhibit day in and day out. Whether it be our weekly Thursday night of eating wings, a fun Saturday boot camp filled with food, laughter, and hard work, or a freezing winter lesson day, I always see the love they have for this lifestyle. Nothing is more inspirational than hearing your trainer say, “We are not at all afraid to work hard.” It’s their fearlessness of the hardships and obstacles that encourage me, along with all the members of our ECPH family, to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to this sport.
Would you like to share your favorite things about your trainer? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page.
