GoHorseShow sat down with up-and coming trainer Jaclynn Gray of Edmond, Oklahoma to find out more about how she got involved with horses. We enjoy introducing new trainers to our readers and finding out more about people in our industry who may still be under the radar or on the verge of making a name for themselves.
Q: Hi Jaclynn! So for people that do not know you, can you tell us about your background?
A: I am 23 years old and an only child. I was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma. I took my first horseback lesson at a place called Fantasy Farms in Edmond. When I got back in the car, I told my mother that I was going to do this for the rest of my life. Here I am 19 years down the road, and I fall in love with horses more everyday.
Q: Where are you located and tell me more about your training operation–specialize in hunt seat, all around?
A: Songcatcher Farms Performance Horses is located in North Edmond, located about 25 miles North of the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. We sit on about 350 Acres. We specialize in the all-around horse. We have training available in English, jumping and western disciplines. It is not only just a training facility. The biggest joy I get from this industry is getting to teach people and watch them experience the thrill that I have when I ride and compete. At Songcatcher Farms, we have a lesson program that offers a place for kids and adults to come take horseback lessons. We love all breeds of horses, and all types of riders, beginners, adults, children as well as show champions.
Q: Who are some of your mentors in the industry?
A: Being in FFA, 4-H and a part of many breed Associations, there are many people that I look up to in this industry. John and Debby Letham are some of my mentors. They taught me to think like a horse and to always take things slow, and be open to learning new things everyday. Darrell Bilke, the CEO of the Pinto Horse Association gave me the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors during my college career. By serving on multiple committees with him, he always encouraged me to look for the best in every situation, whether it be with a horse, a client or planning a show.
Q: Tell me about some of your success, wins, clients?
A: I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to travel all over the United States showing. Sometimes success comes in small packages. One of the biggest success and memories I have made was in 2011 at the NSBA World Show in Senior Western Pleasure, finishing Top 10. There were some great horses in that class–the entire way around we followed A Certain Vino. As for my clients, we opened Songcatcher Farms Performance Horses in May of 2013. So, show season 2014 will be the start for us. We have gone to Open shows and a few Quarter Shows preparing for next March. We have come home with numerous High Point Champions and High Point All Around Champions. We are looking forward to the 2014 show season with some great horses.
Q: What are some of your past accomplishments and educational background?
A: I attended Southern Nazarene University and obtained a Bachelors in Mass Communications and a Equine Studies degree. I competed on the Equestrian Team, showing in the Reining and the English events. Being able to attend college where there is an Equestrian Program helped tremendously in approving my horsemanship skills and having the opportunity to always ride something different–it helped shaped me into the rider I am today. My senior year, I focused on my personal show career and had the privilege of assisting the head equestrian coach. After graduation, I began coaching for the university and recruiting riders of all disciplines. As a youth, I earned numerous all around awards in both English and western on my first horse named, Bing Bang Boom. As a Non Pro, I earned multiple awards on my western horse named, Zip N To Ten Star.
Q: What are some of you future goals?
A: As far as future goals go, there are quite a few. I would like to see all of my youth riders qualify for the AQHYA World Show and my adult riders to the Select World Show. I would like to get my AQHA Judges card and APHA Judges card. I would love to host riding and judging clinics out at the barn. Also, I would love to help future college students get prepared for college equestrian team tryouts as well.
Q: What are some of the horses we may know that you are currently working with?
A: I have worked with some amazing horses. Currently we have Chocolate Topper, AQHA all-around gelding; PS Im Sweet, AQHA hunter under saddle mare; I Get Carried Away, AQHA gelding–hunter under saddle and hunter hack. Good To Be Awesome, AQHA western pleasure gelding.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: I am blessed everyday to get to make the life long relationships and friendships. It is truly an honor to get to start this journey in training and teaching; these are big footsteps to follow of past and current trainers that have influenced this industry. I really appreciate the opportunity for readers to hear about Songcatcher Farms Performance Horses, and I wish good luck and success to every horse person out there!
