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At Circle S Ranch, success has never been accidental. Built through years of thoughtful breeding, careful development, and a commitment to excellence, the Arizona-based program, led by Jim and Deanna Searles, has long been one of the industry’s most respected operations. Now, with the addition of trainers Brad Ost and Garrett Ashby and Taylor Searles preparing for her return to the amateur ranks, Circle S is stepping into its next chapter with momentum already on its side.
The shift came at a pivotal time. “After Charlie Cole retired and Highpoint began downsizing, we invited Brad and Garrett to relocate to Arizona and join the Circle S team,” Deanna says.
What could have felt like a major transition instead quickly became a natural fit. “Their addition has been incredibly positive,” she says. “They are both enjoyable to be around and bring great energy, talent, and enthusiasm to the barn.”
For Ost, the move represented more than a career opportunity. It felt like the right step at exactly the right moment. “It is no secret that Jim and Deanna have long been icons in the industry,” he says. “Their success in raising and training elite horses, along with building an outstanding group of clients, speaks for itself.”
While the possibility had come up before, the timing had never quite aligned until now. “Over the years, Deanna has occasionally joked that I should move to Arizona,” Ost says. “While it was not initially on my radar, when the conversation became more serious, it simply felt right. The phrase ‘the right place at the right time’ could not be more accurate.”
At the core of Circle S has always been its ability to raise and develop exceptional horses, and that remains central to the program’s future. Ashby has stepped into an important role within that system, helping shape the next generation from the very beginning.
“Garrett has played a key role in the breeding program and in starting young colts,” Jim says. “Together, Brad and Garrett have been working closely with the young horses, getting them started and introducing them to new events.”
For Ashby, the opportunity brings both growth and gratitude. “I’m excited to join the Circle S team and step further into the all-around side of the industry,” he says. “The Searles have been outstanding mentors, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow within such a strong program.”
The results are already beginning to show. Circle S has a promising group of young horses coming up across multiple events, including Trail, Western Riding, and Ranch Riding, giving the program both depth and direction. “The group of young horses we have coming up is exceptional,” Ost says. “I look forward to representing them alongside the team at Circle S.”
One of the most exciting developments for the barn is its continued expansion into Ranch Riding, an area where Ashby brings valuable experience and enthusiasm. It marks a natural extension of the program while adding another dimension to an already successful operation. “Garrett has introduced Ranch Riding to the barn with Kerri Papendick’s horses and will be competing at all the major shows,” Deanna says.
Ashby will continue to show proven performers, including Chex Out My Dough, Gotta Roll The Dice, and Gott This, while also helping bring along the next generation of ranch horses within the program. Even with that expansion, the mission at Circle S remains consistent.
“This year’s goals include continuing to develop the young horses we have bred and raised,” Deanna says.
That commitment will be on full display this season as Circle S heads into the show pen with a strong and exciting lineup. Ost will pilot Susie Johns’ stallion, Nothin But Nett at the Sudden Impulse Futurity in the $100,000 Open Trail class, while several young prospects are preparing to make their debuts in the Maiden Trail classes. Among them are Hypnotizzed, owned by Kathy Tobin and After Midniite and Nettworking, owned by Susie Johns.
“It is shaping up to be an exciting year as we watch the horses we have raised step into the show pen,” Deanna says, “whether in Western Pleasure, Trail, or Western Riding.”
The excitement at Circle S extends beyond the training barn. For daughter Taylor Searles, this season represents both growth and preparation as she works toward her return to the amateur division. “I always knew that once I finished coaching, I would return to the amateur pen,” Taylor says. “It was part of the plan from the beginning.”
Until then, she has embraced the opportunity to compete in open events. “I have truly enjoyed competing in the open pen,” she says. “It has been an incredible experience, especially having the opportunity to learn from the talented trainers around me.”
Currently, Taylor is showing Blue Suede Shoos in Senior All-Around events and Go Swish in the Green and Junior All-Around. She has also added Ranch Riding under Ashby’s guidance, another step that reflects the program’s forward momentum and willingness to grow.
With roughly a year to go before regaining her amateur eligibility, Taylor is making the most of this time, laying the groundwork for the opportunities ahead.
Now, with a stronger team, an outstanding group of young horses, and a clear sense of direction, Circle S Ranch is not simply continuing a legacy. It is defining its next chapter.
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Cover Image: Keagan Phillips – Cover Design: Courtney Chown
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