GoHorseShow enjoys introducing new trainers to our readers, and next up is a young paint trainer turned quarter horse trainer, Amanda Ringer. Twenty five year-old Ringer is trying to make a name for herself in a new venue. In January, she made a major life change when she decided to move from Michigan where she had her own training operation and showed on the APHA circuit to go work as an assistant trainer at Masterson Farms in Somerville, Tennessee. Ken and Marilyn Masterson stand RL Best of Sudden, and they are considered one of the leading breeders, owners and exhibitors on the quarter horse circuit.
GoHorseShow sat down with Ringer and did a Q&A about her background and her plans for the future.
Q: Hi Amanda! Congratulations on your new position at Masterson Farms. So tell us how you got involved with horses?
A: Thank you! My mom had horses growing up in Hollywood, Florida. My mom use to show on the Appaloosa show circuit when she was growing up, and, at the time, she was one of the top riders in Florida. When I turned five, she bought me my own horse, and, it continued from there.
Q: What are some of your major equine accomplishments?
A: In, 2007 I was the number one 19-44 Amateur (APHA) with Dunthat Benthere. In 2006 and 2007, I was the 19-44 Res World Champion Showmanship with Dunthat Benthere. In 2011, I was Pinto World Champion in the Two Year-Old Western Pleasure with Plenty of Good Chips, and the 2011 Pinto World Champion in the Senior Hunter Under Saddle with Check Your Irons. My favorite memory I would have to say is finally knowing that I was Number One Amateur. I had been number two or three so many years before to actually be in the top spot felt amazing.
Q: Who do you consider your mentors?
A: Paint Trainers Garth and Sonessa Gooding from Michigan have been huge mentors throughout most of my show career.
Q: What made you want to become a professional trainer?
A: I don’t believe there is one event that made me decide to be a trainer. I always knew even when I was 10 that I was going to be a horse trainer. When my parents stopped paying for me to show, I decided it was time to make that move. I think what I enjoy most about being a trainer is getting to travel doing what I love. I was with a lot of trainers growing up, some good, some bad, and the bad ones definitely taught me what not to be like to my future clients.
Q: Why did you decide to move and work for the Mastersons?
A: I wanted to start training more futurity horses, and when head trainer and friend, Shannon Curl, called me, I could not see a good reason why not to take up such a great opportunity. Shannon and I know each other from showing paints. I also love the challenge of taking an unbroke two year-old and turning them into a finished show horse. In my opinion, there is nothing harder and more satisfying than training a two year-old.
Q: What do you like about working for the Masterson’s so far?
A: So far I love it. I can see now why people think so highly of Ken and Marilyn. Shannon has been a great boss. Currently, we have 15 two year-olds in the barn and 13 are Bo’s (RL Best of Sudden). Compared to all the other two’s I’ve started, Bo’s are very laid back and all of them are training up quick and every one of them can lope. I’m very excited for this year’s show season. We have some great stock.
Q: What would you like to see changed about the industry?
A: Mostly what I would like to see changed is for the best horse that steps in the pen gets to win–no matter who is riding it, how they are dressed, or what kind of saddle they ride in.
Q: What are you future goals?
A: I feel pretty lucky to have accomplished all of my goals I set for myself in APHA and now I am expanding to AQHA. Eventually, I would love to win a buckle, but, I believe that is everyone’s goal.
Q: Thank you for sharing your thoughts and good luck with your move to quarter horses.
A: You’re welcome!
Photo © Jeff Kirkbride
