The Trainers - Adult Division
Christina Butler - I have been riding since before I was born, my mom quit barrel racing when she was too pregnant to fit her saddle. I've pursued horsemanship all my life, taking lessons and going to clinics with trainers and competitors of all disciplines and levels. I love giving a horse the kind of solid, all around foundation that makes them a wonderful companion, as well as, giving them a solid base to build on for any discipline.
Contact Information: whirlwind_ranch@hotmail.com
website: www.facebook.com/whirlwindranchsilver
Christina is Team Nitro
Contact Information: whirlwind_ranch@hotmail.com
website: www.facebook.com/whirlwindranchsilver
Christina is Team Nitro
Christa Caho - I started training horses when I was 12 and made a business out of it at age 14, when I was only a freshman in high school. I have ridden with many well known trainers who have helped increase my knowledge of horses. Barbara Knoenig at Cross Timbers Equestrian Center worked with me on dressage and jumping for a few years and I helped train several of her horses to compete and become lesson horses for many different ages and levels of riders. I also worked with Will DeGraw for about 3 years who shared his colt starting techniques with me and also showed me how to introduce a young horse to reining without enduring several of the common injuries that come with that intense training. We trained several horses together and showed in many of the Oklahoma Foundation (OKFQHR) shows competing in halter, trail, speed events, reining, and working cow horse (placing in most, if not, all of the events). I also showed in a few of the reining shows in OKC on two 3 year olds that I had trained for a year and a half, which by this time would both run brideless reining patterns. I was also an assistant trainer for Jody Brainard (Brainard Performance Horses) for a year and a half at Big Lake Ranch in Mulhall, Oklahoma. I had the opportunity to train several horses, young and old, and watched to see a few of them go on to the reining futurity. After that I rode with Mike Keller for a few months and got a glimpse of the pleasure horse world and the high end show techniques and finally decided it was time to expand my business once again. My goal is to teach a horse to be extremely versatile so that it is not only able to do one job, but many. My wide range of disciplines and years of experience allows me to train each horse according to its own individual program. I believe that the horse should not fit a trainer's set program and instead the training methods should be adjusted according to how the horse is going to respond and learn from the training.
Contact Information: 405-831-4155 or crosscreekhorsetraining@yahoo.com or visit website at www.crosscreekhorsetraining.com
Christa is Team Rossi
Contact Information: 405-831-4155 or crosscreekhorsetraining@yahoo.com or visit website at www.crosscreekhorsetraining.com
Christa is Team Rossi
Kelci Goad - Like most little girls, ever since she can remember Kelci Lavelle Goad has loved horses…but it wasn’t until she was twelve years old that she started taking riding lessons. Time in the saddle and around the barn quickly became something she craved and going to the fifteen acre horse ranch located just behind her house in Hockinson, WA became a daily activity. Kelci met her first horse, a Haflinger named Broadway Annie, there just hours after she was born. With the help of multiple different trainers she went through Annie’s entire training process with her. From halter
breaking to jumping under saddle, Kelci was by Annie’s side (and on her back) the whole way. It was during that time that Kelci realized not only did she love riding and being around the barn, but she loved to train. A passion that she’s pretty sure will last a life time. In 2009, Kelci did an intense training apprenticeship with professional trainer and barrel racer, Allison Vankoll. In 2012, Kelci graduated with distinction and honors when she completed her Equine Studies and Business diploma through the University of Guelph. Since starting her business in 2012, Saddle Up Horsemanship has taken off like Kelci hadn’t even dreamed! Kelci’s time is now completely filled with both horse training and horsemanship lessons for horse lovers ranging from 5 years old to 60 years old. Getting to help horses and horse people on a daily basis is extremely hard work and extremely rewarding and she wouldn’t change a thing. When she can pry away, Kelci makes a point to continue her horsemanship journey and education through clinics and tours put on by top trainers, vets, farriers, and other professionals in the equine industry.
To read Kelci’s personal mission statement visit: http://www.saddleuphorsemanship.com/kmission
To see Kelci’s resume visit: http://www.saddleuphorsemanship.com/resume
Saddle Up Horsemanship’s goal is to help equestrians of all ages gain confidence through adversity; sportsmanship, and horsemanship to create clear communication with the equine partner to
ultimately reach their goals, whether in the pasture or in the show ring.
Saddle Up Horsemanship is run out of Edmond, Oklahoma. To learn more, visit the Saddle Up Horsemanship Facebook page, saddleuphorsemanship.com, or email klg.saddleup@gmail.com.
Kelci is Team Timmy
breaking to jumping under saddle, Kelci was by Annie’s side (and on her back) the whole way. It was during that time that Kelci realized not only did she love riding and being around the barn, but she loved to train. A passion that she’s pretty sure will last a life time. In 2009, Kelci did an intense training apprenticeship with professional trainer and barrel racer, Allison Vankoll. In 2012, Kelci graduated with distinction and honors when she completed her Equine Studies and Business diploma through the University of Guelph. Since starting her business in 2012, Saddle Up Horsemanship has taken off like Kelci hadn’t even dreamed! Kelci’s time is now completely filled with both horse training and horsemanship lessons for horse lovers ranging from 5 years old to 60 years old. Getting to help horses and horse people on a daily basis is extremely hard work and extremely rewarding and she wouldn’t change a thing. When she can pry away, Kelci makes a point to continue her horsemanship journey and education through clinics and tours put on by top trainers, vets, farriers, and other professionals in the equine industry.
To read Kelci’s personal mission statement visit: http://www.saddleuphorsemanship.com/kmission
To see Kelci’s resume visit: http://www.saddleuphorsemanship.com/resume
Saddle Up Horsemanship’s goal is to help equestrians of all ages gain confidence through adversity; sportsmanship, and horsemanship to create clear communication with the equine partner to
ultimately reach their goals, whether in the pasture or in the show ring.
Saddle Up Horsemanship is run out of Edmond, Oklahoma. To learn more, visit the Saddle Up Horsemanship Facebook page, saddleuphorsemanship.com, or email klg.saddleup@gmail.com.
Kelci is Team Timmy
Ken Hallam - I grew up in the logging industry in northern British Columbia. I've always had a dream to train horses full time. Life happened and I spent 23 years as a logging truck driver. Tried to mess with horses in between but couldn't really progress in it like I wanted. I made a decision to give up my job and train full time. I decided to go where the horse industry is bigger. Oklahoma was where this fit. I'm finally living my dream as a trainer and becoming a better horseman.
Contact Information: whirlwind_ranch@hotmail.com
Website: www.facebook.com/whirlwindranchsilver
Ken is Team Cooter Brown
Contact Information: whirlwind_ranch@hotmail.com
Website: www.facebook.com/whirlwindranchsilver
Ken is Team Cooter Brown
Robert Hayes - Robert was born in Logan County in 1952 in the town of Guthrie Okla. His first memory connected to horses was when he was about two years old and someone put him on one of the work horses that were used to work the fields. He started to learn how to ride racehorses from his brother at age12 and won his first official race at 16 in Cleveland Ohio. Robert rode races throughout Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming and Oklahoma, and then received his racehorse training license in 1975 in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He raced in New Mexico, Colorado, Iowa and Oklahoma until 2004. The only time that horses haven't been a part of Robert’s life was two years spent in the army, in 1972-1974. In
the early 80's, Robert became familiar with the legendary horseman and clinician Ray Hunt. The first thing he learned from him was that the "horse is never wrong". Over time that philosophy has become the cornerstone of his work with horses. Robert says “To me, it doesn't mean that you can't be firm, but
it does mean that anger should never be a part of the process. It is my goal to keep improving my ability to connect, approach and interact with horses in a way that they respect and respond to mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. I believe God created horses and the way we approach them should not be self-centered."
Contact Information: 405-245-9875 or Roundpen@aol.com
Robert is Team Valor
the early 80's, Robert became familiar with the legendary horseman and clinician Ray Hunt. The first thing he learned from him was that the "horse is never wrong". Over time that philosophy has become the cornerstone of his work with horses. Robert says “To me, it doesn't mean that you can't be firm, but
it does mean that anger should never be a part of the process. It is my goal to keep improving my ability to connect, approach and interact with horses in a way that they respect and respond to mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. I believe God created horses and the way we approach them should not be self-centered."
Contact Information: 405-245-9875 or Roundpen@aol.com
Robert is Team Valor
Gregg Morris – I live in Stroud, Oklahoma. I'm Native American. My passion is for the horse. To get the best out of them using soft feel and to build a relationship where trust becomes a friendship.
Contact Information: Rykerariagpa@yahoo.com
Greg is Team Halogen
Contact Information: Rykerariagpa@yahoo.com
Greg is Team Halogen
Angie Sack - I grew up on horses and in 2010 I gave up on my career as a Registered Nurse to pursue my passion for training horses. God has blessed me beyond measure since that day with amazing horses, friends, and knowledge. I strictly follow the ways of Tom & Bill Dorrance, Ray Hunt, & Buck Brannaman. I primarily rehabilitate problem horses and start colts but also train and compete in barrel racing & pole bending. I enjoy the speed events but am insistent on fundamentals that allow a horse to use himself correctly with a soft body, confident mind, and sensitive willingness. This will be my 3rd year competing in the Trainers Challenge & it has brought tremendous amount of humility, sacrifice, & brotherhood. I am truly honored to be a part of BTER.
Contact Information: Angie Sack email sack6a@gmail.com
Angie is Team Firebug
Contact Information: Angie Sack email sack6a@gmail.com
Angie is Team Firebug
Davina Sisson – I was born and raised in Oklahoma and have lived all my life around livestock and horses. I started competing in youth rodeos at 12 years old, competing in barrel racing, pole bending and goat tying, during which time I won 6 trophy saddles and numerous trophies and buckles. I took a break from the rodeo life right after high school to live my life as a young adult and to establish my career as a Registered Nurse. My love for horses and barrel racing drew me back in 2007 when I actively started riding and training again.
I believe in putting a solid foundation on every horse with groundwork, establishing respect and manners. Then to continue with that same concept under saddle. Patience (and lots of it) is a key role in training. Not every horse will be on the same time line. I concentrate on the natural horsemanship method to gain the trust, feel and timing between horse and rider. I am constantly seeking out ways to learn more about these amazing animals and firmly believe there is always something to learn no matter what age you are.
I contribute my knowledge to trainers such as Ray Hunt, Clinton Anderson, Tom & Bill Dorrance and of course my Dad for introducing me to the life and love of horses and the sport of rodeo. It was my Dad and Mom who made huge sacrificies to haul the long hours and miles for my sister and I to compete in rodeos every weekend.
Thank you to my sponsors The Redman Ranch LLC and JEH Stallion Station.
Contact Information: Davina@theredmanranch.com
website: www.theredmanranch.com
Davina is Team Patch Of Color
I believe in putting a solid foundation on every horse with groundwork, establishing respect and manners. Then to continue with that same concept under saddle. Patience (and lots of it) is a key role in training. Not every horse will be on the same time line. I concentrate on the natural horsemanship method to gain the trust, feel and timing between horse and rider. I am constantly seeking out ways to learn more about these amazing animals and firmly believe there is always something to learn no matter what age you are.
I contribute my knowledge to trainers such as Ray Hunt, Clinton Anderson, Tom & Bill Dorrance and of course my Dad for introducing me to the life and love of horses and the sport of rodeo. It was my Dad and Mom who made huge sacrificies to haul the long hours and miles for my sister and I to compete in rodeos every weekend.
Thank you to my sponsors The Redman Ranch LLC and JEH Stallion Station.
Contact Information: Davina@theredmanranch.com
website: www.theredmanranch.com
Davina is Team Patch Of Color
Scott Williams - I was assigned to the Oklahoma City Police Department Mounted Unit for over 8 years. We were responsible for training all of the horses in the unit, which consisted of very specialized training including dignitary protection and crowd control. We trained donated horses that were previously race horses, as well as horses that had little to no training. I also raise AQHA halter horses.
Contact Information: Lazywranch@att.net
Scott is Team Lariat
Contact Information: Lazywranch@att.net
Scott is Team Lariat
Zeke Zacharias - Zeke runs his training business "Zacharias Horsemanship" out of Pryor, Oklahoma. Where he trains horses for multiple disciplines, such as reining, ranch horses, cowboy dressage, etc. One of Zeke's favorite events is the Mustang Makeovers. Zeke believes that most horses will respond willingly, once they understand what it is that we are asking of them. Please check us out at www.zzhorsemanship.com
Contact Information: zzhorsemanship@yahoo.com
www.zzhorsemanship.com
Zeke is Team Zanetta
Contact Information: zzhorsemanship@yahoo.com
www.zzhorsemanship.com
Zeke is Team Zanetta
