TRAINING

You could say horses are in my blood. From the tender age of three, I was riding ponies and tagging along on trail rides with my dad, absorbing every moment of those early adventures. By the time I turned 10, I found myself riding horses through the ring at a local sale barn every Wednesday night. It was a thrilling experience for a young boy, and by 12, I was not only showing but also training my own Western Pleasure and Halter Horses, capturing numerous saddle club awards and coveted year-end High Point Trophies.

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As I stepped into my late teens, my journey took an exciting turn. Blessed with AQHA horses, I competed at prestigious events like Congress and The World Finals. These experiences deepened my love for equestrian sports and honed my competitive spirit. Then, in my early twenties, I was introduced to the mesmerizing world of cow horses. From the first ride, I was hooked. The way these horses could track and mimic a cow's movements was nothing short of phenomenal. I knew instantly that this was my calling.

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With the support of many notable and accomplished trainers, I assembled a string of exceptional horses and competed successfully as a Non-Pro in the NCHA and various ranch horse associations. By the late 90s, I made the bold decision to give up my Non-Pro status and take on the challenge of training horses for the public. It was a period marked by relentless hard work, but my dream gradually took shape. Through invaluable experiences working with other trainers in Texas and beyond, I refined my skills and established a successful training business focused on starting colts for the cow horse industry. Many of these colts grew into future champions, a testament to the dedication and love poured into their training.

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In 2010, life led me to the vast, rugged landscapes of Montana, where I managed a ranch dedicated to raising and supplying bucking stock for the PRCA. This was a dramatic shift but an incredible learning experience. The range horses I encountered there were the epitome of adaptability and health. Managing around 75 foals and caring for about 500 adult horses across 10,000 acres of grassland, I developed truly remarkable ranch horses. Their toughness and intelligence were crucial in handling such expansive and demanding terrain.

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After enduring the harsh, lengthy winters, I found myself yearning for the familiarity of the East and the closeness of family and friends. In 2020, I returned to South Carolina, and two years later, made a significant move to Tennessee. There, I married the love of my life, Kimberly, who shares my dream and passion for horses. Together, we embarked on a new chapter, establishing a training facility primarily for cutting horses and cow horses.

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Today, our facility is open for business, and we invite you to trust us with training your future champions. Our goal is to create honest, gritty horses that excel in their roles, brimming with confidence and ensuring your safety and enjoyment. We pride ourselves on honesty and complete transparency with our clients, keeping you informed every step of the way about your horse's progress in our programs.

Born a California girl, I have always been the epitome of a horse-crazy enthusiast. My childhood was filled with an extensive Breyer horse collection and every horse-related book, poster, and puzzle from school book fairs. A visit to the Roy Rogers Museum in Apple Valley, where I saw the majestic life-size mount of Trigger, ignited my passion for understanding and partnering with these incredible animals.

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Struggling with asthma and the poor air quality in Corona/Riverside, my dad moved us to Missouri when I was around ten. The change in climate was the boost I needed to pursue my love for horses. I saved money through various odd jobs, and by thirteen, I bought my first horse, a spirited Bay Arabian gelding named "The Prophets Pride." We spent countless hours exploring the countryside, having the time of our lives.

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My cousin Pam, an accomplished horse trainer and racehorse owner, introduced me to barrel racing. Inspired by her success, I joined the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association at MTSU, where I pursued a degree in nursing and a minor in horse science. There, I learned the fundamentals of riding both English and Western disciplines, gaining invaluable knowledge.

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One of my proudest accomplishments was winning the 2012 SSHBEA Sport Horse World Grand Championship with my amateur-owned and trained Spotted Saddle Horse Filly, "NCIS IN DIXIE." This challenging competition tested our versatility across trail, cattle, speed events, jumping, and reining.

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Branching out further, I competed in Extreme Cowboy Racing, an adrenaline-pumping sport created by cowboy Craig Cameron. I successfully took several young horses to shows throughout the year, consistently qualifying for the World events in Texas and often making it to the Top Ten.

 

I also dove head first into the adrenaline pumping sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting! Ten balloons shot using two .45 caliber single action revolvers each loaded with 5 rounds of specially prepared "blank" ammunition. A fast-paced timed event with over 50 patterns. I enjoyed considerable success, including:

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• 2018 & 2019 Gulf Coast Houston Livestock Rodeo CMSA US Championship SL2, SL3 Winner - AQHA Top 5

• 2019 CMSA World Championship Cowgirl SL3 Winner

• 2021 CMSA World Championship Cowgirl SL4 Winner

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After raising three children, seven grandchildren, and a long nursing career, I am now reimagining my childhood dream of working with horses. My husband, Ben Duke, and I have opened to the public our own training facility, focusing on cutting horses, ranch horses, and cow horses. With our combined skills, experience, and passion, we aim to create exceptional equine partnerships and train future champions.

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​As we embark on this new journey together, our goal is to build a community of like-minded equestrian enthusiasts who share our dedication to the art and science of horse training. We look forward to welcoming you to our facility, where every horse and rider are given the opportunity to shine.