Event in which you compete: Reining
Hometown: Whitesboro, TX, USA
Number of years riding: 15 years
Career accomplishments to date: Open Futurity Finalist, Open Pre-Futurity champion and Reserve Champion, Open Derby Finalist, Intermediate Open Derby Reserve Champion, Open Pre-Derby Champion, Open National Reining Breeders Classic Finalist, Multiple Open championships and clinician.
How you got started in your event: Larry Kasten introduced me to the sport of reining my third year of college at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls.
Length of time you’ve been sponsored by Ariat: Six months
Favorite Ariat product (by name): The solid twill shirts and, although I have many favorite styles of boots, I work everyday in the Quickdraws. They are the longest lasting, most comfortable work boot I’ve ever owned!
Proudest career moment: The very first time I made the NRHA Open Futurity Finals.
Tell us about your first horse: My first Horse was named JR. My parents bought him for me when I was 14 years old; he carried me all the way through college. He was a speedy Quarter Horse but had a great mind and was very willing to teach. We had many good years together.
You ride because: I love to teach the horses how to do the exquisite maneuvers that reining calls for and to teach them how to love what they do.
If you weren’t a professional rider, you would be a: Lawyer, or that’s what my wife tells me I’d be good at.
Favorite mentor or idol growing up: My Grandpa Paul, I found my love for horses on his farm in Minnesota.
Favorite place to travel: I haven’t traveled much outside of horse shows but I really enjoy traveling to Minnesota to see my family.
Name one fun fact that people don’t know about you: I have always dreamed of going for a joy ride in a fighter jet.
Favorite way to unwind outside of the barn: Working out at Crossfit Solus and hanging out with my friends and family around the swimming pool at home.
Good luck charm: My faith in God.
