Chris has been training and
showing cutting horses and training Non Pro riders for over 30 years. During
this time, He has contributed to the success of the Sonoma County horse
industry by focusing his efforts on local riders, their horses, and cutting
associations. Chris has trained many local champion horses and riders. He was
one of the original founders, past President, and a life time member of the
Vintage Cutting Horse Association. He has been an approved NCHA AAA rated judge
and judged many cutting competitions.
Chris is originally from Australia where he spent 8
years as a jackaroo (an agricultural intern) in the Outback learning ranch
operations. In 1972, he came to the United States to expand his knowledge of
the training and breeding of American Quarter Horses. During his travels in the
U.S., he was bit by the "cutting bug" when he accepted employment and learned
the cutting trade from Leon Harrel - one of the cutting industry's top trainers
and showmen and a two time National Cutting Horse Association Futurity
Champion. |
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After a few years, Chris opened
his own cutting horse training facility on a 16
acre ranch on Sonoma Mountain in Santa Rosa where he oversees ranch operations
including training. Chris has won many championships
and trained many champion riders and horses. Awards
 In 2012, Chris received
the Sonoma County Horse Council
Equus
Award for his dedication to teaching and advancing the discipline of
Cutting in Sonoma County.
On June 9, 2016, Chris received the 2016 Best of
Santa Rosa Award in the Horse Training category by the Santa Rosa Award
Program. The award is given annually to honor the achievements and
accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Santa Rosa area. Recognition
is given to individuals or organizations that enhance the positive image of
small business through service to their customers and the community. Winners
are determined based on information gathered by the Santa Rosa Award Program
and provided by third parties. |
