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  Chris trained and showed cutting horses and trained Non Pro
riders for over 30 years. He contributed to the success of the Sonoma County
horse industry by focusing his efforts on local riders, their horses, and
cutting associations. He trained many local champion horses and riders, was an
approved NCHA AAA rated judge and judged many cutting competitions. He was one
of the original founders, past President, and a life time member of the Vintage
Cutting Horse Association.
 Chris was originally
from Australia where he spent eight years as a "jackaroo" (ranch management
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, showmen, and twice National Cutting
Horse Association Futurity Champion.
After a few years, Chris opened his own cutting horse training
facility on a 16 acre ranch on Sonoma Mountain in Santa Rosa, CA where he
managed operations and training. Chris won many championships and trained many
champion riders and horses. He also raised racing piegons and trained his
Border Collies to herd cattle.
 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.
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 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 businesses 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.
Chris passed
away on October 30, 2022 after a 15-year battle with cancer. Throughout his
illness, he continued to ride and train horses and riders. His bravery,
persistence, positive atitude, and sense of humor are legendary. He was much
admired and loved and is greatly missed.
| Chris
and Cecelia's son, Sam, inherited many of Chris's abilities and interests. Like
his dad, Sam is a skilled horseman, cattleman, and competitor. Whereas Chris
focused his energies on training cutting horses and running his ranch in Santa
Rosa, Sam is focused on managing large cattle ranches. Sam has built his career
on ranches in a wide area from California, Arizona, New Mexico, and now
Winnemucca, Nevada. |
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