Horse Training - Laura Pittman

Hunter’s Creek Kennels: Sammy and Nida Giddens

Sammy and Nida Giddens’ life reflects a journey of loving people and animals well. Living in the moment comes naturally to these two who appreciate the beauty of a classy bird dog, a Tennessee Walking Horse, a well-prepared ( often homegrown) meal, and the fellowship of those who cross their path.

Both eastern North Carolina Natives, Sammy grew up in Newton Grove and Nida in Faison. Their love story started in 1963 when they met in high school. When Sammy and Nida met, Sammy had never seen a bird dog. Nida already appreciated the sport as her uncle and dad both had dogs that they took wild bird hunting. Sammy and Nida began to share this interest and enjoyed time with family pursuing it.

Horse Training Horses Ministry Team Roping Youth

A Spotlight on Dugan Caldwell

If you’ve ever wondered what 14-year-old cowboys do in their free time, it may be shooting armadillos to keep the horse pastures hole free or chasing after the ranch goat “Baaatman” on foot while swinging a rope.

At least, if you’re Dugan Caldwell this might be true. This fun-loving young man is a team roper and budding horse trainer in Wynnewood, Oklahoma.

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Queen of the Ring

A good queen is well-versed in many areas and shares her passions as a leader in the field. Whether it is dogs or horses, Emm Evaristo is proud to wear the crown.

Not yet 20 years old, Emm has traveled the country as an equestrian competitor, rodeo queen, mustang trainer, and dog handler/breeder.

Growing up, Emm loved watching the Westminster dog show. Her enthusiasm for the show led to her begging her mother to let her get a dog they could take through the ranks. Her mother bought into the dream with the condition that it would have to be a hunting dog for her dad’s sake. So, their search began, and they found themselves enamored with a UKC registered black and tan coonhound named Lulu.

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Million Dollar Baby

Tenaya Wilson is a horse trainer with a knack for discovering the hidden potential in horses that life has tossed aside. She and her husband own the aptly named Rough Diamond Ranch, which has become a home to several on her string while also providing the opportunity for a temporary training bond before others went on to their forever home.

Horse Training Horses Team Roping

Life Alongside the Relentless Remuda with Daci Baker

If you have an interest in the rope horse industry, you’ve likely heard the name Miles Baker. Miles and his wife Daci have established themselves in the industry over the past few years through the intentionality of their training and their creation of the Relentless Remuda alongside rodeo legend Trevor Brazile.

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Wilson Cattle Co.

In a world where good horses and good people are in high demand, it is gratifying to see the perfect pairing of life and business partners in Roadey and Brooke Wilson. Out of their shared passions and talents, they have created a new industry standard with their company Wilson Cattle Co.

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An All-Around Cowgirl

I learned about Katie through seeing her kind offer to help a mutual friend getting started in the world of breakaway roping. I was later able to chat with her some, and discovered the many talents and passions of this Colorado cowgirl.

The ranch and the lifestyle have trickled down through the generations in the Jolly family, but Katie has made another name for herself while competing in barrel racing, team roping, and breakaway roping competitions. In addition to competing, she trains horses and manages her own herd of cattle.

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A Kentucky Cowboy

When I first met Tim Carothers, I was riding in his cattle working clinic and was quickly impressed with his storytelling and quiet confidence. He listened like a pastor waiting to give counsel to each question a participant posed and encouraged everyone that they’d “done the very best.” He watched the people as well as the horses and gave feedback to both on how to improve. Tim told all of us from the start that he’d be the first one in the arena and the last one out and would stay until we felt like we’d gotten our money’s worth. To no surprise, he was true to his word and acted like nothing was going on in the world but focusing on us; these horses and cows.

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Trail of Faith Farms

There have been several well-known cowboys and cowgirls in the western horse world that have made a statement by doing things with their own unique approach. From purple clad Saddle Bronc star Casey Tibbs to brightly adorned helmet wearing Fallon Taylor, these folks’ pair their personal style and charisma with honest talent and hard work.

Horse Training Horses

Rough Diamond Ranch

I first met Tenaya at a ranch rodeo when we were both helping our friends at Cavvietta Quarter Horse and Cattle Co. She exuded a quiet confidence and as we chatted in between welcoming guests I began to learn bits and pieces of her story. She had worked with horses in Australia and throughout the US, and it became clear she both knew horses and that she loved them. Her time inside the show barn world of hunter jumpers was as impressive as the ease with which she could switch to talking about working cattle. I’ve since had the pleasure of visiting Rough Diamond Ranch and learning more of her story.