GT Performance Horses

06/09/2023

Did we mention he rides bridleless?

2019 APHA gelding, for sale

06/07/2023

60ish rides and Spartan is passing his classes with honors 🤣 🎓

but really he is doing awesome, we love extremely trainable horses!

05/23/2023

Who’s ready for Duals Lil Red Vette aka “Prince” to be listed?!?? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️He sure is turning out to be a nice little horse!

He is going to make someone quite happy. I like him so much, that’s why I’ve been dragging my feet to list him! 😅

05/04/2023

🙌🙌

Bits are a tool. You can fix a lot of issues with a hammer but sometimes a screwdriver would make the job easier.

Too often riders want to change a bit to solve a training issue. A bit can make your job easier and may help you use less pressure or force to get what you want.

However, a bit change will not fix the hole in the training.

A bit is as harsh as the hands using it. My strategy when choosing a bit is—can I stop my horse in it? Does it feel good to my hands? Does it fit my horse?

Understand that a change in mouthpiece or shank can help get more respect, vertical, or lateral flexion. Being firm and direct with your communication will also help you achieve results. Understanding how to use your body to help get softness and control is also key.

Using good horsemanship and the correct tool will help you solve problems.

Hold yourself accountable.

—Joy

www.betweenthereins.us

04/30/2023

The best things in life are blue!!! 💙Congrats Julie on your purchase of “Smoke”!!! We hope you love him as much as we do! Happy trails! 🎉🎉🎉

04/26/2023

Lesson Student Spotlight!! ⚡️

Iva!
Iva has been with me for almost a whole year now, and WOW has she made progress! We started her out on her pony Queso, and now she rides the big horses! She started out nervous to trot, but now she can lope her pony AND the big horses we have! Her smile is always bright, and lights up the barn when she comes. She might be small, but man can she make a big horse listen to her.

I am so proud of you Iva!!

04/24/2023

I thought I would share some things I’ve learned as a young person trying to make it in the Equine Industry.

People will never fail to make you feel like crap and that’s a fact. The horse industry as a whole is awful. We constantly are comparing and degrading people who are just trying to get started. Just because they don’t have a $30,000 horse, or a $3,000 saddle, or a giant fancy hotel on wheels. (Trust me, I used to be one of the people that would put someone down for these things.) Don’t be that person, if your anything like me, I already am hard on myself when I walk in the arena, no one needs to add to that.

None of us will ever start at the top. That’s not how this works. At some point in everyone’s journey you will have to work hard. Whether you are on your moms 1D barrel horse or the ranch horse you pulled out of the pasture that day. At some point you will have to work hard.

Hard work is something you will not be able to escape. Just because someone started closer to the finish line doesn’t mean they don’t have a higher mountain to climb than you. Everyone’s journey is different, and if we all had the same journey we wouldn’t be doing it, and if it were easy, everyone would do it.

Give it all you got, and then some. When you think you’re doing enough, do a little more. Push your limits, but more importantly know when to stop. The worst thing you can do for yourself is burn yourself out from the one thing you love. (I know, because I went through this a couple years ago.)

Being competitive is an amazing asset to being a competitor. But also know when to be a supporter. Lend a helping hand, offer some advice. The horse world is already such a scary place, why make it scarier? There are so many people out there rooting for the failure of someone, be different, lift them up. Tell them that they did a good job, because sometimes even just going into the arena to show, is a win.

Don’t forget about the people that make this happen. Whether it’s your parents, or the show producers, or your neighbor down the street who let you borrow their trailer. Never forget them. They are the reason you get to do this. Be grateful. The Lord put them in your life, but he can take them out just as quickly.

Be a good sport. We all win, and we all lose. There is absolutely no need to be a sore loser. “He did this,” “she did that.” It’s doesn’t matter. What matters is what you do after. Go home work on what you need to, come back and kick butt. But I will not sit and listen to someone whine about losing because of blah blah blah. Do better, work harder. But more importantly you learn more from losing then you do winning.

Find a good group of people. Everyone needs someone. People that push you past your limits, and want you to succeed. Whether it’s a friend or a trainer, make sure the people in your corner are rooting for you.

Lastly, have fun. The worst thing you can do to yourself is make yourself hate this sport. The equine world is already hard to begin with, and it will just be that much harder, if you constantly make it an awful atmosphere for yourself and others to be in. Remember why you started, why you love the sport, and have fun.

If it’s not fun, you’re not doing it right.

~Gabby Trenda

04/18/2023

A couple sneak peak photos from this weekend at DW Productions April 14-16 WSCA Pleasure & Ranch Show !! “Prince” was a total gem! Even won us the Reserve Champ w/t Ranch Pleasure!! This was his debut and he totally killed it!

📸 Kimberley Ann von Knobelsdorff-Brenkenhoff

04/17/2023

Lesson Student Spotlight!! ⚡️

Kira!
Kira had never really ridden before she came to me. She has been working so hard at learning how to balance and sit center in her saddle, and has been making huge improvements! Before she was unable to trot, and now I don't think I will ever be able to get her to stop trotting!🤣

Great job kiddo!

04/08/2023

SOLD!

someone sn**ch up Smoke! He is such a nice horse!

04/01/2023

My favorite thing about the young ones, is seeing them grow up! Prince is looking fantastic! Jan-end of March!

03/27/2023

SOLD!

Selling for a client!
🌀Insider’s Night Train 🔹 Blue Roan Registered Spanish Mustang Gelding 🌀
“Smoke” is a 8 year old registered Horse of America. As well as options to get him registered as a Spanish Barb and American Indian Horse.
Smoke stands at 14.2 with a big b***d build. Smoke is one of a kind when it comes to color, breed, and personality. You will not find another one like him! Smoke’s previous home trail rode him close to 500 or so total miles. Smoke has a great disposition and build to handle those tough terrains. Ride down the road or take him to the mountains, there’s nothing that this horse won’t go through. He has been to the Minnesota Horse Expo as well as he has been in parades! We’ve ponied off of him, good with bikes, 4-wheelers, tractors, dirt bikes, and traffic safe! ABSOLUTELY NO buck/bite/kick/bolt/rear!!!
When it comes to arena work this guy is a dream! Being a Spanish Mustang means that he is slightly gaited. He has the SMOOTHEST lope you will ever ride in your life! Smoke is confident in w/t/l, picks up all leads, breaks at the poll, neck reins, side passes both directions, lunges like a dream, has a great stop, and is started on flying lead changes! He has all the buttons you’ll ever need! Trailers like a dream, walk in and back out. Stands tied, and is great for saddling, farrier, vet, etc.
I do recommend an intermediate on up rider for Smoke. He has been a dream for me and I really do enjoy him, and he will make someone an amazing horse, but he is not for a novice rider. He will look twice at some new things. I’ve desensitized this horse beyond belief, and he will still look twice at a random bird out of the corn field. If you are someone who KNOWS how a horse who likes a job can act, and you are confident in handling a slight spook here and there, then I am confident that you will really enjoy this horse.
If you are looking for a cool breed to take you down the trail, and maybe do some fun show things, this is your guy. He is current on all vaccinations/coggins, and farrier work. 100% sound.
8️⃣.0️⃣.0️⃣.0️⃣
Ellendale, Mn
We can help arrange shipping anywhere in Minnesota!
Want more photos and videos? ➡️ https://youtu.be/zfgMTbYJ1Dg
All sales are final. No guarantees implied-verbal or written. Vet checks welcome at buyers expense. Contact us with questions!

03/26/2023

flying lead changes anyone?

Smoke is super cool, look for his ad this week!🫣

03/23/2023

No amount of training can change…

A horse’s raw personality- we can work with their God given personality to help them reach their potential, however take note of their natural tendencies from the start. That’s who they are and they are trying to tell you! Some horses hit the earth and are destined to make great non pro horses, some superstars in their game, some aren’t even destined to make the discipline they are bred for… This takes time to discover, but make sure you are aligning your goals with your individual horse!

A horse’s mental capacity to take training and their learning style… This we must respect and adapt to, but cannot change!

A horse’s heart and try! This is such an individual quality- we have had full siblings with completely different levels of heart and try.

A horse’s conformation- we can build muscles effectively, but if your c**t has a crooked leg- it will always have a crooked leg. If your c**t has a club foot- it will always have a club foot.

A bad mover into a good mover- again building muscle and structure into a horse’s body and mind helps, however their natural movement is a God given consistency throughout their lives.

Remember your horse is an individual with a very unique personality, mind and level of physical talent- your horse is not a motorcycle that we can tune up, park for a week and go win a race on.

Moral of the story.… BE A HORSEMAN- a realistic and educated one that never stops learning- if you can!!!

03/14/2023

Smoke is such a smart and cool dude! 💨

look for his ad at the end of the month👀 going to make someone an amazing horse!

03/14/2023

scary tarp ✅

03/13/2023

9/10ths of education is encouragement 🙌

03/09/2023

👏👏👏👏

Let’s talk training horses in the barrel racing industry.

for those who considered me “new” to training, just hear me out.

Every time you are around your horse- you’re training. From body language in just in the pasture to actually being on your horse asking them a advanced move. It’s all training.

Especially in the barrel racing industry I’ve noticed a lot of wicked barrel horses that win the show are NOT a pleasure to ride.

the importance of having a horse you can warm up safely, and have that horse be relaxed ALONG WITH doing what you ask WHEN you ask is often overlooked.

It’s hard to have people in this industry understand that training a good horse that you can relax and have fun on is way more valuable then just having a horse that’s a pain to ride, but wins.

If all you want to do it hold your horse on a tight rein and pull a check in the barrel pen, you do you boo. No judgement, no hate.

If you take the time to teach your horse the fundamentals, they will last longer and both you AND your horse will enjoy each other.

Make good horses, not just good barrel horses.

03/08/2023

Make the best of what's going on, what you have to work with, and your attitude. Life is not about riding the smoothest waves, it's about learning to deal with the rough ride. 🌊

03/08/2023

Lesson Student Spotlight! ⚡️

Emmy and Willow!
At the ripe age of 6 Emmy is by far one of the most confident, hardworking, determined, and dedicated kids I’ve ever met! Emmy and her horse Willow are a match that no one would ever expect. Willow is not necessarily a kids horse, but Emmy makes riding her look effortless! This team blows my mind every time they enter the arena.

Emmy went from not being able to be off a lead line, to being able to confidently ride all by herself! Way to go Emmy! 🙌

03/07/2023

Flowers only grow if you plant the seeds, why wait till tomorrow to plant them, when you can plant them today!🌸

03/03/2023

Lesson Student Spotlight! ⚡️

Izzy and Aldi!
I am so proud of this team! Izzy has been working hard at trying to pair with Aldi, a horse that really has pushed her out of her comfort zone, and her hard work has paid off. They make an amazing team! Yay Izzy and Aldi! We can’t wait to see how far she goes with him this summer!

She went from being scared to walk him, to being completely comfortable extending his trot, and feels ready to lope now! Whoop Whoop 🙌

03/03/2023

This goes for a lot of disciplines! The timer doesn’t care if you have a $1,000 horse or a $10,000 horse, a $300 saddle or a $3,000 saddle. That’s the beauty of the timer!

Barrel racing is a speed event. It is not judged. There are no points for style or correctness.
⠀
No rules stating a horse has to be “broke”. No rules about where your legs are or if your butt is out of the saddle. No penalties for high hands or low hands, one hand or two.
⠀
Is it helpful to have a broke horse and to be correct when training? Yes, but the great thing about the barrel race is there are a million ways that work and are fast.
⠀
Find what works for you and your horse and capitalize on it. Don’t worry about what your peers or the internet couch jockies have to say—Be you!

www.betweenthereins.us



📸: Bee Silva Photography

02/20/2023

If we do get this much snow, we will not be having lessons! ❄️

02/19/2023

what a gem Prince is!!! So easy minded!

02/15/2023

It's that time of year again!
Ready to get your horses going for the summer?
We still have openings from March-July
Horses that are un started are required to do a minimum 60 days with us.

At GT Performance Horses we pride ourselves in creating confident, reliable, and honest horses. Believing in creating an excellent foundation, to produce a reliable horse, no matter the discipline. We offer c**t-starting/tune-ups/problem horses/patterning/consignment/sales. We have plenty of references as-well as videos of past and present horses.

We would love to work with you and your 4-legged friend!

Message the page for pricing and questions.

02/13/2023

before -> after
In just under a month of good work, Prince is coming along FANTASTICALLY 🙀 Look out for his sale ad this spring! He’s gonna be a good one!

02/09/2023

🙌🏼SPOT ON🙌🏼
𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.... 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦.

Stop beating yourself up for not riding when it’s freezing cold, pitch black, and raining. It’s ok (and normal) to have no motivation at this time of year. It doesn’t make you a bad rider (or a bad owner).

Stop feeling guilty that your horse isn’t even nearly competition fit yet. Take your time and make your plan, who cares if you’re not ready for the first event? There’s a whole calendar to choose from.

Stop agonizing over the fact you haven’t spent the whole winter training. Riders need a break and horses do too, you’ll probably find your horse comes back better than if they’d spent the entire winter being hammered in clinics and lessons anyway.

Stop comparing yourself to riders who have more facilities, more time, or a totally different set of circumstances to you. Everyone is on their own track and has their own goals, so eyes ahead and focus on yours.

Stop telling yourself that your horse “deserves better” or is “wasted” with you. As long as your horse is fed and warm, they are quite happy, riding does not complete their life.

Winter is hard. It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s dark and it feels never-ending, and berating yourself for everything you aren’t doing or feel you should be doing won’t make it any easier, so cut yourself some slack and just take a breath.

𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦.
-Author Unknown

02/09/2023

Available training slots...

May: FULL
June: 3
July: 4

02/08/2023

In 2023 we have some changes regarding training horses.

First off, I would like to thank everyone that has stuck with me through everything this past year, I wouldn't be where I am without the people that took a chance on me last spring.
With that being said, this business grew into something that I didn't think was possible in this short amount of time. This also comes along with price changes to keep up with the economy etc. As all of you know, it is not cheap to house horses, let alone just the time that also goes into training.

Prices as of 3/1/2023

Lessons: $40 for 45mins - 1hr

Training horses will no longer be paid by the hour. (This does not include exercising horses, or other arranged agreements) Horses that have not been started, are required to have a minimum of 60 days under me. Riding horses are dependent on each horse.(contact me about it)

Pricing for Training: $760 for 30 days, $1,500 for 60, $2,200 for 90

These prices include board of your horse.(hay/grain/water/shelter)This price also includes 2 free lessons with the purchase of 30 days.

Please understand that if we have other arranged agreements, I will honor them, but as of new clients these are the set prices.

Again this will start 3/1/2023

Thank you for understanding!

01/31/2023

I have made a decision that lessons are canceled this week due to the cold weather. Unfortunately with the negative temps it will be too hard on the horses and us to safely ride this week. It gets to be really hard on our lungs aswell as the horses when it is under 15 degrees. If you have any questions please text or call me! Thanks!

01/25/2023

A good horse isn’t a horse that jumps 4 foot, or can cut a herd of cattle.

Nor is it a horse who shows on the circuit, competes at World Championship events and wins.

It’s not a horse who can run a barrel pattern faster than you’ve seen before.

It’s not a horse who spins in a perfect pattern every time, a super-footed trail horse, or a 17 hand huntseater.

A good horse is a horse that puts a smile on someone’s face.

Who helps them grow as a rider, and changes them for the good.

A good horse may be the horse who tests you, or the one who packs you around.

It could be your once in a lifetime horse, or just a lesson horse who passed through.

A good horse could be that one who throws you every second ride, or the one who would never dream of it.

The bottom line is a good horse is whatever the rider makes of it, not something specifically defined.

By breed, discipline, height, age or color nor by price.

A good horse may take a few riders to get realized, but nonetheless it’s a good horse to someone.

01/22/2023

💕

Baxter Black: “A Horse matters”

Posted Wednesday, January 5, 2022 2:58 pm

By Baxter Black

I like living someplace where a horse matters.
There is just some country where horseback is the only way to get the job done. Places where the four-wheeler is a poor second, not to mention a noisy, track-leaving unnatural conveyance. Besides, it’s hard to throw a rope from.

Helicopters can spot and scare, if that’s what you need, but it’s helpless when you have to doctor a calf. It is a great feeling to be pushing a cow out of a mesquite thicket, packing a dude down the Grand Canyon or tracking a mountain lion on a high ridge, knowing you’re on the perfect tool for the job.

You look at a horse different when he’s on the payroll.

I like being a person to whom a horse matters.

It puts me in such good company, Robert E. Lee, Teddy Roosevelt, Rudyard Kipling, Ray Hunt, Queen Elizabeth, Jerry Diaz, Casey Tibbs, cowboys, Mongols, Gauchos, teamsters, Lipazzaners and vaqueros of all kinds. Granted being a horse person doesn’t make me easier to get along with, better at spelling or richer. It simply gives me a direct connection to one of the most ancient, mutually beneficial interspecies relationships on the planet.
Winston Churchill said, “There is something about the outside of a horse, that is good for the inside of a man.”

I like being there when a horse matters.

When you can’t do the job alone; a cow in the bog, a race against time, a boulder to move, a detour to take, a mountain to cross, a crevice to leap, a war to win, a sweetheart to impress, or...when you’ve gone too far to walk back.
Shakespeare’s King Richard III said when fate hung in the balance, “A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!”

I’ve also come to believe that you either are a horse person or you aren’t. Many who are, never know it because they never have the chance. It’s a primitive acceptance, often mutual. A lack of fear. You see it in some children when they are first introduced to the horse. It always gives me a sense of wonder to be there and help them make their acquaintance. I believe the horse can sense the child’s innate trust. It is the beginning of a natural bond.

I count myself very lucky that I get to be a part of the wonderful world of horse sweat, soft noses, close calls and twilight on the trail.

I like living a life where a horse matters.