Bench Heart Performance Horses

04/03/2026

Who wants to see how Trey and Jack are progressing? 👀

03/19/2026

Jack.
Day 1.

03/14/2026

Meet Jack.

03/14/2026

Chasing cans on the best 👌

11/06/2025

11/05/2025

10/31/2025

👉🏻30 days doesn't mean 30 rides
👉🏻60 days doesn't mean 60 rides

“I'll be honest this has been the biggest lesson I've learned watching Mark the last year. And I'll be even more honest, it's changed the way I look at what I expected of trainers for so many years of my life.

I spent YEARS sending c**ts to trainers to be started and I thought 60 days meant I was getting a 60 ride c**t back, Looking back now I realize how absurd that is.

I've been watching Mark for a year now. And what I've learned the most is, a c**t might have 20 rides in its first 30 days. It might also have zero rides... he isn't who determines how far a c**t makes it in those 30 days.

THE C**T IS 👏🏻

Mark spends so much time ground driving them, that by the time he ACTUALLY rides one, they already know how to stop, back, turn a pivot and give to pressure with a bit in their mouth.

Why is that so important?

Because that means he isn't trying to teach a c**t to STOP that first time he is on their back. They already know that by the time he swings a leg over. Which keeps him safe. It keeps that horse safe!

Most of all it prevents a WHOLE mess of wrecks because that horse already has a concept of control.

Because Mark spends so much time "building a face" before "swinging a leg" a 5 ride c**t will ride like 30 ride c**t by most standards a 30 ride c**t is already outside being worked on. But it's because he MAKES A FACE before he SWINGS A LEG.

I get not everyone does that;
And that's ok.
Training methods are basically opinions …

But I will say it's made me have a whole new respect for what starting a c**t looks like with Mark. And why he requires 60-90 minimums with c**ts he starts. He's not going to mash a c**t through to riding just to appease what absurd industry standards have been set before trainers, that set horses up for failure.”

30 days doesn't mean 30 rides👈🏻
60 days doesn't mean 60 rides👈🏻
90 days doesn’t mean 90 rides👈🏻

Copied✨

10/22/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 — 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫

It’s no secret the equine industry is booming. Between the explosion of incentive programs and more major horse shows than ever before, the demand for well-started, confident young horses has skyrocketed. Leading riders are traveling now more than ever - escalating the value exponentially solid c**t starting programs.

Yet, there’s one part of the equation that seems to be in short supply — experienced c**t starters.

If you’re new to the business or simply preparing to show one you’ve raised for the first time, our advice is twofold:

Feed them well.
Find a horse trainer you trust and want to invest in.

But here’s the vital piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: the c**t starting.

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐚 𝟑𝟎-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

This isn’t a quick-fix job, no matter how much we wish it could be. Every c**t is an individual. What one horse may figure out in a day might take another 30 days to understand — and that’s not a reflection of the trainer or the horse. A true horseman knows the difference and adjusts accordingly.

Too many people still throw around the phrase “just starting” like it’s no big deal. Truth is, that mindset can make or break a young prospect. The foundation built (or not built) in those first 30 days will follow that horse for the rest of its life.

So here’s our first piece of advice: Don’t discount this step.
The professionals who dedicate their lives to starting performance prospects are worth every single dollar they charge — and then some.

𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥, 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜

It’s a good problem to have when the trainer you want to use is booked solid. But instead of settling for “whoever’s available,” ask that trainer who they recommend. Many top horsemen have other professionals they trust to start horses for their own programs. That insight is gold — take it.

And once your c**t is with the c**t starter and then the trainer, remember to communicate. Listen to their evaluation. This is your first “progress report” of the year. Pay attention to what they say, don't be offended or defensive — listen to where your horse excels, where it struggles, and how it learns. That feedback helps you make better decisions moving forward in their careers.

𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧

We’ll say it again: this isn’t a 30-day miracle job. If you want your horse to be confident, consistent, and set up for a lifetime of success, plan to leave them for at least 90 to 120 days.

With so many leading trainers constantly traveling for major events, your young horse will benefit from being with someone who’s consistent, patient, and hands-on when it counts the most.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 — 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭

Here’s the elephant in the room: When should you start your c**t?

Most professional c**t starters will tell you — the sooner, the better. Young horses, much like teenagers, go through what we call a “sponge stage.” They crave stimulation and learning. Not because they want to get into trouble, but because their minds are searching for something to do.

For some c**ts, that phase comes around 18 months. For others, closer to 24. The best approach? Let your horse, veterinarian, and trainer guide the timing together.

And remember — in a professional c**t starting program with horseman, these horses aren’t being worked hard or long. Sessions are short and intentional — 10 to 20 minutes focused on confidence, clarity, and communication. The goal is to set them up for a lifetime of success, right at the moment when they’re most open to learning.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

The truth is simple: The industry needs more skilled c**t starters — and more owners who understand their value. If you’re investing the time, money, and heart into breeding or buying a performance horse, don’t cut corners at the very start of their journey.

For the love of all things holy... Pay them. Pay them well. In the long run it will be the best money you have spent. Ever. Guaranteed. You will lose less time. They won't go 10 step forward to go 20 steps back.

Feed them right.
Trust the process.
Find a horseman who believes in setting a foundation, not rushing a result.

Because those first rides don’t just make a horse — they make a future.

Pictured: Our C**t Starting Magician - David Neason of A Texas Cowboy & The Everyday Horseman Community

07/20/2025

In 2010, my friend Christina Richmond Porter and I, split the barrel racing average at the Salinas Rodeo. We were riding two special mares Stingray and Stitch, both gritty, fast, and full of heart.
Now, 15 years later we’re back competing on their offspring. I’m running Money May and Principessa, daughters of Stingray. Christina is on Red Roc, Stitch’s son. It’s hard to put into words what it means to be riding the next generation of horses that mean so much to us, horses that carry the same grit, fire, and soul as their mothers. What a journey it’s been. From mares who changed our lives, to their babies who are now making their own mark. Full circle moments like this remind me just how lucky we are not just to compete at this level, but to live a life shaped by these incredible animals.

07/09/2025