Josh FitzGerald, Professional Farrier and Trainer
Born and raised on the slopes of Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii.  Josh began competing in rodeo events at the age of seven (7), winning the State All-Around Cowboy title in his Sophomore, Junior and Senior years of the Hawaii High School Rodeo Association.  Following a successful High School Rodeo Career, Josh was recruited to attend Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma on a full Scholarship riding Saddle Bronc Horses and roping at the Collegiate and Professional level.  Upon completion of two years at Panhandle, Josh was again recruited to attend Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo. to continue his rodeo career riding saddle bronc horses at the collegiate and professional levels until his graduation in 2002 with a degree in Agriculture business Management.

Following his graduation, Josh returned to Hawaii to train horses for the world famous SC Ranch owned by Dutch and Kerry Schuman, who showed rain cow horses at the world level. The 8,500 acre ranch ran from 2,500' to 8,500' elevation on the slopes of Mauna Kea.  It was this experience that shaped much of Josh's philosophy as horses could be horses, roaming the slopes of the mountains free from the unnatural restrictions placed on many of our equine friends today.  A horse became a valuable tool and partner that was treated with respect and cared for because the rider had to rely on it for daily work.  Josh believes that freeing a horse's mind of daily stress, caused by over working in an arena,  allows the horse to continually refresh it’s attitude and be eager and excited to face each new challenge willingly.

Josh ropes in the PRCA Columbia River Circuit and shows Roping Horses in the AQHA.  If a solid rope horse is in your future, Josh can get you there.

Erica Knight, Riding Instruction
Horse Lessons, Camps, Schools for Children
Philosophy:  “There is nothing better for the inside of a child than the outside of a horse!”

Lessons and Schools offered:

1. Specialty is introducing children to the wonderful world of horses safely.
2. Helping present; young and old riders alike, ways to advance their specific horse direction.
3. Provide year-round riding lessons, summer and special occasion horse camps, and clinics in a safe, secure environment.
4. Specialty clinics in beginning junior rodeo, safe horsemanship skills appropriate to the age of her students.

Erica is the owner of a large string of safe and friendly school horses which match the skill level and age of each student.  Safe horse handling skills are the foundation of Erica’s philosophy and are woven into her camps, lessons and schools.  With this in mind, Erica leads each of her students on a safe pathway to a rewarding future with horses.

Experience:

• 4-H member and leader for 10 years.
• FFA member for 4 years.  State Champion in Horse Judging
• American Quarter Horse Association member for 17 years
• Specialist in Western Pleasure, English, and trail showmanship.
• Hunter/Jumper 3’6”and 3’9” “A” circuit competitor.
• Competed in the Hunter/Jumper Grande Prix
• Started the “Buck Stops Here” 4-H club in Washington County, Oregon in 1997.  Led clubs transition to Yamhill County in 2002
• Started annual summer Horse Camps for children in 1997.
• Created and ran horse camps for Dornbechers Children’s Hospital in 2000, 2001, 2002, benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy, Hemophilia, Leukemia, and Cancer Foundations.
• Full time clinician and trainer at Walnut Springs Stables 2003-2008.
• Experienced, trained farrier

Learn safe horsemanship skills from one of the Northwest’s most talented, experienced and child centered trainers.