David Kent – Sagehill Breeder
Dave Kent was first introduced to Arabians in 1970 when his dad bought two purebred mares from Gale Allen in Morgan, Utah. They were mostly used around the ranch and for trail riding. In 1984 Dave was approached by Gale with an opportunity to go in partners on a U.S. National Top Ten Futurity Halter stallion, Vaguely Noble, by the undeniably talented Muscat and out of a Serafix daughter. Dave jumped on the opportunity and Noble continued to show several more times with many wins in both halter and western pleasure. As time went on the partners moved on to other horses and Dave had the opportunity to become the sole owner of Noble. When it came to breeding horses Dave had always been interested in working western horses, he liked their athleticism and knew that was the type of horse he wanted to breed. “A horse that had the ability to get down and work off their hocks”.
Throughout the years Dave has worked hard to acquire talented mares and has refined the breeding program to what it is today. Almost all of the horses can be traced back to Vaguely Noble. Dave is proud to have bred some high powered reining, trail and working western horses with titles including U.S. National, Canadian National and Scottsdale National Champions. He has also bred many talented trail and endurance horses.
Nathan Kent – Horse Trainer
Nathan was raised on his father’s family ranch in Malad, Idaho where he rode, started colts, and calf roped from as far back as he can remember. Before opening his own training establishment, Nathan worked as an Assistant Trainer for Kim Wagner, (2000 NRHA Intermediate Open Derby Champion and IRHA Open Futurity and Derby Champion) and more recently as Assistant Trainer for the renowned Annie Reynolds Jones, (#1 NRCHA Lifetime Leading Non Pro Rider, #1 NRCHA Lifetime Leading Owner for 2005) at Why Worry Ranch for two years. “One of the most rewarding experiences of my life has been getting to know, coach, and employ Nathan,” says Annie, who generously shared her knowledge with Nathan as he rode and trained some of America’s top horses and leaders in the reining cow horse industry. Nathan’s shining reputation created the opportunity for him, in the Spring of 2009, to become Head Trainer for Ann and Dan McGregor at the Lucky Run Ranch in Kuna, Idaho. With the blessing of his new employers, he has also established his own venture at the ranch, training horses in reining.
Nathan’s philosophy is based on the recognition that each horse has a unique character, spirit, and body. The most dynamic physical, mental and emotional development of any horse will only happen when the training is designed to fulfill individual horses’ needed by a trainer who knows the motivation, the spark, and the joy of each equine athlete. Every horse learns differently. Starting with a healthy and solid foundation, Nathan discovers the horse’s strong points and uses them to build confidence, control and performance skills. With remarkable patience and creative, flexible thinking, Nathan adapts his training to bring out the star in each horse. When the devotion of a good trainer meets the enthusiasm of well-grounded horse, something magical happens between them. Nathan has that touch – that stellar quality – that helps horses to love what they do, and guides them into reaching their full potential.
Nathan Kent along with his wife Nicole now resides at the Lucky Run Ranch in Kuna, Idaho, with their own high performance Arabian and Quarter Horses and their two crazy dogs.
www.kentperformancehorses.com
Preston Kent – Horse Trainer
Preston Kent is a reining horse trainer located in Ogden, Utah. He was raised in Malad, Idaho on his family’s horse ranch, Sagehill Arabians. His father taught him from an early age about horses. After graduating from high school, Preston went to Texas to apprentice with NRHA hall-of-famer, Clint Haverty.
After returning from Texas, Preston worked for Kim Wagoner in Utah. Both Clint and Kim taught Preston a lot about starting and finishing reining horses. He then took a 2 year break from horse training and served an LDS full-time mission in Frankfurt, Germany. When Preston returned from Germany, he started training on his own at Coyote Creek Equestrian Center in Saratoga Springs, Utah. After getting an offer to come and ride at Heritage Ranch in Ogden, Preston decided to continue his training program there.
Heritage Ranch has been a wonderful facility to train reining horses out of. The ground is just right for sliding, and there is plenty of room to circle and slide in both the indoor and outdoor arenas. Feel free to stop by and watch Preston in action, the ranch is easy to find as it can be seen from I-15 in Farr West.
Preston is married to Lisa Kent. She loves the horses, and enjoys cheering Preston on at shows. She works as a designer at an ad agency. Lisa trained and showed Missouri Fox Trotters for many years before being introduced to the reiners.