With a young filly named Gypsy, Rachelle Valentine began her love affair with horses. During her Michigan childhood, she dreamed of a life in the saddle. Upon high school graduation, she jump-started her career working as an intern with Clinton Anderson. Soon after, she stepped into a position with Dean Locke. Preparing young, talented colts for NRHA competitions, she developed new skills and grew as a horsewoman. After a short hiatus from the training world, Rachelle attended post-secondary schooling, married Josh and had Coda, her little boy. Once relocating to central Florida, Rachelle became an associate trainer with Sean Patrick Training in New Smyrna Beach. Riding reiners, helping equestrians and starting youngsters is what keeps her getting up every day with a big smile on her face.
“I am completely shocked and honored to be invited to Road to the Horse 2017” states Valentine. “This is such a special year to be a part of the event in Lexington, as the equine community celebrates the cowgirl. My intense preparation now begins!”
Joining Floridian cowgirl Rachelle Valentine, will be fellow newcomer, Barbara Cox and Road to the Horse veteran Sarah Winters Dawson.
Barbara Cox, wife of undefeated Road to the Horse World Champion Chris Cox will compete for the title in 2017. Chris Cox is a master of colt starting with World Championships wins in 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2015. Now playing the role as Pen Wrangler, Chris will assist his wife as she steps into the spotlight in 2017. Wife, mother and successful Reined Cow Horse competitor, this will mark the very first time Barbara Cox has walked into the round pen at Road to the Horse.
Sarah Winters Dawson, like her father Richard Winters, is a Road to the Horse veteran. Dawson is not only a past competitor at Road to the Horse, she has been her father’s Pen Wrangler every time he has stepped into the round pen at Road to the Horse. Sarah has earned two NRCHA World Championships, was the 2015 Snaffle Bit Futurity Limited Open Champion, along with being a finalist in every NRCHA premiere event. Although cow horses are the main focus of Sarah’s equine business, she also has experience training and showing in the English discipline of Three-Day Eventing. Sarah, along with her husband Chris Dawson operate Dawson Performance Horses in Aubrey, Texas.
Road to the Horse 2017 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, on March 23-26, 2017. Road to the Horse 2017 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information
