About Checkers
One of my great joys in life is simply watching my horse Checkers out in the pasture on warm, sunny days. I won my third National Title at the National Mountain Trail Championships on him, and he’s become the spotlight of my successes. Today, Checkers is undisputedly the nation’s finest example of a Mountain Trail and Extreme Trail horse.
Checkers and I have developed a partnership based on principles and knowledge of horsemanship that have taken me years to refine. When Checkers (also, Sir Rugged Chex) came into the world in 1999 I immediately applied my principles in his training. He now demonstrates a fundamental understanding of what humans expect of him; that he can make choices which can be right or wrong. This is the cornerstone of my training.

Checkers’ greatest quality is his aptitude for respecting the trainer. I can move any part of my body and Checkers can perceive it. I use that perception to instill boldness and confidence in him so he can negotiate difficult obstacles on a trail. Yet what really makes Checkers special is not his innate talent; his disposition and colossal heart make him stand out from the rest. He tries to please at any cost and it’s that spirit that draws you toward him.
