Craig Cameron has lived a cowboy life.
Raised in the old time cowboy ways and traditions, Craig has lived as a full time cattle rancher, PRCA Bull Rider, and world class horseman with countless years on the road. He has taught students traditional, progressive and new horsemanship techniques worldwide, always with the horse's point of view and welfare at the forefront.
Craig's love of the Cowboy life and horses has been noted with the Working Cowboy of the Year Award in 2003, induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2008, and 2 Silver Telly Awards for his popular RFD TV Shows. He has written two highly successful Western Horseman Books, Ride Smart and Ride Smarter. Craig was the 2010 Road To The Horse Colt Starting World Champion. He is the Founder of Cowboy Racing, and the popular Extreme Cowboy Association which has grown worldwide. He is also the innovator of the 100 Mile Guts and Glory ride for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Craig has been the Horseman's Host at the Road To The Horse World Championships several times.
At-74 years of age this legendary cowboy, who many of the young Cowboys call "Legend", is still rolling strong, and says
"When hell freezes over, I will start riding on ice."
A lifelong equestrian, Warwick initially focused his competitive efforts on reining, eventually becoming an NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) Reserve World Champion and representing Australia at the 2010 & 2018 World Equestrian games. Along the way, Warwick not only discovered a passion and a talent for teaching, but he also became aware of a consuming curiosity about how things can be done differently. For the past 13 has been sharing knowledge in his online video library, social media and his Youtube Channel, which has amassed over 27 million views.
A chance encounter with a horse 7 years ago that shifted his perspective on horses and life a complete 180 degrees, he is now excited about teaching connection and relationship based interactions and training with horses. An offshoot of that caused him to start The Journey On Podcast, where he interviews amazing people from around the world and learns about the path that led them to a perspective that may fall outside of our cultural and societal conditioning. The Journey On Podcast has amassed over 3 million downs and has spawned an annual Live Podcast Summit event on 3 continents.
Warwick is also the author of The Principles Of Training, which has been an Amazon best selling book in the Equine category.
The Horse Guru - Michael Gascon is a 5th-generation world-renowned horse trainer who is taking the equine industry by storm! He is the next big thing in the equine industry and he plans to make it to the top and stay there.
He's known for training the untrainable, riding the unrideable, and doing the impossible with horses all around the world as well as being a Champion Colt Starter.
Although Michael has been titled the #1 Gaited Horse Trainer in the World due to his success with the Paso Fino breed (over 50 National Championships), his desire to make a difference in the equine industry and to become the best all-around horse trainer in the world has challenged him to advance his skills and specialties to be applied to any breed.
From a pony to a Percheron and anything in between, there’s no problem too big or too small, The Horse Guru can handle them all! Not only do his horse clients vary by breed and discipline, but his owner clientele varies by country, riding ability, discipline, and ultimate equine goal for their four-legged partners.
He is also an equine viral video sensation and has over 300 MILLION views on his social media videos!!! You can find him on his website at www.gasconhorsemanship.com or on social media to learn more about his programs.
TJ Clibborn was born in Glen Innes Australia and moved to the states in 1990 where he started the True Partnership Inc way of training. He specializes in training colts for all types of competitions.
TJ has made the finals in all the Mustang challenges he has competed in since 2009. TJ’s training methods work on every horse he has had the privilege of working with over the years.
Since 2011 TJ has been starting Colts for Blue Chip Farm LLC in WallKill, New York and takes a Month out of his busy schedule to make sure the Olympian horses get a great training start. TJ starts with them as weanlings and each year progresses until they are 3 years old and working under saddle. Tom Grossman, the owner, is very pleased with TJ’s ability to start these valuable colts to go on to be champions.
TJ is very busy during the year traveling throughout the U.S.A. with clinics, giving demonstrations or competing in competitions. When home he is training horses or having weekend clinics on Horsemanship and obstacle training at his training Facility.
To learn more about TJ and his training visit his Facebook page titled,” TJ Clibborn - A True Partnership.”
Skilled in training horses of many breeds, ages, and genders, Mario A. Contreras is one of the premier trainers in the Midwest for in-hand and under saddle equine performance. Schooled in classical methods, Mario takes his training to the next level and brings out the best of each individual horse and rider.
Mario has been the head trainer for Medieval Times, the number 1 dinner attraction in North America, for 33 years. He has been in charge of the training of both horses and riders at the Chicago castle since 1997. His unique training methods allow him to train both horse and rider to perform in all aspects of this 11th century reenactment of fearless knights and dazzling horsemanship.
Mario was awarded Horseman of the Year in 2011 as well as Professional Horseman of the Year in 2021 from USEF and the International Andalusion and Lusitano Horse Association. His dedication to the equestrian world and the equine community has given him the opportunity to share his talents in front of thousands of people at the opening ceremonies at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington Kentucky.
Victor Munford grew up in southeastern Iowa near Shimek State Forest spending his summers trail riding. Eventually Victor, in his mid-teens, decided horse training was his passion and began his career. He learned many techniques on how to train Trail horses and even Performance Horses. His style combines both Trail and Performance. He will advise you with ideas and techniques to help you and your horse grow. This entrepreneur is mentoring his family into his program to carry on the tradition. Victor is currently working on more accommodation for boarding your horse. If you are looking for help with refreshing your horse after standing in the pasture for a couple months Victor Munford can be reached at 319-795-4710 or Vamunford9088@hmail.com.
Kelli Paulson has a passion for teaching horse people who want something more and has made a career of providing riders with the tools to “make” the horse they want. A lifelong learner herself, she uses skills she has learned from horsemanship greats and through dressage, colt starting, working equitation and ranch riding. Kelli has worked with over 1,500 horses and humans and hosted over 300 clinics and Trail Rider Challenges.
Kelli created Trail Rider Challenge to test rider’s skills and engage the horse’s mind while increasing partnership, confidence and the horse’s willingness. During Covid-19, Kelli perfected the Virtual Trail Rider Challenge series which has received nationwide attention. Publisher of 2 books, most recently Kelli has written How to Build Simple Trail Obstacles to assist riders in training at home and for virtual competition.
Kelli has online and in-person activities that will help you improve your horsemanship while having fun with trail obstacles.
Heart, stamina, versatility, and companionship that is the mustang. I am James Snyder, I make my home near Kirksville, Missouri. I started with my first mustang 5 years ago, one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. I have found the mustang to be the most trustworthy horse I have ever owned.
I started training horses at the age of 12 with my Grand-Father, now 44 years later, I find the mustang to be the most rewarding. My wife Lacy and I have shown our mustangs in shows all across the Midwest, The Iowa Ranch Horse Shows, The American Royals Royal Showcase Open Horse Show, Green Hills Horse Show Circuit and the 66 Wrangles Buckle Series Shows just to name a few.
Our mustangs, who you will meet at the Iowa Horse Fair, have won High Point and Reserve High Point Ranch Horses at the Royal Showcase, Open Champion and Reserve Champion at the 66 Wranglers Ranch Horse Buckle Series, and numerous other buckles and awards. Not only do I use my mustangs to show, but they are also used in the roping pen, in the pasture to pen, sort, and work cattle, you name it and they are used for it.
Stephanie McCready resides in Marshalltown, IA. She's been barrel racing for 35 years. She was a National HighSchool Finals qualifier all 4 years & 6th in the nation at the National High School rodeo in 2001. Stephanie qualified forthe IRCA finals multiple times & was the IRCA champion in 2014. She's had several NBHA 1d wins & multipleprofessional rodeo placings including Hardington, NE WRA champion 2021 & Cherokee, IA WPRA champion 2022.She's also won multiple World's Toughest Rodeos including Des Moines, IA, Moline, IL, St Paul, MN, & Cedar Rapids,A. Stephanie has hosted many clinics over the years & enjoys working with kids & their horses!
Hello! My name is Kelly Holdaway. My husband and I raise and train Performance Horses from our home in Avoca, Iowa. I began dabbling in barrel racing in the early 2000's as a way to enjoy horses with my friends. Once I got a taste for it, I was hooked, but not as much with the competition as with the process. Over the years, I’ve gone to as many clinics with as many different styles of riders as possible to learn as much as I could about horsemanship.
I've competed extensively in jackpots, super shows and dabbled some in the amateur rodeo world. I pride myself in the solid foundation I've learned to put on young horses and get far more joy watching young riders take horses from our program on to compete on some of the biggest stages in youth rodeo than actually competing myself. The list of wins in my resume are not nearly as impressive as the list compiled by the people who've succeeded with horses we’ve trained. My husband and I have all but resigned to mostly training young horses and giving lessons to help to teach our younger generation about horsemanship.
We also are constantly expanding our breeding operation to replenish the pool of horses we have to offer, because once someone has had a horse from us, they tend to want more! Our goal is creating confident horses who are able to go on and succeed with very little "adjustment time" with their new riders, and also creating confident youth and young adults who are familiar with the process of making a winning performance horse from the start. Every time you ride your horse you are either training them or teaching them bad habits. My goal is to give young barrel racers and pole benders the tools to be able to return to that solid foundation and fix issues with their horses through great horsemanship.
The Trixie Chicks Trick Riders is a group of extreme equestrian athletes that began their career in Missouri and are now based out of Mississippi. Owner, Kelsey Gascon, and Founder, Shelby Epperson, have taken this team to the next level since its start in 2010.
They have had the privilege of traveling the country and the world sharing their performances and passion for the sport. Not only do they pride themselves on their amazing horses and their top-notch performances within Equine Expos and PRCA rodeos, they have been honored to teach their sport to hundreds of people around the world.
Joining them in the arena are some of their outstanding students who are ready to take their skills to the next level. They are Fast, Fearless, and Fabulous!
You can find them on their website at www.trxchx.com or on social media and YouTube under the Trixie Chicks Trick Riders to learn more about their programs.
Charros El Carretero and Amigos, is a labor of love for the Piña family. Since 2005, the Piñas have been promoting “Charreria” in the Des Moines area. Charrería is a Mexican rodeo where charros and escramuza perform a series of equestrian events in an arena.
During a charreada, riders participate in a number of scored events in which they have to prove their equestrian abilities. Riders train their horses to gallop, do 360 turns and go fly backwards. They receive marks according to the quality of their performance.
Synchronization is key; if one members timing is wrong, the entire choreography could be ruined. Both men and women’s teams travel throughout the country to enter competitions and participate in local festivities. They are proud to share their heritage with the Iowa horse community at the Iowa Horse Fair.
Intro Video to Esteban Escobedo
My name is Esteban Escobedo, a renowned International Charro Entertainer from Riverside, California. Growing up in the sport of Charrería, I learned to master the bond between a man and a horse, along with how to humanely work cattle. These skills led me to focus on a career to protect, preserve, and educate folks on the importance of agriculture and the lifestyle we live. It wasn't until I found my true passion for roping that opened the doors to my future.
For more than 38 years, I've traveled the world with artists like Antonio Aguilar, Vicente Fernandez, Joan Sebastian, and Ezequiel Peña to name a few in their equestrian shows. I've also performed with the most prestigious Mariachi's and Folklorico Groups, both as a dancer and trick roper.
God blessed me with this talent and has guided me to become the first to perform roping in a shortfilm on Hulu for Disney, at the San Francisco Symphony Hall, Dodger Stadium, PBR, and the LA Rams game, where they celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with myself and 100 dancers on the field.
As an advisor for Western Justice and the Public Relations Representative for the Charros in the US, I plan to continue exposing the beauty of our sport, culture, and true horsemanship so our future generations can enjoy.
Indalecio Macedo was born and raised on the family farm in Jalisco, a state in Southeast Mexico. His late father, Indalecio Macedo, Sr., was well-known throughout Mexico for his equestrian expertise and training abilities. So naturally, Indalecio entered the family horse training business known to many as Dinastia Macedo (Macedo Dynasty.) At just 12 years old, Indalecio began training his first horse.
This experience taught him patience and that a horse cannot be rushed into learning what a human expects. Indalecio has over 20 years of dedication, patience, and passion for horses. The breeds that he most often works with are Friesians, Andalusians, and variety of warmbloods. This resume gives him the ability to develop a horse's natural ability to excel in Alta Esquela (High School Horse Training). This is a program that contains elements of dressage, combined with movements based upon classical Spanish riding.
A typical horse in this program will train for a minimum of 2-3 years to master all elements of Alta Escuela. Indalecio has had the great honor of training with the masters of the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, which is Spain’s most prestigious and oldest equestrian training school. No matter where he travels to train, compete or entertain, his favorite spot is the Iowa Horse Fair, where he is able to share his joy of beautiful horses and the people who admire and enjoy them.
Wildwood Hills Ranch is a Christian faith-based organization that exists to serve vulnerable youth and Veterans. The purpose of our Veterans program is to use the gift of the horse to support those who have served or are still serving our country. Veterans in our program have reported reduced stress, increased confidence, relationship building, and the improved ability to trust others. Our program is open to anyone who has served or is still serving our country regardless of age, or experience with horses. If you would like to know more about our Veteran’s program, feel free to say “hi” to us in the barn or check us out at wildwoodhillsranch.org.
Meganne Wheeler is teaching the cattle sorting clinics for the second time at the Iowa horse fair this year. Meganne lives in the state of lowa and is a member of the Iowa Horse Fair committee.
She teaches and hosts cattle sortings throughout the state of Iowa. Her everyday passion for cow horses and working cattle draws her to the sport of cattle sorting and enjoys sharing it with others.
Jaimie is a member of the Iowa Horse Council and has been riding since she was a young girl starting in western disciplines. Finding much love in trail riding she started showing as a teenager in western pleasure and halter. She then moved onto barrel racing and pole bending, later starting colts and working with yearlings.
As many 18-year old’s do she went off to college and found herself horseless. Quickly getting back into horses after graduating college, she switched disciplines. Focusing on English dressage and show jumping. Currently she is showing and training her horse Mishka in dressage, and bringing up another young horse in show jumping and dressage.
She very much still enjoys hitting the trails as often as she can with her horse Dakota. Jaimie is an all-around rider with a great wealth of knowledge. Has strengths in developing the young horse, hot, spooky, fearful horses, and creating solid well-rounded trail horses. Jaimie is following her dream of teaching lessons in her barn Windsor Equestrian located outside of Boone, Iowa.