09/14/2026
It is Mr Justin’s turn to share his thoughts:
Justin’s Story:
*in his own words:
A little bit about my journey and how I came to be where I am now:
The first time I ever sat on a horse I had to be maybe seven or eight. it was my uncle Charlie’s horse. I think it was a quarter horse. I remember him leading me around and letting me wear his cowboy hat. I asked if I looked like Garth Brooks. Of course, the reply was, “Sure you do.” From that moment forward I always loved horses.
Growing up, I never thought I would be a professional horse trainer. I got my first job at a horse farm cleaning stalls and mowing grass. I worked as hard as I could at any task that was put in front of me. Anything I could get my hands on, I was all in 100% . I worked there for years all through my high school career and into my early 20s.
I remember the first time I was able to ride for real - I was hooked. I had absolutely no natural talent or ability or even concept of what I was trying to do, nonetheless, I loved it so much.
Once I got past the point of literally trying not to just fall off I got to ride some cols. Man, that was fun. I remember the feeling of putting my foot in the stirrup of a horse that never been ridden before for the first time — what an adrenaline rush! I think that’s when I really knew horses were my passion.
I learned so much in those first few years. You name it; if it was part of a horse farm, I had my hands on it, and I was doing it to the best of my ability.
My next job with horses was the place where I really learned what it meant to be a professional. I learned the ins and outs of a show barn and how to keep things in exceptionally high order. I had a group of horses that were mine to take care of. I worked my hardest to make sure that there wasn’t a hair out of place on my horses. To this day, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen two people work more diligently and intentionally with horses.
Next stop for me was learning a tad bit about horse feet. I worked for an awesome blacksmith and farrier for a short while. I often wish I had stayed a little longer, but man those were some long long days and my family life made it really hard to do that job.
The next chapter was a breeding farm. We had a couple of stallions, broodmares and babies to get started. It was my first time ever working and being the guy that called the shots on what the horses needed. I think at this point I was in my mid-20s, still thinking I knew everything 🤦♂️. I learned a lot from that job. I think the biggest thing I took away from that job was the realization that I was indeed not ready to be on my own.
When that chapter closed I worked in different jobs not related to horses. All the while, literally, all I could think about was horses. I got a job in the evenings working with some colts and ponies, and just like that my dream had been reignited. I owe a lot to that job. It was a place where I was able to have a customer or two of my own and kind of work some things out for myself at a pace that suited me. One thing led to another, and I found myself leasing some stalls at a larger farm in Anderson.
Fast forward a few years I found myself back in that same barn in Anderson leasing stalls again. This is where I met HER; the one that ironed out my wrinkled mess. The one that turned halfway with the horses into “all the way”.
I remember when I stepped back in that farm in Anderson, I was in the hallway by myself walking looking at the horses, thinking, “Man, I hope I get this thing figured out.” We hadn’t met yet. I don’t think I have ever told her this; I knelt down in the middle of the hallway and I said a little prayer under my breath. I said “God, I need help. I can’t do this on my own.” A few days later I met her. I guess he was listening.
The rest is history. We’ve been at our farm here in Greer, now, I think six years, we’re still building, still climbing mountains, trying to make this thing be something that matters, not just a way to make money. Honestly, I left out a lot of details about my journey and it’s been a bumpy road, but I don’t know that I would change anything. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I’m so thankful for the people and the horses that have gotten me to where I am today.
I’ve lived through a lot of hurt and heart ache. To be honest most of it has been self-inflicted. I owe all the peace and joy I possess to my father above, his strength is what carries me each day. I hope this short snippet of my story helps you see how I got to this part of my journey.
