Training, Showing, and Coaching for the Serious Competitor
About Ben Gerst
NRHA Professional in Colorado
Ben Gerst Reining Horses operates out of Skyline Ranch in Carbondale, Colorado.
Strong Training Foundation
Ben has been training and showing in the reining horse industry for nearly 30 years. He started out his reining career working for NRHA Hall of Fame and 3 Million Dollar Rider Tim McQuay. Ben spent nearly 9 years working for the McQuays and was blessed to receive Tim’s guidance and mentorship.
Training Philosophy
The Ben Gerst Reining Horses training philosophy has a solid foundation based upon the McQuay doctrine – “The McQuay philosophy puts the horse first – and is a total program to attain a long-term career for a reining horse.” While at McQuay Stables Ben was able to ride many of the industries top horses, including NRHA Hall of Fame stallion Shining Spark, NRHA Open Futurity Reserve Champion Dun It With A Twist, and NRHA Derby Reserve Champion Footworks Finest.
Ben has also ridden for many other top NRHA breeders and trainers including Tom McCutcheon, Nick Chavez and Bill Bradley. He is respected throughout the industry and has been called the “Trainer to the Trainers”.
Non Pro Coaching
Throughout his career Ben has had the opportunity to coach and train horses for many successful Non Pros including NRHA Hall of Fame member and million dollar rider Mandy McCutcheon, Nelle Murphy, Trish (Hamilton) Sarchett, and Bill/Gloria Bradley. Ben has developed a successful coaching program that is effective for his clients and their horses.
Accomplishments
Ben has NRHA Earnings of $112,000+. Throughout his career he has been blessed to ride many talented horses and has multiple NRHA Futurity and Derby Championships.
- NRHA Derby Limited Open Champion with No Credit Chex
- NRHA Futurity Limited Open Champion with Smart China Rose
- USET Futures Champion with Travalena King
- NRHA Derby Level 3 finalist with Such Fancy Footwork
- Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic Intermediate Open Futurity Champion with Dun Gone Sparkin
- NRHA Futurity Intermediate Open Finalist with Bank That Shine
- Cowboy Capital Classic Champion with Snip O Chex
- RMRHA Summer Slide Intermediate Open Champion on Imsosmartitsspooky
- Columbine Classic Level 4 Derby Champion on Stylish Guns
Veterinary Services
Dr John Mccarroll
Farrier Services
Jake Dahl
Facility
Ben Gerst Reining Horses is located at Skyline Ranch in Carbondale, Colorado. We are a full service facility providing the following amenities:
- Gated Facility
- 12 x 12 stalls
- 90 x 200 heated indoor arena
- 150 x 450 outdoor arena
- Heated washrack
- Multiple turnout pens
- Walker
- Round pen