Testimonials

• Brad Barkemeyer

  "When I think of Al Dunning one word sums it up: Mentor.  In all aspects of horse training, business, and life Al has positively influenced countless people including myself and my family.  The manner in which he and Becky approach God, family, friends, and business, all of which seem to jumble together in our chosen lifestyle of the horse industry, is humbling and impressive. 
  
  Hang around Al Dunning Training Stable and not only will you be exposed to great horsemanship, you will find attention to detail without over analysis, organization without micromanagement; recreation without overindulgence; competitiveness without arrogance, and technical teaching without complication. 
  
  After working at Almosta Ranch for 8+ years I can still hear Al saying "always do the next right thing".  These are the kind of values that not only make better horses, better trainers, and better businesses, they make better relationships, and that is a formula for success!  The world needs more heroes and I'm proud to say Al Dunning is one of mine."
  
  ~Brad Barkemeyer
  Brad has been and continues to be a student of horsemanship. From colt starting to world class performance horses, Brad has been privileged to study under Buck Branaman (renowned clinician), David Avery (AQHA roping horse trainer), Jake Barnes, Clay O’Brian Cooper, (7 time World Champion Team Ropers), and most recently Al Dunning.

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• Casey Hinton

  "Working as an assistant for Al was a great experience for me.  The Almosta Ranch was a perfect fit.  We trained many different disciplines as this was before the horse business became so specialized.  We trained amateurs, cutters, cowhorses, western pleasure, western riding and English with Becky.  At this time Don Dodge wintered at the Almosta and helped Becky with the jumping.  All of this variety helped my education on training the all around horse.
  
  Al started to specialize in cutting and this was my chance to operate the show horses for him.  It gave me the opportunity to learn the business with Al’s tutoring.  It was a huge advantage for me to later move on my own.  I still remember the things Al taught me about the business side of the horse industry. 
  
  The respect for Al as a horseman is world wide but my respect for him as a person is even greater.  Trying to do well so Al would be proud was always a motivation.  The person is equal to the training advice in Al’s case.  In my business I try to handle my assistants in the manner handed to me making them into assets to our horse industry.  It is such a blessing to be able to make a living in the horse industry, doing what I love to do,  Al and Becky’s help made  it all possible." 
  
  ~Casey Hinton
  Casey Hinton has been training reining horses for more than 20 years.  He has earnings of more than $487,800 which places him in the top 50 all time rider charts.  In addition Casey owns and operates Cedar Ridge Stallion Station.

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• Chris Johnsrud

  "I would have to say that through my years training horses, I have realized that foundation is the most important thing.  My foundation came from Al Dunning. I didn't know up from down when I went to work for Al, and now I'm making the NCHA Open Futurity finals. Not only is he the greatest horsemen I know, he is also one of the greatest people I know. I was very lucky to get the opportunity to work for and learn from him. I'll never forget the Almosta Ranch and Al; it's made me what I am today."

  ~Chris Johnsrud
  Desires Blue Trinity, owned by Cox Trinity Equine LLC, carried Chris Johnsrud, an employee of Chris Cox Horsemanship Co., to the finals of the 2010 NCHA Futurity. Chris Cox is co-owner of Desires Blue Trinity, a 2007 sorrel, stallion that is known as "Mecate" around the ranch. Christian "Chris" Johnsrud is the resident cutting horse trainer for the Diamond Double C Ranch.  According to NCHA, Johnsrud had $235,497.96 in earnings before riding in the futurity.
   

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• John Pipkin, Ph.D.

  "This on-line internship with Al Dunning provides the opportunity to work for one of the foremost Equine Professionals.  Not only is Al a proven, successful Horsemen that is internationally renowned; but he is also an exceptional teacher.  Al has outstanding communication skills and has a tremendous ability to effectively connect with people.  As well, Al is diligent in using innovate approaches, as evidenced by this internship program.   I was blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Al as his assistant about 25 years ago, which was one of the most enjoyable and educational times of my life.   He is a tremendous person and professional that is greatly respected by his peers.   I would highly encourage anyone to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.”

  ~John Pipkin
  Dr. Pipkin directs the University's Equine Industry Program, where he has coached students to more than 50 national or world champion or reserve champion team or individual titles. He also supervises the WTAMU equestrian team that has won more than 25 national champion or reserve champion team or individual titles. Dr. Pipkin serves as adviser for the Agriculture Ambassadors and Horsemens' Association, and he serves as an academic advisor for equine business, animal science and pr-veterinary majors.
   

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• Mike Kevil

  "If you want to learn about the horse industry, few people know it as well as Al Dunning.  To excel in the competitive world of horses can be tough.  Knowing how to select, train and show a horse is important but only one part. You also need to understand marketing, sales and networking.  Al's been on top for so long because he knows the industry inside and out."

  ~Mike Kevil
  Mike Kevil has over 30 years experience starting colts and changing the behavior of older horses.He has been all over the US and to Europe working with all breeds of horses in all disciplines. He works with clubs, associations, schools, neighborhood groups -- even prisons -- helping people have successful relationships with horses.

   

  
   

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• Mike Wood

  "After having worked for Al for almost 10 years, not only did I learn about training horses but about the training horse business. That encompasses everything from proper grooming and medical care of each and every horse in the barn to all the things in the office that keep the business running and headed in the right direction. My mentor also taught me to be the best person I could be, a thing that I strive for all the time. Working for Al was a priceless education!"
  
  ~Mike Wood
  Mike Wood was raised in Chandler, Arizona. He spent much of his youth on horse back at rodeos and roping events as well as AQHA shows and was a finalist at the World AQHYA Show. He has been training horses professionally for over 20 years. His program has evolved from his life long experience with horses, including working with Al Dunning for ten years. Mike Wood Performance Horses offers all levels of training and lessons.  Mike has been a finalist or a champion at many major events including the NCHA Western Nationals, NRCHA World Championship Snaffle Bit Futurity, and the AQHA World Championship Show.
   

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• Patrick Flaherty

  "I feel like working for Al was the best possible start I could have had in this business. I learned much more than how to train horses to their full potential, I also learned how to operate a business, treat my customers well, and take great care of the horses. These are the things that are really important in this industry. There are a lot of guys who can get a horse to go around, but the successful trainers see the big picture and understand that there is more to it. Personally, I owe Al a lot. He not only helped sculpt me as a young man, but he also introduced me to my wife and for that I am forever grateful! Working for Al was a great experience, one I would not have wanted to miss.”

  ~Patrick Flaherty
  Patrick’s most recent accomplishments include taking the 2008 Limited Open Futurity Champion title at both the High Roller Reining Classic and the Scottsdale Classic, 2009 Open, Int Open, Ltd Open Derby Champion Burbank, CA, 2010 Denver Summer Slide Open Futurity Top 10, Reserve Limited Open Futurity Champion.
   

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• Pete Kyle

  "I have been a World Champion in five different Associations, including the AQHA and NRHA and have clients that have won over 25 World Championships and Reserve World Championships.   A lot of my success is due to what I learned from Al and his teaching of the horse industry.  I worked for Al for a year and a half and in that short time, I learned so much about the business of horse training.  It started with the commitment to the horses and that it's not just about being a horse trainer but being a "Horseman"! That is something that I feel is missing in a lot of horse trainer’s programs today.  Al is a great Horseman and phenomenal teacher.  He can explain all facets of the training and business part of the industry to where you have a clear understanding of it.  If you are thinking of a career in the horse industry there is not another person that can teach you all that you need to know like Al Dunning."

  ~Pete Kyle
  Kyle Ranch is proud to be a charter member of the AQHA Referral Program and the AQHA Professional Horseman Program with Pete Kyle chosen a past AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year.  Pete also won the NRHA Open World Championship aboard Dun It The Hardway.
  Pete is proud to serve as Chairman of the AQHA Judges Committee, on the Board of Directors for the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC), Texas Director for AQHA, and the USEF Vice Chairman of Reining. Pete also holds judges cards for the AQHA, NRHA, and NSBA. Pete is also proud to have been a member of the 2008 FEI USA Reining Team competing in Manerbio, Italy.
  
   

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