At Samantha Walker Performance horses, we mostly specialize in POAs, Appaloosas and Quarter horses but we love all versatile horses! Every horse, just like every person, is different and unique. They each require their own training program or method of learning. I hold the basic principles, such as keeping a horse soft in the mouth and supple through his body, as I work with the horse and student to find what works best for them. It’s important for the horse to remain a willing participant; it helps to let them try new disciplines and see what your horse likes to do best!

We believe the POAs to be the best club for youth to show in because it allows for them to try every type of discipline at a reasonable cost before they become adults. As one client said to me, “Every horse club says they are fun and family friendly but the POA Club is the only one I’ve seen that actually is.” Now we show at Quarter Horse shows and Versatility Ranch Shows, but I will continue to push youth to show in the POA.

We pride ourselves on having a safe and fun environment for kids and adults alike to be able to start and expand their horse journey. From getting students started to training performance horses for championships, and everything in between! Come out and join the fun!

I started out showing POAs as a youth winning national titles in a variety of classes such as Hunter Under Saddle, Hunter Over Fences, Barrel Racing, Western Pleasure and Trail. I was able to start training and starting ponies at a young age thanks to Diana Peaton who encouraged her riders to put all of the work in themselves.

I was able to train with some outstanding western trainers as an adult, including going through Brandi Lyons Certification program which gave me the fundamentals of horsemanship that I carry through with me into all of my training. I’ve also been lucky to live next to some amazing dressage trainers who make sure I keep those fundamentals fine tuned and push me to up my game! To me, riding is an opportunity to better myself every day, so I continue to learn whenever I can. I’ve been most successful in ranch riding, and I love the ranch versatility events, but I believe an English saddle makes for a stronger rider! Let’s not limit ourselves, as long as the horse is happy, let’s have some fun!

Samantha Walker • Owner & Head Trainer