jack & kaci
KACI O'ROURKE
Kaci was born and raised in Castleton, Vermont on the family owned, Pond Hill Ranch. Growing up in this environment allowed her to gain an appreciation for all kinds of horses and get experience in many equine disciplines. The family business involving caring for hundreds of horses allowed her to grow up as a horsewoman.
Kaci began reining at the age of 13 and accumulated a number of wins during her youth career, including: 5X NRHA Top Ten World Standings, over 700 Youth Points, NRHA Derby Circuit Champion, 2X NRHA Affiliate Champion, Congress Top Tens, and many more.
Her NRHA Professional career began at the age of 18 under the guidance of 3X NRHA Futurity Champion Casey Deary for nearly 5 years. It continued alongside NRHA 4 Million Dollar Rider Craig Schmersal. During her time with both trainers, Kaci made the Open Finals at the NRBC, NRHA Derby, and NRHA Futurity - along with multiple Derby and Futurity wins and placings.
Since beginning Pond Hill Performance Horses, Kaci has had much success in the show pen. Her favorite part of the training process is probably the three year old year for its rewarding nature and the ability to see so much growth in these young horses. She also enjoys finding and picking out yearlings that will fit into the PHPH program.
JACK DANIELS
Originally from Rockhampton, Queensland Australia, Jack grew up training rope horses and cow horses. He soon made a name for himself in the reining industry in Australia training 2 yr olds and Futurity prospects as well as showing in Reining Australia events.
Jack first came to the U.S. at the age of 17 to compete in the National High School Rodeo Finals in both calf roping and team roping. He then returned to America to work for NRHA's #3 all-time money earner Craig Schmersal.
Jack has spent much time perfecting his 2 yr old program and prides himself on putting a complete, solid foundation on his horses. He enjoys the process of starting young horses and carrying them through all the way to the futurities.
Jack had a stellar show season in 2022, taking home over 11 Aged Event Championships, including winning the NRHA Derby Level One Open Derby, as well as 14 Aged Event Reserve Championships & Top Tens.
In 2023, Jack made the Level 4 Open Finals at both the NRHA Futurity and the NRBC.
Jack and Kaci met in 2018 while working together under NRHA Professional Craig Schmersal. They share a deep passion for horses and a love for the sport of reining. The couple were engaged in 2019 and married in 2021 and continue to work together each and every day towards their shared dreams.
In 2020, Jack and Kaci started Pond Hill Performance Horses. Working together is a privilege and a lifelong commitment. Having two top-level reining trainers at the helm, both equally committed to each other's success gives Pond Hill Performance Horses an edge when it comes to building a strong program.
As leaders of a strong team, Jack and Kaci and the entire PHPH crew work daily toward a shared vision. That vision is training and showing the highest level reining horses in the industry, providing unparalleled care to each horse, bringing their customers an outstanding experience in the sport of reining, and providing a future for the industry through their breeding program.