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.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2018 BEST OF THE WEST OPEN DERBY L1 CHAMPION, L2 RESERVE CHAMPION
2019 BUCKEYE L4 OPEN FUTURITY TOP 10
2019 ALL AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE CONGRESS L2 CHAMPION, L3 HIGHEST 1ST GO ROUND SCORE AND L4 FINALIST AND TOP 10
2019 NRHA FUTURITY L3&L2 OPEN FINALIST
2020 MID ATLANTIC REINING CLASSIC L4 & L4 STAKES RESERVE CHAMPION, L3 CHAMPION
2020 NRBC L4 OPEN FINALIST
2021 TAMARACK DEVELOPING HORSE OPEN FUTURITY L3 RESERVE CHAMPION, L4 3RD
2021 HIGH ROLLER REINING CLASSIC OPEN FUTURITY L4 6TH, L3 4TH
2021 SWRHA OPEN FUTURITY L4 6TH & 8TH, L3 4TH & 6TH, MARE DIVISION 1ST AND 2ND
2021 NRHA L4 OPEN FUTURITY FINALIST
2022 NARS L4 OPEN FUTURITY 4TH
2022 THE INVITATIONAL L4 OPEN FUTURITY 3RD
2022 SILVA L4 OPEN FUTURITY 4TH
2022 SWRHA L4 OPEN FUTURITY 4TH
2022 NRHA L4 OPEN FUTURITY FINALIST
2023 NRBC L4 & L3 OPEN DERBY FINALIST
2023 NRHA DERBY L4 & L3 OPEN FINALIST
2023 100X STAKES L3 OPEN 8TH
2023 CONGRESS L3 OPEN RESERVE CHAMPION
2023 NRHA OPEN FUTURITY L3 7TH
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.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2021 NRBC L1 OPEN DERBY FINALIST
2021 NRHA L1 OPEN DERBY FINALIST
2021 TRC L1 OPEN FUTURITY 3RD
2021 SWRHA L1 OPEN FUTURITY 3RD
2022 NRBC L1 OPEN DERBY FINALIST
2022 NRHA L1 OPEN DERBY CHAMPION
2022 APHA DERBY CHALLENGE L1 CHAMPION
2022 NARS L1 OPEN DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION
2022 TAMARACK DEVELOPING HORSE OPEN FUTURITY L1&L2 CHAMPION, L3 RESERVE CHAMPION
2022 ELEMENTA OPEN DERBY L1 CHAMPION
2022 HRRC WILD CARD L1 CHAMPION
2022 HRRC L1 OPEN DERBY CHAMPION
2022 HRRC L1 OPEN FUTURITY 3RD
2022 BEST OF THE WEST L1 OPEN DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION
2022 BEST OF THE WEST L1 OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION
2022 SWRHA L1 OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION, L2 & L3 RESERVE CHAMPION, L4 4TH
2022 NRHA OPEN FUTURITY L1 & L2 FINALIST
2023 NRBC OPEN DERBY L4 & L3 OPEN FINALIST
2023 NRHA DERBY L3 OPEN FINALIST
2023 NRHA OPEN FUTURITY L4 & L3 FINALIST
JACK DANIELS
Jack's passion for horseshoeing began as a teenager. After apprenticing for several accomplished farriers in Australia, he took a position as Head Farrier for Patinack Farms - the second largest racehorse training stable in Australia. Though his career turned to horse training, he has always held a love for shoeing.
Since coming to the United States, Jack has earned his credentials as a AAPF Certified Farrier. He spends any spare time studying and is working to soon complete his AFA Certification.
Jack pays particular attention to balance and conformation. He spends considerable time with each horse, ensuring that every horse is sound and comfortable. His shoeing philosophy is centered around leaving the horse as natural as possible, while applying mechanics to the shoe as needed for the individual. Since he sees the horses every day, he is able to determine the best possible plan for each horse. Jack plays a huge role in the soundness and longevity of our horses.