About Kenny Smith…

I was born, raised and have lived in Southwest Nebraska all my life.  Riding and training horses has been a big part of my life since childhood.  Being a 4-H leader for 20 some years and president and director for six years in the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association has enlightened my life tremendously.  My family and working with youth and horses have been my life’s greatest enjoyments.

Four years ago I was given the book “The Man Who Listens to Horses” written by Monty Roberts.  After reading it, realizing I had been using some of his methods, I became totally intrigued.  The following April I enrolled in Monty Roberts school at Flags Up Farms in California.  This was all it took to sell me on his no abuse method of starting and training horses.  I have since practiced and refined the techniques taught to us.  This method works – just ask me – I have many success stories I can share with you.

Kenny’s Methods…

I use the “Monty Roberts” theory of training.  “EQUUS”, the language of horses, is a unique and successful way of training.  I listen and read what the horse tells me, working with the horse to “learn” him, not force him.  You can’t teach a horse or person if they don’t want to learn. 

I begin my training with the “Join Up” in a round pen, which gets the horse to be my friend and totally trust me.  I then proceed to introduce the horse to saddle, bridle and rider with no trauma.  With voice commands and body positioning I will control the horse’s movements from the ground.  I have used this method to gentle weanling colts, start two year olds and older horses, and retrain problem horses.

Kenny’s Facilities…

The training facilities are comprised of an indoor barn with round pen and riding area, indoor and outdoor stalls, and an outdoor arena.  All are located in a ranch setting at Wauneta, Nebraska.