Ken McNabb Certified Master Trainers
Teaching brings me immense joy, especially when I see individuals learn, grow, and transform their lives through horsemanship. My apprenticeship program is designed to help you pursue your dreams and make them meaningful.
The certification consists of three levels: Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master. Students take on everything from riding and theory tests on topics like collected stops, flying lead changes, lateral movements, smooth transitions, spins, and side-passing, to other classroom-style skills like horse psychology, conformation, hoof care, saddle fit, and even basic veterinary care. They receive a well-rounded education that covers all the bases.
At the Journeyman Level, students face the challenge of starting an unbroke colt, applying their training in real-world scenarios. By the end, they gain the skills needed for a career in horsemanship, developing a deeper understanding of horses.
To earn the Ken McNabb Master Trainer Certification, students complete over 30 clinic days with me, including written tests, riding assessments, and teaching alongside me. This hands-on experience covers various horsemanship skills, from groundwork to building confidence on trails and in arenas. Students learn to read horse body language, understand softness and flexion, and communicate effectively with their horses, fostering true partnerships.
Many of my Master Certified students have gone on to teach, train, host clinics, and even start successful ranching businesses. It’s inspiring to see how they’ve used their skills to enhance their relationships with horses, both professionally and personally.
Watching these students grow is a privilege. This program is about more than just skills; it’s about creating a rewarding life with horses.
~ Ken McNabb
Kacey and Justine Chandler
Durango, CO
Hello there! We are Kacey and Justine Chandler, located near Durango, Colorado, and we offer a variety of services. We love training horses at any level—from colt starting to show pen preparation, ranch work, and roping. Justine has three years of collegiate experience showing in ranch versatility. We both have backgrounds in colt starting and team roping, and we were raised on ranches. We are also proud to be Master Certified Trainers under Ken McNabb. In addition to training, we offer equine dentistry and are willing and able to travel. We would love the opportunity to train and care for your horses!
Phone: (970) 759-4100
Email: chandlerhorsemanship@gmail.com
Dan Cantrell
Decatur, IL and Custer, SD
I have had the opportunity to work with a lot of different horses in the past fifteen years. I enjoy training horses and trail riding with my wife Nikki, family and friends. Along this journey I have come across a lot of great horsemen that I’m very fortunate to have ridden with at a variety of clinics and trail rides. Along this journey I’m very fortunate to have met Ken McNabb, family, and participants. I have achieved my Masters Certified Trainer certification in 2023-2024 through Ken’s program. I enjoy riding great horses and training confident young horses. I have a few horses for sale from time to time. The horses I train must be able to move off of leg pressure to achieve lateral movement, move forward, backwards, stop on hind quarters, and turnarounds.
Email: dancantrell@themicarcompany.com
Find Me On: Facebook
Matney Cook
Edmonds, WA
After a childhood of horse 4-H and coaching from my first mentor, my mother Terri Cook, I was among the first of Ken’s Certified Master trainers in 2006. Since then, I’ve been training, instructing and continuing my education all around the Pacific Northwest. I’ve added therapeutic horsemanship certifications to my credentials with Human Equine Alliances for Learning and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and studied Centered Riding for over a decade. This is how I’ve created my unique blend of Natural Horsemanship and Equine Facilitated Learning I call Hoofbeat Attunement. I offer lessons, training, workshops, clinics and consultation and I primarily work remotely, traveling as far as an hour from my home location.
Phone: (360) 420-5520
Email: hoofbeatattunement@gmail.com
Website: hoofbeatattunement.com
Find Me On : Facebook
Lisa Gentile
Plymouth, MA
I am a Ken McNabb Master Certified Trainer and I have been working with horses for over 20 years now. Since I was little, I always wanted to train horses. I started working with two John Lyons certified trainers when I was a teenager through 4-H, and they both taught me so much. I got the opportunity to travel with them to Wyoming and that’s how I met Ken McNabb and his family. We attended a 5-day working cow clinic and that’s when I knew I was hooked! I went back out to Wyoming to attend his three-week certification program and then again to work for the McNabb’s for quite a few years. I had the opportunity to travel, teach clinics, work expos, and learn about ranching and cattle. The best part was training horses for our Annual Diamond-McNabb Horse Sale. The opportunities were endless and I am forever grateful. It really molded me as a trainer and the person I am today. I returned back to Massachusetts where I started my own business, Lisa Gentile Horsemanship. I travel all over Massachusetts, teaching and helping others connect and train their own horses. I teach a lot of private clinics as well. I take in about 2-3 horses a year for training and the past few years I have been training and selling my own horses. I have been so blessed to make my passion my job. Being able to share my knowledge with others and help better their horses and horsemanship is a dream come true!
Phone: (508) 649-0756
Email: LMG.horsemanship@gmail.com
Danielle Seybert
Dodgeville, WI
I grew up riding, and discovered a passion for training in my early teen years. Beginning with multiple day clinics from masters such as John Lyons, I have spent years developing skills in colt starting, western performance, problem solving, and teaching. I am now a John and Josh Lyons Certified and Accredited Trainer, as well as a Ken McNabb Master Certified Trainer. i do offer limited horse training openings, but primarily focus on clinics and private instruction to help riders achieve their goals with their horses.
Phone: (608) 513-6783
Email: horsegirl4christ@gmail.com
Find Me On: Facebook
Jesse Goines
Southern Illinois
Jesse Goines has been in the horse industry for 30+ years. Seven years ago, his daughter began rodeo, causing him to want to become a better horseman/student of the horse. Over the last several years, he has worked with many renowned horsemen. In that journey he crossed paths with Ken McNabb at a 3-day horsemanship clinic in the fall of 2023. He then went on to complete a 3-week certification in the summer of 2024 with Ken, earning his Master Trainer Certification. Today, he is offering colt starting, horse training, tune ups, and lessons for all ages.
Phone: (618) 771-7269
Email: brokengranch@ymail.com
Find Me On: Facebook
Clara Graber
White Pigeon, MI
My name is Clara Graber. I have been training for 10 years now. I offer lessons, clinics, and training. I specialize in colt starting, extreme trail, liberty, and training towards ranch classes.
Phone: (231) 598-0545
Email: clarahorsetrainer@gmail.com
Find Me On: Facebook
Cora Santor
Glendo, WY
I grew up serving and riding at an equine therapy barn as a little girl. My love for horses and training has only grown. I received my Master Certification with Ken McNabb in 2019 and have been training horses full time ever since. I have trained and ridden 5-6 horses each year for the Diamond McNabb Sale for the last four years. With my background in training therapy horses I am driven to create safe, broke horses, that know how to travel and use their bodies correctly. I halter break, colt start, and offer lessons.
Phone: (706) 244-3462
Email: corasantor@gmail.com
Matthew & Elin Pitts
Olmstead, KY
We’re Matthew and Elin Pitts, the owners and trainers at Melmsgard Performance Horses & Training, LLC. Horses have always been a part of our lives, and after Matthew retired from the U.S. Army, we decided to turn our lifelong passion into a full-time career. For us, training horses isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life.
We believe strongly in continuing our education and doing right by both the horse and the rider. We’re Master Certified Trainers through Ken McNabb, as well as Accredited and Certified Trainers through Josh Lyons with Lyons Legacy. Our goal is to help build confident, capable horses while supporting riders every step of the way.
Melmsgard is located on a 20-acre farm in Olmstead, Kentucky, just 20 minutes from Clarksville, TN, Springfield, TN, and Russellville, KY. Our farm includes an 18-stall barn with an indoor and outdoor arena.
We offer a variety of programs, including horses in training, colt starting, haul-in lessons, and riding lessons for both kids and adults. Throughout the year, we also host clinics, camps, and workshops.
On September 19th, 2026, we’re excited to host our first Equine Expo at the farm. This event is created to bring our local equine community together to learn, connect, and celebrate our shared love of horses.
Phone: (931) 220-2307
Email: melmsgard@gmail.com
Find Me On: Facebook
Michelle Jerry
Deer River, MN
Michelle Jerry is a Ken McNabb Master Trainer dedicated to building confident horses and confident riders through clear communication, trust, and solid foundations. She trained extensively under Ken McNabb and applies those principles with a strong belief that every horse is an individual teacher.
Based at Heart & Hooves Arena in Deer River, Minnesota, Michelle serves riders throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and surrounding areas. She has studied the techniques of great horsemen and thoughtfully applies proven methods within the Ken McNabb Horsemanship foundation to help her students succeed.
Known for her encouraging and supportive teaching style, Michelle truly understands her students and the challenges they face. She meets riders where they are, builds confidence step by step, and is committed to creating a welcoming, supportive horsemanship community wherever the Heart & Hooves name is present.
Phone: (218) 244-2328
Email: hearthooveshorsemanship@yahoo.com
Find Me On: Facebook Facebook Group YouTube Instagram TikTok
Casey Jedrzejewski
Burgettstown, PA | Cody, WY
Casey Jedrzejewski grew up riding and competing across a wide range of disciplines, developing a well-rounded foundation both in and out of the show pen. Her background includes experience in jumping, ranch riding, reining, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and cutting, giving her a deep understanding of horses in multiple performance settings.
Casey began her professional training journey in 2016 when she completed her master certification program. Her program has continued to grow through hands-on experience and mentorship under respected horsemen such as Josh Lyons, Craig Johnson, Gary Cooper Performance Horses, Tony Jackson, and many others. These opportunities helped shape her thoughtful, horse-first approach to training.
Based in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania at Circle J Stables owned by Celene Skoff, a Master Ken McNabb Trainer and in Cody, Wyoming at Stamina Plus, Casey offers lessons and clinics for riders of all experience levels and goals.
While she enjoys teaching, her true passion lies in colt starting and developing young horses building confident foundations and preparing them for successful careers in the show ring.
Cody WY (summer) | Burgettstown PA (winter)
Heather Pennington
Pearisburg, VA
I have had a passion for horses since I was a little girl. I’ve always been fascinated by the
relationship that can be built with a horse and everything they are willing to give when trust
is present.
I stepped away from horses for a time while raising my family and returned to them about
15 years ago with a renewed purpose. Since then, I have been an eager student of the
horse, seeking to learn as much as I possibly could. I attended and watched every clinician
available to me, taking something valuable from each experience. However, it was Ken that
resonated with me the most. I was fortunate to attend a three-week clinic with Ken a few
years ago and again in 2025, where I gained even more knowledge and proved incredibly
beneficial to my horsemanship.
Last year, I also attended a clinic with Stacy Westfall to further develop my knowledge of
reining techniques and horsemanship.I began showing in reining last year and have truly enjoyed the sport and what it has taught
me and my horses. My goal is to help horses learn through clarity, timing, and
understanding. My true passions lie in helping riders achieve their own personal goals with
their horses and in developing horses to be reliable, willing partners . I believe reining
develops a well-rounded horse by emphasizing softness, responsiveness, and overall body
control.
Currently, I am not accepting outside clients, as I am preserving my non-pro card for the
2026 show season. However, I hope to begin taking outside clients and offering clinics in
the fall of 2026. Please check back for updates or contact me below.
Phone: 540-922-3738 (call or text)
Celene Skoff
Burgettstown, PA
Celene Skoff began her horsemanship journey in 2013, pursuing advanced training through the Ken McNabb Certification Program, where she earned her Apprentice, Journeyman, and ultimately Master Trainer Certification. During her training, she spent six months living and working in Wyoming, gaining extensive experience riding diverse horses, performing ranch and cattle work, and participating in the Diamond-McNabb Horse Sale.
Celene now owns and operates Circle J Stables, a western horseback riding lesson and training facility where she teaches (with her sister Casey Jedrzejewski) riders of all ages and manages both a middle school and high school show team that competes in ranch and reining events. She also continues to refine her skills by learning from respected professionals including Ken McNabb, Josh Lyons, Michael Lyons, and Craig Johnson.
Her training philosophy centers on patience, feel, and understanding the horse’s movement and mindset. Celene is passionate about helping riders build confidence, improve communication with their horses, and develop strong, lasting partnerships both in and out of the saddle.
Phone: 610-755-5636 (call/text)
Nicole Mitchell
Lovell, WY
Hi there! I’m Nicole Mitchell.
I grew up riding in North Carolina, where I began teaching beginner riding lessons and taking on the occasional training horse. This deepened my love for teaching and training which guided me to my next phase of life.
Wanting to improve my horsemanship, I accepted an internship with Ken McNabb Horsemanship in Lovell, Wyoming. During that time, I learned an incredible amount and, in the summer of 2024, I earned my Master Certification. Although, I originally planned to stay for just a year, I quickly realized this is where I’m meant to be!
I currently work on Ken’s ranch, training horses for the annual Diamond-McNabb Ranch Horse Sale, as well as, assisting with clinics, expos, and other events throughout the year.
I look forward to meeting you at one of Ken’s upcoming events! In the meantime, please, follow me on Facebook or Instagram for sneak peeks of my sale horses and updates from the ranch!
Phone: 336-608-2382
EMAIL: mitchelln34@yahoo.com
Anna Frieden
New Boston, IL
My name is Anna Frieden and became Master Certified with Ken McNabb in 2023 and have been training horses for the Diamond McNabb Ranch Horse Program for three years. I grew up riding with my family on our farm in New Boston, Illinois where we have a commercial cow/calf operation and raise Quarter Horses. From there, I offer colt starting, training, instructing and boarding services. I deeply value horses that are gentle-minded and family friendly, and I strive to instill those qualities into the horses raise as well as every horse I work with. With me, horses will receive lots of exposure to farm traffic, cattle, dogs, and more. I love to see horses become, confident, competent, and willing individuals that are well-prepared to continue their riding careers with their owners.
Phone: 523-260-5707
EMAIL: akfrieden@gmail.com (Preferred)