How old were you when you started riding?

I was 10 years old working as a neighborhood paper boy in Orange County, California.  My first horse was Thunderbritches.  I literally delivered the newspapers by horseback!  It ended up getting some media attention.

When did you start riding reiners?

I started riding them in 1982 with Monty Nicholidus.  I was still in high school, but I got to help him ride two year olds, and got bit by the reining bug.

What made you interested in reining?

I was fascinated by the physical ability of the horse, and reining displayed that ability like no other sport I knew.  I love the intensity and precision of reining.

Who did you start training with?

I began training and working for Matt Lanz in Michigan in 1985.   I worked for him for 2 years.  Matt got me hooked up with Tim McQuay back when Tim was in Minnesota.  I  moved to Texas with him.  Then came Hollywood Dunnit.  I was sort of a cross between his breeding manager, and a two year old loper.   I even got to lope Dunnit….  Back then breeding was all live cover.  I would get up early and breed him at 6am 9, 1,2 3, and 6 and sometimes one last time at 10 pm !

I came back to the East Coast and worked with Matt for another year and then for Kim Sloan.  I started Arballo Reining Horses on my own then formed a partnership with Dave Silva from 1999-06.  I thought I wanted to be back in Texas, but something always calls me back East. 

What were some of your favorite horses?

Chic Magnetic was my all time favorite. We made the Open Futurity finals in 04.   I also really got a kick out of Isle Bea  Dunnit, my Novice Open World Champion. Chasing 80 was a great horse.  I begged Tim not to sell him, but Charlie Wiederholt bought him and went on to be the reserve champion of the NonPro Futurity. What a cool horse.

What are some of  your favorite memories?

Well, in 1996 I won two World Titles in one year.  Being an Open Futurity and Derby finalist were also a big accomplishments.  But my favorite things are coaching youth and non Pros to World Championship Titles.  I enjoy seeing hard work pay off both in and out of the show pen. I enjoy watching the excitement and the progression of learning in my customers… and most of all, I enjoy busy weekends with an arena full of clients.  We have so much fun.  I hope you’ll come join us!