Trainers

Congratulations to the 2025 Young Guns Trainers

The Ranch and Horse Expo have selected 5 trainers and 1 alternate for the 2025 Young Guns Competition. Please meet this year's competitors.

Amy Nelson- Merry Legs Equine

Originally raised on a cattle farm in Central Alberta, I now reside Canmore, Alberta, where there are plenty of opportunities to raise and train the perfect mountain horse. With a focus on horsemanship and relationship with the horse, I has been successful in helping people get back on track with their young horses. I love to travel throughout North America and Europe to expand my knowledge by seeking out other like minded trainers; swapping ideas and training tips, then meshing them into my own program. I am an active member of the Bow Valley Riding Association and Trail Riding Alberta Conference.
Facebook - Amy Nelson Canmore
Instagram - merrylegsequineservices
TikTok - Merrylegs Equine Training AmyN
www.mypunchy.com

Jason Skoog- Foundations Professional Equine

Jay Skoog is a horse trainer, farrier, and CHA-certified coach based east of Warner, Alberta, where he lives with his wife Amber and their two children, Ty and Alora. Raised on the very farm they now call home, his early years were full of speed, adventure, and a love for riding—though his true journey into horsemanship began after meeting Amber and her horse-savvy family. Since starting his first horse in 2004, he’s developed a deep passion for thoughtful training, specializing in restarts, problem-solving, and helping horses grow into trusted partners. In 2019, he and Amber began offering equine-assisted learning and coaching, blending horsemanship, riding skills, and personal growth.
Facebook- FoundationsProEq
Instagram- foundationsproeq
TikTok- Foundationsproeq
YouTube: FoundationsProEq
www.foundationsproeq.com

Craig Block- Silver Ridge Horses

I grew up in southwest Saskatchewan and was raised around horses. At 15, I broke my first horse and from that moment, I realized that horse training was my life’s passion. The reason I train horse’s, is because of my desire for giving horses a purpose and opportunities for a great life. I love taking a horse that needs a second chance, and bringing them into a relationship of mutual trust and respect.
My wife and I started our business, “Silver Ridge Horses” two years ago. Our goal is to train horses with a firm foundation of trust and to give them experiences that set them up for success in any discipline. I strive to meet each horse where they’re at, learn their language, as well as form an amazing bond between horse and rider.
Facebook- Silver Ridge Horses
Instagram-Silver Ridge Horses
https://craigablock.wixsite.com/silverridgehorses

Shelby Tosh

Growing up in BC, Shelby discovered her passion for horses at age 9, and riding quickly became a central part of her life. Fueled by a commitment to continuous learning she dedicates herself to being a life-long student of the horse, regularly refining her riding, horsemanship, and training skills. She approaches horsemanship and training with a well-rounded philosophy, focusing not only on the technical aspects of riding but on building relationships. Based on her South Okanagan farm, she runs a program emphasizing the importance of understanding the horse's psychology and biomechanics. Her journey is a testament to the power of dreams, perseverance, and true partnership between horse and rider.

Facebook- SoniumHorsemanship
Instagram-SoniumHorsemanship
https://www.soniumhorsemanship.ca/

Braden Bernier- Bernier Equine Services

Braden and his wife Kelsie own a ranch in Saskatchewan, where he trains horses and provides various equine services. He took a job starting colts for a well-respected trainer at 15, he then started riding outside horses. Braden rode community pasture, started colts, attended horseshoeing school and achieved his Bachelor of Education.
Having horses interwoven into his life instilled an unwavering passion to help horses find their greatest success. His focus when working with horses is to ensure horses can take on any task at their best. Getting one confident and willing to demonstrate “try” is Braden’s main goal with the horse. He believes the horse needs to be allowed to search to find the right answer in their own way and find their release in the effort. Braden takes pride in giving horses a skill set for a productive future no matter their discipline.

Facebook- BernierEquineServices
Instagram-BernierEquineServices

Matt Kitchen- Rocking K Ranch -Alternate

In Beaverdell, BC, Matt and his wife raise their two children while ranching and offering custom cattle services. Matt's keen interest in holistic management guides his approach for the land and animals. His horsemanship, influenced by mentors, clinicians, and a commitment to lifelong learning, has organically expanded his horse business through word-of-mouth, driven by his ability to establish a strong foundation in horses by moving them beyond the arena into a practical working situations. He has begun breeding his good ranch mares on popular cow horse studs and is looking forward to growing them alongside his business.

Facebook- Matt Kitchen
Instagram- RockingKRanch