2009 Horse Affairs Trainer Challenge
Special Thanks to our Judges and Competitors - we had another great Trainer's Challenge!
Read Article about the Trainer's Challenge.
Meet Our 2009 Trainer Challenge Competitors
Jarom Purnell
Tyrell Zufelt
Abby Haas
Kole Spaulding 
Congratulations to Tyrell Zufelt!
2009 Trainer Challenge Winner
Born and raised in Durango Colorado till I was 18 I than moved with my parents to Kuna Idaho.
In Leadore Idaho, I found a job as a cowboy and ranch hand where I stayed about a year. Moved to Harrison Montana and cowboy'd up there for another year and half. Later on I moved to Harper Oregon to train horses full time, but continued day ranch work for a few ranches.
Eagle Idaho is currently my home. When I am not riding and training, I work at an Equine Veterinary Clinic.
The horse that Ty drew is Tequila N Paradise - "Tequila" a Bay & White Tobiano Colt. Check him out at:
Tequila N Paradise
Update on Tequila from Ty Zufelt - Tequila Sold during Horse Affairs and was the highest selling horse! Congratulations to his new owners!
Tequila is doing very good. He has never offered to buck from the first time he was saddled. Very good mind and willing to please. Tequila is being started in the bosal ( hackamore) and doing very well. Has a nice little stop just off your seat, moves off your leg really nice, backs, spins a little and side passes.
Very easy going I would not have a problem putting my ten year old nephew on him. He is on his way to being hobble broke witch is rare any more. Tequila is definitely not afraid of a rope. He has had the rope swung and thrown off of him and has drug logs or what ever i can find along the trail. I think this horse would make one heck of a cow pony, but could go any direction! This horse has seen a lot more outside riding than in the arena. Thanks Ty.
Back to Top
Abby Haas - 2nd Place

My name is Abby Haas. I'm originally from Union Grove, Wisconsin and have lived in Boise for the past two years.
I got my first horse at the age of thirteen, and have worked around horses ever since.
Training horses is a dream come true for me and this challenge is an exciting experience I'm looking forward to immensely.
I am currently working with Jeff Spencer at Spencer Training, Inc. in Eagle, Idaho.
I've already learned so much from Jeff and hope to learn more from him as I work and train in the future.
I treat each horse as an individual; each one has it's own personality and a unique set of skills that can be fine tuned and polished until they shine.
I've taken to heart Jeff Spencer's training motto of "Where you release is what you teach" as one of the most important fundamentals in horsemanship, whether riding a green colt, or finished horse.
The horse that Abby drew is HV Silver Wood - "Silver" is a Buttermilk Buckskin Filly. Check her out at:
HV Silver Wood
Update on Silver from Abby Haas - Silver is still available for purchase, for more information contact
Hidden Valley Paints
I've been working with Silver and have been pleased with her progress; mastering the basic maneuvers that every colt should know, getting her soft and supple, and setting a good foundation for later work in the challenge. The weather wasn't very cooperative for a few weeks, but now with the sunshine starting to peek through, anything seems possible.
Back to Top
Jarom Purnell - 3rd Place

From the rolling foothills of Southern Alberta, I have made my way through thick and thin to arrive here, to the Treasure Valley.
My name is Jarom Purnell, and I train horses professionally while studying at Boise State University, in the accounting program.
Horses have always been a passion of mine. At the age of eight my extended family purchased a cattle ranch in Northern Montana, where I had my introduction to these magnificent creatures that I now call friends. I lived north of the Canadian border but only fifteen minutes drive from the ranch in Montana, where I found myself during most of my spare time.
At twelve years of age, I saved my hard earned dollars to purchase my first horse. Twisters Tic-Tac was his name and, being a two-year-old, became my first training challenge. My great Uncle Woodrow was a professional horse trainer in Cardston, and was kind enough to be my mentor in the training process. I have been successfully training horses since then.
Horse training, for me, is more of a language that horseman and horse create together, which varies with each horse and horseman combination. I use a method comprised of multiple methods I have learned throughout my years of training. I specialize in problem horses and first timers. Recently, I have been working with wild horses that have had little to no contact with humans, and the results have been astounding. Contact Information: ph 208 230 1697 email
chevalierennuit@hotmail.com
The horse that Jarom drew is Zipn To Kahlua - "Kahlua" a Grulla & White Tobiano Filly. Check her out at:
Zipn To Kahlua
Update on Kahlua from Jarom Purnell - Kahlua Sold during Horse Affairs! Congratulations to her new owners!
Kahlua is a very willing minded horse. It has been my pleasure to work with her these past weeks. Her pleasing attitude has substantially aided in her accelerated development both in mind and physical ability. She loves to go on trail rides and see the great outdoors. She is excellent in the arena and in her reining patterns. Kahlua enjoys human company and has a great personality. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Horse Affairs. Thank you, Jarom Purnell of JP Training
Back to Top
Kole Spaulding - 4th Place

My name is Kole Spaulding. I am 22 and live in Nampa. I grew up in Mountain Home and was raised riding horses. At age eleven I started helping my dad to train horses. In August 2002 I started riding for Dee Craig out of Star. Between my dad and Dee I have had two great mentors. They are both very good horsemen and have helped me develope my abilities as a horse trainer. I have learned from them how to work with a horse and not against it. Also that horses are not just a piece of machinery like a motorcycle, or a tractor, but that they are a living creatures; They can feel, think, get upset, and are very responsive. Learning patients from riding horses has helped in other aspects of my life also. When I wasn't wrestling or playing football, through junior high and high school, I was doing something on horseback. I was either starting my parents's colts or other peoples and was roping, branding, hunting, doing mounted shooting, or reined cowhorse. I am currently attending college at Boise State pursining a career as a Doctor. I am married to my high school sweatheart, Paula. She keeps me in line and is the love of my life. Currently I am starting colts for Dee Craig to pay my way through college. I love my Job; there is nothing I would rather do. Though I do not plan on making a career training horses, I still plan on being involved with them throughout my life. I want to be able to raise my kids around horses so they might be able to be as privileged as I am to have these magnificent animals in their life. I also enjoy hunting, fishing, snowboarding and sports.
The horse that Kole drew is Malibu Skip - "Malibu" a Sorrel Tob/Overo Colt. Check him out at:
Malibu Skip
Update on Malibu from Kole Spaulding - Mailbu is still available for sale, for more information, contact
Hidden Valley Paints
Malibu is progressing well. He is a very kind horse; he has the disposition of a house pet. On top of that he is wanting to use his hind and develop a lot of stop. He is getting more fluid in his front end and building more confidence in his turn arounds. He moves around the pen very nicely and is good to ride outside. His disposition and attitude make him not only very trainable, but also very fun to ride. He is going to make someone a very nice all around horse.
Back to Top
Trainer Challenge Rules
For this unique challenge, the trainers will each be given six-weeks to take a pre-selected two year old horse, work with and then exhibit the horse in a three-day competition during the 2009 Horse Affairs. During the competition each horse will be judged on:
- conditioning and groundwork
- compete over a suitable for age "Trail Course" that will demonstrate the horse's ability to do various maneuvers and handle obstacles found in trail and recreational riding situations
- English or Western flat work
- freestyle presentation that highlights the horse's best abilities
Judging will take place over the three days and each day there will be two different sets of judges.
Trainers applying for consideration in this challenge event must be over 18 years old and provide evidence of successfully gentling/training horses by using least resistance English or Western training methods (natural horsemanship techniques). They must complete an application describing his/her actual training experience over the past years, provide information and a photo or video of where the horse will be housed during the training period and at least two references from non-related individuals knowledgeable about the trainer's methods/expertise.
Horses for this event are being provided by
Hidden Valley Ranch Paint Horses of Boise. All five horses were born in 2007 and have received the same basic handling. They are halter trained, have trailering experience and had spent four days at the Idaho Western Fair being exposed to the public. To preview some of these horses check:
www.hiddenvalleypaints.com.
Questions? Call the event office at 208-362-4343.