|
|
King Performance Horses is a family owned and operated family business owned and operated business run by Joe and Donna King, and their daughter Joline King-Pebley. King Performance Horses has been helping riders and horses for more than 50 years! It all started with Donna, growing up with a love of horses and riding. She trained with legendary horse trainer, Jack Baker, and began training horses at the age of 13. She later met Joe King shortly after he completed serving his country in the Marine Corps. Joe and Donna trained together with Jack Baker and later with Mack Lynn. They decided to marry and train horses together professionally. They worked together on ranches in California, Idaho and Washington before settling in California where their business remains today. During the past 50 years, it would be nearly impossible to describe all the outstanding students and champion horses that have benefited from their dedication to teaching and training. From their own achievements at riders to their accomplishments as judges, their legacy continues through their daughter, Joline King-Pebley, and granddaughter Kailey. King Performance Horses is located in Whittier Marrows Equestrian Center. Visit the Location page for more information. |
I started my riding after my hitch in the Marine Corps. By the time I was twenty, my wife and I were showing horses in many disciplines. Together we produced champions in trail, western pleasure, equitation, reining, working cowhorse, cutting, hunters and hunt seat equitation. We have had many youth/non-pro riders in our years of training who have earned many championships in the PCHA (Pacific Coast Horse Show Association). Our daughter, Joline, is our partner in the training business. She also has many championships to her credit, and is a very qualified teacher and equestrian judge (see her bio below). If anyone wishes to learn about horses or riding, no one trainer can match our years of experience or ability! A lady was watching me ride a long time ago and said, "Boy, you are lucky to have a horse that good to ride," and I replied, "Yes, and the more I train him the luckier I get." |
My love of horses goes back as far as I can remember. I had the privilege of training under Jack Baker, and began showing horses at the age of 13. At the age of 16, I began my career of riding stock horses and at 19 I turned professional. I became a carded judge with the American Horse Show Association in 1972. Currently I am honored to be a carded judge in the NRHA (National Reining Horse Association), USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association), ABRA (American Buckskin Registry Association), and POA (Ponies of America) as well as the ETI (Equestrian Trails, Inc.). I have enjoyed conducting riding clinics in Hawaii, judged metal finals in Inglewood, California; Santa Barbara Nationals; and the Bishop County Fair. At our stables, King Performance Horses, I enjoy coaching all types of riders at varied skill levels, from beginners to National champions! In my "spare" time, I have been able to experience horseback riding in such exciting places as France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and Africa. |
My parents Joe and Donna King have been in the horse business for over 50 years, so you could say I was "born" into the horseshow world. Ever since I was five years old I knew I wanted to be a horse trainer. As a youth rider I successfully showed all over California and Arizona in equitation, stock horse, trail and stock seat medal classes. I attended college at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California where I enjoyed playing basketball. From my athletic experiences in organized sports I learned many valuable lessons that I still incorporate into my training and coaching today. After college I continued my passion for horses when I started training and specializing in reining. Since then, I have coached countless horses and riders to championships. One of my favorite things to do is match up a rider with a great horse and, I believe, this is one of the key elements to my success. If I'm not riding or teaching someone to ride, I am judging a horse show. I have my judges card for the IBA (International Buckskin Association), ETI, USEF and POA. I have also given clinics in Hawaii and throughout California. I am privileged to serve as a board member for the PCHA, committee member of the USEF Western Committee, and vice president of the California Reining Horse Association. |