Rock Creek Reining
Jackson grew up in Rockland, Idaho in a ranching family. His Dad still runs the family ranch and runs around 30 broodmares. Porath Quarter Horses sends about 15 colts to the Van Norman and Friends sale in Nevada every September. Jackson’s training career started at a very early age. He spent 2 years working for Charlie Van Norman in Elko, Nevada breaking colts and doing typical ranch work. He then went to work for Brian Neubert again starting colts. These two men were not only great personal mentors to Jackson, but also provided a strong foundation for his colt breaking skills. He worked a short while for Smokey Pritchett before working for Dave & Lorene Zimmerman for a year. At this time Jackson knew he wanted to learn more about how to train Reining Horses. He was looking for an opportunity to work under a trainer and learn the reining business. He chose to spend some time with Bonnie Becker, then located at King Equestrian Center, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Jackson learned a lot under Bonnie’s guidance. Bonnie returned to Canada and Jason Richards was his next instructor. He worked a short time for Jason and then went to work for 2 million dollar trainer Craig Schmersal. Jackson was with Craig & Ginger Schmersal for 2 ½ years. During this time Jackson learned how to finish 3 year olds from one of the best trainer/showman in the world. When Schmersals moved their operation to Oklahoma Jackson chose to come back to Idaho. Jackson is focused on Futurity & Derby horses and has a tremendous great rookie and Non-Pro riders. Now an accomplished trainer himself, he is an NRHA Open Futurity and Derby Finalist.