Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
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Amanda VanKirk

Amanda VanKirk

Summary

Dynamic equine professional with extensive experience at VK Performance Horses, specializing in training program development and client relationship building. Proven ability to enhance horsemanship through effective communication and innovative training methods. Skilled in horse selection and rehabilitation, fostering growth and trust in both horses and riders.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Trainer

VK Performance Horses
03.2016 - 08.2025
  • Mentored new hires, resulting in stronger staff development and Provided one-on-one mentoring to help individuals reach their full potential.
  • Coached employees on best practices, providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of training by tracking for continuous improvement.
  • Facilitated workshops on advanced communication skills, significantly improving horsemanship.
  • Facilitated successful breeding programs by carefully selecting suitable stallions based on bloodlines, conformation, temperament, and performance accomplishments.
  • Oversaw training programs for both horses and riders, ensuring consistent progress towards goals.
  • Actively promoted the barn''s services through social media platforms, community outreach efforts, and networking with industry professionals.
  • Established long-lasting relationships with clients by consistently delivering exceptional care for their horses and maintaining open lines of communication.
  • Scheduled venue, prepared horses & clients for upcoming shows
  • Colt starting
  • Lessons/Coaching
  • Fitting up/ tuning up
  • Helping with daily care
  • Rehab care
  • Handling stallions
  • Assisting with vet

Assistant Horse Trainer

Santa Hill Ranch
10.2014 - 03.2016
  • Collaborated with fellow trainers to develop innovative teaching methods
  • Supported trainers in preparing and delivering high-quality performance horses
  • Conducted thorough evaluations of training sessions, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
  • Colt starting
  • Fitting up/ tuning up
  • Helping with daily care
  • Rehab care
  • Handling stallions
  • Assisting with vet

Assistant Trainer

Stoney Ford Ranch
04.2012 - 01.2014
  • Collaborated with fellow trainers to develop innovative teaching methods
  • Supported trainers in preparing and delivering high-quality performance horses
  • Conducted thorough evaluations of training sessions, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
  • Colt starting
  • Fitting up/ tuning up
  • Helping with daily care
  • Rehab care
  • Handling stallions
  • Assisting with vet

Trainer /Barn Manager

VK Performance Horses
01.2010 - 09.2012
  • Mentored new hires, resulting in stronger staff development and Provided one-on-one mentoring to help individuals reach their full potential.
  • Coached employees on best practices, providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of training by tracking for continuous improvement.
  • Facilitated workshops on advanced communication skills, significantly improving horsemanship.
  • Facilitated successful breeding programs by carefully selecting suitable stallions based on bloodlines, conformation, temperament, and performance accomplishments.
  • Oversaw training programs for both horses and riders, ensuring consistent progress towards goals.
  • Actively promoted the barn''s services through social media platforms, community outreach efforts, and networking with industry professionals.
  • Established long-lasting relationships with clients by consistently delivering exceptional care for their horses and maintaining open lines of communication.
  • Scheduled venue, prepared horses & clients for upcoming shows
  • Colt starting
  • Lessons/Coaching
  • Fitting up/ tuning up
  • Helping with daily care
  • Rehab care
  • Handling stallions
  • Assisting with vet

Assistant Trainer /Barn Manager

Dun Luck Stables
09.2008 - 06.2010
  • Filed, organized training schedules
  • Collaborated with fellow trainers to develop innovative teaching methods, fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth.
  • Stayed up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, incorporating new information into training materials as needed.
  • Scheduled venue, prepared horses & clients for upcoming shows
  • Colt starting
  • Lessons/Coaching
  • Fitting up/ tuning up
  • Helping with daily care
  • Rehab care
  • Handling stallions
  • Helping with vet

Stable Hand

Dana Point Farm
02.2008 - 03.2010
  • Maintained clean stables for optimal horse health and safety standards.
  • Maintained saddles, bridles, and riding gear and helped fit items to specific horses.
  • Monitored horse behavior closely, promptly addressing any issues or concerns to maintain their wellbeing.
  • Mixed and administered special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.
  • Daily care of mare & foals
  • Foal watch
  • Assisting with the vet
  • Grooming
  • Breeding prep

Stable Manager

ABA Stables / Recuse
05.2003 - 08.2009
  • Negotiated contracts with hay suppliers ensuring adequate provision of quality feed year-round while minimizing costs.
  • Maximized financial efficiency by accurately managing budgets, inventory, and expenses related to stable operations.
  • Improved overall stable operations by implementing efficient management strategies and scheduling systems.
  • Provided personalized riding lessons emphasizing rider safety while fostering growth in skills across various disciplines.
  • Working with Rescue horses to gain trust an rebuild confidence
  • Setting up proper diets to improve on weight gain an over all health of the horse
  • Over seeing daily care
  • Handling all Rehabilitation needs
  • Working with Vet to ensure of all health
  • Finding suitable life long homes

Skills

  • Groundwork training
  • Training program development
  • Horse selection
  • Equine behavior
  • Training preparation
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Client relationship building
  • Show preparation
  • Temperament evaluation
  • Clear verbal communication
  • Equine care

Timeline

Trainer

VK Performance Horses
03.2016 - 08.2025

Assistant Horse Trainer

Santa Hill Ranch
10.2014 - 03.2016

Assistant Trainer

Stoney Ford Ranch
04.2012 - 01.2014

Trainer /Barn Manager

VK Performance Horses
01.2010 - 09.2012

Assistant Trainer /Barn Manager

Dun Luck Stables
09.2008 - 06.2010

Stable Hand

Dana Point Farm
02.2008 - 03.2010

Stable Manager

ABA Stables / Recuse
05.2003 - 08.2009

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Amanda VanKirk