Practice makes perfect: Trainer readies horses for show

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Waller County horse trainer Jay Jordan puts "Serious Tarzan" through a training drill at his ranch near Hempstead. Jordan also takes his training skills on the road, and shows horses in competitions in Texas as well as other states. At his Waller County facility, Jordan also breeds horses. -- Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

May 27, 2004 -- Jay Jordan hasn't strayed far from his roots. Reared on a ranch in Northeast Texas with cattle and horses, he is now the owner and horse trainer for Jay Jordan Show Horses in Waller County.

After working with another trainer in the area for a number of years, he said he decided to "go out on his own," and it has been a good decision for him and his family.

Jordan trains horses from as far away as Arizona and Florida, and shows them in Open Class competitions requiring a professional rider. Owners are allowed to show their horses in the amateur and youth shows.

Along with training horses, Jordan works as a horse breeder with Quarter Horses and Paints. He said he has had good luck breeding and showing each.

Jordan noted he really enjoys taking a new horse and training it all the way to a successful show horse.

He houses around 80 horses, and has approximately 40 in training at all times. In a "normal" year, there are 20 new foals born at his Waller County facility.

While he enjoys all aspects of his business, he said the hardest part is leaving his wife and two children when he has to travel to shows and they aren't able to accompany him.

But the hard work and travel pays off for Jordan. Last year, he earned two World Champion awards and one Reserve Champion in Open shows.