Rumors have been circulating in the horse industry, and Charlie Cole, a celebrated trainer with over 30 Congress and 23 AQHA World Championships, has confirmed his retirement from the show pen following the 2025 AQHA World Show. This decision comes after his longtime business partner, Jason Martin, retired in 2022, leaving many to wonder when Cole would follow suit.
The Early Spark for Horses
Cole’s lifelong passion for horses ignited when his sister, Tami, decided she wanted a horse. The family’s move to Anaheim Hills, California, exposed Charlie to the world of equine sports, where he initially found himself more interested in catching reptiles at the barn. However, a pivotal experience at boarding school around the age of twelve, where horses were integral to the program, solidified his love for these animals. By fourteen, he was showing his mother’s pleasure horse at the AQHA World Show, a moment that cemented his dream of excelling in western pleasure.
Dropping out of school at sixteen, Cole began working for renowned horseman Doug Lilly, followed by a stint with Tim Whitney, who specialized in trail and western riding horses. Whitney’s guidance was instrumental in Cole discovering his true calling in western riding and trail, adding variety and excitement to his focus on western horses.
The Genesis of Highpoint Performance Horses
The professional relationship between Charlie Cole and Jason Martin began as a friendly rivalry in the youth show circuit. This evolved into mutual respect and, eventually, a business partnership. Cole recalls meeting Martin in late 1986 when Martin purchased a horse Cole had intended to show. Their paths continued to cross at shows throughout Southern California, fueling a competitive spirit that pushed both trainers to excel.
A significant turning point came when Martin asked Cole to show his horses due to an appendectomy before a major California show. Cole’s success with Martin’s horses opened the door for collaboration. The official partnership, Highpoint Performance Horses, was formed in 1991, coinciding with the integration of English and Western events into a single show format. Cole, primarily focused on Western horses, and Martin, with a string of English horses, decided to combine their expertise to serve a broader range of clients.
The name “Highpoint Performance Horses” was conceived during a lunch with a longtime client, Harriet Yakatan. Seeking a name that reflected their ambition to reach the pinnacle of the industry, and considering their pursuit of high point titles, they settled on the name. Learn more about the steps to becoming a horse trainer.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
The journey to establishing Highpoint Performance Horses was not without its hurdles. Many of their early horses were those that had been overlooked or deemed not good enough by other programs. Cole was particularly driven to transform these “misfit” horses into champions, a process that demanded long hours, setbacks, and strategic adjustments. This experience taught him the inherent value in every horse, provided one is willing to uncover their potential.
Cole cherishes the memory of winning his first AQHA World Championship in Trail aboard Jett Set Spots. The horse, considered senior at five years old, required several years to find his niche, ultimately becoming an exceptional trail horse and a cornerstone of their early success.
Career Milestones and Reflections
While Cole admits his losses often stood out more than his wins, serving as powerful motivators, certain achievements hold a special place in his memory. Winning the Senior Western Pleasure at the AQHA World Show twice, in 2006 and 2007, with Majestic Scotch was a childhood dream realized. He also takes immense pride in his success with Ima Petite Classic in western riding. This horse, initially struggling with confidence, required years of dedicated effort before achieving a record-setting highest score in western riding in 2015. These moments, built on trust and a deep connection with his horses, have sustained his passion for the sport. Discover how to become a horse trainer with no experience.
Cole emphasizes the unpredictability of the show ring, noting that even with hard work and a talented horse, success is never guaranteed. The dedication of competitors, coupled with their horsepower, means there’s always a challenge. His long tenure in the industry has taught him the importance of continuous learning and improvement.
The Decision to Retire
The news of Jason Martin’s retirement in 2022 was initially a shock to Cole, marking the end of an era. This prompted Cole to reflect on his own future in the sport. He resonated with Martin’s sentiment that it’s often best to retire at the peak of one’s career.
Cole observes a shift in the industry, where the demand for peak performance is year-round, rather than concentrated at major year-end events like the Congress and AQHA World Show. This intensity, he feels, makes it more challenging to strategically prepare horses for sustained success. As a perfectionist deeply invested in his horses and clients, he finds the current demands of maintaining top performance throughout the year more taxing.
Proud of his and Martin’s accomplishments, Cole acknowledges he is not getting any younger. He feels the timing is right, with a strong show string entering his final competitions and the anticipation of showcasing in the new World Show arena. He sees this as an opportunity to conclude his showing career on his own terms, with respect for the animals and people who have been instrumental in his journey. Becoming a horse trainer has been a lifelong dream for many, and Cole’s dedication exemplifies this.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in the Horse World
Cole clarifies that his retirement from showing does not signify an end to his involvement in the horse world. He views this as a natural evolution of his passion. Starting in 2026, he plans to continue attending major shows as a coach and judge, shifting his focus from exhibiting. While he doesn’t rule out returning to the show pen in the future, it is no longer his primary goal.
Highpoint Performance Horses will continue its operations, with the breeding business remaining a significant focus for Cole. He intends to remain involved in the showing component of the business from a different perspective, supporting clients and horses. His commitment to the industry remains unwavering.
Cole expresses gratitude for the opportunity to live his childhood dream of riding and competing professionally. He finds joy in the late-night riding sessions that foster a deep connection with his horses, particularly in the lead-up to the World Show. He looks forward to competing at his best while cherishing the memories that have shaped his career.
Advice for Trainers and Owners
Cole’s most emphasized lesson is that horses are individuals, not machines. He urges trainers and owners to recognize and value each horse’s unique personality and potential. By treating horses as individuals rather than mere tools, one can discover their “sweet spot” and foster a fulfilling partnership. He reminds those in the industry to hold onto the initial spark of passion for horses, emphasizing that open-mindedness and a willingness to understand each horse will lead to greater fulfillment than any trophy can provide. Cole concludes that the unique bond shared with horses, who willingly work with us, is an unparalleled feeling in the world.
