When you look at a truly well-broke horse, you see more than just training; you see a partnership built on a solid foundation. In the world of modern horsemanship, few understand this better than Clint Davis, a horse trainer whose name is synonymous with versatile, athletic, and willing equine partners. Operating from the historic, sixth-generation Davis Ranch in northern Utah, Clint Davis isn’t just training horses for the show pen—he’s continuing a family legacy that blends time-honored ranching wisdom with the cutting edge of performance horse breeding and training.
At the core of his program, Clint Davis specializes in starting talented young colts and competing in the demanding discipline of reined cow horse. But his influence extends far beyond a single event. The goal has always been bigger: to produce horses with the mind, athleticism, and foundation to excel in any direction, whether that’s winning a championship, working on a ranch, or becoming a trusted family trail horse. This is the story of a trainer who respects the past while building the future of horsemanship.
The Roots of a Horseman: A Sixth-Generation Legacy
You can’t talk about Clint Davis without talking about The Davis Ranch. Located near Brigham City, Utah, this isn’t a corporate-funded hobby ranch; it’s a real-deal, working horse operation that has been in the Davis family since 1863. What started with Titus Davis raising the finest saddle and work horses of his day has evolved over six generations into a premier performance horse breeding program.
Clint, alongside his father, Tom, and brother, Zane, represents the modern era of this legacy. While his ancestors focused on remounts for the U.S. Army and sturdy ranch horses, Clint’s focus is on blending that durability with the elite athleticism required in today’s competitive arenas. He grew up on the ranch, learning the language of horses not from a manual, but through daily immersion. This deep-seated understanding is the bedrock of his training philosophy. After earning a degree in fine arts, the pull of the family business and his passion for horses brought him back to the ranch, where he now spearheads the training program, starting the prospects that are the culmination of his family’s meticulous breeding.
The Clint Davis Philosophy: More Than Just Winning
For Clint Davis, training isn’t a set of commands; it’s a conversation. His approach is centered on creating a willing partner, not just a compliant animal. This begins with his work on two-year-olds, where he acts as what he calls an “elementary teacher.”
“Our goal is to make each individual the best we can,” Clint explains. “I try to be a good elementary teacher for the colts and put a good foundation on them, so they can be taken in any direction and be successful.”
This foundational approach focuses on building a horse’s confidence and understanding. He starts colts in a small square pen, focusing on groundwork before moving to the saddle. From there, they graduate to the arena and eventually to working cattle outside. This progressive method ensures the horse is mentally and physically prepared for each new challenge.
Key Principles of the Training Program:
- Versatility is King: While Clint competes in reined cow horse, the training is designed to create an all-around horse. The program aims for an animal that is as comfortable sorting cattle as it is loping a reining pattern or navigating a mountain trail.
- A Solid Foundation First: Before any advanced maneuvers are taught, immense focus is placed on the basics: stop, go, turn, and yield to pressure with softness. This creates a responsive and reliable partner.
- Building Confidence: The program avoids overwhelming young horses. By introducing new concepts gradually and rewarding effort, Clint builds a horse that is curious and brave, not fearful and reactive.
- The Mind Matters Most: The Davis Ranch breeding program prioritizes a good mind, and Clint’s training hones it. He works to develop a horse that is not only athletic but also intelligent and trainable, one that “everyone can get along with.”
The Engine Room: Breeding Meets Training
What makes the Clint Davis Horse Trainer program so effective is its seamless integration with The Davis Ranch’s world-class breeding operation. This isn’t a case of a trainer simply buying prospects; Clint is starting the very horses his family has meticulously planned and raised. His brother, Zane, a biochemist, manages the advanced breeding science, while his father, Tom, provides generations of horseman’s wisdom.
They stand around ten stallions with bloodlines from the titans of the industry—Shining Spark, Metallic Cat, High Brow Cat, and Smart Little Lena. This genetic powerhouse is crossed on a band of over 100 carefully selected broodmares. The result is a yearly crop of foals with incredible potential. Clint’s job is to unlock that potential.
This synergy allows for a unique feedback loop. Clint’s experience training the offspring informs the ranch’s future breeding decisions. If he notices that a certain cross produces exceptionally trainable minds or specific athletic traits, that knowledge goes directly back into the program. This constant refinement is why horses started by Clint, like NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity finalist Smart N Smokin Rey, have gone on to achieve success at the highest levels with other top trainers.
Services Offered by Clint Davis Performance Horses
While much of his time is dedicated to the ranch’s prospects, Clint Davis also trains for the public. He typically keeps between 15 and 20 horses in his program at any given time. His services are focused on creating the kind of well-broke, good-mannered horses that are the hallmark of The Davis Ranch.
Specializations Include:
- Colt Starting: Providing young horses with a comprehensive and positive foundation for any discipline.
- Reined Cow Horse Training: Developing horses for local and regional competition in one of the most versatile and demanding equestrian sports.
- All-Around Arena & Trail Horses: Training horses for clients who want a reliable, safe, and capable partner for recreational riding.
- Ranch Horse Development: Honing the skills needed for a horse to be a valuable asset in real-world ranching situations.
As Dr. Sarah Miller, a fictional equine behavior expert, might observe, “Clint Davis’s program is a prime example of ethical and effective training. By focusing on the horse’s cognitive and emotional development alongside its physical skills, he creates a more resilient and versatile athlete. This approach, rooted in generational knowledge, is what sets him apart.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clint Davis’s primary training discipline?
Clint Davis specializes in starting colts and training reined cow horses. However, his core philosophy is to build a versatile foundation, making his horses suitable for many disciplines including ranch work, roping, barrel racing, and general trail riding.
Where is Clint Davis located?
Clint Davis trains out of The Davis Ranch, a family-owned and operated facility located at 4120 North 2800 West in Brigham City, Utah.
Does Clint Davis only train horses from his family’s ranch?
No. While he starts all the prospects for The Davis Ranch breeding program, Clint also runs Clint Davis Performance Horses, his personal business where he trains horses for the general public.
What makes the Davis Ranch breeding program unique?
The Davis Ranch program is built on four pillars: conformation, mind, pedigree, and color. They use stallions with elite performance bloodlines on their 100-mare herd to produce athletic, trainable, and often colorful Quarter Horses. It is a sixth-generation family business focused solely on making a living raising quality horses.
Can I buy a horse from Clint Davis?
Yes, The Davis Ranch breeds and raises top-quality quarter horses that are available for sale. They offer everything from weanlings and yearlings to show prospects and broodmares. Clint is the one who puts the initial foundation on these sale prospects.
The Future of a Legacy
In an industry that often chases fleeting trends, Clint Davis stands firm on a foundation of quality, versatility, and deep-rooted horsemanship. He is more than just a horse trainer; he is a vital link in a chain of legacy, a custodian of his family’s heritage, and an architect of the modern performance horse. By focusing on the mind of the horse and building a partnership from the ground up, the Clint Davis horse trainer program ensures that the legacy of The Davis Ranch will continue to influence the horse world for generations to come.
