Jerry King, a seasoned horse trainer from Parkton, North Carolina, believes that any horse, regardless of its temperament, can be trained by understanding and connecting with its mind. With his wife, Liz, he runs Jerry King’s Training, where he specializes in rehabilitating horses with difficult pasts and training wild ones. King’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “All horses can be trained… if you can figure out how to get to him.”
King’s approach emphasizes understanding equine body language and facial expressions. He likens the process to working with a “three-pound brain” rather than a thousand-pound animal. By “getting inside” the horse’s head, he explains, the animal becomes more confident, trusts its handler more, and makes the training process significantly easier. This deep understanding of horse behavior is central to his success, not only in training but also in competitive horse cutting events, where the ability to separate a single cow from a herd is paramount.
This expertise has led to King starring in his own television show, “From the Ground Up.” The 13-episode series, available for streaming on the Farm and Ranch Television network’s website and various devices like Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Google Chromecast, showcases King’s training methods. The show’s title reflects his belief in the critical importance of a solid foundation in all horse training. “What you do with a horse to start with will be with him for the rest of his life, whether it’s a good experience or a bad experience,” King emphasizes.
The series features King narrating and demonstrating various horse handling and riding techniques, often joined by other professionals like riders and veterinarians. While lacking the high-budget polish of mainstream television, “From the Ground Up” offers an honest and accessible “how-to” style, reminiscent of popular YouTube channels. Topics covered include calming horses for farriers, the essential role of patience in training, the specifics of training a cutting horse, and the procedure for gelding a horse.
King’s lifelong connection with horses began on a farm in Bladen County, where he discovered his innate ability to understand them as a teenager. He highlights that a horse communicates extensively through its body. “His whole body talks to you,” King observes. He points out that tension in a horse’s face, such as a closed mouth and tightened jaw muscles, signals confusion or misunderstanding of a command. Conversely, when a horse comprehends and is ready for the next step, it will relax, indicated by an open mouth and lip-licking. This non-verbal communication is key to King’s successful training methods.
Beyond horse training, King also works with border collies for cattle work, noting a difference in their approach compared to horses. Dogs, he explains, tend to think more independently and possess a stronger eagerness to please.
At 61, King expresses deep gratitude for building a career and business centered around his passion for horses. “I just enjoy working with the horses and living the life of a dream, you know? Being able to do what I enjoy doing for a living,” he states. “I’m very blessed, very blessed for that.” His dedication to understanding and working with horses, from the wild to the recalcitrant, has not only brought him personal fulfillment but also a national platform to share his unique training philosophy. The cost of professional horse training can vary significantly, with hourly rates and monthly packages influencing the overall investment in an animal’s education.
References:
- Woolverton, P. (n.d.). Parkton horse trainer has national TV show. The Fayetteville Observer.
- Farm and Ranch Television Network. (n.d.). From the Ground Up.
- Jerry King’s Training. (n.d.).
- Dogcarestory.com. (n.d.). Horse Training Prices.
- Dogcarestory.com. (n.d.). Horse Trainer Average Salary.
- Dogcarestory.com. (n.d.). Horse Training Cost Per Hour.
- Dogcarestory.com. (n.d.). How Much Does Horse Training Cost Per Month.
- Dogcarestory.com. (n.d.). How Much Is It To Train A Horse.
