In the world of horse training, where tradition often dictates practice, a unique voice has emerged from the Pacific Northwest, blending modern psychology with the timeless principles of natural horsemanship. Jonath Robles, the man behind the internationally acclaimed Jr Horse Training, is not just a trainer; he is a student of the equine mind, a restorer of trust, and an artist whose medium is the subtle language between horse and human. His approach, deeply rooted in empathy and understanding, has reshaped the careers of countless horses, proving that a compassionate partnership is the true cornerstone of excellence.
At JR Horse Training, the goal transcends simple obedience. It’s about forging a deep, willing connection. Based in Sherwood, Oregon, Jonath specializes in a spectrum of disciplines, from the explosive precision of reining to the elegant dance of dressage, but he is perhaps most celebrated for his remarkable skill in colt starting. He views his work as a form of ‘live art,’ a collaborative process where he helps a horse discover its potential without sacrificing its spirit. This philosophy is not just a business model; it’s a reflection of a personal journey that almost led him away from the equine world entirely, only to bring him back with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the delicate balance required to succeed. This journey is as much a part of the training as the round pen itself, bringing a unique perspective to a centuries-old craft. Much like the unexpected outcomes in a japan world cup horse racing game, Jonath’s path has been anything but predictable.
The Unlikely Horseman: A Different Path to Mastery
Unlike many trainers who are born into the saddle, Jonath Robles’s story began far from the barn. Raised in Portland, Oregon, his early life was dominated by traditional sports like football and basketball, which he played at the collegiate and professional levels. His introduction to horses came at the age of 24, not through lineage, but through a chance encounter and a desire to impress a girl. That first experience, which involved him scrambling up a stall wall to escape a herd of incoming horses, was a humbling and stark introduction to a world he knew nothing about.
What he lacked in experience, however, he made up for with a unique academic background. Having studied sociology and psychology at the University of Oregon, Jonath possessed a keen insight into behavior, motivation, and social dynamics. He began to apply these principles to the horses he worked with. “Everything that he had learned about people, he applied to horses,” notes one account of his journey. This fusion of academic theory and hands-on learning became the foundation of his method. He saw horses not as animals to be broken, but as individuals with distinct personalities and histories, requiring a therapeutic approach to build trust and establish clear, fair boundaries. His early career was spent taking on difficult horses nobody else wanted, turning small successes into a growing reputation and eventually, a full-time profession that was never part of his original plan.
A thoughtful silhouette of a trainer and a horse against a sunset, symbolizing the mental connection in JR Horse Training.
The Psychology of Horsemanship: More Than Just Technique
The core of JR Horse Training is a philosophy that reveres the teachings of natural horsemanship pioneers like Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman while integrating a deep, psychological understanding of the learning process. Jonath champions a compassionate approach that prioritizes the horse’s mental and emotional well-being above all else. His work is less about commands and more about conversation.
Building Trust Through Empathy
For Jonath, every interaction is an opportunity to build trust. He approaches horses, especially those with troubled pasts, like a therapist would a patient. The process involves patiently working to rebuild confidence, establishing fair and consistent boundaries, and utilizing positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. This method stands in contrast to more forceful techniques that can create fear and resentment. The result is a partnership where the horse willingly collaborates rather than simply submitting. As one observer noted after watching him work, “He is kind and effective and horses seem to pick up on that immediately. He really has what it takes to bring out the best in a horse.”
Why is a minimum training time important for JR Horse Training?
A crucial aspect of Jonath’s program is his insistence on a minimum training period, particularly for starting colts. He requires horses to be with him for at least four months, a rule born from hard-earned experience. This extended timeline removes the pressure to achieve results quickly, which often leads to cutting corners and creating holes in a horse’s foundation. It allows him the time to be slower, more methodical, and to wait for the horse to be truly ready for the next step, ensuring the training is both thorough and lasting.
The Art of the Second Chance
A staunch believer in second chances, Jonath has built a reputation for his success with horses that others have given up on. His ability to “read” a horse, understand its fears, and communicate in a way it understands allows him to unravel behavioral knots that stem from past trauma or poor handling. This patient, empathetic process culminates in what can only be described as a harmonious partnership, a “beautifully choreographed dance” between horse and trainer. This dedication to understanding the individual is reminiscent of the detailed focus required by a top-tier trainer like juan diaz horse trainer, who knows that success lies in the details.
From the Round Pen to the Winner’s Circle
While Jonath’s methods are rooted in compassion, they are also proven in the competitive arena. His journey from a local colt starting competitor to the national stage has been a testament to the effectiveness of his approach. A pivotal moment was winning the Road to the Horse Wild Card competition, a grueling event where trainers must start an unhandled three-year-old horse in just a few short sessions.
Jonath’s performance was a masterclass in his philosophy. Facing immense pressure, he prioritized connection over control. He took his time, read his colt’s needs, and communicated with a quiet confidence that allowed the horse to relax and learn. His ability to stay calm and methodical, even when the colt showed resistance, demonstrated a profound level of emotional control and horsemanship. He not only won the competition but did so by winning all three rounds, a rare feat that solidified his place among the industry’s elite. This success, much like the high-stakes environment of horse racing at presque isle downs, shows that a solid foundation of trust and training is what ultimately leads to victory.
Overcoming Burnout: The Human Side of Horse Training
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of Jonath’s story is his honesty about the immense pressures of being a professional trainer. Several years ago, he experienced a severe burnout, not from the horses, but from the relentless demands and negativity of the “people aspect” of the industry. Overworked and surrounded by a less-than-positive environment, he reached a breaking point where he almost walked away from his career entirely.
His journey back from the brink offers a powerful lesson for anyone in a demanding field. After stepping away and taking time for himself, he returned with a new perspective and a commitment to setting boundaries. He made a public announcement that he would no longer take on “problem horses” and restructured his business to foster a positive, supportive team environment. This decision allowed him to rediscover his passion and focus on the work that truly fulfilled him. It highlights a critical truth: to care for horses effectively, a trainer must first care for their own well-being.
The Legacy of JR Horse Training
JR Horse Training is more than a set of techniques; it is a holistic approach that honors the horse as a sentient partner. Jonath Robles has shown that a background in psychology can be just as valuable as decades in the saddle, and that true horsemanship is defined not by dominance, but by dialogue. His work reminds us that every horse has a story, and with patience, empathy, and understanding, we can help them write a triumphant next chapter. By prioritizing the relationship above all else, he creates willing partners that are not only successful in the show pen but are also confident, trusting companions for life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the core philosophy of JR Horse Training?
The core philosophy of JR Horse Training is built on natural horsemanship principles combined with insights from psychology. It emphasizes a compassionate, empathetic approach focused on building trust, setting fair boundaries, and using positive reinforcement to create a willing partnership with the horse.
What disciplines does Jonath Robles specialize in?
Jonath Robles is internationally acclaimed for colt starting. He also has extensive experience and success in a wide range of disciplines, including reining, reined cow horse, dressage, and western pleasure.
Why does JR Horse Training require a four-month minimum for colts?
The four-month minimum ensures there is adequate time to build a solid, trusting foundation without rushing the horse. This allows Jonath to be methodical and ensure the horse is mentally and physically prepared for each stage of training, preventing future issues.
What is Jonath Robles’s background?
Jonath Robles did not grow up with horses. He studied sociology and psychology at the University of Oregon and played college and professional basketball before being introduced to the horse world at age 24.
Has JR Horse Training won any major competitions?
Yes, Jonath Robles was the winner of the Road to the Horse Wild Card competition, where he won all three rounds. He was also the Reserve World Champion at a major colt starting competition in 2016.
Where is JR Horse Training located?
JR Horse Training is based in Sherwood, Oregon. However, Jonath also travels across the country to give clinics and presentations at various horse expos.
Does JR Horse Training take on “problem horses”?
Previously known for his work with difficult horses, Jonath made a public decision to no longer accept “problem horses.” This change was made to manage professional burnout and to maintain a positive and safe environment for his team, clients, and the horses in his program.
