Chris began training horses professionally in 1979. Prior to that, he spent his junior rider years working for Joe Benes of Upland, California. While working for Joe, Chris showed both Arabians and gaited horses. The better part of the 80’s were spent working for Bill & MaryAnn Hughes at Will Mar Arabians. During this time, Chris expanded his knowledge as a trainer and most importantly, he grew as a horseman. He started his own business in 1988 in Temecula, CA at Magic Meadow Arabians. In 2000, Chris was recruited to manage the training program at Wolf Springs Ranches, Inc. This was all a natural progression and evolution to the current development of Culbreth Equine Training & Management.

Chris and his clients have garnered many National and Reserve National Championships. Areas of success include English, Western, Hunter Pleasure, Park, Show Hack, Driving and Equitation.

Chris’ level of experience in the Arabian horse community encompasses more than just showing horses. It has always been important to Chris to get involved on a higher plain and ensure the future of our Arabian horse. He is a licensed judge and officiates widely all over the US and Canada, as well as South Africa, Brazil and Australia. Chris is President of the Arabian Professional and Amateur Horseman’s Association and Chairman for the Professional Horseman’s Committee of AHA.

Chris and his wife, Michele live in Scottsdale on the ranch. Their family includes a dog named Calvin and two cats, Slash and Gremalkin.

The Culbreth kids, Kyle, Calvin & Stan

Joy Reed Associate Trainer Profile

Assistant trainer, Joy Reed, has been a part of Culbreth Equine team since 2008. Born in Findlay, Ohio in 1984, Joy moved to Phoenix, Arizona with her family at the age 7. She has grown up riding Arabian horses. Her mother Julie has owned and bred Arabians for the past 40 years. “When I was a kid my mom did not give me an option to ride. I was doing it whether I wanted to or not. We had our horses at home so every day before and after school my sister and I would take care of them.” Joy started out showing at local mini-circuit shows and at the age of 14 graduated to class “A” Arabian shows. At the 2001 Canadian National Championship Show Joy won her first national title with her half-Arab gelding KSChanticlare. She took 2 reserve national championships in HA hunter Pleasure JTR & JOTR. “Since a child, all I can remember ever wanting was to be a horse trainer.” Joy also has numerous Scottsdale, Regional, and class “A” wins. She has worked with many well-known horseman including Bill Porcher and Bob Locke. Joy obtains an associates degree in arts and is working towards a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Joy started riding professionally in 2003 and enjoys teaching in youth/amateur programs.