20 FEATURE: TRAINERS PROFILE- KANE SCOPE
AQHA TRAINERS PROFILE
Kane Skopp
PHOTOS BY: EV LAGOON PHOTOGRAPHY
1. Tell us briefly about yourself: My name is Kane Skopp. I work mainly with Western Pleasure futurity and non-pro horses, and also train a handful of all-around horses for the AQHA events.
2. When did you begin training and what made you want to be a trainer? I began training professionally in 2008 when I joined Carolyn Johnson’ s program in Tamworth NSW. From a young age, working with horses was all I ever wanted to do, that has driven my career ever since.
3. Which horse discipline is your passion? I have a genuine passion for training Western Pleasure horses and I am continually striving to improve my program. I’ ve travelled to the United States at least once a year to learn from the best in the industry. That said, I have a deep appreciation for all breeds and disciplines— I enjoy watching any horse perform at a high level and respect the dedication and skill it takes to get them there.
3. How long have you been involved in Quarter Horses? I have been involved with QH’ s since primary school however didn’ t own one until 2002.
What and who has inspired you the most as a trainer / rider? Becoming better at what I do every day. I’ m driven by the responsibility of doing right by the horses: their health, soundness, overall well-being and understanding how they think and learn.
The trainers who have inspired me is my wife Holly and mother in law Carolyn.
How long have you been competing / training? I showed my first futurity horse in 2010 and haven’ t missed a major show since!
Best advice you could give to someone starting out? First and foremost, I’ d recommend going to a major show where you can see the industry’ s leading horses and trainers. Spend time in the stands watching the horses and how they’ re presented. Look for a trainer whose horses show consistency and reflect the style you’ re drawn to, then don’ t be afraid to introduce yourself.
The AQHA community is full of people who are willing to help and point you in the right direction. Find your local affiliate, attend clinics, ask questions, and be willing to learn. Surround yourself with knowledgeable people and stay open to feedback— that’ s how you grow.
8. Who are the people who have helped you the most and influenced you? Aside from Holly and Carolyn, who have both played a huge role in shaping my career, I’ ve been fortunate to spend time with some of the top trainers in the United States. Their influence has gone beyond just training techniques— they’ ve shared invaluable insight on breeding decisions, importing stock, and building a successful, sustainable program. I’ m very grateful for the knowledge I’ ve received along the way.
9. What is your proudest moment showing Quarter Horses so far? One of my proudest moments was when Sumpth N Noble— the first horse I trained entirely from start to finish— won the $ 20,000 2-Year-Old Western Pleasure Futurity at NPHA, which was the biggest futurity in the country at the time. That win was very special.
These days, I get enjoyment from watching our Non-Pros and Youth riders succeed. Seeing kids come through our program and grow— not just into great showmen, but into horsemen who
Australian Quarter Horse Association- www. aqha. com. au