The McCarty Ranch offers quality horse training specializing in Reining. Our head trainer is Amy Walden, who has taken over the training reins from now retired Jim & Roberta McCarty..

Like most young woman in the horse industry, Amy fell in love with horses at a very young age. As a youth rider, Amy successfully competed In Hunter/Jumper shows in the San Diego area. At age 18, Amy became head of a riding school program in Del Mar, CA. It was there that she began to hone her natural teaching talent as a riding coach, which now serves her well in the Reining world working with Youths and Non-Pros. It was during that time in her life when she was introduced to Reining and was taken with the disposition and willing response of a reining trained horse. Amy continued her education of Western riding while attending college in Oklahoma, where they offered an Equine Science and Colt Starting program. After her return to California, Amy began her journey as an assistant trainer. She worked for three reputable Reining/Cow Horse/Cutting trainers starting colts, giving lessons, and showing. Amy hired on as an assistant with Jim & Roberta McCarty in 2004.

Amy and Mr. Hollywood Whiz

AAmy's first NRHA earnings came in 2004 by making the Limited Open Finals at the Rancho Murieta Spectacular Futurity with Bright Juice O'lena, then owned by the McCarty's. Amongst other wins, she has qualified Mr. Hollywood Whiz owned by Kathie Thayer, for the National Affiliate Finals in the Limited & Intermediate Open for 4 years in a row. In 2008 Amy and Mr. Hollywood Whiz qualified for the AQHA World Show in the Senior Reining. Last year aboard KR Royal Tee, now owned by Susan Dodd, Amy qualified for the National Affiliate Finals in the Limited, Intermediate, & Novice Horse Open Level 1. She made the trip out to OKC and competed in the Limited and the Novice Horse Level 1 ending up Top Ten in both classes at this national competition! Amy also has multiple California Reining Horse Association and Pacific Coast Horse Show Association year end awards under her belt. In 2009 Amy & Mr. Hollywood Whiz were Champion PCHA Open Reining, Reserve Champion CRHA Open Reining, and were the year end CRHA saddle winner! Amy rode Hollywood Cody Dunit, owned by Jim Lira to the Reserve Championship in the PCHA Green Reining. She also adds

Bright Juice O'Lena and Amy

to her list of 2009 success coaching youth rider Cheyenne Cracraft and her two geldings Conquestadors Star & Smart N Great Sstar to the AQHYA Reining Finals and amateur rider Tina Bellini with her gelding Oh My Lucky Stars to the AQHA Select Amateur Reining Finals!!

Not only does Amy pride herself on her own success at the horse shows, ultimately she enjoys helping people achieve their goals with their horses at ALL levels of competition. Please take a moment to check out our Show Results page with a complete list of our accomplishments!