Paragon Performance Horses: About Kendall Crutchfield

“Blessed are the flexible for they shall not get bent out of shape.”

Kendall & Elite Hanoverian Stallion Cabalito, 2014

Kendall has been a long time horse enthusiast. After purchasing her first horse in college, Kendall began training with a wide array of professionals. Kendall began her equine career as Breeding Manager for Wish Upon A Ster Friesians in Beallsville, MD in 2007. There, she had the opportunity to train and work closely with FEI international trainer and USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist Julio Mendoza (Mendoza Dressage). Alongside Julio, Kendall developed her training skills by handling stallions, mares and foals, and working with young prospects daily. She participated in preparing stallions and foals/yearlings for inspections and started several young horses under saddle. Kendall returned to Texas in 2009 and trained with several hunter and jumper trainers; hunter trainer Bob Buxton in Argyle, Grand Prix competitor Adrianne Gamboa (owner of Elite Sport Horses in Houston, TX), Jim and Joan Hensen of Foxglen Farm in Argyle, TX, dressage trainer and breeder LaNet Hester, owner of Spindletop Farm in San Antonio, TX, and most recently Anne Hedge, owner of Elite Hanoverian Stallion Cabalito and Whitehedge Farm in Aubrey, TX. Throughout her riding and training career, Kendall has shown on both local and USEF “A” Circuits, successfully competing on both her own young prospects and client horses. In 2011, Kendall moved to Wichita Falls, TX, creating her own training business and lesson program, Paragon Performance Horses. She specialized primarily in starting young prospects and training beginner to intermediate level students. Her students have shown successfully on the local level in both English and western disciplines and several prospects started under saddle have successfully competed at “A” circuit shows in hunter and jumper divisions.

Kendall attended the private military institute Norwich University in Northfield VT, participating in the Army ROTC program for 4 years. Extensive military training and leadership opportunities have benefited her ability to work with children and adults in a schooling environment. Kendall is committed to teaching riders the value of true horsemanship- both in and out of the saddle. Her students learn everything from basic horse care to the responsibilities of horse ownership and thrive under her tutelage.

Review from parent-

“Eric was very impressed today with your instruction of Meredith! He came to witness how much her riding has improved in such a short time under your tutelage. We both thank you for sharing your passion and talents with her knowing you could have a much easier job if you wanted…Thank you Kendall for all you do, we are blessed by you!” Stephanie Froehlich

A word from Kendall:
In this particular discipline, in order to be great, you must be sensitive. That vulnerability, to feel that subtle change- that’s what makes you successful. That’s why greatness sometimes takes a tortured soul. Everyone has burdens to bear and dark moments in their pasts- its how you deal with them that make you who you are. You can get bitter. You can get mean. You can get vindictive. Or, you can use those moments to teach you. You learn to become a better and stronger person. The best people in their fields are the ones who adapt and change to life as it happens to them. THIS is the type of mentality I like to pass on to my students and horses. Life happens- grow with it!