Brandon Brant Reining Horses

Brandon Brant: Professional Reining Horse Trainer in Belle Center, Ohio, 20+ Years of Excellence

Experience world-class reining horse training with Brandon Brant, an NRHA Professional and industry leader dedicated to developing elite equine athletes. Based at the premier Southern Trace Ranch in Belle Center, Ohio, Brandon brings over 20 years of professional experience to starting colts, refining young prospects, and producing high-performing reining horses that compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Follow Brondon on Social Media! Instagram | Facebook | Website

Trainer Experience

Brandon Brant was born in Weatherford, Texas, in the fall of 1982 and raised in Somerset, Pennsylvania, where he discovered his first passion: ice hockey. The sport instilled a strong work ethic, discipline, and competitive drive—qualities that continue to fuel his desire to run faster and slide further in the reining pen.
At age 15, Brandon rode a horse for the first time and found his true calling. He went on to attend the University of Findlay in Northern Ohio, riding under Clark Bradley and Steve Brown, and drawing inspiration from legendary horsemen such as Dale Wilkinson, Mike Flarida, and Bradley himself. Graduating in 2005 with degrees in Equestrian Science and Business Management, Brandon began his professional career under mentors Gabe Hutchins and Jordan Larson, where he developed a patient, horse-first training style rooted in true horsemanship—always putting the horse first, respecting each horse’s individuality, and building confidence throughout the process. Later in his career, Brandon sought further refinement by riding with Randy Wilson, widely regarded as one of the best in the industry, eager to improve his own balance, communication, and weight distribution to help horses perform with greater clarity, confidence, and longevity.
In 2007, Brandon launched Brant Performance Horses. In 2008, he reconnected with fellow Findlay alum Cathy Calendine, who became his wife and business partner in 2010—marking the beginning of an incredible journey both personally and professionally. Today, Brandon’s NRHA Lifetime Earnings total $953,300, leaving him just $46,700 away from achieving his goal of becoming a Million Dollar Rider. His accomplishments include a Quarter Horse Congress Open Level 4 Futurity Championship, multiple Congress Reining Championships, NRHA Derby Championships, NRHA Open Futurity Finals Top 5, multiple Level 4 Open Futurity finalist finishes, multiple NRBC and NRHA Derby and Futurity finalist performances, 4X NARS Futurity L4 Champion, Buckeye Reining Spectacular L4 Open Futurity Champion, and numerous other major titles.

Driven yet grounded, Brandon is always focused on improving his craft. A true horseman at heart, he embraces the challenges that shape him into a better trainer, better horseman, and better person—never losing sight of the belief that true success is earned through patience, quality, hard work and always putting the horse first.

·         Clark Bradley & Steve Brown – His foundational mentors during his time at the University of Findlay.

·         Gabe Hutchins – NRHA Lifetime Earnings: Over $790,000.

·         Jordan Larson – NRHA $3 Million Rider & Futurity Champion (Brandon worked with Jordan for 18 months to fine-tune his showing mechanics).

Brandon Brant’s Impressive Reining Achievements

Brandon has built a formidable record as a consistent finalist and champion in the world’s most prestigious reining competitions:

      Multiple Congress Championships

·         NRHA Open L4 Top 5

·         NRHA Derby L4 Finalist

·         4x NARS Futurity L4 Champion

      Multiple NRHA Top 20 Professionals 3x

·         Buckeye Reining Spectuactular L4 Open Futurity Champion

      Current Lifetime Earnings: $953,300

Brandon Brant Reining Horse Training Program

Brandon’s program is built on genuine respect for the horse. He believes every horse is unique and tailors his training to fit each individual, rather than forcing a horse into a one-size-fits-all program. His core philosophy is simple: form good habits, and good habits form you. By focusing on creating confidence and inspiring desire, Brandon develops longevity and a happy, willing mind—allowing every horse to reach its greatest potential.
The Brant Performance Team is hardworking and deeply committed to providing clients with a consistently positive experience, guided by quality, care for the horses, and respect for their owners. Brandon considers working with his clients and their horses a true privilege—and with a grin, he’ll tell you “fun is required.” Don’t mistake that gentle nature for weakness, though—winning is the goal, and one he continues to achieve show after show. Driven, determined, and all-in, Brandon gives his absolute best and never backs away from a challenge. 

Ready to Elevate Your Reining Horses? Contact Brandon Brant Today!

Email: cathy@brantperformancehorses.com

Phone: (814) 233-0407