Dan Huss Reining Horses

Dan Huss: Professional Reining Horse Trainer in Scottsdale, Arizona, 40+ Years of Excellence

Experience the technical precision of Dan Huss, an NRHA Professional and world-class reining trainer based in Scottsdale, Arizona. With over 40 years of professional experience, Dan is celebrated for his methodical training approach and his legendary partnership with the mare Ms Dreamy. A recipient of multiple NRHA Professional of the Year honors, Dan is one of the industry's most respected figures for both Open competition and elite coaching.

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Trainer Experience

Dan Huss’s career is rooted in a deep academic and practical understanding of horsemanship. He began his journey over four decades ago, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Findlay in 1983 with a double major in Science and Equestrian Studies. He remained at the university for nearly 20 years as an instructor, where he developed his signature "compartmentalized" training process—breaking down complex maneuvers into manageable steps.

In 2002, Dan transitioned into the private sector, leaving an immediate mark on the industry:

• Double Run Farms: He trained and started the legendary Wimpys Little Step, who won the 2002 NRHA Futurity and became a $13 Million Sire.
• Huss Performance Horses: Founded with his wife, Wendy (also a University of Findlay graduate), their Scottsdale-based program has become a premier destination for high-level reining.
• Master Coach: Dan is widely regarded as one of the best "Non-Pro and Youth" coaches in the world, recently being named the 2024 NRHA Youth Coach of the Year.

Dan Huss’s Impressive Reining Achievements

Dan has earned a reputation as a big-event rider who excels under the highest pressure:

• NRHA Lifetime Earnings: Over $854,000 (as of early 2026).
• FEI World Equestrian Games Individual Silver Medalist: (2018) Representing Team USA with a stellar individual performance.
• FEI World Equestrian Games Team Gold Medalist: (2018) Helping the U.S. secure its fifth consecutive team gold.
• 2024 NRHA Youth Coach of the Year: Recognized for his exceptional impact on the next generation of riders.
• 2022 NRHA Non-Pro Coach of the Year: A testament to his ability to translate professional skills to amateur riders.
• AQHA Senior Reining World Champion: (2022) Proving his continued dominance in the senior horse ranks.
• The "Bridleless" Legend: In 2018, Dan gained worldwide fame for completing a World Championship pattern bridleless after a tack failure on Ms Dreamy, scoring a 228.5 (though the score was unofficial due to the equipment rule).

Huss Performance Horse Training Program

Dan’s philosophy is built on logic, structure, and mental discipline. He uses a "step-by-step" methodology that ensures horses never feel overwhelmed.

• Methodical Maneuvers: Every part of a run—the rundown, the stop, the spin—is treated as an individual piece of a puzzle, allowing for extreme precision.
• Psychology-Based Training: Drawing from his academic background, Dan focuses on how horses learn, ensuring they stay "thinkers" rather than reacting out of fear.
• Elite Amateur Coaching: Dan’s program is highly tailored to Non-Pro and Youth riders, emphasizing the rider's seat and cues as much as the horse's performance.
• Attention to Detail: Known for his "perfectionist" approach, he prepares horses to be technically correct, which consistently earns high marks from judges.

Ready to Refine Your Reining? Contact Dan Huss Today!

Phone: (708) 752-2191

Email: wendy@wendyhuss.com