Franco Bertolani Reining Horses

Franco Bertolani: Professional Reining Horse Trainer in Aubrey, Texas, 35+ Years of Excellence

Experience world-class reining with Franco Bertolani, a legendary Brazilian horseman and NRHA Million Dollar Rider who has defined the sport on three continents. Currently, the head trainer at the premier Cardinal Reining Horses in Aubrey, Texas, Franco brings over 35 years of professional experience to the arena. He is celebrated for his "invisible" cues, his deep connection with his equine partners, and his historic role in developing some of the industry’s most famous stallions.

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Trainer Experience

In reining, few professionals possess the international depth of Franco Bertolani. His journey began in 1990 at age 16, when he took up reining after attending a clinic by U.S. rider Doug Milholland in Brazil. He later spent a year apprenticing at Milholland’s stables in the United States before returning to Brazil at 17 to open his own training facility.

Franco’s career is defined by three major global chapters:

• The Brazil Era (1991–2004): Established himself as a dominant coach and trainer in South America.
• The Italy Era (2004–2012): Relocated to Europe, where he became a leading figure in the Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) for eight years.
• The American Era (2012–Present): Moved to Aubrey, Texas, to join forces with Joao Marcos Cardinal. Since then, he has served as the head trainer for Cardinal Reining Horses, managing an elite roster of aged event prospects and world-class stallions.

Franco Bertolani’s Impressive Reining Achievements

Franco’s resume is a testament to his consistency in the world's most competitive arenas:

• NRHA Lifetime Earnings: Over $1,800,000 (as of 2026).
• NRHA Million Dollar Rider: Officially reached the milestone in 2017.
• NRHA Open Futurity Reserve Champion: Achieved a historic score of 224 (after a run-off) on the legendary Inferno Sixty Six in 2015.
• 2024 NRHA Futurity Prime Time Open Champion: Proved his longevity by winning the Prime Time title on Vulcano just this past season.
• FEI World Equestrian Games Veteran: Represented Team Brazil at the 2018 WEG in Tryon, NC, finishing in the top 20 individually.
• Major Event Finalist: A regular contender in the Level 4 Open finals at the NRBC, NRHA Derby, and The Run For A Million.

Cardinal Reining Horse Training Program

At Cardinal Reining Horses, Franco leads a program that bridges elite breeding with championship training. His philosophy centers on patience and mutual respect.

• Stallion Development: Franco is a specialist in managing high-powered stallions, notably the NRHA Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six and Dun It For Whizkey.
• Mental Soundness: He believes a horse's mind is its most valuable asset. His program is designed to build a horse’s confidence so they remain "light" and willing throughout their three-year-old and derby years.
• The "Invisible" Cue: Known for his exceptionally quiet riding style, Franco emphasizes subtle body weight and leg cues, producing horses that appear to move effortlessly.
• Global Mentorship: Leveraging his international background, Franco is a primary resource for clients worldwide looking to source or train horses in the United States.

Ready to Train with a Global Legend? Contact Franco Bertolani Today!

Email: giorgiacodeluppi@hotmail.it

Phone: (580) 453-1382