Jake Telford Reining Horses

Jake Telford: NRCHA $2 Million Rider & World Champion Horseman, 30+ Years of Mastery

Experience the pinnacle of reined cow horse performance with Jake Telford, a legendary horseman and NRCHA $2 Million Rider based in Caldwell, Idaho. With over 30 years of professional experience, Jake is a titan of the National Reined Cow Horse Association, known for his grit, technical precision, and his ability to turn homebred prospects into world champions. He is one of only a handful of riders in history to reach the $2 million earnings milestone, cementing his place as one of the most successful athletes the sport has ever seen.

Trainer Experience

Jake Telford’s journey began in the early 1990s, where he built his foundation in the Intermountain region before exploding onto the national stage. Unlike many trainers who move to the "horse hubs" of Texas or Arizona, Jake has remained loyal to his roots in Caldwell, Idaho, proving that world-class excellence can be cultivated anywhere with enough dedication.

His rise in the NRCHA was meteoric:

• The Million Dollar Leap: Jake became the eighth person in history to join the NRCHA Million Dollar Rider club in 2012, achieving the feat in less than 12 years of top-level competition.
• The Two Million Dollar Milestone: In late 2021, Jake joined an even more exclusive group as the fourth rider ever to surpass $2 Million in Lifetime Earnings, joining legends like Todd Crawford and Todd Bergen.
• Family Legacy: Jake operates a true family program alongside his wife, Jessie Telford—an elite WPRA barrel racer and NFR qualifier. Together, they manage a high-performance training and breeding operation that focuses on versatility and athletic longevity.

Jake Telford’s Impressive Achievements

Jake’s resume is defined by "Big Stage" victories and consistent excellence across decades:

• NRCHA Lifetime Earnings: Over $2,400,000 (as of early 2026).
• 2015 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion: A career-defining win on Starlight Kisses, securing one of the most prestigious titles in the equine world.
• NRCHA Open Stakes Champion: Dominating the competition with multiple titles on legendary horses like Quick As Einstein.
• World’s Greatest Horseman Reserve Champion: Proving his versatility in herd work, rein work, steer stopping, and fence work.
• Multiple NRCHA Derby & Hackamore Classic Champion: A perennial finalist who has won nearly every major aged event on the NRCHA calendar.
• NRCHA Hall of Merit & Leading Rider: Frequently ranked in the Top 5 of the NRCHA Open standings year-over-year.

Telford Training Program & Philosophy

Jake’s program is built on horsemanship over hype, focusing on the mental preparation of the horse as much as the physical maneuvers.

• "Rate and Run" Discipline: Jake is famous for his "Rate and Run" philosophy in the fence work. He teaches horses to wait for the cow and "rate" its speed rather than just chasing it, which leads to higher scores and safer runs.
• The "Slow It Down" Method: A hallmark of his training is teaching a dramatic, show-winning "slowdown" in the circles, allowing the horse to stay collected and stylish under pressure.
• Bridling and Softness: Jake is a master of the "small details," such as his signature method for teaching a horse to accept the bridle by using sensitive pressure points to encourage a soft, lowered head.
• Non-Pro Coaching: Jake is a highly sought-after mentor for Non-Pro and Youth riders, known for his ability to translate high-level professional techniques into simple, actionable steps.

Ready to Train with a Living Legend? Contact Jake Telford Today!

Email: jake.telford321@gmail.com

Phone: (208) 890-1205