Jack T. Daniels & Kaci O'Rourke
Kaci and Jack's love for each other and horses has made them an inseparable team. Their shared dreams and goals for a successful future in the reining horse industry has driven them to open Pond Hill Performance Horses - focusing on training, showing and selling reining horses, as well as coaching their non-pro clients.
Together, they have developed a program for training, handling, and caring for horses that they strongly believe in. Having such a strong relationship allows them to work effectively together to do the best job possible for their horses.
Kaci was born and raised in Castleton, Vermont on the family owned, Pond Hill Ranch. Growing up in this environment allowed her to gain an appreciation for all kinds of horses and get experience in many equine disciplines. The family business involving caring for hundreds of horses allowed her to grow up as a horsewoman.
Kaci began reining at the age of 13 and accumulated a number of wins during her youth career, including: 5X NRHA Top Ten World Standings, over 700 Youth Points, NRHA Derby Circuit Champion, 2X NRHA Affiliate Champion, Congress Top Tens, and many more.
Her NRHA Professional career began at the age of 18 under the guidance of 2X NRHA Futurity Champion Casey Deary for nearly 5 years. It continued alongside NRHA 4 Million Dollar Rider Craig Schmersal. During her time with both trainers, Kaci made the Open Finals at the NRBC, NRHA Derby, and NRHA Futurity - along with multiple Derby and Futurity wins and placings.
Since beginning Pond Hill Performance Horses, Kaci has had much success in the show pen including: L4 Open NRHA Futurity Finalist, NRBC L4 Open Derby Finalist, SWRHA Futurity L4 4th, Mare Incentive Champion, HRRC L4 Open Futurity 6th, TRC Developing Horse Futurity L3 Reserve Champion, Buckeye Reining Futurity Top Ten, All American Quarter Horse Congress Open Futurity L2 Champion, L4 2nd highest go-round score and L4 Finalist, NRHA Futurity L3 & L2 Finalist, Mid Atlantic Reining Classic L4 & L4 Stakes Reserve Champion, L3 & Yankee Prospect Stakes Champion. Kaci is looking forward to the future and what is yet to come!
Originally from Rockhampton, Queensland Australia, Jack grew up training rope horses and cow horses. He soon made a name for himself in the reining industry in Australia training 2 yr olds and Futurity prospects as well as showing in Reining Australia events.
Jack first came to the U.S. at the age of 17 to compete in the National High School Rodeo Finals in both calf roping and team roping. He then returned to America to work for NRHA's #3 all-time money earner Craig Schmersal.
Jack has spent much time perfecting his 2 yr old program and prides himself on putting a complete, solid foundation on his horses. Having shown extensively in Australia, he began his career in the U.S. with a Top Ten finish in the NRHA's Affiliate Rookie Pro and Limited Open, 3rd TRC L1 Open Futurity, 3rd SWRHA L1 Open Futurity. Jack is looking forward to competing in this year's Futurities and Derbies!
