Among the red dirt of Whitesboro sits a facility that has quickly grown into one of the area’s premier horse training operations. For more than two decades, Knabenshue Performance Horses has combined high-level competition with client connection, creating successful riders.
What began as a leap of faith has turned into a well-known training program.
After getting married, Will and Elizabeth Knabenshue knew it was time to build something of their own. Will, who had already established himself under other respected trainers, knew he was ready to branch out.
The couple purchased their Whitesboro property in 2005 and has since expanded steadily.
Both bring their own experience from the equine industry. Will grew up working with horses in Virginia and moved to Texas after high school to pursue a training career under a well-known trainer. Elizabeth developed her passion after receiving riding lessons as a child following a family transition from Michigan to California.
Their program focuses on all-around performance horses, primarily Quarter Horses. They compete in disciplines such as trail, western riding, horsemanship, equitation, showmanship, performance halter and some hunter under saddle.
Knabenshue Performance Horses has coached multiple champions through local and national competitions.
“Local shows are the backbone of our industry,” Elizabeth said. “It’s important to support them.”
Along with attending the local shows, the couple regularly travels across the United States for larger competitions, which often span over multiple weeks.
The facility typically keeps about 20 horses in training, a size that allows for a more individualized approach.
“Individuality is what sets us apart,” Elizabeth said. “We tailor our program to each horse and rider.”
That approach includes setting daily and long-term goals while also making sure they match horses with riders based on compatibility and skill level.
“We are building a team that can grow together,” she said.
The program serves a range of clients, primarily intermediate to advanced riders, including youth, amateur and select competitors.
Daily operations begin early, with the couple meeting to discuss daily goals, followed by training sessions. The business is run by the Knabenshues along with a small staff, including an assistant ranch hand.
Working with horses presents ongoing challenges, particularly due to their unpredictable nature.
“Every day is different,” Elizabeth said. “You might have everything go as planned, or you might spend the day dealing with something unexpected.”
Elizabeth explains that one of the most common misconceptions about horse training is the expectation of fixed timelines.
“Horses are not machines,” she said. “Each one has its own timeline and learning process.”
Despite this, the program has seen consistent success over the years. Among the recent successes, the couple’s daughter earned major titles at national competitions and has committed to competing on the Texas A&M equestrian team.
The family’s connection to Whitesboro extends beyond the business. Their daughter attends Whitesboro High School while also continuing to be active in the community.
“We’ve been here for 22 years,” Elizabeth said.
Looking ahead, the Knabenshues plan to continue growing their program while maintaining its focus on individualized training.
“Our goals never stop growing,” she said. “We’re always challenging ourselves and our clients to be better.”
In Whitesboro, that commitment has built more than a business.
It’s built a community.
