This page is simply a way to collect my horse related experiences: videos, pictures, learning experiences, observations, progress (possibly set-backs too), and a way, for anyone interested, to follow me in this journey. TR Horsemanship offers clinics and personalized learning sessions in the realm of horsemanship. Mini Biography of Taressa Rankin:
Taressa Rankin was practically destined to be with
horses... She was riding with her parents as an infant, and nearly riding independently by age three. If Rankin ever doubted herself around horses, her father's advise would be, "The ground will always catch you." Thankfully, over the years, Rankin has attained horsemanship knowledge which has given her the confidence in her horses and herself so that the ground doesn't have to catch her very often though ���. Rankin was raised competing in local speed events. Her first job was at Uncle Ike’s Trail Ride’s in Branson, Mo, where she worked as a trail guide and ranch hand. Rankin attended Missouri State University, where she attained a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 2013. Rankin also became a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, and worked in the therapeutic riding industry for three years. Throughout the years, Taressa married Chais Rankin. The couple has three children, whom Taressa chooses to stay home with and raise and home school, while also pursuing her horsemanship goals. While Rankin had been around and ridden horses her entire life, it wasn't until 2014 that she discovered the art of natural horsemanship, and practically became obsessed with the idea. She grew in that interest and became intrigued by the field of competitive trail obstacle courses in the Fall of 2015. For her second sanctioned obstacle event ever, she competed in the ACTHA (American Competitive Trail Horse Association) Great American Trail Horse Festival. There, in an event with nearly 300 competitors, she won the title of "All Around High Point." Rankin continued developing horsemanship knowledge, and decided to challenge herself again by signing up to compete in an Extreme Mustang Makeover (EMM) in 2016. Although she had very limited knowledge on starting horses, and had zero experience with Mustangs, Taressa was excited and motivated for this challenge! In this competition, trainers have 100 days to train a completely unhandled Mustang. At the end of the 100 days, trainers compete in specific classes to show the ability of the American Mustang. The Top Ten from the preliminary classes are selected to then compete in a freestyle event. Rankin made it to the Top Ten, to then place 5th overall from the freestyle performance. The journey only developed more passion for horses, and especially unleashed a passion for the American Mustang. Taressa is now a Trainer in the Mustang Heritage Foundation’s Trainer Incentive Program (TIP), which gentles Mustangs to help find them adoptive homes. Rankin continues to compete in EMMs when life aligns to do so. Rankin realizes that horsemanship is an ever learning journey, with more to be discovered and refined daily. She hopes to share her knowledge and passion with enthusiasm, while also continuing her personal growth in the field of horsemanship.
