Team JM Reining Horses

Josh Murphy - Head Trainer
Josh Murphy learned about horses at an early age, trail riding and team penning with his family. While he was in high school, he decided to broaden his horizons when he started breaking colts for his neighbors. Following graduation, he attended Black Hawk College in Illinois, but he continued to follow his passion for horses as he studied equestrian science.

It was at Black Hawk that Murphy got involved in reining, taking an internship with the late Steve DeFrang. Murphy knew he liked horses and wanted to do something he enjoyed for a living, so becoming a trainer seemed like a perfect fit. 

What Murphy has come to enjoy the most about training reining horses is getting to show. Watching his dedication and a young horses's hard work come to fruition is one of the most satisfying parts of the job for him. 

"Every horse is different, so I just try to figure out how to get the most out of each horse with their own style," Murphy said. With more than $320,000 in open money won since 2015, Murphy has many impressive runs to draw on when he reflects on his career so far. Among them are a first- and second-place finish in the 2016 NRHA Futurity Level 1 Open riding Got That Iowa Shine and CBK Hang A Wright, respectively. ​He was also a L4 Open Classic Finalist at the 2018 National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas. 
Kaitlyn Baker - Assistant Trainer
Kaitlyn Baker, a TCU Equestrian Alumna and successful NRHA Non Pro, joined JM Reining in August 2024 as an Open apprentice and trainer. Kaitlyn rode with Shane Kelley growing up and was a NRHA Derby Finalist, The Run For A Million Top 5 winner, among other accolades. She most recently co-championed the Limited Open at the 2024 NRHA Futurity with a JM customer-owned horse. Kaitlyn rides & shows horses of all ages and assists Josh with coaching Non Pros. 
  • Limited Open eligible
  • L1 Open eligible 
Renee Johns - Assistant Trainer
Renee joined our team in March of 2023. A graduate of Stephen F Austin University and avid show jumper, Renee is expanding her skills in the Western industry. She won her first reining buckle in October 2023 aboard Got That Iowa Shine. Her experience, dependability & dedication is greatly appreciated by our whole team! 
  • Ride & Slide Open eligible
  • Rookie Pro eligible
Taylor Dienert - Groom
Bio coming soon!
Autumn Fisher - Summer/Winter Intern
Bio coming soon!
 Farrier: Seth Jordan
Picture
Traci Davenport Photo
"Every horse is different, so I just try to figure out how to get the most out of each horse with their own style."