About

 Nettie Baker specializes in the development of both horses and riders to compete in the western sport of reining. She has been a member of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) for many years, and served on the board of the North Central Reining Horse Association (NCRHA) for 15 years.

Nettie has been fortunate to work for and learn from some of the best trainers in the world.

     Nettie began riding at age 10, attended Pat Jensen's School of Horsemanship at Twin Hills Farm in Excelsior, Minnesota, and enjoyed competing in Western Pleasure, Hunt Seat, and games in the WSCA circuit. She also enjoyed studying the fascinating art of trick horse training, and trained numerous trick horses herself, including Houdini Skipper. 

     After graduating High School, Nettie attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. It was at UWRF that Larry Kasten introduced her to reining. Nettie was thrilled to be a part of the colt training program, which placed heavy emphasis on the philosophies of Ray Hunt.

     During college, Nettie completed two different internship programs. The first was at Spring Valley Farms in Newton, New Jersey, training Appaloosa horses. The second was in Hugo, Minnesota at Neal Henning Quarter Horses. 

"Horses are my life, and it makes such a difference when you start their training off right. I love my job and I love my new home at Sterling Creek Stables. "

     After graduating with a BS in Animal Science in 1991, Nettie first traveled to Eldersburg, Maryland to work for Dr. Jim Morgan, then moved on to Aubrey, Texas to work for the one and only Jack Brainard. From there Nettie moved on to Tioga, Texas to work for one of the world's most famous reining trainers, Tim McQuay.

     Returning to Minnesota after three years in Texas, Nettie returned to school and received an Associate Degree in Physical Therapy. For several years she enjoyed two professions, working part time in a trauma center while continuing to train horses. For 15 years she was privileged to start some of the best reining horses bred by Sally Brown at Fox Meadow Farm.

     In 2003 Nettie returned to River Falls, Wisconsin, training horses out of Sally Broten's facility. Known throughout the Midwest as a premier horse trainer, and one of the best at starting young horses, Nettie is excited to be back in Minnesota training horses on a full time basis.

Most recently nettie has been operating her business in Belle Plaine Mn at sterling creek stables.   This small family owned and operated farm has been the perfect setting for nettie to continue her horse training business and offer an array of options that should fulfill your needs