Horse-First, Partnership-Driven.

Our Philosophy

At Southside Performance Horses we believe every horse is an individual. Training should meet the horse where they are—mind, body, and experience—then build relaxation, understanding, and confidence one step at a time.

We build confidence, softness, feel, and respect. Respect is never about fear— you can make a horse afraid, but fear is not respect. True respect is mutual: if we want horses to respect us, we must respect them in return. Groundwork matters because it means something under saddle. Exposure matters because it teaches horses to think instead of react. And communication matters because owners deserve to know what’s really happening, not just what sounds good.

Meet Kacey

I’m 23 years old, and I’m still learning every single day. That’s one of the things I love most about working with horses—no matter how much you think you know, they’ll always show you something new if you’re willing to listen.

My journey started with Ellie, the very first horse I ever rode, who opened the door to this lifelong path. Then came my pony Tornado, who tested my patience and taught me persistence. Rocky keeps me humble with his versatility and heart, while Onyx reminds me just how electrifying and special a true connection can be when a horse chooses you.

I wouldn’t be here without the people behind me. My husband, has been the steady push encouraging me to take the leap—reminding me I’ve got this on the long days, and showing up for the horses just as much as he shows up for me. This photo captures what I love most about this work: connection, trust, and the people who help make it possible. Alongside him, my family, close friends, and the many clients who’ve trusted me with their horses have all been a part of this journey.

I officially started Southside Performance Horses in 2023 after winning the River Valley Colt Starting Competition—a moment that proved to me that you can hold true to your values, trust the horse in front of you, and listen even under pressure. That experience gave me the confidence to open the barn doors and share my methods more widely.

My style is quiet and consistent. It’s about connection, respect, and being willing to listen. Horses can teach us so much if we slow down enough to hear them—trust, respect, and communication. That’s the heart of how I train, and the heart of SPH.

Our Story

Southside Performance Horses began with a simple belief: that real progress starts with listening to the horse in front of you. By slowing down, connecting, and earning respect through patience and clarity, we’ve been able to help horses grow into capable, reliable partners. What started with my own horses has grown into a program trusted by families and riders across the Midwest.

I’ve worked with colts needing a quiet first ride, traumatized horses looking for a second chance, and seasoning show horses preparing for the pen. Each horse that has come through has taught me something new. That’s the beauty of this job—the horses keep me honest, humble, and always improving.

Today, SPH is still rooted in the same values I began with: help the horse, help the rider, build the partnership. The facilities may be nicer—new stalls & runs, heated automatic waters, quality hay, and thoughtful care—but the heart of it remains the same: I’m in it for the horses.

Facility & Care

Horses in our program are cared for like they’re our own. They have roomy 12×12 stalls with well-drained footing, each opening to a 36′ run so they can choose to be inside or outside.

Horses receive quality hay and Triple Crown Ration Balancer, and we’re happy to feed owner-supplied supplements. Every detail is set up to keep horses comfortable, healthy, and ready to learn.

But care is more than feed and water—it’s also about communication and partnership. Owners are welcome to be part of the process, and included with each month of training are three one-on-one sessions with their horse. These lessons give you the tools to keep progress building once your horse goes home.