Head Trainer
Paradise owner Gary Kenworthy shares this about his daughter-in-law:
As Misty puts it, “I was born on the back of a horse. I’ve been in horses my whole life.†She grew up riding Thoroughbreds in the English disciplines and later got involved with various aspects of Rodeo and Quarter Horses. She was very successful in terms of winning ribbons, titles, belt buckles and saddles! She was a consistent “winner,†and being in that environment, she naturally bought into the commonly-held notion of folks in those circles that Arabian horses were pretty, but that’s where the positive comments ended. As a rider, she felt that the halter classes were for “sissies†who couldn’t ride and a horse’s pedigree was completely irrelevant. Ah, what a difference a few years makes. The transformation she has made since joining the “Paradise/Kenworthy†family, and getting up close and personal with the straight Egyptian Arabian horse, is nothing short of AMAZING!
When Misty first married our son, Matt, 7 years ago, Paradise had far fewer horses, but we did have a cattle operation that consisted of nearly 200 head. Since Misty had some cattle experience we felt it would be good to have her head up that facet of the business (and it offered the added benefit of separating, to some degree, the newlyweds, since being together 24/7 can be hard on even the strongest, old-time couples like Matt’s parents.) As time passed, the cattle operation had to shrink in order to make room for the ever-growing horse population and it became clear that Misty’s heart was in the horses; and especially the babies! And, it also became clear that she had a desire to show at halter (suddenly, it wasn’t for “sissies†any longer) and her aptitude for it was clear from the very beginning! Of course, she was quick to point out that showing Arabian horses at halter is quite different than showing Quarter Horses at halter; much more challenging and FUN!
Misty started out working with babies, teaching them the basics under the watchful eye of Gary. She progressed quickly and reveled in the joys of training with a gentle hand and positive reinforcement; and the horses responded in kind! She loves them and they love her and when they’re out there in the ring together it’s clear to all who watch that a special bond exists between horse and handler; both seem to be smiling all the time!
What a rapid ascension Misty has made as a trainer. At the Egyptian Event in 2005, feeling she was ready, Gary decided to let the world know (and Misty, too), in unmistakable terms, that “this is my trainer!†Her “baptism of fire†was to be placed at the end of the lead in front of what was then a 3 year-old stallion named “The Singleton!†And, to make the challenge even greater, she was made aware of this the day before the class, she had only schooled him once in her life and she would be competing against the biggest names in the industry! (There’s nothing like being thrown into the deep end of the pool to prove one’s mettle!) When the dust settled it was clear that she could “hang with the big dogs!†She was solidly in the Top-Ten and beat out some notable handlers. Since that day, she has gone on to win many championship ribbons for “Paradise†and its clients, culminating at the 2008 Egyptian Event with the Supreme Champion Gelding title with El Helou (Thee Asil x Minstrilsgreymist) owned by Ed, Beth and Erin Witt of Witt’s End Arabians! CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
If you’ve ever seen Misty Kenworthy in the show ring you know what kind person she is: full of excitement, enthusiasm, charisma and sheer joy! If you would like your horse to be trained and shown by someone like that, with a gentle hand and kind heart, in a state-of-the-art indoor facility, please contact Misty to discuss space availability…but do it now, tomorrow may be too late!
