Paul and Tami Thurston, of Tarboro, North Carolina, have had many successes over the years but it seems since the beginning they were destined to be together.

Tami grew up in Ohio and developed a love for horses at a young age even though no one in her family had anything to do with them.

“I think they thought I would grow out of it,” she explains. “But I just kept pestering them until finally they bought me a pony for my 13th birthday.”

Tami became very involved in her local 4 –H club and says it’s because of the experiences she had there that she is still involved with horses today.

“Jody Sullivan was my first trainer and helped me make the transition from 4-H to AQHA,” Tami explains,” I have always aspired to be a great horsewoman like Jody. She taught me so much.”

Paul grew up in Indiana and was involved in every aspect of livestock growing up. He was also very involved in 4-H, extracurricular activities at school and was a  member of the swim, track and golf teams. Accepted to Purdue University where Paul thought he might study engineering but took a trip to Findlay and decided to take a go at riding horses instead.

Both Paul and Tammy graduated from Findlay University with a bachelor’s degree in Equine Science and Business. In fact Findlay is where they would eventually meet and begin their life together.

As fate would have it, Tami says she knew the first time she saw Paul they would be together.

Paul, a senior at this point, was giving a demonstration to Tami’s class when she turned to a friend and said “that’s the man I’m going to marry.” The rest is pretty much history.

While Tami was finishing school, Paul went on to work and learn under industry greats such as Clark and Sarah Bradley, Chris and Debbie Arnold, Steve Brown, Brent Tincher and Donnie Dickerson.  Following graduation Tami worked as an admissions counselor for Findlay and eventually started a business “Tails by Tami,” tying in fake tails hair to hair so that she could travel and show alongside Paul.

Tami was a very successful non-pro during this time, training and showing her own horses, many of which have gone on to be futurity and Congress Champions.

After years of training and showing her own horses Tami knew she was ready to become a professional. She and Paul had purchased their current facility in 2000 and began Thurston Quarter Horses. Tami soon learned about a director’s position opening for the equine program at Martin Community College, just 30 miles down the road.

“I thought to myself this is a great way to transition from a non-pro to a professional horse trainer. “ Tami says.

Tami is able to take her training horses to work with her. It’s a double benefit as she is able to expose her students to some really nice horses while also exposing her training horses to so much more than they would be just riding at home day after day.

“I feel it’s an awesome responsibility teaching the future horsemen and horsewomen and possibly the next industry’s leaders.” Tami explains.

Conveniently located with access to the I-95 corridor, Thurston Quarter Hores is also just one hour from a major airport. The faciity includes 28 stalls, a covered riding arena, hot walker, round pen, outdoor riding pad and it is surrounded by 3,000 acres available for riding.

The Thurstons specialize in starting and developing young futurity horses though they also enjoy helping customers reach their potential with their aged show horses.

“Over the years we have come to realize you have to tailor your program to every customer and every horse,” Paul explains, “If it doesn’t fit, don’t force it!”

With this as their mantra, the Thurstons have found considerable success.

Paul is a All American Quarter Horse Congress Champion and Reserve Champion and has  trained a World Champion and many futurity and Top 10 winners at the Congress and World shows in multiple events.  Tami is a three-time Congress Champion and has numerous Top 10 placings to her credit. Her most recent Congress Championship was in the 2-Year-Old Limited Open Hunter Under Saddle this past October.

The Thurstons were also blessed with the birth of their son, Carter Beckett Thurston, on Dec. 15.

“He has turned our worlds upside down! We have waited a long time for this little guy and are trying to enjoy every minute of it,” the Thurstons say. “We have to give a shout out to God for giving us this opportunity.”

Outside of horses Paul and Tami enjoy vacationing with family every year in Bluffton, South Carolina. They also hold a time-share in Williamsburg, Virginia as they enjoy visiting historic sites. And they love to cook, especially for company.

“We have always said one day when we are retired from horses we would love to open a restaurant!” Tami says.

So what is in store for 2014?

”Well aside from being busy new parents, we will be very involved in a home renovation to make room for Carter, and we have a great group of horses lined up for the show year. We look forward to traveling to all the major shows like the Little Futurity and NSBA World,” Tami said.

You can visit the Thurstons on the web at www.thurstonquarterhorse.com or you can email them at: thurtsonquarterhorse@yahoo.com or tthurtson@martincc.edu. To reach Paul by phone call (910) 528-5240. To reach Tami by phone call (252) 661-3234.