For Colton LaSusa the best part about being a horse trainer is seeing the growth of his horses and clients both in and out of the arena.

“Horses are not robots they are athletes with their own minds,” said the Pennsylvania trainer. “Understanding what it takes to make your horse reach their best ability is crucial. Some horses might need more ride time, more sleep…..whatever it takes. That goes for us as exhibitors as well. I have learned the hard lessons of not believing in myself at big horse shows and over doing it. We have to know what it takes for both to make the stars align.”

Growing up in Layton, Utah, LaSusa got his first taste of horses during a family vacation to Yellowstone National Park. Some of his family members were involved with general riding and horse ownership so they took the pack horses on tour of the park. While everyone else was doing white water rafting and other activities LaSusa was pleading and begging his parents, Karen Fryer and Frank LaSusa to allow him to do the horseback riding over and over and over again. He enjoyed a majority of his vacation on horseback and that’s where it all began.

While in high school at Fremont High School in Plain City, Utah, LaSusa was a member of the High School Rodeo team, the Future Farmers of America, the Junior Rodeo as well as 4-H. He first worked for AQHA Professional Horseman and Team Wrangler member, Marty Oak Simper, who specializes in all-around events and that’s where he first developed his love for Trail, rail classes and Western Riding. LaSusa said he knew this was going to be his career path. From there he moved to Texas to work for Hillis Atkins, of Gainesville. He had great experiences with cow horses and Reining before deciding he wanted to further explore the all-around programs and what better place to hone in on this skill than HighPoint Performance Horses, with Charlie Cole, Jason Martin, and Beth Case.

“Working for HighPoint was a milestone that not only allowed me to grow as a trainer but also gave me valuable business experience,” LaSusa recalled. “So many people have helped to shape the trainer I am, and for that I am beyond thankful. I think it is so important to continue to grow and learn. I am always eager to work with other professionals.”

In 2011 LaSusa started his own training business in South Jordan, Utah, and in 2014 he relocated to Athens, Pennsylvania with his partner Vito Latini. Together they own a 22 acre high-end training facility to accommodate a top notch AQHA all-around operation. LaSusa said he believes this is an ideal location because the demographics are very strong in this area, Northeast people are extremely loyal to their horses and there are so many shows he is able to attend. The facility is centrally located about two hours from Syracuse,and Cobleskill in New York and Center Hall, Pennsylvania. It boasts a main 15-stall heated show barn, and a large heated indoor arena, acres of very nice turn out with run in sheds and a large outdoor riding arena attached to an upper five stall barn.

“I decided to go out on my own after working at some of the top operations in the world,” LaSusa said. “With what I learned and my business mindset I felt that I was at the point to offer an outstanding program. I knew in my heart that I had all the talent to make it to the top and I knew in my mind that I had the ethics and drive to build a successful business.”

And success soon came for LaSusa. In 2015 alone he had the opportunity to show some amazing horses including WhatMadeUSayThat, 8th in the Open Junior Hunter Under Saddle at the AQHA World Show, Top five in the Junior Hunter Under Saddle at the Congress and Top 10 in the Open Hunter Under Saddle Maturities. They are leading the nation in Junior Hunter Under Saddle Level 3; Zippos Cash Award, 4th in the Senior Green Trail at the Congress and KM Bos Best Hotrod, 11th in Junior Trail at the Congress. He also coached his clients to Top Five and Top 10 finishes at the Congress, AQHA and APHA World Shows. LaSusa says he enjoys coaching the showmanship, equitation, horsemanship and trail and the challenge of guiding his riders through successful pattern execution.

In the summer months LaSusa can be be found on the water. Boating and jet skiing are some of his favorite things to do other than horse showing. In the winter he loves to ski and spend time on the mountains…or hills in the Northeast.

For more information on LaSusa Performance Horses visit www.LaSusaPerformanceHorses.com. You can contact Colton at (801) 645-7679 or email him at LaSusaPerformanceHorses@gmail.com