For Wade and Laura Spell, of St. Louis, Missouri, not all horses are created equal. They all mature at a different pace and they really tell you what they can handle.

You just need to listen and watch for the cues.

As trainers of Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle contenders, with an emphasis on young horses and futurities, the Spells thrive on watching young horses progress.

“I am a strong believer that patience is a virtue,” Laura said. “There is so much room for error with young horses, and when you get in a hurry sometimes very critical steps are missed.”

Wade Spell riding Wise Men Talk.

It’s a program that works. Over the years, Wade and Laura have trained and/or exhibited such successful show horses as multiple American Paint Horse Association (APHA) World Champions In The Sweet Shop, A Sudden Legacy, Shez Eye Candy, All About The Goods and Back That Up.

“I love watching the young horses go from start to finish,” Wade said.

There have been horses in their program like, Too Hot Too, who was the All-Around Novice Amateur Champion at the APHA World Show. And Allota Vested Pine, a 2011 sorrel overo gelding who carried his youth rider to the All-Around Youth 13 & Under Championship title at the APHA Youth World Show. Quita Machine is a National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) Reserve World Champion and APHA Youth World Champion. They all came through the Spell Show Horses Program.

“My favorite part of the job is starting young prospects every year and then watching them continue on in their careers with their non-pro riders,” Laura said.

Wade Spell grew up in St. Louis, on the same farm where they train today. His parents owned a boarding and riding stable so he grew up in the horse business. Wade graduated from Ritenour High School, where he played baseball, basketball and soccer. As a pitcher, he attended South East Missouri University on a full-ride baseball scholarship.

“I grew up with a passion for training,” Wade said. “When I graduated college, my mom told me, ‘give it a try.’  She said you can always use your degree later and board out your barn if it doesn’t work.”

In 1997 Wade purchased land adjoining his parents’ place and built his first barn.

“I built in four sections over the years,” he explained. “My goal was to never be in debt.  So I built what I could afford as I went.”

In 2013 Wade married Laura Stenroos after meeting her at a horse show.

Laura Spell with Sum Fabulous Party.

Laura grew up in Hastings, Minnesota on a farm owned by her parents, Rodney and Jill Stenroos, and attended the Hastings area public schools.

“I was never really into after school activities. I always wanted to get home as soon as I could to ride horses,” Laura explained. “My mom was really good and always kept prospects around so we could learn on them and try our hands at getting them broke.”

Following her high school graduation, Laura attended the University of Minnesota in Mankato and the University of Wisconsin in River Falls.

“I always wanted to train horses,” Laura admitted. “Growing up I really enjoyed starting colts and taking them all the way to the show pen.  I went to college as a backup plan.  I wanted something just in case things didn’t work out.”

All the while Laura rode and competed as a non-pro until 2013 when she gave up her card to join Wade as a professional trainer.

“When I married Wade it just seemed like the right decision.”

Today, Spell Show Horses is located one mile from Lambert Field in St. Louis and backs up to Highway 70 and 170.

“Our barns have 40 stalls with around 100 stalls on the entire property,” Wade said. “We also have two indoor arenas and one outdoor with 30 acres of trails in the back.”

When he is not training or at a show, Wade enjoys boating, traveling and attending sports events.

“I am movie fanatic,” he said. “I don’t like to sit around much. Life is short. I like to do as much as I can.”

Laura loves to travel and to hang out with friends and family.

“I enjoy anything fast-paced,” she said, “skiing, snowmobiling and jet skiing.

For more information on Spell Show horses call (314) 607-8615 or you can connect with them on Facebook.