Randy has been involved in showing shetland and hackney ponies since the early 1980's. Over the years he took every chance to apprentice under several different trainers. Most notably, he worked with Gene Mickenham of Eagle Crest Pony Farm (Salem, OR) and Tony Petersen Stables (Eugene, OR), two of the top pony trainers in the Pacific Northwest in their day. Both Gene and Tony played a large role in developing Randy's training and showing abilities. Randy has successfully blended all he's learned from his experiences through the years and created his own training style and approach.
Randy and Leslie met in 1998 when her career transplanted her from the fast pace of the big city corporate world to his small rural home town of Anacortes WA. When it was obvious she was sticking around long-term, it was time to put her to the test. Off they went to Oregon to spend a few days working ponies, not sure how his "city girl" would take to the whole idea. Randy put Leslie in a cart for the first time behind his then 2yo hackney pony named Nightro. After a few laps around the arena, Leslie had only one question: "HOW DO I GO FASTER?!?!" The rest of the story is obvious. Fast forward some years later when Randy put Leslie in a cart behind a modern Shetland road pony named Yabba Dabba Do and they brought home their first Congress Championship, one of their proudest accomplishments together to-date.
In 2003 Winbreaker Ponies was formed as a professional training center. While the approach to the training business is very professional, the goal of having fun while enjoying the challenges, camaraderie, and friendships formed by sharing this hobby is always close at heart.
Randy and Leslie enjoy their life in Bow, WA which is half way between Seattle and Vancouver BC, overlooking the San Juan Islands. For those who have never been, this part of the country is awesome and worth a visit! When not working ponies, Randy has worked in many other occupations including commercial fishing, logging/tree service, and bowling center mechanic and pro shop operator. His life-long successes in bowling have earned him a place in the USBC Hall of Fame. Leslie has built a successful career in pharmacy and the health care industry. While Leslie embraced Randy's pony hobby, Randy adopted her love of travel to anywhere there is a beach, warm water, marine wildlife and sunshine.
