We are a family owned and operated business now located at Darling 888 Ranch in Princeton, Kentucky. Specializing in the training of high quality Reining horses, we focus on maximizing the potential of each horse in our care. In addition to his successful career and Half Million Dollar rider status in the Open division, trainer Sam Schaffhauser enjoys working with Non Pro and Youth clients.

Our philosophy for success in the horse industry is based on trust, integrity, and hard work. Next to God and our family, our clients and their horses are our priority. We are so thankful for the opportunity to build and enjoy a career in the industry we love, and we appreciate all of those who have contributed to and invested in our development and success.

 
 
 

Training

Experienced riding with some of the Reining industry's best, Sam believes that consistent training and flexibility pay off over the long haul. Whether he's training an Open or Non Pro horse or teaching a rider, Sam puts his whole heart into lifelong learning and getting the most out of the horse or rider he has to work with each day. Adaptability to the individual horse's needs is a major key to his success.

Showing

Currently an NRHA Levels 2, 3, and 4 Open rider, Sam has lifetime earnings in excess of $600,000. A Level 3 Open Reserve Champion at both the NRHA Derby and National Reining Breeders Classic, he has placed in the top four of the Level 4 Open division at both of these events, also earning Level 2 NRHA Open Futurity Reserve Champion honors and consistently making the finals at all of these major events.

Sales

For every horse there is a future with the right owner. Sam strives to prepare sale horses for their next phase of life, then create a partnership with new owners that helps to insure success. With experience in fitting and sales prep, he offers private sales services throughout the year along with sales prep for the annual Legacy Reining Breeders Sale and NRHA Futurity Sales. It is our goal to find successful homes.

 
 

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Excerpt from "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost

 
 
 
 
Cuteness overload! Guns R For Shootin x Hickorys Top Chic, 2 weeks old! #babydollhead #lowhocks #reddun #humphreyquarterhorses
Good luck to Marcy and Kip Ply with “Maggie”. Thanks for letting us share in your journey to the show pen! #gunnerstinseltown
Brother Gun, owned by Sammy and @paula.graham.7731 🤩
The cutest! @spooksgottawhiz x Lil Rene Gun, owned by Jim and Kathleen Fanello 🥰