Training
At GM Performance Horses, excellence is built on experience, horsemanship, and a relentless commitment to helping horses and riders reach their full potential. Led by Gildo Minichiello, GMPH proudly serves Open, Non-Pro, Amateur, and Limited Aged Event competitors, while also developing the next generation of talent through its two- and three-year-old training program.
A three-time NCHA Open World Finals qualifier and the first European rider in history to qualify for the NCHA Open World Finals, Gildo has built a reputation for achieving results at the highest levels of the sport. Before launching GMPH, he spent four years training under and being mentored by NCHA Hall of Famer and $3 Million Rider Gavin Jordan, refining the skills, knowledge, and horsemanship that now define his program.
Today, GMPH combines world-class training with individualized attention, helping horse-and-rider teams pursue their goals both inside and outside the show pen. Whether you're developing a young prospect, campaigning an aged event horse, chasing a world championship, or striving for your next breakthrough run, GMPH provides the expertise, support, and competitive edge needed to succeed.
But while the horses and results are taken seriously, the atmosphere is anything but stiff. GMPH is a family-oriented program where clients become friends, hard work is balanced with laughter, and success is celebrated together. Expect elite horsemanship, honest coaching, a few Italian life lessons, and if you're lucky, homemade pizza from the authentic oven Gildo had shipped straight from Italy. At GMPH, we believe great horses, great people, and great food make for a pretty good combination.
Stylarey 25K Novice 2025
Open World Finalist
Scarlet is the kind of horse every trainer dreams of. By Dual Smart Rey, this remarkable mare is a force in the show pen, and GMPH has been privileged to be part of her journey since she was a two-year-old. This mare's consistency and talent were on full display as she finished among the Top 15 in the world in the NCHA 25K Novice Horse division.
German Horse Muffins are her treat of choice. GMPH is thankful to owner Michelle LeMaster for her continued support.
Lil Metal Rebel & Courtenay DeHoff 2025 NCHA Summer Spectacular 5/6 Amateur Semi-Finalist
"Bucket" holds a special place in the GMPH story as the first horse Gildo developed entirely from the beginning. Starting him as a colt, Gildo guided Bucket through every stage of his development, ultimately qualifying him for the NCHA 5K Novice Open World Finals before selling him to Courtenay DeHoff, a first-time Amateur competitor.
In her first year of cutting, Courtenay and Bucket were Semi-Finalists in the NCHA Summer Spectacular 5/6 Amateur, Finalists in the Brazos Bash 5/6 Amateur, and qualified for the NCHA Circuit Finals in both the 2K Rider and 15K Amateur divisions.
Stylarey & Michelle LeMaster 2025 Bosque Ranch Unlimited Amateur Finalist
Scarlet and Michelle LeMaster qualified for the Bosque Ranch Unlimited Amateur Finals, adding another chapter to an already impressive partnership. Together, this duo has produced countless memorable runs throughout their careers.
Michelle also surpassed $525,000 in NCHA lifetime earnings—a testament to the remarkable career of this NCHA World Champion. GMPH is incredibly grateful to have a competitor of Michelle's caliber as part of the barn family.
Lil Metal Rebel 2024 5K Novice Open World Finalist
The 2024 season marked a major milestone for both Gildo and Bucket. As the first horse Gildo started and developed from the beginning, Bucket's qualification for the NCHA 5K Novice Open World Finals was a rewarding testament to years of hard work and belief in the process.
The achievement also made Gildo the first European rider in history to qualify for and finish in the Top 15 in the world in an NCHA Open division—an accomplishment that helped lay the foundation for what would become GMPH.
Too Much Too Suen 2024 25K Novice World Finalist & 2023 Super Stakes 5/6 Limited Open Finalist
Bennie, owned by Tom Watson, was one of the most talented and athletic horses Gildo has ever had the opportunity to show. By Boon Too Suen, this standout performer carried Gildo to his first NCHA Super Stakes 5/6 Limited Open Finals, cementing his place as a memorable part of the GMPH journey. He also made the 5/6 Limited Open Final at the Brazos Bash.
The following year, Bennie continued his success by finishing among the Top 15 horses in the world in the NCHA 25K Novice Horse division, further cementing his reputation as an exceptional competitor.
Inquire about training or book a lesson.
Whether you're looking to put a two-year-old or Open horse in training, you're an Amateur looking to develop your skills alongside your horse, or a seasoned Non-Pro seeking a competitive edge and support, we'd love to visit with you about joining our program. New to cutting and don't own a horse? Come take a lesson and discover whether this incredible sport is right for you.