Chris Dawson was Appaloosa Youth World Champion, but he soon turned to reined cow horses after attending NRCHA’s World’s Greatest Horseman competition as a spectator in 1999.  After graduating from high school, he went to work half days for his uncle, Butch Campbell, an all around trainer and half days for Tedd Turner.  In 2000 he went to work  NRCHA 2 Million Dollar trainer, Todd Crawford. Four years later Chris went to work for NRCHA Hall of Fame horsewoman, Carol Rose where he was able to spend some time with Robbie Boyce where his knowledge and opportunities continued to grow. With mentors like Ron Ralls, Don Murphy and Jim Paul, he built enough of an understanding of the Reined Cow Horse to set off on his own in 2008. Chris has since won over $1 million in the NRCHA as well as $200,000 in the NRHA.  Chris has developed a reputation as a great horse trainer and a man that is not afraid to lend a helping hand or a word of advice to a fellow competitor. He and his wife Sara operate Dawson Performance Horses together in Perrin, Texas.

Favorite Quote: “and then some.” Go to work and then some. Do whatever you’re supposed to and then some.

Biggest Mistake You’ve Made: “Doing the wrong things and then some.”

Training Philosophy: “Keep it simple, and don’t lie to your horses” “Never trust anyone that lies to you, and don’t lie to anyone that trusts you.”