Meet Austin Grazier

Owner & Trainer, Grazier Performance Horses & Livestock, LLC


Austin with his wife Jenna

Growing Up With Horses

Austin grew up on a small boarding and training facility in Colorado. From a young age, he was involved in the daily chores, helped prepare students for lessons, and assisted with training horses.


Throughout high school, Austin competed in Cowboy Mounted Shooting, where he earned the title of 2014 CMSA AQHA Youth World Champion. His greater interest, however, was always in developing a well-trained and finished horse, which eventually led him to the reining and reined cow horse worlds.

Building a Life in Montana

In 2015, Austin moved to Big Sky Country to attend Montana State University, where he met local reined cow horse trainer Jess Holloway. For seven years, Austin worked alongside Jess, gaining experience and developing the foundation that would eventually help him build his own program.

Ben Balow has also played a significant role in Austin’s journey. Austin met Ben in 2016 and later spent six months working for him. What started as a working relationship has grown into a lasting friendship and mentorship. Ben continues to be someone Austin regularly rides and trains with. Ben has been a great friend, trusted mentor, and an important influence throughout Austin’s career.

Jenna Grazier, Austin’s wife, is a critical member of the GPH team. She ensures all horses in the program are handled and managed with the utmost care. Raised on a ranch and with more than a decade of horse care under her belt, Jenna brings extensive equine knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a genuine love for the horses in their care.

Austin graduated from Montana State University in 2020 with a BS in Animal Science and a BS in Agricultural Business.

Today, Austin is especially passionate about starting and developing young horses and helping each horse build the foundation it needs to reach its full potential. He also enjoys working with dedicated non-pro riders, helping them develop confidence, timing, feel, and a better understanding of their horses. Whether developing a young prospect or coaching a rider toward their goals, Austin believes in consistency, good horsemanship, and meeting both horse and rider where they are.

Contact Austin to inquire about training availability.

 

What are your prices?

Horse Training: $1,500/Month Base Price

  • Includes:

    • $750 Board (stall w/run)

    • $750 Training (4-5 days per week)

  • Due on the 1st of each month.

  • 90 days minimum. (No pro-rating for horses picked up early.)

  • Services payable to Grazier Performance Horses.

  • Other board options available for long-term horses.

Lessons:

  • Starting at $125 per lesson + $15 haul in fee

  • Fees due at time of lesson (check or cash).

Horse Sales: 10% commission on all horses sold through GPH

Hauling Fee: $1.00/mile

Show Fee: $100/day/rider + GPH expenses split amongst all GPH riders, billed at the end of the show.

Equine Consulting: Contact me for details

*There is a 90-day minimum for all training programs.


Is board included?

Yes, board is included with all training packages.

Horses are fed quality alfalfa/grass mix 3x per day. (Grain can be fed as needed.)

Current proof of negative Coggins and flu/rhino vaccine are required prior to dropoff.


How do I prepare my horse?

Horses should be ready to begin work when arriving at Grazier Performance Horses.

This means horses should have teeth checked and floated, be up to date on all vaccinations, and have properly maintained feet (farrier appointment within the last 8 weeks before drop off).

Ideally, your horse can also be caught, haltered, and led without incident. These are great things to practice at home!


How does drop off and pickup work?

Drop off and pickup will be scheduled with GPH when a signed copy of the training contract is returned to Austin.


How do I secure my spot?

As soon as payment for your first month of board is received, and you sign the contract, your spot in the schedule is secured.


Will you train at my home?

I do not train at clients’ homes or other boarding facilities.


Can I request specific skills & topics?

Absolutely!

At minimum, having an idea of what the horse will be doing in the future helps me prepare it to be as successful as possible.


How does billing work?

Payment for the first month’s training is due PRIOR to the arrival of your horse. (No exceptions.)

Following months are invoiced at the end of each month. Invoices are due upon receipt.


What if my horse needs more time?

No worries. Sometimes training takes longer than anticipated, and that's OK.

Leaving your horse in training for an extra month (or more) is always an option.

If I feel your horse needs more time, I will let you know prior to the end of your current engagement. I want every horse leaving my training program to go on and be successful!


Around the Ranch