Karl Jenkins isn’t a stranger to hard work. Jenkins spent 46 years building a successful Chevrolet Dealership in Wapakoneta, Ohio which didn’t allow too much time for indulging his passion for horses. However, after retiring 3 years ago, Karl could pursue cutting horses to the full extent.
“It’s nice being retired. The days go by fast, but it sure is great being able to spend that time with my horses all day,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins has been in the saddle ever since he was 10 years old, running barrels and poles. In college, he got his first taste of cutting.
“Shorty Freeman let me turn back for him, and I was hooked,” Jenkins said. In his late 50’s, Jenkins purchased a very special horse, a daughter to Freckles Play Boy, Betty’s Little Freckles rose to the top time and time and time again. The duo never placed below second in any show they competed.
“She was like a babysitter. She is 30 years old now, but still here at the ranch. She is very special to me,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins’ current competition horse is a High Brow Cat mare, SDP Royal Lineage, to Freckles Play Boy, in training in with Ariel Sbarra. The pair is sitting 7th in the senior world tour and took 1st place in the Ohio Cutting Horse Association (OCHA) in all 3 classes. His initial goal of winning 50K with his new mare have been well surpassed.
Jenkins, who was born and raised in Ohio, is very loyal to the OCHA. Lazy H Ranch hosts most of the weekend competitions in Ohio, and it is perfectly located just 30 minutes from the Jenkins Ranch. Jenkins explained, “Everyone is like family. People are always willing to help and they are genuinely happy for you if you are winning. It’s just a lot of fun and great people to be around. That’s why I make it a point to go to at least one show a month.”
Why Karl Uses CHTO: “I love all the videos, especially the one of Lindy Burch and the fantastic job she
does at explaining herd work.”