Byron Forehand
Until this year, I have always broke my own colts for as long as I've been in the horse business. But due to a couple of knee surgeries, I was forced to send my two year olds off to be broke this year. Considering how critical that I believe those first few rides are, I was very apprehensive.

I had seen Craig ride at several futurities and thought he was a gifted young trainer, so I decided to give him a call and see if he could take them. He was very accommodating, I was able to send them almost immediately. When I dropped them off I was very impressed with his facilities. It was very apparent he took good care of his horses. After about two weeks, he emailed videos of him riding the colts so I could see how they were doing. I was so impressed I immediately decided to send him another one. After I got the first two colts back home I could not have been more impressed with how well they worked. I live over 400 hundred miles from Craig, and I feel fortunate that I chose to use him. Now, he is the only person I would send my colts to be broke and started. 

Lindsey Matusick

Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of knowing and doing business with Craig and Elan Brooks. As seen in a previous testimonial, I purchased a filly from Craig in 2008. I was (and still am) so impressed with this mare's training that when I decided to send my 4 y/o mare "Baby" off for training, there was only one place I wanted to send her to, Craig Brooks. I dropped "Baby" off in February 2010 with no real plan on how long she would stay in training for. I knew "Baby" did not have "1D / Open barrel horse" potential, but was not real sure if she had any potential at all. From day one Craig was honest about "Baby's" abilities, and always kept me updated on her progress. I also received frequent videos as "Baby" progressed in training. July 2010, I picked "Baby" up from Craig while I was in Perry, Ga for the NBHA Super Show. There was never any intentions of riding her in the show, she was simply along for the ride until we could return home. The first day in Perry, a friend of mines daughter's pony came up lame. They did not realize the pony was lame until 10 min before the daughter was to run. Instead of scratching, I offered "Baby" to the 8 y/o girl to ride in the show. At this point "Baby" had never been exhibitioned, let alone entered in a show. We had no idea what she would do once in an arena with loud music, banners, and a girl who had never ridden her before. Quickly, we tossed on a saddle and a bit that "Baby" had never used, and sent her and the little girl into the arena with fingers crossed. Though the girl was so scared she would only let "Baby" lope, "Baby" did everything perfectly! Since then, the little girls pony passed away. The girl has been riding "Baby" in local shows since August and has been doing great! I can only attribute "Baby's" success to the training Craig provided over the past few months. For this reason, I have and will continue to recommend Craig to anyone looking to buy a horse, or looking for a trainer.


David and Robin Pitts

David and I sent two colts to Craig, one to be started on the pattern and the other to be broke. From the beginning Craig was so easy to work with and that in itself meant a lot to us both. I also can’t begin to express how pleased we were when we got them back with the training and daily care they got. They both had a solid foundation put on them and continued to retain all they were taught once they got home. The colt we sent him to be broke was barely halter broke and Craig had him loping nice circles in no time. Even after a 6 week turn out when we brought him back up he came back just as solid as he was when we turned him out. A nice horse will do that but it takes a good trainer to bring it out in them. Craig even put a really nice barrel pattern on him while being broke which was an extra nice bonus. Thanks so much Craig and Elan.
David and Robin Pitts"


Carlee Pierce

I have had the opportunity to own two horses that were trained on barrels by Craig Brooks , Streakin Reba and Starrz With Two Arrz, and they both are very nice horses and one has gone on to be an outstanding open horse. The second mare is well on her way at just 4 years old already clocking in the 1 and 2d. Craig puts a great foundation on them which makes them very easy to take home and just go on with. I would without a doubt recommend Craig to anybody.

Thanks for everything
Carlee Pierce
Woodward, Ok

Bridget Thomas and Blue Duncan

Hey Craig just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed Blue Duncan aka Blue, he is absolutely THE NICEST HORSE I HAVE EVER OWNED, I have had quite a few barrel horses that have placed at some large pro rodeos and then sold them, but Blue is not for sale even though I think his value will continue to increase, we have already won a good amount of money even with me being off from my accident last year, on the horse that I sold, he is just too much fun totally safe, sane and sound thanks Bridget Thomas



Stefany Walker and India Waters

Dear Craig and Elan Brooks:
Just letting you know how much we love India Waters. "Sissy" has the best personality, she is absolutely gorgeous (we get compliments on her everywhere we go), and she is also super broke and very willing to please. You guys did an amazing job in her training. No bad habits whatsoever! We have only had her around a month and she's already winning for me! We have looked for a young horse to eventually replace my current 1D/2D barrel horse for over a year and we believe she is going to be an exceptional replacement! We recommend Brooks Barrel Horses to anyone who wants excellent bloodlines, reasonable prices, and BROKE horses. Craig and Elan are absolutely wonderful salesmen, very easy to work with, they contacted us back immediately, answered all of our questions, and told us everything about the horse. Sissy is everything they told us and more. Not only are they there for the sell but they are there after the sell for questions and help. We will definitely keep Brooks Barrel Horses in mind when purchasing future barrel horses. We recommend their horses and training!

Thanks again for all your time and help.

Stefany Walker
Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania

Angi Hawthorne and Brisco Got Cleated

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Brooks,
I'm writing to you inregard to the young horse that my daughter Angi Hawthorne purchased from you. My husband was the one who found him on your web site.

I just wanted to let you both know how thrilled we are the "Crisco" (we actually are calling him Cleat) he is everything that you represented him to be! I have never been around such a sweet horse in all my life. (Not to mention, he is truly beautiful) He is so alert, calm, responsive. There have been no problems during the short time that Angi has been riding him. He has never offered to buck. You can tell he wants to please. We are going to have to work on backing out of the trailer, but over all we are absolutely thrilled! You folks have been honestly amazing in your advertising, your training, and in the quality of horses that you are selling and promoting. This has been our first time ever to buy a horse off the internet,through viewing videos, and reading descriptions of the animal. Then to take the chance and actually purchase an animal from so far away, talk about taking a risk! I just can't thank you enough for being so forth right with this young horse and truly honest. I wish you well in any future sales because I know that any one who buys a horse from Brooks will be getting the best horse for their dollar! We will always recommend you to anyone who is looking for an excpetional animal, because they can't go wrong with a horse from your facility.

Thank you again for taking the time with us and for everything that you have done to start Cleat. We are truly delighted!

Best regards and with our sincere appreciation,

Suzan Holdaway
Heber City, Utah

P. S. (I'm just the mom who loves to watch my daughter ride)


Lindsey Matusick and Ima Sweet Bully

September 2008 I purchased a 3 y/o Bully Bullion filly from Craig (Brooks Barrel Horses). Every time I e-mailed him about this filly, he was more then helpful. Every question I had, he answered quickly and honestly. When I made the eight hour drive from New Smyrna Beach, Fl to Gainesville, GA and arrived at Craig and Elan's, my husband and I were greeted with a friendly smile. Watching Craig ride the filly I was there to look at confirmed that everything he said in the ad and through e-mails were honest and true. The facilities are beautiful, well maintained, and well equipped. When I picked the filly up from Craig he made sure that all the paperwork was in order and ready to go. Craig put a great handle and a nice barrel pattern on this filly before I purchased her making it that much more of a pleasure to ride. I would, and have recommend Craig to several people in Florida for " the place to go to buy a nice barrel horse" and based off of the handle he put on the filly I bought, I have also recommended him for training.

Lindsey Matusick
New Smyrna Beach, Fl 

Blair& Tracey Bertram and Sugar Bug Baby

I would just like to say how much we like Candy!! I purchased a 4 yr old mare named Sugar Bug Baby from Craig Brooks, and she is the best horse. She is so light to the touch, has a wonderful personality, she is so well trained. My 11 yr old daughter thinks that she is the greatest.!! I would highly recommend Craig if you were looking for a horse or even if you have a horse already and just want a nice easy handle on it. I have had several people inquiry on Candy because they can't get over her age versus her attitude. She is a 4 yr old that acts like a seasoned horse. Nothing bothers her. I know that when I get ready for another horse, i will definitely look at BrooksBarrel horses. I have looked for 6 months for my daughter a horse and finally we found a place that sales quality horses at reasonable prices. Craig, Blair said to make sure that I put in here a big "THANK YOU' for such a nice horse.
Thanks again, for your time and your work, Tracey Bertram 

Terri Pitcher and Flying routine

"I would highly recommend Brooks Barrel Horses for purchasing your next high quality, sound, well-trained barrel horse. I live a couple of hours away and was thrilled to find the horse that was represented to me over the Internet and via telephone. Bob was exactly the horse that I saw advertised. He was “Just As Described, Only Better.” There are no quirks or tricks to get him around a barrel, or in the pen, just a well-trained horse. Craig has nice light hands and trains his horses so that you can ride behind him. Bob also came with an open-ended line of communication with Craig on any questions that I’ve had. I have owned a lot of nice barrel horses, but Bob is by far the nicest. Thank you Craig!" :-) God Bless, Terri Pitcher