Dena Kirkpatrick

Martin Saddlery Professional

Dena Kirkpatrick
Hometown

Post, Texas

Discipline

Barrel Racing

RIDES

Martin Stingray

Martin Pro Since

2014

The Story

Trainer, Clinician, and Horsewoman

Dena Kirkpatrick is a professional barrel horse trainer, clinician, and competitor whose influence reaches well beyond the arena. Based in Texas, Dena has spent decades developing horses and helping riders build a practical foundation in horsemanship. Her training philosophy is rooted in keeping things simple, giving horses a clear understanding of their job, and building the balance and confidence that allow them to stay sound and competitive throughout their careers.


An AQHA World Champion and BFA World Championship Futurity Champion, Dena has earned wins and top finishes at premier futurities and rodeos, including the West Texas Futurity and Derby, San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo, Elite Futurity, and Harlequin Farms Futurity. She and Willy Nick Bar remain the only horse-and-rider team to win all three go-rounds of the BFA World Championship Futurity, and she ranked among EquiStat’s Top 10 Futurity Riders for 10 consecutive years. Dena is also recognized for developing outstanding horses including Sugar Moon Express, Lady Perks, Guys Cash Task, and numerous other successful barrel horses. Through her clinics and instruction, she continues to share the horsemanship principles that have shaped her career.

Ride What Dena Rides

The Same Saddles. Built for You.

Dena's saddles are made in our Greenville, Texas shop. Yours starts with the same leather, the same trees, and the same hands. Take inspiration from Dena's setup, then make it your own.

Build My Martin Saddle Shop Ready to Ship

Barrel Racing

Meet the Pros

Ashley Schafer

Barrel Racer
Comanche, Texas

Leading Pink Buckle Incentive Rider, More Than $1 Million in Career Earnings, Futurity, Derby, Slot Race, and Rodeo Champion.

Meet Ashley

Dena Kirkpatrick

Barrel Racing
Post, Texas

AQHA World Champion, BFA World Championship Futurity Champion, BFA World Championship Futurity All Three Go-Rounds Winner, EquiStat Top 10 Futurity Rider for 10 Consecutive Years.

Meet Dena

Emma Abbott

Barrel Racing
Lafayette, Georgia

Abbott Equine Horse Training in Bluff Dale, Texas, Producer of Successful Rodeo Horses, American Qualifiers, and Futurity Winners, Multiple Horses with Lifetime Earnings Exceeding $300,000.

Meet Emma

Jayci Byler

Barrel Racing
Bellville, Texas

National High School Rodeo Association Barrel Racing Champion, National High School Finals Rodeo Short Round Winner, National High School Finals Rodeo Barrel Racing Average Champion.

Meet Jayci

Jodee Miller

Barrel Racing
Santo, Texas

Old Dort Days Futurity and Derby Champion, 2024 Elite Extravaganza Derby Champion, 2024 San Antonio Wildcard Round Winner, Breeders Challenge Futurity Top 5 Finisher, Multiple American Rodeo Semifinals Qualifier, 2025 American Rodeo Contender Finals Qualifier.

Meet Jodee

Jolene Montgomery

Barrel Racing
De Graff, Ohio

BFA World Futurity Champion, EquiStat Rider of the Year, More Than $3 Million in Earnings as a Trainer and Jockey.

Meet Jolene

Joy Wargo

Barrel Racing
Mountain View, Wyoming

AQHA World Champion, AQHA Reserve World Champion, BFA Reserve World Champion, Multiple 1D Champion.

Meet Joy

Kimmi Byler

Barrel Racing
Bellville, Texas

Barrel Horse Trainer, Former Racehorse Development Specialist, Co-Owner of Byler Performance Equine, Performance Horse Conditioning, Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Aquatic Therapy Specialist.

Meet Kimmi

Sherry Cervi

Barrel Racing
Marana, Arizona

4X WPRA Barrel Racing World Champion (1995, 1999, 2010, 2013), 19X Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifier, 3X Wrangler NFR Average Champion, First Woman to Surpass $3 Million in WPRA Earnings, 2018 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Inductee.

Meet Sherry