Kimmi Byler

Martin Saddlery Professional

Kimmi Byler
Hometown

Bellville, Texas

Discipline

Barrel Racing

RIDES

Martin FX3 & Guardian

Endorsee Since

2014

The Story

Bringing Out the Best in a Barrel Horse

Kimmi Byler is a barrel horse trainer and equine-performance specialist whose work combines practical horsemanship with a strong focus on conditioning and horse care. Based in Bellville, Texas, Kimmi and her husband, Jesse, operate Byler Performance Equine, where swimming is a key part of their conditioning and rehabilitation programs. Their horse-swimming facility provides exercise without the impact of traditional workouts, supporting both competitive horses and those recovering from injury, surgery, or illness.  Alongside that work, Kimmi develops barrel horses with a patient, individual approach that prioritizes soundness, fitness, and a solid foundation.

Known for her ability to transition former racehorses to the barrel pen, Kimmi brings a performance-minded perspective to every horse she rides. Her program has included horses such as Prison Break Pilsner, an off-the-track prospect she developed into a 1D winner, as well as competitive runs and placings at WPRA, AQHA, and major Texas barrel racing events. Whether conditioning an established athlete or bringing along a young prospect, Kimmi’s focus remains the same: helping horses perform at their best while supporting their long-term health and careers.

Learn More: Horse Swim

My Martin

Why Kimmi Byler Rides the FX3

“I started riding the FX3 a little over 11 years ago, after two back-to-back surgeries on my lower back. It lets me melt into the saddle, square up my pelvis, and bring my legs up into the cutaway swells, so I don’t get that slap when I leave the pocket. I pair it with a back cinch and a Classic Equine Performance Roper cinch on the front for an even pull on the front and back bars, so the saddle sits correctly and my weight is distributed evenly. I ride the FX3 and put my students in it because it keeps me square with my feet in front of me. A lot of saddles feel like standing on a swing set, with plenty of wobble. In the FX3, I can sit square, brace for my turn, and stay collected coming out of it.”

My Martin

Why Kimmi Byler Rides the Guardian

“I helped design the Guardian when my daughter was starting out in junior high rodeo, building it off the BTR with undercut swells that give me plenty of leg room even in a 13-inch seat. When a horse drops into the turn, those swells catch me and basically seatbelt me in, which matters for a youth rider on the poles and just as much for those of us in our 50s and 60s who don’t have the core we used to. I usually ride my FX, but when I’m on a droppy, front-endy horse or a colt that wants to get out from under me, I switch to the Guardian because it keeps me square and locked in without having to get behind.”

Ride What Kimmi Rides

The Same Saddles. Built for You.

Kimmi'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 Kimmi'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