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When Jay Starnes was five years old his parents, Jackie and Cathy, got his him first pony. When Jay began training on "Blackjack," everyone knew that horses were in his blood. Meanwhile up in Pennsylvania, Kristy skipped the pony and went straight for a horse. When Mike and Chris bought their daughter, MrYella Beaver, they too, knew that she was destined for greatness in this industry.

Jay and Kristy Starnes grew up on horses, so it is no surprise that both of them became professional horse trainers at a very young age. Each had very successful youth and amateur careers before entering the professional arena.

In 2004, Jay gave up his non pro card after training under some of the best in the country. Jay worked with such trainers as Terri Layer, Troy Oakley, and Gil Galyean while he was in youth. As a non pro, Jay produced some of the best pleasure horses in the industry. Horses such as: A Flashy Chip (multiple Superior), Talkin Politely (2 X Congress Champion), RL Just One Blaze (3 X Congress Champion, AQHA World Champion), I Like Hot Chips (AQHA World Champion), Hot Lopin Louise (3 X Congress Champion, NSBA Horse of Year 2005), and Blondes Are Hot (Res Congress Champion, Superior WP Mare).

In 2007, Kristy followed suite and gave up her card as well. Her foundation had been set by talents such as Carl and Trisha Yamber, who she rode with for over 12 years while showing in the hunter under saddle and pleasure events, and Curtis and Kim Reynolds, who guided her through her time in the all-around arena. During her time as a non pro, Kristy had her share of success with horses such as: Top Cash Advantage (Congress Champion), Suture Self Jackie (Superior HUS), Once In A Blue Moon (Res World Champion, Congress Champion), Too Blue TO BE True (2x COngress Champion, Res World Champion), Bring Me The Heat (Congress Champion HUS), and Hot Sweet N Southern (NSBA World Champion). 

They say history repeats itself. If that's true, Jay and Kristy Starnes have a bright future ahead of them.