The Ferrante family has been training horses for over 150 years and horses are truly in their blood. George's Great grandfather Vern Walter sold horses to the US Calvary then started the Ski-Hi dude ranch in 1931, grandfather CJ Walter had dude ranches and produced rodeos in the 40’s and 50’s in New York and Florida, His father Joe Ferrante , worked, and handled horses throughout his life, becoming well-known in the rodeo arena. He was an Ol’ timers rodeo all around champion when he was in his 70’s. Joe, was born the day World War I ended, November 11, 1918, and he started rodeoing 20 years later and has been at it ever since. George grew up and traveled with his parents across the country on the rodeo circuit as a young boy he entered his first professional rodeo at the age of 12 years old.
Growing up around horses was natural in the Ferrante family. And at age 8, George started his on-screen career as a stunt rider in the movie “Shane” then later came to California and was under contract with Disney when he was 11, in Disney's "Spin & Marty" episodes as well as "Westward Ho the Wagons." Later in his career, George began doing stunts involving, horses, cars, fights or whatever came his way.
Appearing on and off screen, George came into his own as a professional horse trainer and showman. George trained rope horses, then later found his love for cutting. He became an NCHA Cutting Horse Judge, who was well known in the United States, Canada, and Italy for his cutting, horsemanship clinics, and consulting. His students have won current world titles in both open and non-pro competitions.
George and Kathie were married in 1981 and have two daughters, Kimberly, and Josie. They show cutting, reined cow horses, and the daughters are involved in rodeo.
Kathie an accomplished NRCHA judge, cutting and reined cow horse trainer with two world titles, carries on the legacy of the tradition of training at the Ferrante ranch. Kathie is a respected instructor whose students have won current world titles.
Together George and Kathie have trained a number of our own champion horses, including:
The Ferrante's have also trained other champion horses and riders, including "Hesa Chic Magnet" (NRCHA Youth National Champion & Res. World Champion), “TF Montalena” & Kailey Culligan NRCHA Youth National Champion and NRCHA Res. World Champion. (“AR Ill Be Peppy” and Josie Ferrante NHSRF top 20 Reined Cow Horse), and "Yellers Golden Lilly" (NRCHA Youth Bridle Champion), plus many other show winners.