Janet VanBebber to Close Public Stable

All-time leading female trainer to close stable in 2012.

By Martha Claussen, for Q-Racing Journal
April 5, 2012

Janet VanBebber, one of the most accomplished American Quarter Horse trainers in AQHA history, will make a significant change in 2012.

On March 31, VanBebber communicated to her owners that she will sell her Ledbetter, Texas, farm and phase out her public stable by the end of the year. The decision has been in motion for many years as VanBebber has been a single mother to 13-year-old Taylor Anne since the sudden death of Steve VanBebber in 2000. Her daughter, who will enter high school in the fall, has become an excellent student, athlete and ardent supporter of charitable events.

"I feel that high school is critical time for young people to determine the path of their future," said VanBebber. "Taylor Anne has limitless academic potential. As her mother, I feel I must be on hand in these measures in order to springboard her to higher education."

VanBebber has been one of the most dominant forces on the Texas and Louisiana Quarter Horse circuits for over a decade. Other prominent female Quarter Horse trainers including Connie Hall, Carol Rettele, Donna McArthur and Stacy Charette-Hill have won hundreds of career races, but VanBebber in 2011 became the first female trainer to eclipse the 1,000th career win mark and she is the leading female trainer by money earned.

In her letter to her owners, VanBebber cited her gratitude for their support in entrusting her to manage the careers of many exceptional champions.

Since 1993, VanBebber has trained the earners of more than $13.4 million, and she is No. 17 on the sport's list of all-time trainers by earnings.

Her trainees include 1,059 winners from 5,408 starters, with 87 stakes wins. Her horses include two-time world champion Tailor Fit, world champion Streakin Sin Tacha and Grade 1 winners Panther Mountain, Acorn, Snowy Alibi and Silent Overdrive, as well as Restricted Grade 1 winners Little Bit Trashy and Dealagame.

The California native concluded 2011 ranked as the 11th leading AQHA conditioner, winning 55 races and purses of $1.3 million. She has plans for her farm in Vinton as a therapeutic center with an Aqua-Tred and 20 stalls to accommodate her breeding stock.