Stepping into the Spotlight
Colton Stewart is considered the progidy for Ross Roark.
Colton Stewart takes the lead as head trainer of Fox Creek Ranch.
By Delores Kuhlwein
Photo: Shane Rux Photography
When the greatest of all time speak, everyone stops to listen, and when they give you advice, it’s golden.
So when Dan Fox asked three halter legends, Ross Roark, Tom Robertson, and Luke Castle, for their input on who they would recommend for a head trainer position at Fox Creek Ranch in Weatherford, Texas, the first trainer they named was Colton Stewart.
The step is logical for Stewart, who grew up following in his parents and grandparents footsteps by showing Halter horses as a youth, earning multiple World and Reserve titles under the guidance of two of the industry’s best: both Roark and Robertson. Stewart followed his youth career by working as an assistant trainer to both over the past four years, he says. “I wouldn’t be where I was without them. They told Dan they thought I was ready, and it was time to display my knowledge and professionalism to the public.”
Stewart is also the prodigy of Ross Roark, widely considered “the GOAT” of Halter horse trainers, and fondly referred to as “Uncle Ross” by Stewart.
“Colton has always had a passion for the halter horse industry,” explains Roark. “He comes from a very good family that supports AQHA and the youth programs, and Colton has an unbelievable work ethic. With his athletic background playing high school and college ball, he saw you have to put in the work to see results, and he’s learned to be very focused and dedicated.”
Colton carries on the tradition of love for the halter horse from his parents and grandparents.
Passion is also the first word that comes to mind for mentor Tom Robertson when he speaks of Colton Stewart. “He has a real passion for horses that we need in new, young trainers,” he says. “He’s very professional at a young age, very much a gentleman, and he comes from a great family with a strong work ethic. He demonstrates a real desire to learn when working for me and asking 10,000 questions, and I know he does the same with Ross.”
Even more importantly, both Roark and Robertson passed along their knowledge and philosophies to Stewart, who has shown Halter horses since the age of five. “Ross and Tom taught me to recognize what a good halter horse should look like and the work you have to put into a horse getting it fit,” says Stewart. “They also taught me to be a good horseman and know when to show one and when to turn it out and do what’s right for the horse. They are show horses, but you also have first be a good horseman and take care of the horse.”
Roark proudly instilled what he calls one of his strong points as a trainer – knowing when to take a horse to show and when to hold it back. “Because of his passion and work ethic, this is a great opportunity for him. He’s good with people, great with the horses, and he’s very trustworthy.”
The legendary Tom Robertson has served as an irreplaceable mentor for Stewart.
For Stewart, the opportunity to guide Fox Creek Ranch, where 16 foals are expected this year by renowned stallions CR Peacemaker and Prominence, and to have his own show string as a professional trainer is beyond exciting.
“I can’t thank Ross and Tom enough, and the same with Luke Castle, for knowing I was ready,” he says. “I’ll definitely lean on them as I know they’ll push me and have my back just like Ross’ mentors did. I’ve always loved the horses, and I love the people in the industry. I want everyone to know how thankful I am for their trust.”
Tom Robertson concludes, “I think he knows the direction he needs to go in, and he’s dedicated to learning all of it. I think the sky is the limit for Colton.”
For more information on Fox Creek Ranch and its world class halter horses, contact Dan Fox at foxcreekranch@aol.com, or Colton Stewart at cstewart04@icloud.com, or 832-480-9624.
