Redefining Success – Chris Arentsen Quarter Horses

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34 – March/April, 2026

By Kelsey Keathly

When you ask Chris Arentsen of Trenton, Illinois what defines his program, his answer is simple: the people. Not the countless World Championships he’s won or the notable horses that have come through his barn… but the people. From longtime customers who helped shape his early career to newer clients who trust him to guide their journey, Arentsen’s operation is driven by relationships and trust.

“Success is who you surround yourself with,” Chris says. “The friendships and relationships you make through this business over the years will last forever.”

Chris’s introduction to the horse world began far from the winner’s circle at major shows. Growing up showing at weekend open shows and county fairs in Southern Illinois with his mother, he learned the value of consistency and hard work. He showed in anything and everything he could, using winnings from one weekend to cover entry fees for the next. That all changed when Chris laid eyes on a world-caliber halter horse for the first time.

“There was a gentleman named Kenneth Brimm in Carlyle, Illinois, and 30 years ago, he brought the Obvious Conclusion and Impressive bloodlines to our area. They just had this wow factor,” Chris explained. “I remember thinking that was what I wanted to do.”

Once Chris decided halter was where he wanted to be, he went all in. While he never formally worked for another trainer, he credits Steve Ferguson and Gene Parker as key influences on both his career and the standards he holds today.

Click here to read the complete article
34 – March/April, 2026