About Us

epiph·a·ny
Pronunciation: i-'pi-fan-ee
Function: noun
: an illuminating discovery b: a revealing scene or moment

In very few people's lives, can they find the defining moment that changes everything they do, everything they are and everything they will become.

Duane Esser is one of the lucky few that realized that defining moment, he had just such an epiphany.

In 1976, The United States Arabian National Championships came to Louisville, Kentucky for the first time. Duane's family had Arabian horses and felt that Nationals being so close presented an opportunity that should be enjoyed by the entire family.

Duane had been moderately interested in horses, but they were not the overriding passion in his life. When he walked into Freedom Hall, it all changed.

"I looked at these horses, better horses than I had ever seen in my life, and I was awe struck." "In that moment in time, a passion within me was stirred."

Duane came home, took a serious look at the family's horses, gave them all baths and informed those horses that it was time to get to work. Two years later, Duane, at age 18 won the Region 14 Open English Pleasure Championship on a horse his parents owned and he had trained. The significance of the accomplishment was magnified, when his brother Joe, won the Region 14 Open Western Pleasure Championship. Beating professionals was not necessarily the goal, but it made Duane realize that this talent could and would be his life's work.

Duane's family bought more horses and had guidance from Gene LaCroix who mentored Duane and the family on what to buy, and what to do with their horses. "My mom and dad bought and bred a lot of horses. Many of those horses are still influential in the show ring today."

Duane and his wife Sharon, live on the property that his parents owned. Esser Valley has established itself as a show and sales facility. Many customers choose Duane as a trainer because of his reputation for being ethical, caring, smart, and above all honest and kind to the animals in his care. Others choose Duane because they have stock to sell. Most other trainers know that if a horse came from Duane, they can call him and get the unvarnished truth about the horse. Everyone chooses him because he is a great horseman that really knows what he is looking at and looking for. Duane sells a lot of horses and he finds that more and more, people are asking him to find that special horse for them.

There is an 80' x 160' arena and 30 stalls. Plans for an indoor round pen are in the works also. The farm is small and Duane wouldn't have it any other way. "I know what is going on with every horse on the property and they get my daily attention. My amateur riders get the kind of individual attention that they need to succeed on whatever level they choose to compete at." "I have beginners and I have riders that have a National Championship goal. Whatever they want, it is a journey for them and I feel that they deserve my undivided attention."

Duane is also a Regional/National level judge with an international reputation. Duane enjoys judging, and takes the responsibility very seriously. "I was fortunate enough to adjudicate in South Africa and the experience was unforgettable." "I also judged Canadian Nationals, it was thrilling to stand in center ring at such a prestigious show."

All the accolades and accomplishments haven't changed Duane a lot. He remains devoted to the horses that changed his life in 1976. Duane feels so blessed to have found a life partner in Sharon that can share his passion and commitment as well as encouraging him to reach higher goals each year.