Baar Performance Horses is owned and operated by NRHA professional, Nicholas Baar with his wife, Lindsay, an active non-pro rider. The Baars reside in Newbury, Ohio east of Cleveland. Baar Performance Horses is a 20-acre farm consisting of an insulated 18 stall barn with 10x12 stalls with rubber mats, a wash room and tack room. The farm has a 100x300 outdoor arena, a 60x120 indoor arena and 4 beautiful grass pastures with split rail and electric fence. Owners feel secure knowing that Nick and Lindsay's home is located on the farm so horses are never unattended.
Lindsay (Petersen) Baar grew up in the small town of Chardon, 6 miles east of Newbury. Nick is from Pella, Iowa. Coincidently, 2007 NRHA Reserve Futurity Champion Marcy VerMeer grew up in this same town. Growing up, Nick started riding in 4-H and open shows with neighbor and mentor, John Vruwink. When it came time for college, Nick chose the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio. He graduated with a major in Equine Studies and Equine Business Management with a minor in Business Administration. During his studies and summers, he worked for several instructors at Findlay; Dan Huss, Clark Bradley and Cindy Morehead. While attending Findlay, Nick claimed the Intercollegiate National Champion for the University of Findlay equestrian team twice.
At the time Nick graduated, Dan Huss was leaving the University after 19 years of teaching at the Western Equestrian Farm. Dan invited Nick to come work as assistant head trainer at Monica Watson's Double Run Farm in North Carolina. This was home of the 2002 NRHA Futurity Champion, Wimpys Little Step, which Dan and Nick assisted in training.
An opportunity arose when Jose Vasquez asked Dan and Nick to come work for him in Chicago Illinois. Vasquez owns Smart Like Juice, Inc., home of Smart Like Juice. Nick and Dan worked for Vasquez for 3 years where Nick trained and prepared everything from 2 yr olds to derby horses. While there, Nick trained along with Dan, horses that became Futurity and Derby winners for non pros and for themselves. Two years in a row Nick had top tens in NRHA standings. He also won several bronze trophies in futurities and derbies for Vasquez.
Then an opportunity came up to work for Carol Rose in Gainesville, Texas and Nick took advantage of the offer. While at Carol Rose's, Nick worked along with successful NRHA and NRCHA trainer Robbie Boyce.
After working in Texas, Nick longed to get back to the midwest. While working in Chicago, Nick met his future wife, Lindsay, in Findlay, Ohio where she was majoring in Education. Nick continued to work for Vasquez where he fine-tuned his training skills and showing skills. Lindsay moved to Chicago and caught the reining bug and bought her first reiner Smart Crystalolena. While working for Vasquez, Nick helped prepare Lindsay and Crystalolena in a very successful year of rookie riding. She ended up 3rd for the Rookie of the Year in Oklahoma City.
Nick and Lindsay Baar moved back to her family's home area and bought the facility that they currently own. Baar Performance Horses had a very successful beginning. Lindsay won the All American Quarter Horse Congress twice, was 2007 NRHA World Champion, and her lifetime earnings are exceeding $21,000. Lindsay's mother started reining and won the Congress and a top ten world standing in NRHA. Along with the success of his non pros, Nick was successful in winning top tens at Congress, Reserve at the Carolina Classic, and increasing his lifetime earnings to $21,288.72. Along with his success in the NRHA, Nick also trains many all-around horses including pleasure and hunt seat horses for amateur and youth.
Nick continues to train winners at his facility and encourages anyone interested in sharing in that success,
to contact him at Baar Performance Horses.
Baar Performance Horses
11850 Butternut Road
Newbury, OH 44065
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(708)-710-3680
