Our Family History
The Wallen name is one of the oldest and most recognized names in the show horse industry. Patriarch Dick Wallen, and his brother Darrel, both have permanent exhibits in the American Saddlebred Museum in Lexington, Kentucky for the indelible mark they have left on that breed. Robb’s brother, Rick Wallen, is also featured in the museum and is the co-author of Teaching Your Horse to Drive. Robb's sister Linda is a former trainer/instructor and is the author of The Horse Trainer's Daughter. In 2022, The Wallen Family was inducted into the International American Saddlebred Hall of Fame.
Dick has a fascinating history with horses, and during the 1930’s and 40’s served as the trainer for the Shriner’s White Horse Mounted Patrol. While serving in World War II, Dick bought and trick trained a jenny donkey and was moved to the Special Services and toured Europe with his trained donkey entertaining the troops.
Dick has appeared on national television with his horses and ridden in presidential inaugural parades. He also trained the Saddlebreds who performed in the closing ceremonies of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano Japan, as well as performing as the opening act at Equitana. Coupled with his successful training barn, Dick has received accolades all over the world for his accomplishments with the equine.
Dick has a fascinating history with horses, and during the 1930’s and 40’s served as the trainer for the Shriner’s White Horse Mounted Patrol. While serving in World War II, Dick bought and trick trained a jenny donkey and was moved to the Special Services and toured Europe with his trained donkey entertaining the troops.
Dick has appeared on national television with his horses and ridden in presidential inaugural parades. He also trained the Saddlebreds who performed in the closing ceremonies of the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano Japan, as well as performing as the opening act at Equitana. Coupled with his successful training barn, Dick has received accolades all over the world for his accomplishments with the equine.
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