Meet Makenzi Strand of Prescott

Today we’d like to introduce you to Makenzi Strand.

Hi Makenzi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Makenzi Strand, and I am a dedicated horse trainer, model, and labor worker. I began training horses four years ago, but I’ve been around them my entire life. As a fifth-generation horse breeder and trainer, I carry on a deep family legacy rooted in hard work, patience, and a true understanding of these incredible animals. Every horse I train teaches me something new—each one brings a different personality, challenge, and experience. I work across multiple disciplines, including English, Western, and driving, and I take pride in developing versatile, confident horses through trust and consistency.

I am also honored to be actively involved with the National Percheron Horse Association of America, serving as both the 2025 National Queen and the 2026 Congress Queen. Representing the Percheron breed is a privilege, and I strive to promote the beauty, strength, and history of these magnificent horses while inspiring others to stay connected to the industry.

Beyond training, I have also found a passion for modeling, which allows me to represent and preserve the Western lifestyle in a creative and modern way. I’ve had the opportunity to model for several brands, including Wild Sage, Bella by Leah, and SoCal Fence and Barn, among others. For me, modeling is more than posing for photos—it’s a way to influence others to chase their dreams and to bring attention to an industry that deserves to be celebrated and sustained.

When I’m not training horses or modeling, I’m often working alongside my family on construction projects, building barns, operating heavy equipment, and helping with concrete, woodworking, and fabrication. I’ve always believed in learning from every experience and putting my full effort into everything I do. Whether I’m in the barn, in front of a camera, or on a job site, my goal is to represent dedication, authenticity, and pride in the Western way of life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into the person and professional I am today. Working with horses requires patience, consistency, and resilience—some days are filled with progress and others with setbacks. There have been moments when a horse didn’t respond the way I hoped, or when balancing long hours of training, modeling, and construction work felt overwhelming. Physically, the work can be demanding, and mentally, it takes strong focus and determination to keep pushing forward. But each struggle has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, communication, and staying true to my goals. Every difficult moment has built not only my skills but also my character, reminding me that growth often comes from the toughest challenges.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m 17 years old, and I’m severely dyslexic. School was never easy for me, but instead of letting that hold me back, I switched to online school so I could learn at my own pace and have more time to chase my dreams. Some people doubted my choice, but I knew what I wanted—to focus on training horses, modeling, and building a future around what I love most.

What makes me different is that I don’t back down when I fail. I use failure as a tool to learn and grow stronger. Every setback teaches me something new, and I take risks because I believe opportunities don’t come to those who play it safe. Between starting young colts, working construction, and modeling to represent the Western industry, I’ve built my path through determination and hard work. I’m proud of my journey because everything I’ve achieved has come from persistence, resilience, and the courage to keep going no matter what.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality to my success is resilience. No matter how many challenges I face—whether it’s training a difficult horse, learning through my dyslexia, or balancing school and work—I never give up. I view every obstacle as a lesson and every failure as a chance to improve. I also believe in taking full accountability for my actions and reflecting on them to grow both personally and professionally. My determination to keep pushing forward, learn from mistakes, and take responsibility for everything I do is what continues to drive me toward my goals every day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makenzi_strand_offcials/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makenzi.strand.2025
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@makenzistrand

Image Credits
Percheron Association of America,
Bailey Wiefrich,
Daiton Fleming