Dusty was born and raised in Sauquoit, NY. Growing up he had the great opportunity to spend time in Alva, FL where his grandparents had a winter home.
As a young boy Dusty grew up in the shadows of his grandfather, Dick Barrett. Dick is best known for his Model T Clown Car. In his earlier days Dick became a Rodeo Clown and avid animal trainer. He trained such animals as Big John, the miniature Hereford, Roman Riding Teams, many trick ponies, mules, and horses. Dick was not alone in his journey of Rodeo action. He included all of his children in one way or another in the arena. Dusty’s Mom and Aunt were both trick riders with their Dad, performing at rodeos. His uncle Dickie was part of the clown car act, and all the grand kids one after another, joined in as they became of age to help out in any way possible.
As Dusty became an adult he decided that he would like to follow in another of his granddads foot steps, bull riding. Dusty tried his hand at Bareback riding and Saddle Bronc riding. Dusty became a multiple finalist in the American Professional Rodeo Association and a finalist for the First Frontier Circuit. At the First Frontier Circuit he won the title of Champion Saddle Bronc Rider in 1998. He then decided to try his hand at Team Roping adding this to his long list of rodeo events worked by Dusty.
Six years ago Dusty once again ventured south to visit his grandfather, during his travel he decided to look up an old friend. Dusty never made it to his original destination, and he turned off interstate 95 and ended up at the home of Mark Haussman in Waxaw, SC. Mark is currently the owner and operator of Haussmans Training Center, where they specialize in training the Versatility Ranch horse. During Dusty’s six month stay he realized after shadowing his mentor, Mark, that he had a natural gift of breaking and training horses. This is when his new passion was born.
The following year Dusty decided to return to Waxaw, SC where he met a second Equine enthusiast Jody Capps. Jody and his wife Karen of Capps Performance Horses are established trainers in the world of pleasure horses. Jody riding and training the Western horses and Karen the English. Dusty was fortunate to have the opportunity to add the knowledge learned from this dynamic duo to his resume.
With this knowledge from these great teachers, Dusty is putting his skills to use entering several Versatility Ranch Horse Shows over the past 4 years. He has been successful at each and every one attended. In 2007 Dusty found himself the Reserve Versatility Champion in 2 out of the 4 shows attended while riding his self trained 3 year olds.
Dusty’s life has been kind in leading him down a path that gives him the chance to discover and explore the gift from god he was given. Very few people stop their busy lives long enough to hear their calling. Dusty is truly blessed for he has a true passion and talent with breaking and training horses.
Presently Dusty and his wife Jennifer reside in Saratoga Springs, NY. They live on an eighteen acre horse farm owned by Jennifer’s mother and stepfather. This beautiful facility gives Dusty ample opportunity to ride and train horses on a daily basis, having access to an indoor arena and a lighted outdoor arena. Dusty also returns to his teachers in the South for refresher courses during the winter months. Taking advantage of the knowledge and warm weather to train horses. This time in the South also gives Dusty a closer location for his employment at the winter Rodeos.
