About Rainbow Run Farm
Rainbow Run Farm got its start after Brad Benson, a former New York Giants offensive lineman, now Hyundai's number one car dealer, was having issues with a horse he owned. He would drive out to Pennsylvania to have cutting horse training sessions with Joe Schlegel, an NCHA professional trainer, but found the drive was time-consuming. Brad wished there was a closer facility catering to this elite but growing sport.
When he purchased the Hillsborough, New Jersey, farm in 2007, he decided to make it a world-class cutting horse facility. Brad knew he wanted Joe to be part of its success because of his expertise in cutting horse training. He retained Joe to spearhead cutting horse training at the facility, which has been a draw for many looking to hone their skills in this growing sport.
The Impact of Joe Schlegel on Rainbow Run Farm
Joe Schlegel was the head trainer at Rainbow Run for four years. He was an integral part of the Rainbow Run team, teaching, training, and guiding. A true spirit of cutting culture, it was his knowledge and experience that helped Rainbow Run become the facility it is today.
Joe met Brad Benson when Brad was having some trouble with one of his Quarter Horses. Brad has said of Joe, “I thought I knew how to ride, but I didn’t. Joe taught me how to ride.” After that initial meeting, he boarded his horses with Joe, but soon grew impatient with the long commute to Pennsylvania. When Brad decided to open a premier cutting horse facility in the East, a little closer to his own home, he knew exactly who he needed to bring on as trainer.
Joe was a part of Rainbow Run Farm right from the beginning. Joe was the experienced hand, helping Brad craft and design a state of the art cutting horse farm.
Joe himself was born in eastern Pennsylvania’s Dutch country and raised on his family farm, known for its spectacular horses and horse shows. Joe began his career by opening up his own horse training, showing and sales business, but shifted into cutting horse training years later. He and his wife, Karlene, organized horse training clinics, buckle cuttings and NCHA cuttings at their Featherhill Farm before moving to Brad’s farm in 2007.
Joe trained and showed Brad’s horses for over a decade. He moved his training operation to Brad’s farm in 2007 to open the door for more cutting horses in the East. Without Joe Schlegel, Rainbow Run Farm would not be the premier destination for cutting horses in the East that it is.
Unfortunately, Joe passed away in 2011 due to ongoing health issues.
To learn about our Rainbow Run team click here.
The History of Rainbow Run Farm
The farm has a rich history all its own. Somerset County purchased the plot of land from the Kanach family about a decade ago with the goal of preserving it as farmland. When Brad came in with an offer, as well as plans to restore the farm to its former glory, it was too good of a deal to pass up. Brad spent a year renovating the farm—and even the Kanach’s have expressed their approval.
Today, Rainbow Run Farm is fast becoming the premier destination for cutting horse training and horse boarding—thanks to a dedicated team. Brad’s son, Clint, along with John Lima (of Lima Family Farms) manage the hay operations for the cutting horse farm.
The facility is nestled on 350 sprawling acres and features indoor and outdoor arenas, boarding facilities, and more. Find out more about the facility here, or contact us for more information.
