The Rainbow Run Farm Team

Rainbow Run Farm got its start after Brad Benson, a former New York Giants defensive 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.

About Joe Schlegel

Joe Schlegel was born in eastern Pennsylvania’s Dutch country and raised on his family farm, which was known for spectacular horses and horse shows. His brother, Sonny, showed cutting horses before herd holders existed and his mother showed pleasure and reining horses. In high school, he apprenticed in horse training at Willowbrook Farms with Bob Anthony.

Joe began his career by opening up his own horse training, showing and sales business, but shifted into cutting horse training years later. Along with his wife, Karlene, they organized horse training clinics, buckle cuttings and NCHA cuttings at their Featherhill Farm. Joe has shown and coached to success Area winners, Affiliate leaders, Congress champions and Eastern National winners.

Brad came to Joe’s farm to purchase a team penning horse about a decade ago, which eventually led to ownership of a string of Quarter Horses. Joe has trained and shown Brad’s horses for over a decade, and moved his training operation to Brad’s farm to open the door for more Cutting Horses in the East.

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.