The Tattooed Buckaroo

Ron Jacobs

Some people find horses...others are born with the kind of patience and curiosity horses naturally respond to.


For Ron, the two have always gone hand in hand.

A lifelong horseman with a deep respect for the horse’s mind and movement, Ron has spent years studying the art of feel and timing — that quiet, invisible conversation between horse and human. His path is one of mentorship, humility, and an endless desire to learn from every horse he meets.

A Student 

Ron believes there’s no finish line in horsemanship — only progress.

Since 2020, he’s apprenticed under Donnie Gill, one of Virginia’s most respected horse trainers, refining his skills in groundwork, colt starting, and soft feel. He’s started multiple mustangs using patient, humane methods and trained in Equine Flexion Therapy to support soundness and comfort.

He’s also learned from world-class clinicians — Chris Cox, Buck Brannaman, and Joe Wolter — and graduated from the Casey and Son Horseshoeing School, grounding his approach in complete-horse understanding.

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“The horse tells you everything — if you’re quiet enough to listen.”

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Horsemanship Philosophy

Ron’s style is rooted in trust, timing, and connection. He believes leadership in the saddle comes from calm presence, not pressure.

Whether starting a young colt, refining an experienced mount, or helping a mustang find its first halter, Ron focuses on building understanding, not control. Each session is a dialogue: the horse learns to trust, and the trainer learns to listen.

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“The best lessons come when you stop training and start listening.”

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The Tattooed Buckaroo Way

The Tattooed Buckaroo name stands for grit, growth, and gratitude — a reminder that the marks life leaves on us can become symbols of purpose. For Ron, every horse represents an opportunity to help someone reconnect with confidence, balance, and peace.

He works with mustangs, green horses, and riders of all experience levels, offering thoughtful guidance built on respect and patience. He also enjoys mentoring fellow veterans and community members who find healing and presence through working with horses.

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“The horse doesn’t care who you are or what you’ve done — only how you show up today.”

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Training & Mentorship

Hands-On Experience

  • Apprentice to Donnie Gill (2020 – Present): Colt starting, groundwork, and problem solving

  • Started and gentled multiple BLM mustangs using trust-based methods

  • Trained in Equine Flexion Therapy for comfort and performance

  • Graduate, Casey and Son Horseshoeing School — balanced trimming and shoemaking

Clinics & Education

  • Chris Cox Horsemanship Clinics (2015, 2017, 2018, 2025)

  • Buck Brannaman Cow Working Clinic — feel, timing, pressure release

  • Joe Wolter Clinics — cattle work and progressive training

  • Jinx McCain Horsemanship Program — mentorship through service and horses

  • Certified BLM TIP Trainer — Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse Program

Purpose in Partnership

For Ron, horsemanship is more than a skill — it’s a calling. Each day brings another chance to learn, connect, and help both horse and rider find balance. Whether he’s starting a young mustang, trimming a seasoned ranch horse, or guiding a new owner, his goal remains the same:

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“It’s not about making the horse do something. It’s about helping them want to.”