Doug Volkman’s lifelong passion for riding and training performance cow horses began on his family’s commercial cow-calf ranch in south-central Missouri. As a child, the horses he rode sparked a deep desire to learn from skilled horsemen who trained top-performance horses in reined cow horse and cutting competitions. Determined to excel, Doug has dedicated himself to unlocking the full potential of every horse, building trust and connection with the individual horse.  He explains, “It’s that connection that builds the confidence a horse needs to bring out its unique talents and show its full potential.”

Working alongside a professional reining and cow horse trainer, Doug rode two-year-olds, handpicking those with the promise to become top-caliber show horses. By collaborating with seasoned trainers, he continually refined his skills and evolved as a professional horseman.

Doug also managed a large-scale stocker operation with traditional, all-on-horseback methods. This hands-on role allows him to ride daily, working with young horses among an ever-present herd of fresh cattle. It is here that his passion for the working cow horse truly flourished. His training philosophy centers on building a horse’s confidence by teaching proper foot placement, rewarding correct movements with relief of pressure and applying consistent pressure to guide incorrect actions until the maneuver is perfected. As Doug puts it, “You must be able to speak to a horse’s mind because you can’t force their body.”

“Regular exposure to varied outdoor environments helps the horses build confidence both in and out of the arena. With a positive approach to new surroundings, they quickly overcome uncertainties, developing into versatile performers ready for any discipline,” Doug says.

Recognizing Doug’s talent, Sunrise Ranch, a facility known for its premier broodmares and top bloodlines in the reining and cutting horse industry, invited Doug to ride their elite stock.

Doug now runs Davidson Ranch, where he manages a 600-head stocker cattle program and trains horses. With 30 years of experience, Doug now produces top-tier northern angus steers, supplies performance horses for cutting, penning, and sorting, and develops working cow horses tailored to every level of experience and need.