Kevin Dukes
President

Hailing from Mississippi, I now call Weatherford, Texas home, where I operate Dukes Performance Horses.

My whole family is active in the horse industry. My wife, Melissa, works alongside me while also coaching at Texas Christian University as their head Western coach. Our two children, Mattie and Clay, are staples around the ranch and you will often see them both competing in Cutting events across the country. Mattie is also a graduate student at TCU competing on their Western team in both Horsemanship and Reining. Clay, a sophomore, attends McMurry University where he plays baseball.

Growing up, I was the only one in my family that was interested in horses. And, as many of us know, we never outgrow the horse bug. I've been beyond fortunate to see many successes in the show pen, but find myself feeling more pride inside the barn and stalls than when receiving a trophy. I have learned that each and every day, it is important to treat our animals with respect and admiration. If you can find it in yourself to listen to a horse, he will tell you how he learns, what makes him 'tick' and what boosts his confidence. It's not something I was always was in tune to, but I now know that I am a better horseman for it.

At the end of the day, that's my goal as I serve as your 2024 NSBA president. I aim to continue to be a better horseman, be a representative for our horse and the industry we all love. We all serve as a steward for the equine industry-whether you are a breeder, owner or show at the highest level. The horse has given us so much, and honoring it day in and day out is of upmost importance. After all, if you've ever hung around the barn early in the morning as the sun rises or late at night after an evening barn check, you know there is magic in a horse. That magic is unlike any other in the world.