Highlander Training Center

Redefining Thoroughbred Racing in East Texas

Nestled in the rolling hills of Hopkins County, Texas, 80 miles east of Dallas, Highlander Training Center (HTC) stands as one of the most advanced and respected Thoroughbred training facilities in the country, with an easy shipping distance to nine major racetracks. But beyond HTC’s state-of-the-art facility, rehabilitation modalities and pristine tracks lies something far more special: A philosophy of horsemanship, integrity and community that defines virtually every stride taken on its 190 acres. It’s the future of Thoroughbred racing, and it’s impressive.

Highlander Head Trainer Jon Newbold’s keen eye carefully watches as jockeys jog the track atop future superstars in the sport. Perched on board a handsome sorrel Quarter Horse and under the shade of a straw cowboy hat, his office is the saddle — where he offers suggestions and adjustments as riders and their mounts move past.

Highlander Head Trainer Jon Newbold’s keen eye carefully watches as jockeys jog the track atop future superstars in the sport. Perched on board a handsome sorrel Quarter Horse and under the shade of a straw cowboy hat, his office is the saddle — where he offers suggestions and adjustments as riders and their mounts move past.

A Team Built with Purpose

From the moment one steps onto the grounds, the Highlander ethos is clear. Emblazoned on wristbands, barn doors and signs throughout are three guiding principles: “ALWAYS do what’s best for the horse”; “How you do anything is how you do everything”; and “What I do today will help these horses win tomorrow.” These aren’t just slogans; for the more than two dozen staff members, they’re a way of life, woven intricately into the fabric of daily life at HTC. Every action and decision — from nutrition to training schedules to therapy protocols — has the horse’s well-being in mind. “We’re not working on deadlines or cutting corners,” Hooper emphasizes. “We’re developing horses the right way, by paying attention to every detail, every day.”

Behind Highlander’s success is a carefully selected team of professionals. From grooms to managers, every member is expected to uphold Highlander’s three guiding principles. Hooper and Newbold are two men whose lives have been shaped by their love for horses. Their leadership, experience and dedication to doing what is best for the horse has been integral to HTC’s success.

As for Hooper, finding his way into the horse world was no accident. That connection began when he was a child with access to a backyard crossbred mount. “It wasn’t always fancy racehorses, but we always had horses. I’ve never been without one,” he says. The bond built in his formative years turned into a career, having spent decades immersed in the horse industry. When Highlander's founder was looking for the right fit to help lead his vision, Hooper was the natural choice. “It’s a dream job,” Hooper says. “To wake up every morning and get to work with horses, with a team of like-minded people who really care, it doesn’t get better.”

His counterpart brings yet another layer of experience and soul to the operation. Newbold provides the hands-on horsemanship that sets Highlander apart. He is the beating heart of the training operation, shaping young horses with a mix of experience, intuition and meticulous care. Newbold doesn’t just oversee the work, he leads by example wherever its needed. He’s on the track at dawn, testing and personally grooming the track surface before the first set of horses head to the track. He personally inspects and unloads hay deliveries to ensure quality and works closely with every team member, from grooms and riders to veterinarians, ensuring each horse is developing correctly and according to a meticulous plan to enhance their physical and mental preparedness. This approach to training — adapting to the horse’s individual needs and never letting small issues become big problems — is unmatched. “Jon touches almost every part of the operation and truly embodies everything Highlander is about,” Hooper says. Newbold’s keen eye carefully watches as jockeys jog the track atop future superstars in the sport. Perched on board a handsome sorrel Quarter Horse and under the shade of a straw cowboy hat, his office is the saddle — where he offers suggestions and adjustments as riders and their mounts move past. Under his guidance, these young Thoroughbreds are having their training and foundational health built to last.

Alongside Hirsch’s vision, Hooper and Newbold have worked to build not just a world-class training center but a home for both the horses and the people who care for them. Highlander is a place of opportunity. “We’ve had people start as grooms and become foremen or division managers,” says Hooper. “We’re building careers here, not just résumés.” That culture of growth extends to the broader community. With on-site housing for many employees and school buses stopping daily at the front gate, employee development and a sense of community are all part of what makes Highlander different. It’s a team on a shared mission. Young horses are treated with patience, skill and individualized care, with everyone who walks the barn aisles being aligned around the same goal: “Do what’s best for the horse.” According to Hooper, they are forging champions — not just on the track but in how they treat each other, how they grow and how they work together. And that, above all else, is what makes Highlander special.

Starting Young, Starting Right

Observing the carefully orchestrated bustle around HTC, it’s clear that the journey of a racehorse begins long before it ever steps onto a track. Early training and conditioning of young Thoroughbreds — many that arrive as yearlings — is Highlander’s primary focus. Under the guidance of Newbold and his seasoned team, these horses begin with groundwork, learning basic handling, confidence and trust. From there, they are gradually introduced to carrying a rider in the round pen, then in open pastures and, eventually, progress to Highlander’s world-class training track and turf gallop. Each horse’s personalized program helps bring out the best in the individual, whether that means slowing the pace for a mentally immature colt or easing off the physical demands to allow a filly to grow into her frame. “They’re like junior high kids,” Hooper says with a smile. “Some are fast learners. Some mature a bit slower. We take the time to get to know them and meet them where they are — mentally and physically. We bring them along at their own pace.” Often, after 90 days of work, the horses are given 30-60 days turnout time to grow before re-entering training more mature, prepared and focused.

Throughout the process, the team remains deeply observant. From the way a horse eats to how it carries itself under saddle, every detail is noted. These small steps, taken with care, add up to big results. “This is where it all starts,” Hooper says. “Our job is to give these young horses the foundation — mentally, physically, emotionally — to go out and succeed. And when they do, whether it’s at a small track or on a national stage, we’re proud to say they’re a Highlander graduate.”

Building a Facility to Build Athletes

One of the defining features that sets HTC apart from other Thoroughbred operations is its state-of-the-art rehabilitation and therapy center. Opened in 2021, it’s part of the facility’s commitment to total horse care.

With a fully integrated on-site rehab center, Highlander is uniquely equipped to care for young prospects and horses recovering from a sports injury, returning from orthopedic surgery or horses simply in need of maintenance therapies to remain at peak performance. “We’re blessed to have every tool we need in one place,” says Hooper. “From diagnostics through recovery and back to full training, we can manage the entire process right here. That’s a huge advantage. And for us, rehab isn’t just about recovery; it’s about preparing the horse to return better than it left.”

The center includes a full suite of modern therapeutic equipment: aboveground and in-ground aqua treadmills for low-impact conditioning; a cold saltwater spa to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing; two Vitafloor® vibration plate stalls for circulation and muscle recovery; custom therapies; and individualized care protocols. Every therapy plan is tailored to the specific needs of the horse. Complementing the high-tech equipment are 15 lush paddocks and 11 grass pastures, allowing horses to ease back into movement on their own terms.

Unlike many facilities that rely on visiting vets, Highlander has weekly, ongoing care provided by Dr. David Stephens, of Weems and Stephens Equine Hospital, a veterinary institution formed in 1997 in Aubrey and is considered one of the most respected equine practices in North Texas. “Having Dr. Stephens and his team on-site on a consistent basis is a game-changer,” Hooper explains. “They’re involved from the first diagnosis to the final follow-up. That kind of continuity of care is a rarity in the business.” This partnership ensures that horses not only receive the best treatment but that their progress is meticulously tracked. Adjustments can be made from week to week, based on real- time diagnostics, observation and follow- up care — not guesswork. It results in a seamless path from injury to recovery to performance, rivaled only by the close attention to preventive maintenance this type of program affords.

Feeding Champions

Proper nutrition is another pillar of HTC’s philosophy for success — both a cornerstone and a vital component of the center’s standard of care. Every horse, from the greenest yearling to the seasoned athlete in rehab, receives a carefully tailored diet designed to support its individual health, development and athletic goals. “We want to be the best at what we do,” Hooper says. “That means offering premium services, and nutrition is a huge part of that. ‘Good enough’ isn’t good enough here.” Incorporation of Platinum Performance® into their program came down to one simple reason: results. “Platinum offers the full range of products that are tested, proven and backed by science,” Hooper explains. “More importantly, they support our horses with real, measurable outcomes.” From daily feed to specialized supplements for joint health, digestion, body condition and athletic recovery, the Highlander nutrition program is customized to each horse’s age, training stage and health needs. The team takes the same methodical, horsefirst approach to nutrition that they do to training and rehabilitation. They aim to give each horse every possible advantage to become the best version of itself. As their mantra goes, “What we do today helps these horses win tomorrow.” And that starts with what goes into their feed tubs.

The Heart Needed to Make Champions

For many, Thoroughbred racing is a fleeting glimpse: a 2-minute race in the shadow of Churchill Downs’ famed twin spires or a headline from the annual Preakness. But at Highlander, the soul of the sport is clearly evident. “What people don’t see is the relationship,” Hooper reflects, “between the rider and the horse, the trainer and the horse, the care, the dedication, the pride these animals take in their work. That’s what we’re a part of every day.” The horses at Highlander aren’t just passing through. Once they’ve trained on these grounds, they’re family. Once a Highlander graduate, always a Highlander graduate. Horses’ careers are closely followed, with their success also being a point of pride for the HTC team.

In a sport where a small detail can mean the difference between first and forgotten, Highlander Training Center stands out for its unwavering attention, its relentless pursuit of excellence and its heartfelt belief in doing what’s right: for the horse, for the team and for the future of racing. From a simple vision to a nationally respected name, Highlander is more than a training center. It’s a place where champions begin and where the horse always comes first.