Southern, Minnesota
The Baus Family
Mark specializes in the development of young horses and the process of bringing them into the show arena. While his specialty is in western pleasure, he concentrates on equipping them with all of the knowledge it takes to have a successful show career, be it in the open, amateur or youth divisions. Many will go on to have solid show careers in western pleasure and all around events at a national level. If you think you and your horse are a good fit or would like to know more about his training program, more information can be found HERE.
In addition to training, Mark holds judges cards with The American Quarter Horse Association, The American Paint Horse Association & The National Snaffle Bit Association.
We always have or know of nice selections of APHA & AQHA prospects & show horses available for purchase and would love the opportunity to offer you, guide you, or find you your first or next show partner. If you are interested in our Half Draft and Crossbred Program, click HERE.
For 17 years, Mark had the privilege of managing the breeding efforts for the late Fleet Machine, a 5x APHA World Champion stallion. Fleet retired from the breeding shed at the age of 26. He has has produced multiple World & Reserve World Champions in Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Trail, Horsemanship, Equitation & even Hunter Hack! He is the sire of the Breyer Horse model Fleetstreet Max who set the APHA World Record for World Championships won by a single paint horse.
Melissa runs Melissa Baus Design, a photography and graphics design company that specializes in equine photography and marketing. She is also the one in charge of the Baus Horses half draft and crossbred program. Learn more about the Half Draft & Crossbred program.
For the kids, it all started with two ponies - Dusty & Turbo - who quickly became a staple in our lives. Dusty & Turbo are seriously just the best...and Turbo also the worst at times (in the most lovable pony way). Though he's slowing down a bit in his teen years! Follow @Baus.Horses on facebook for some pony adventures!
*Update 2025 - Dusty has found a new home with friends of ours that have twins, and he's doing exactly what he does best - taking care of the littlest horse lovers!
Chunky has stepped in as Maisy's main mount, while Bryndle takes on Cody, and Turbo... well, he's living the dream life of semi-retirment - doing absolutely nothing and loving it.
*Update December 2025 - Turbo has found the most perfect home and will be living life again teaching two little girls the ropes of pony love!
This video below are memories we cherish so much with our children and ponies!
Baus Horses
Crossbreds & Half Drafts
At Baus Horses, our Half Draft & Crossbred Program begins with one priority above all else: mindset. A horse can have beauty, talent, and ability, but without the right mind, none of it reaches its full potential. We don't just believe it, we know that a willing, kind, sensible disposition is the foundation of everything - trainability, confidence, safety, consistency, and long-term enjoyment. Great-minded horses learn faster, handle pressure better, adapt to new situations, and become the best horses for their riders.
From there, we look at conformation and quality of movement. Natural balance, cadence, and athletic ability allow a horse to progress farther in its education and stay comfortable doing it. When correct movement is paired with a great mind, it creates a horse capable of learning and performing at a high level. We believe these horses are among the most enjoyable and dependable to own and ride when safety and long term performance are the top priorities.
This is why we are so passionate about Half Drafts and Crossbreds. Time and time again, they offer the substance, soundness, durability and reliability that make an exceptional everyday horse. These horses are the equine version of a golden retriever or a black lab: intelligent, dependable and universally appreciated. Combined with thoughtful selection and proper education, they become a horse of a lifetime. Horses that people can trust, enjoy, and be proud to own. We are developing and educating horses with the purpose that they will go on to serve their riders with a lifetime of enjoyment!
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