Meet the Wagon Circle Boss for 2026: Jeff Parker
Jeff Parker is a lifelong athlete, horseman, farrier, and mentor whose path bridges competitive sports and practical horsemanship. Born and raised in South Carolina, Jeff built his foundation early—discipline, dedication, and a steady commitment to helping others grow. Those values have carried him through a career defined by leadership, teaching, and hands-on experience.
Jeff’s early journey is rooted in performance and leadership. He earned a football scholarship to Gardner-Webb University (GWU), where he excelled on the field, earned multiple honors, and graduated with a degree in Physical Education. He later returned to GWU to coach and mentor student-athletes. From there, Jeff shifted his competitive drive toward horses. He completed a farrier apprenticeship and spent eight years under the mentorship of Dr. Poag Reid, DVM. During that time, he expanded into training, equine care, and full farm operations. In 1998, he earned national recognition by placing 3rd in the USTRC Roping Finals in Oklahoma City. He later contributed to Clemson University’s equine programs while building a respected farrier and horse-training business focused on soundness, safety, and steady progress.
In 2005, Jeff and his family made Florida home when he accepted the position of Horse Program Manager at the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch program. Over the past two decades, he has helped transform that program into a thriving environment where young people learn confidence, teamwork, and responsibility through daily work with horses. Today, Jeff serves as the Farm Director, overseeing all aspects of the program’s growth and success.
The Boys Ranch helped make this happen
As we prepare for this ride, we want to shine a bright spotlight on the role the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch program has played in making it possible. Their support has been instrumental—providing the time, space, and resources to host prep clinics and helping with the logistics of readiness, including the wagons and horses needed for the ride. Just as importantly, they have opened the door for veterans from the Operation Outdoor Freedom program to come learn to ride, train, build confidence in the saddle, and prepare for this ride. That kind of generosity and partnership makes a lasting difference.
Jeff has been a key part of that effort. Thank you, Jeff, for being instrumental in the clinics held throughout the year—and for hosting one of the clinics as well. Your steady leadership and practical, encouraging instruction have helped riders and horses take real steps forward.
Jeff is a patient coach and clear communicator. He has mentored youth and adults in horsemanship, team roping, breakaway, and calf roping—including his two daughters. Whether he’s fitting a shoe, building a training plan, or preparing a rider to compete, his mission stays the same: build skills, build character, and build trust.
Finally, we’re proud to share that Jeff will also be one of the farriers on this ride, helping keep horses sound and ready for the miles ahead.
Be sure to visit with Jeff Parker, the Wagon Circle Boss for 2026—you’re in for a treat: great stories, good humor, and a genuine cowboy outlook on life.
