"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Riding In The Son

Dennis

Dennis grew up on a purebred Angus farm in Troy, MO. His main focus through high school and college was cattle. He was on the livestock judging team for Mizzou and was active in fitting and showing cattle at local, state and national levels. Graduated from MU with a degree in Animal Science and upon graduation went to work for Briarwood farms in Butler, MO. There Dennis was in charge of the purebred and commercial cow herd and did most of the AI work on the ranch. This is where his journey with horses began.

He found the horses were a vital part of the care taking of the cattle. This intrigued him so much that he began to seek for more and more knowledge on how to communicate with the horses better. The people that have influenced him on this journey are too numerous to mention.  In the beginning stage Ray Hunt had a large influence. Dennis found that Ray’s horse handling parallels closely with what he had experienced in handling cattle therefore the philosophy was an easy fit. He still uses it to this day.
His philosophy is this…


You make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult to quote Ray himself. It has been a bit from this person to that person. Bill Riddle, NCHA Hall of fame member, has probably been the biggest influence as far as working cutting horses and the late Dale Wilkinson a legend in the reining horse world. But mostly it’s been Dennis willingness to learn. He is not afraid to try different techniques, will sometimes go back and pick up old things with a new found meaning. His program today is his program and is continually looking for ways to improve. He admires people like Jack Brainard and even in their later years is still able to improve their horsemanship skills. That’s what puts the drive in the want to. Today Dennis trains and shoes horses and together he and Cindy offer what they call “Horse training for Your Marriage”.

Cindy

Cindy Cappel

Cindy started riding at age 5 with her pony “Cindy” and eventually got into the show ring in her early teens with a horse that brought her home with numerous winnings and awards. Showing heavily in the 70’s in a variety of classes with this horse it reminds her of present day ranch horse. Early influences of her brother Larry stone “Stoney”, Freddie horn (Chap Shop Harrisonville, MO) and Monte Foreman who have all past have left their impression in horsemanship skills. A passion for people and communication it comes second nature and she uses in all arenas of life. Turning her focus for a time to restaurant and catering ownership and in the midst of that added preventative health path. Serving people is still Cindy's focus through encouragement, hope and understanding. Cindy is a key player in Cappel and Cappel working by Dennis' side with people, Dennis communicates with the horses and together they bridge the gap between horse and rider. Together they will help you on your journey of rising to your expectations with your horse and yourself.

Dennis and Cindy’ focus is that when you visit Cappel and Cappel, you will leave better than when you came. See you soon!

Family

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Their three children Christina, Jeffrey and Lincoln have been instrumental in the formation of the business, through their love and support along with son in law Michael and grandchildren, Trenton and Harleigh Ann. Continuing on with leadership roles in their own lives, their future is bright. Christina, a special instructor for first step in Missouri, works through her own company, Little Shining Lights LLC. Lincoln, owner/operator of Rollin Hickory BBQ LLC is a traveling concession, catering to all events, fairs and private parties. Jeff is pursuing his career in golf currently attending Golf School of America in Florida. He is looking to specialize in instructing and golf course management.

Isaiah 30: 21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, this is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left hand.

Hope Is Alive!