About Kristina Hendrickson-Russell
Kristina graduated from North Central Texas College in 2007 with an Associate Degree in Equine Science, where she competed on the college equestrian team under a full-ride scholarship. Her passion for horses began at the age of eight, competing in Western Pleasure before transitioning to the competitive West Coast hunter-jumper circuit. Following a significant knee injury, she redirected her focus to high school rodeo, excelling in barrel racing and breakaway roping.
Throughout her collegiate and professional career, Kristina had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most respected names in the equine industry, including Jim Babcock, Teddy Johnson, Carol Rose, Joe Hayes, Tom McCutcheon, and Todd Crawford. During this time, she honed her skills in cutting, reining, and reined cow horse disciplines while gaining invaluable experience in colt starting, performance horse development, and horsemanship.
Kristina later served as Breeding Manager and Young Horse Development Specialist at the historic Haverty Ranch, where she developed extensive expertise in mare and foal care, embryo transfer, stallion collection, and young horse development, as well as sales preparation and equine photography. She also worked under Wendy Gardiner, contributing to the development of high-quality performance and endurance horses, utilizing her knowledge in equine training services.
Her background expanded through her time at the Equine Performance Innovation Center (EPIC) in Ocala, where she specialized in equine rehabilitation and recovery. There, Kristina worked with elite racehorses and Warmblood show horses, employing advanced therapies and conditioning modalities such as swimming, cold saltwater spa therapy, vibration plate therapy, Aquapacer underwater treadmill conditioning, PEMF therapy, hyperbaric chamber treatments, massage therapy, and customized horse conditioning programs designed to safely return horses to peak performance.
Kristina’s training philosophy is a thoughtful fusion of traditional and natural horsemanship principles. Heavily influenced by legendary horsemen such as Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance, Don Murphy, Bob Avila, and Tom Curtin, her program emphasizes softness, willingness, confidence, and partnership in every horse, regardless of breed or discipline.
At the core of Kristina’s program is the belief that horses are extraordinary athletes deserving of exceptional care. Her approach combines precision training, consistent conditioning, proper nutrition, recovery protocols, and meticulous grooming standards to maximize both performance and well-being. She intentionally limits the number of horses in training at any given time to ensure individualized attention and uncompromising quality of care.
Kristina believes that horses have an incredible ability to impact and enrich human lives, and she is passionate about cultivating meaningful partnerships between horse and rider. Her philosophy centers on the idea that true beauty and success are never forced but developed through trust, patience, and thoughtful horsemanship. To her, every horse in the program represents the standard of the business — and each one should look, feel, and perform at its absolute best, especially in the context of performance horse rehabilitation and under the guidance of ranch versatility trainers.
Creating Soft Willing Confident Horses
Horse Training
Conditioning/Rehab
Conditioning/Rehab
Flamingo Equine offers structured equine training services that are performance-driven, designed specifically for equine athletes at every stage of development. Each horse is brought along with intention—emphasizing rideability, responsiveness, and correct biomechanics to support long-term soundness and competitive success. Our horse cond
Flamingo Equine offers structured equine training services that are performance-driven, designed specifically for equine athletes at every stage of development. Each horse is brought along with intention—emphasizing rideability, responsiveness, and correct biomechanics to support long-term soundness and competitive success. Our horse conditioning programs range from foundational work to advanced maneuver execution, with an emphasis on consistency, feel, and precision. Horses in training are managed as individual athletes, ensuring steady progression, clear communication, and results that translate into the show pen. As expert ranch versatility trainers, we also specialize in performance horse rehabilitation, making sure every horse reaches its full potential in Indiana.
Conditioning/Rehab
Conditioning/Rehab
Conditioning/Rehab
At Flamingo Equine, we take a unique approach to equine training services, focusing on conditioning and rehabilitation from start to finish. Our horse conditioning programs are specifically designed to restore, strengthen, and elevate the performance of horses, with an emphasis on longevity and function. In alignment with veterinary guida
At Flamingo Equine, we take a unique approach to equine training services, focusing on conditioning and rehabilitation from start to finish. Our horse conditioning programs are specifically designed to restore, strengthen, and elevate the performance of horses, with an emphasis on longevity and function. In alignment with veterinary guidance when necessary, we implement structured programs that may include targeted exercise, therapeutic modalities, and progressive return-to-work plans. Each rehabilitation program is customized to the individual horse, whether they are recovering from injury, building strength, or maintaining peak condition. Our goal extends beyond mere recovery; we aim for a confident and capable return to performance, showcasing the expertise of our ranch versatility trainers right here in Indiana.
Sales/Consignments
Conditioning/Rehab
Sales/Consignments
Flamingo Equine offers professional sales and consignment services for performance horses in Indiana, emphasizing presentation, preparation, and accurate representation. Each horse undergoes comprehensive evaluation and conditioning through our specialized horse conditioning programs to highlight its strengths and intended use. By utilizi
Flamingo Equine offers professional sales and consignment services for performance horses in Indiana, emphasizing presentation, preparation, and accurate representation. Each horse undergoes comprehensive evaluation and conditioning through our specialized horse conditioning programs to highlight its strengths and intended use. By utilizing equine training services and professional handling, we ensure honest communication and targeted exposure, effectively connecting quality horses with the right buyers. Our selective program guarantees that each consigned horse receives the focused attention and strategic marketing necessary to shine in the competitive market, including performance horse rehabilitation techniques and the expertise of our ranch versatility trainers.
Our Program Staples
