Saddle Up for Success with Equestrian Education at Kluz Performance Horses

Powder River Energy Corporation (PRECorp) is proud to be northeastern Wyoming’s largest electric cooperative, being a trusted energy partner to more than 12,000 members throughout the region with great rates and A+ service. In 2025, we’re running a series of features on some of our tremendous members, highlighting their dedication to fostering the fantastic quality of life we’ve become accustomed to and the economic impact needed to keep it! 

Horses have an integral place in Wyoming, known as the ‘Cowboy State’ with a Bucking horse and Rider as its logo. While much of that experience is set in ranchwork, trail riding and rodeos, there is a burgeoning interest in equestrianism. 

“Wyoming has plenty of ranches, cowboys and working horses, with other barns in Gillette that have more of a focus on rodeo and roping, but there is not much in the way of horse shows,” said Ashley Villmow, owner of Kluz Performance Horses (KPH), a family-run equine event facility outside Gillette, WY.

The property includes a heated 120’x300’ arena, 200’x300’ outdoor arena, stalls, RV hookups and an extensive outdoor course with water obstacles. The barn space is used for lessons, events, and hourly or multi-day rentable times. Villmow started KPH in 2007 on a different property with an old barn near the current site when she was 19, procuring a loan to build it up from nothing.

“I would not have been able to start without PRECorp, as they put up 10 poles to get power out to the property," she said. “I love horses and essentially have never thought of anything else.”

She married Brice, a Wyoming Machinery mechanic, who brings his skills to build stalls, move tons of dirt for arenas and maintain equipment. Together, they run the facility with their son Tyson.

“Brice knew what life would be like with a horse girl,” she said. “And Tyson enjoys helping, running the score sheets and concession stands at events.” 

Education and opportunities

Villmow’s mission is education, from the lessons she provides to clinics, camps, judges and trainers she brings in locally and from states like Texas, Arizona, Wisconsin and more. As a result, KPH has become known in the region as the place for horse shows and equestrian education for everyone from little children on up. Her educational focus is on all ages, with lessons and organized clinics covering Western Dressage, Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, Versatility and other skills. 

“We seek out well-known clinicians because we believe more education through clinics and practices means more confidence and enjoyment, regardless of age,” she said. “Our participants are serious, diehard equestrians who are not just local but come from throughout the Rocky Mountain and Midwest states for our clinics.”

Weekly practice sessions include Monday reining practices, Sunday ranch riding and summer Tuesday trail riding. Villmow also hosts 4H Horsemanship Challenge Shows to help youth and their horses advance in their safety, riding and competing skills.

All events are held at the KPH property. Register for the above or specific events listed below.

Fun Days Rodeos

Groups of all ages enjoy competing for awards in courses defined by barrels, poles and other implements.

March 22
April 26
May 17

Jennifer Bull Western Dressage Clinic

Bull is a NAWD and WDAA Professional Member who promotes the progressive education of Western Dressage programs for all riders to build a solid foundation for any horse.

April 5 - 6

AQHA-approved Shows

New in 2025, KPH has gained approval to put on American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) shows, with AQHA-approved judges, to facilitate an even higher-quality riding and showing experience for participants. 

April 12
May 3
June 14

CSRHA Reining Jackpot

June 7-8

Growth is good

Villmow is excited about the future as horse shows and clinics grow in the Gillette area and Wyoming. 

“The experience and education opportunities for people of all ages will only grow as more people are putting on shows or offering riding areas,” she said.

PRECorp is proud to highlight dedicated member entrepreneurs and businesses like Kluz Performance Shows. Book rental time at their facility or contact Ashley Villmow for more information about horses and equestrian activities.