Amnon was born in Haifa, Isreal and started riding horses at the age of 12. His dad, Eli, managed a large store and his mom, Roosa, is a psychotherapist.
After serving 4 years and reaching the rank of captain in the Israeli army, it appeared that Amnon's career path possibly would mirror a course taken by his mom. He began studying sociology and psychology at Haifa University.
During that time he met his wife, Dina. Dina, a "city girl" was following her love for horses. She rode a bus for 3 hours just to take riding lessons at a Western-style "dude" ranch type facility. She was taking people on trail rides when she met Amnon.
The first time Dina saw a horse she knew she wanted to be close to them.
Amnon soon made a significant career decision. After 3 years he decided he wanted to work with horses, so he left everything and went to training.
When they first came to the US in 1989, they bought a car and traveled all over the US working for trainers for free, just so they could learn.
The Yiftah's came to a training facility owned by veteran horseman, Travis Burney of Lone Oak, TX. He introduced them to cutting. Burney later introduced them to Jack Newton who is very renowned in the cutting horse industry.
Newton admired the Yiftah's hard work ethic & desire to learn and decided to help them.
Mis Ann Cash, owned by Newton, ridden by Amnon, was the 2003-04 ACHA World Champion $3000 Novice Horse.
Since then Amnon has continued riding and training, working toward his goal to go to the $10,000 Novice Horse and the the Open.
Dina stays actively involved and helps keep Amnon going.
Working together and living a dream!
