Lessons

I mentioned before how my hubby and I were looking into 4H for our middle daughter.  Our decision?  She needs to have some formal lessons first to decide which aspect of horseback riding she wants to pursue.  Right now she rides around the yard very well but doesn't have a clue about the different types of riding out there.  She's heard us talk about jumping, barrel racing and reining but there is so much more out there for her to learn.  She really has a knack for riding and is very good at it.  A natural - much better than I was at her age!

I started my search online (gotta love Facebook and Craigslist!) for a local trainer for her to learn from and have a few to pick from.  I've managed to narrow it down to two top ladies...Sarah Johnson and Becky Botsford.  Sarah trains not too far from our house at a local APHA breeder's barn and Becky trains in a small farm community about 20 - 30 minutes away at a BEAUTIFUL barn.  Both ladies train in the same disciplines and seem to know what they are doing.  My next step is to contact them.  I want to know what their methods are for teaching/training and of course, the cost.

It would be great to have middle start with one of the trainers soon so that next year she will be ready for 4H or maybe some open shows.  If I like them and it works out, I might take some lessons too.  It's been a long time since I had any formal lessons and I know I would definitely benefit from them.  Like I said in my About Us page, I want to do reining and I think Zoe will be a great mount for that, if I can get her broke!

If anyone who is reading this knows anything about these two trainers, please comment.  I would love to get the scoop on them from someone other than themselves.  I want to know how they treat their horses and students; how they train their horses and students (methods); are they easy to get along with or are they pushy?  You know, that kind of stuff.

Until next time!


Quote for the day:
"I never did give them hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell."

-Harry S. Truman