Training & Training Board

Training & Training Board Testimonials

I’ve had Saint Niklaus (aka Nik) since December 2016 he was 3 ½ years old.  He’s a 16.2 hands OTTB (registered name Agronomy) that raced just a few times.  He has near perfect confirmation, is sound, and is quite a looker.  I knew he had potential to go in any direction and have been very deliberate in bringing him along very slowly, with a goal of one-day eventing him at beginner/beginner novice.  During our first few rides, I realized Nik could not walk a straight line. His trot and canter were very unbalanced and difficult to ride. Forget about going to the right, as his body stayed bent at 45 degrees for all three gaits!  We made great progress the first year in his training, and then I felt like we both hit a wall.  Hard.  I knew that Nik had confidence issues and those issues began to materialize under saddle and on the ground. It felt like we had taken ten steps backwards together, and I began to question whether I was the right owner/rider for him.  I began to have confidence issues as well.  Michelle and Jordan subscribe to the philosophy of taking it slow and steady with the youngsters, with faithfulness to the training pyramid. They have not only helped Nik gain an exceptional amount of confidence, but he has three lovely (almost balanced) gaits and is forward and gaining confidence by the day with the jumps.  Equally important, Michelle and Jordan helped me rebuild my confidence under saddle as an adult amateur rider.  I cannot say how impressed I am with their utilization of the training pyramid and how different Nik is under saddle after just a few months of training.  His progress is truly nothing short of miraculous.  With every ride he just keeps getting better and better. Most importantly, I have a horse that is happy, well-adjusted, loves his job, and is gaining miles and miles of confidence.
-Michelle Speas