"I've been riding with Kristin since 1999. I came to her lessons an experienced but very frightened rider. Kristin was extremely patient with my fears even though I'm sure there were times she found me frustrating. She taught me the ground skills that previous instructors hadn't bothered with and showed me how to think more like a horse. All of this gave me confidence. My ground skills and problem solving are equal to my riding experience and I think my confidence is about equal to my actual riding ability. I sincerely doubt I would have persevered through my fears with a different teacher. Ziggy (my little Arab gelding) and I are good team. He too was a bit skittish when we first met, but we've come to trust each other and I think we both try hard in all our endeavors. We are both still learning new things and taking on new challanges. Thanks to Kristin I think we both have years of fun rides ahead of us!"  

-Paula See & Ziggy (and Oreo)

Oreo is a really cute pony who is looking for a new home - If interested contact Kristin!

"I have been riding with Kristin since 2001. When I first bought my horse, Smokey, I had never ridden. Not knowing much about horses, I purchased a young horse that was as green as I was. My horse had many serious behavioral and physical issues, and it would have been a complete disaster if it were not for Kristin's patience and training abilities. Even though I was an inexperienced beginner rider, she encouraged me and taught me how to work with my "problem" horse. Smokey is now an amazing animal. He has a huge heart and does everything I ask, regardless of how difficult it is. Thanks to Kristin's help, I have a wonderful horse who is a joy to ride!"

-Ron Kaufman and Smokey

Hi Kristin:

I’m really glad to see your website up and running.  You have been such a great help to me and Riley.  If it weren’t for your training expertise and guidance during my training process with Riley it would’ve been a very frustrating journey.  You are the only one I trust to work and ride my horse for me when I’m not able to and for this I am grateful.  I know that you’ve also been very patient and helpful in building up my mom’s confidence with the horses as well.

I’ve worked with many trainers through the years and I’ve seen a lot of people make huge mistakes with young horses that cause a lot of damage that needs to be undone.  After watching you work with both young horses and young riders I am thoroughly impressed with your patience and skill.  Some day when I have children (and hopefully they want to learn to ride), I will be trusting in you to teach them the fundamentals of dressage so that they have the core skills to take them in whatever direction they wish on horseback whether it be dressage, reining, or jumping.

Congrats on your new mare!

Susan Greeneisen/ Riley

"I am the proud owner of a 16 year old American Saddlebred.  We originally bought Joey 8 years ago for out daughter who was 12 at the time.  To our frustration and two different trainers, it became apparant to everybody Joey was just too confused for a 12 year old, or anybody else for that matter, to show in the fast  paced saddlebred show ring.  He had already been trained in saddleseat when we bought him; but, poor training had taken it's toll on Joey, and when asked to perform he would get beside himself with anxiety.  So we bought a tried and true American Saddlebred show horse for our daughter to show and I got Joey.  Ho Hum..... what to do with Joey.  That's where Kristin comes in.  Joey and I stared taking dressage lessons and it actually started calming him .  And eventually I wanted to show him in our local shows but in order to do that he had to stop, stand and back up on the rail, which was totally against everything Joey had been taught.  Saddleseat is a very forward walk trot canter on the rail, trot into center line up, park out.  NEVER EVER stop and stand on the rail nevermind back up.  To Joey stop on the rail meant turn around and do it all in the opposite direction,  trot into center and park out.  With Kristin's patience we finally suceeded.  What a glorious day that was!  Even though I showed him in  saddleseat the dressage really helped his attitude.  Without Kristin's knowledge and understanding it would not have been possisble .  We have done very well by the way and best of all Joey and I feel happy and accomplished." 

-Linda and Joey Marsik

"To anyone who is looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable, experienced and honest trainer, look no further. Kristin is one  of the best around.  She has taken old school, Natural Horsemanship, her own life experiences and knowledge to combine it into one of the best all around trainers that I have had the pleasure of working with.  Kristin helped my 13 year old daughter over come shyness and give her the confidence she needed to enjoy her horse.  She took my Gypsy Vanner and started him long lining in just an hour or so.  Not only is Kristin a great trainer with people and horses, she is a good person and compassionate human being.  I would recommend her for any training level and any person, young, old, advanced to beginner. "  - Wendy L. Dahlberg