masteryhorsemanship.com Avis 13

Really nice to have another perspective while teaching my green horse., helps me to learn to keep an open mind while teaching and riding!!

The Mastry Horsemanship program opened up my eyes and allowed me to see that there is way more to horsemanship than just learning a discipline such as dressage or jumping. I joined the program almost a year ago and I can honestly say that it has given me a whole new perspective about my horse and the interactions that I have with him. It gave me the tools that I needed to work with my horse and it helped me to set and achieve my goals.

By way of background, I retired a racehorse that I fell in love with 7 years ago with the goal of giving him a meaningful retirement. After 128 starts, I felt that he deserved whatever it took to make that happen. It he was sound my plan was to transition him to meaningful work and if not, my plan was to allow him to completely retire. He came to me directly from the track 2 weeks after he last raced and he was perfectly sound. I had great intentions for him but encountered numerous challenges since I had little to no experience with owning a horse. Despite the challenges, we have had a wonderful journey together. However, in retrospect I wish that I found the Mastery Horsemanship program when I first got my horse because it would have given me a more solid foundation to build on.

Earlier in the summer Don talked about setting goals in one of our weekly zooms. Inspired by the concept and guidance on how to create one, I set a broad goal to be able to independently work with my horse by the end of the summer. As the summer is coming to a close, I can truly say that we’ve accomplished our goal. Being independent didn’t mean doing it without the help of resources. The goal was to eliminate my reliance on having to have someone else “fix my horse” so that I could enjoy him. Meeting my goal meant reevaluating my resources and my focus, to build a better relationship with my horse. The Mastery Horsemanship program gave me the tools and the confidence that I needed to obtain my goal.

I can’t say enough for how much the program has opened up my eyes and led me on a better path. My horse and I are in a much better place than when I first met Don last fall. This summer we didn’t abandoned riding, we just shifted our focus to working on boundaries, bonding, bravery, and going back to basic skills for riding. As I closed out Labor Day weekend, I was confidently able to ride my horse over obstacles in an arena, and then finish out the day on a small trail ride that took us through a water obstacle. It was so cool to see my horse engage with the water, and then casually walk through it without any spook at all. That was huge, given that it’s been over six months since I’ve had to rely on anyone to fix my horse before I can ride him myself. Many thanks to Don and Rachel, for giving me the understanding and the tools to be able to progress and truly build a relationship with my horse.

Sue and TD

The level of expertise is above excellent. And the personal tailoring for coaching is exceptional

Don, really understands the horse. I love the fact that he is in tune with the horse and can read their movements. He is a true horseman and not out to sell you gimmicks or must have tools. He helps you understand why you are doing what you are doing with your horse.

Personal service and understanding. Clear inputs. Written followup,

The parcel was misdirected the first time, but the peronal contact and the communication was perfect.

Don and Rachel are an incredible team of natural horsemen. Their generosity with their training is unending. Their program is easy to follow and always stresses safety for the human and the horse.

Finding a top notch coach that can quickly identify both horse and human areas of strength as well those in need of growth has been something I’ve been looking for for a long time. Don is encouraging and supportive while being straightforward in helping you toward your goals. The best!

Don and Rachel are THERE for us! They have a created a community where we can talk about all our horse issues and the lessons they give is every week are so beneficial!

Excellent techniques and paths that empower the rider and owner.

For 10+ years I have been very fortune to experience an amazing learning journey with my horses thanks to Mastery Horsemanship! The methods of teaching and coaching used by Don and Rachel are uplifting, thought provoking, consistent, and fun.

I have been a client of Don & Rachel’s for yrs. I have been a instructor myself, and still learn so much from them both. I have always been able to bounce things off them. They have help be became a better horseman, better woman all the way around. My horses, husband and dogs are grateful for them in our lives 💕