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Horsemanship Testimonials Do you have a story you'd like to share about your experience with Natural Responses Horsemanship? If so, please contact us. |
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In April, 2008, I purchased my first Arabian Colt and was referred to Pete Spates to discuss groundwork for my colt. I soon met Pete and was in sheer awe of his natural horseman techniques, experience, and his unassuming and personable character. Pete is a teacher and what continues to compliment the training is his explanation of just how the horse thinks, and as I observe and interact with the instruction, we are in detailed conversation regarding the psychology and physiology of my horse. As I am a first time horseman; this is what helps me connect the training to the reinforcement I continue throughout the week. In May, I purchased my second horse, an Arabian Gelding. This horse had some confidence issues and again Pete began his evaluation and methodical process to begin helping this horse build his confidence level. I marvel at the learning of my 2 horses and the immediate change I saw as I actively participant in the training. Pete is a very special, talented horseman and he is my mentor. I am grateful that my horses are under the instruction and care of the best trainer-teacher available. Thank you Pete for what you are doing for my boys and for my skill enhancement. ~Ron Kasper from San Diego, California Thank you MaryAnn, I am so pleased with the work you did with my older Gelding, Pal. My horse is a wonderful gentle creature, perfect for a woman of my wise years, but loading him into my two-horse trailer was next to impossible before you worked your special skills. I had worked with Pal, trying to load him in the trailer numerous times but without any success; I had consulted with trainers in the Arizona area who were not interested in even trying to work on trailer training with a 17 year old horse. Needless to say, I was very discouraged. I loved riding Pal, but I also wanted to trailer to new areas to ride and find other people to ride with - but no one would help me.... that is until I met MaryAnn. MaryAnn was the answer to prayers. To my amazement, MaryAnn was able to convince Pal to load into the two-horse trailer at the first session; after three sessions I could walk him to the trailer and he would load himself! Her techniques are gentle and persuasive; I was very impressed. I have and will continue to recommended her to friends without hesitation. ~ Cindy Foster from Snowflake, Arizona In 1998, I was fortunate to attend a clinic conducted by Pete Spates and I was impressed. I thought to myself, "Ok, looks good, but does it really stick with the horse?" Then I heard him ask, "what's the nicest thing you can do for your horse?" I stopped to listen, "be fair." I knew at that moment there was much to learn from Pete. Natural Responses Horsemanship enhanced my horse industry life; it has improved my relationships on all levels. Horses and people respond to reward; my reward - harmony. Learning to listen to what the horse is communicating is very important. Pete Spates is and will be a mentor to many in the horse industry, including me. He works in the moment to compliment horse and rider. His ability to communicate is truly phenomenal. There is always another step, Pete Spates can show you how to take that next step. To begin your learning process, I highly suggest contacting Pete Spates and attend a clinic as fast as you can. Thank you Pete for all your positive energy and inspiration. ~Sharon Hollingshead from Pine Grove, California First off thank you Pete and MaryAnn from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to be both our support and our teachers. Most of our rescues (the crew) had little to no loving contact or training when we got them; they had been dumped off at a slaughter yard with no regard to their future. It seems that if a horse had color it is far more “saleable”, and the few that had color had been completely mishandled. Although we had a fair amount of experience around horses we were “behind the curve” when it came to helping these horses recover from their so-called “training”. So many times we were advised “give them 30 days and put them up for sale”, this advice was so not true in our case. We had put so much work, effort, and money into “the crew” that money recovery didn’t matter and emotionally we couldn’t just get rid of them just for the sake of it. Our meeting you guys [Pete & MaryAnn] at a friend’s house was the beginning of a healing, not just for the horses, but also for us. It was eating us up trying to find someone who would understand our feelings…. especially for one beautiful buckskin mare named Sierra. Sierra had been so mishandled that she was scared of everything, and very head shy, but still she had a special light that we knew could be brought out if we found the right trainer. In stepped the two of you and our girl was in the right hands. Maryann you spent so much time teaching, loving and giving our girl her confidence back that what you accomplished is nothing short of amazing. Pete you built on the confidence to give us a horse that we enjoy so completely that just watching her is pure pleasure. On top of what you did for Sierra is what you have done for us. You have taught us how to be a partner with our horses, to be able to have a truly “all around” relationship, not only in the saddle but also on the ground. Lots of people have someone they call their “trainer” but we are blessed to be able to call our “trainers” friends. ~Terry & Beth Sherping I have known MaryAnn Berndt since 1998; she has an incredible compassion and understanding of horses. MaryAnn worked diligently with my off-the-track thoroughbred gelding; my horse didn't make it on the track due to a tremendous lack of confidence. After 30 days, MaryAnn conquered his fears and insecurities with a host of confidence building exercises. My horse was a completely different animal by the end of his 30 days training session with MaryAnn. He was a confident, friendly, and very willing partner. It was an amazing transformation that I will never forget. I would recommend MaryAnn to any horse owner who is looking for someone to train their horses. ~ Melissa Watenpaugh
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