Lynn'D Farms |
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Testimonials, continued...
{A Pony, a Mom, and a Determined Little Girl - Cody the Pony: “We found my daughter’s first pony in a rundown dairy farm in Christmas, Florida. He was only slightly trained but he had a great bold, unflappable attitude which I loved. He would not canter for us, he was that lazy. His big spook was a snort. I loved him. Being a fairly decent rider myself I decided to tackle his training. I mean, how hard can it be right? Six weeks later, Cody-the-pony is well-fed and sassy. He tries to bite us occasionally, will not lead worth a hoot if grass or clover is within sight, his ground manners are horrendous, and we can hardly get him to canter 3 strides in a row.
Lesson #1: Just because you are an ambitious mother and a fairly decent rider does not mean you can train a pony. This boy needed to be started over and I did not have a clue. Enter Anne and Steve. Since Cody could hardly canter, much less jump, at this point we decided to enter the strange new world of dressage. Most of the first lesson with Anne was spent on correcting Cody’s rude ground manners. To my surprise, the more he respected us on the ground the better he was under saddle. Steve taught us how to take control of him on the ground and we slowly learned the tools we needed to train him. He taught us a lot about the mentality of horses. Steve and Anne were the first trainers, and there were many, who saw the potential in Cody. They taught us how to reach him. Cody was tough, but he had met his match in my daughter. We were hungry for information and for the skills we needed to train Cody between lessons. Anne and Steve were with us, and still are, every step of the way.
Most of the first lesson with Anne was spent on correcting Cody’s rude ground manners. To my surprise, the more he respected us on the ground the better he was under saddle. Steve taught us how to take control of him on the ground and we slowly learned the tools we needed to train him. He taught us a lot about the mentality of horses. Steve and Anne were the first trainers, and there were many, who saw the potential in Cody. They taught us how to reach him. Cody was tough, but he had met his match in my daughter. We were hungry for information and for the skills we needed to train Cody between lessons. Anne and Steve were with us, and still are, every step of the way...}
...Cody the Pony, cont'd: Two years later, our green,  stubborn, ornery little guy is now training first level dressage, he clocks around a hunter course like a pro, and loves to gallop cross country with his little girl. He is very well-behaved. My daughter, now ten, does everything with him herself. It’s been a year since I have had to step in and help her. She is well equipped to correct him for any misdeeds; Cody is after all still a pony. His nickname is Mr. Wonderful and he is truly special.
Anne and Steve taught us how to be trainers, but more importantly they took a determined eight-year-old very seriously and taught us both how to overcome any obstacle a smart pony might throw our way. Macey has a wall of blue ribbons to show for all her hard work. She is just beginning her journey with Cody. With Anne and Steve behind them, it is going to be exciting to see how far this cute pair goes!”
Christy Kaczorowski
Jacksonville, Florida
{Topper: “Almost three years ago, at age 60 and never having ridden before, I purchased my first horse, a quarter horse gelding named Topper. Topper had some significant behavior problems such as being spooky, nervous, and bucking. As much as I loved him, I did not have Topper’s respect, nor did I know how to earn it. After being bucked off twice and having very little success at solving this issue, I was given an ultimatum: find someone that could help us or return Topper to his previous owner. Returning him was unacceptable to me, so with nothing else to lose, I contacted Steven Duchac of Lynn’D Farms in Ocala. During our first session, Steven did basic groundwork with Topper to help him learn to control his emotions (and his body) when frightened, and above all, not to buck. He then made sure I could reinforce this work during the following week. The second visit, Steven observed me riding Topper and the question became whether or not Topper and I belonged together. It also became apparent that I needed to spend more time with Steven at his farm, and it was there that I met Anne.
Topper’s mornings began with an intense training session with Steven working on Topper’s nervousness and oversensitivity, and Steven showing me the approach and techniques he used...}
...Topper, cont'd: He was as firm as necessary, but always fair. Then it was my turn with Anne. Being an older rider, Anne knew she had to rely on different techniques and explanations to help me ride better. Our lessons helped me with my riding skill and with my confidence.
I knew that in order for Topper and I to get the full benefit of our long weekend, I would have to continue this training at home. And that is exactly what I have done. With the continual help of Steven and Anne, Topper and I have a mutual respect on the ground, and we are getting that under saddle. Topper and I belong together and we are looking forward to many years of safe riding.”
Judy Smout
Clearwater, Florida
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Above is Barbara Richardson, on her horse Peter. He's been one of my (Anne) favorite training horses - a Dutch import that needed some lightening up and fine-tuning. |
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