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| Martin Black – Martin is a fifth-generation Idaho rancher. He has a lifetime of experience in handling horses, cattle, and roping. In his youth there was a strong influence of the California-Spanish style of horsemanship that came via Ray Hunt and the Dorrance brothers. Martin has earned money in stock horse events, NRCHA events, and rodeo competition. His basic philosophy is - build the horse's confidence in everything he does. A confident horse is more capable in competition and less likely to injure himself. A confident horse is more willing to learn, and more comfortable to ride." Contact Martin through his website at www.martinblack.net. |
Buck Brannaman
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Buck Brannaman -- Buck is a great horseman and a good teacher who, like Ray, will give you straight talk and good help. Buck's web site
Julie Carpenter – Julie and husband Rick own and operate Miracle Mountain Ranch near Jackson, California, halfway up the pine-covered slopes of the western Sierra. Julie welcomes all styles of rider and horse, and sponsors camps, workshops, and other excellent events that allow her to form trusting relationships with riders in need. The Ranch has cabin accommodations for out-of-town visitors, excellent stabling facilities, a covered riding hall, and school horses for those who need them. Julie owns and breeds Paso horses and those interested in any gaited breed – as well as the trotters – will find that Julie is an excellent teacher. See the MMR website at www.miraclemountainranch.com or telephone (209) 223-4421.
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Julie Carpenter
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Bob Barrett -- Mr. Barrett was for years the head of the horsemanship program at Merced Jr. College. He's retired now but still shoes and trains a few; many of his students are local and regional standouts. Contact info@equinestudies.org.
Ken Faulkner -- Home base in Esk, Australia and travels internationally -- kfaulkner@kenfaulkner.com. Ken's quite a horseman, brave and accomplished. he teaches in Australia and internationally and has been good help to our friends in the U.K. and France. Problem horses, colts, general horsemanship. Ken has also been involved in designing and building a very good new Western-type saddle which fits horses well, and we're pleased to recommend this to you also.
Steve Haines -- telephone (707) 765-2501. Steve is our official guardian of good humor. The photo of him you see here was a lucky shot -- caught him in the act of petting the big Warmblood right in the middle of when it was thinking about bucking. Fancy that -- getting things done by making peace rather than by making war!
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Steve Haines
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Caroline Hardman -- telephone (408) 728-3433. It's nice to be able to recommend a woman for all the women who want to get started in horsemanship. Caroline's a real working cowgirl and a good teacher. Her place is in Watsonville, California.
Chris Hiller -- telephone (925) 672-1964. Chris comes from a background of European dressage and Pony Club instruction. An elegant rider and accomplished horsewoman, Chris has been Harry's student for some years now, and once again, the results are spectacular. She's in the Walnut Creek, California area.
Ray Hunt -- Ray is a Master Horseman, a rarity, and a treasure in our time. Over a long course of years, Ray has continued to be of enormous help and influence on us. View his travel and clinic schedule at www.rayhunt.com.
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Eyjolfur Isolfsson - Known as the "töltmaster" of Iceland, Eyjolfur Isólfsson is one of the great horsemen of our time. Chief of the Horsemanship Program at Holar College in northern Iceland, Eyjolfur spends half of each year travelling to countries in Northern Europe and America. I met Eyjolfur in spring of 2004 at Holar College, and was absolutely delighted with his entirely classical approach to training, which is gentle, thorough, considerate, and hugely effective. American clients will find Eyjolfur welcoming any gaited breed, and even trotters, to attend his clinics – please keep in mind that the Icelandic horse is required not only to tölt but also walk, trot, canter, run, and flying pace, so one expects that Eyjolfur would understand the importance of transitions and suppleness pretty well. Also, since in Iceland the common practice is pasture-breeding, Eyjolfur starts many colts each year and can thus help you properly learn roundpenning technique. We are delighted to know and recommend this very kind teacher, who is the first in many years to receive applause at the Icelandic national shows for the beauty of his work in the slow gaits. Contact Eyjolfur through his website www.toltmaster.com. |
Ray Hunt
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Jan Leitschuh – I met Jan years ago when we were both being given private instruction by Tom Dorrance. We had something in common: we both owned horses that would bolt. The difference is that Jan was, at the time, a far better rider than I was. I looked up to her then and still do. Her articles in the old "Trail Less Traveled" are now classics, writings that I refer to when, now that our teacher is gone, I feel a need for inspiration and renewal. Jan is based in North Carolina and thus one of the few teachers that I know and can recommend east of the Mississippi. You can contact her by Emailing janl2@mindspring.com.
Judy McHerron -- telephone (707) 433-2920. Judy has a horsemanship degree and a lot of experience teaching in the Pony Club environment. She's been our friend -- and Harry Whitney's student -- now for a number of years, and the results with her horses have been spectacular. We certainly recommend Judy to you folks who want to bring along a jumper or eventer. She's located in Santa Rosa, California.
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Bryan Neubert
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Bryan Neubert -- Bryan has tons of experience with Mustangs and other unstarted horses. He's a wonderful person and we highly recommend him. www.bryanneubert.com
Josh Nichol -- joshuan55@yahoo.com or telephone (780) 675-3770. Josh is the youngest horse clinician whom we recommend, but he well fulfills our expectations after having apprenticed with Harry Whitney. He's had glowing reviews from all who have met him and he's doing real good work.
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Judy McHerron
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Josh Nichol
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Jenny Paterson – Jenny is an all-around horsewoman with a background in "western" riding and reining. A very eager learner, Jenny has attended all my anatomy and horsemanship functions, as well as travelling all the way from New Zealand to the States to ride with Buck Brannaman. A dedicated teacher, Jenny can help students of all types, styles, and levels. She publishes an informative newsletter and maintains a thriving group of students in New Zealand and Australia. Please contact her by writing horsemanshipnz@xtra.co.nz, or telephone 03-313-3631 or 027-241-7215.
Bill Phillips -- Mr. Phillips is a very experienced wilderness guide who will show you a good time and not get you into more trouble than you can stand. He's also an expert teamster and can teach you how to drive. Located in extreme southern British Columbia, telephone (250) 425-7866.
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Mike Schaffer
Jenny Paterson
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Russell Reid -- telephone (530) 283-0202. Russell specializes in guiding and packing, and heads up the horsemanship program at Quincy Junior College. He also finds time to run the family ranch and sponsor clinics featuring Ray and Buck. Good help here for those in Northern California.
Mike Schaffer - An affable and fun person to school with, Mike "dresses" horses in the manner of the old High School -- in other words, in the school of lightness, suppleness, and harmony. A pupil of Arthur Konyot, his technique and approach place him in a class with Freddy Knie, Albert Ostermayer, and Nuno Oliviera. He considers the horse first and his object, all the time, is to make the animal comfortable while opening within its own mind the possibility that it can easily perform any exercise in the book. I am delighted to have found Mike and to be able to recommend him to everyone. He has written one book ("Right from the Start") filled with clear, simple explanation, and he has a new one is slated to come out this fall -- highly recommended. Find Mike's schedule/contact at www.mikeschaffer.com.
Donna Snyder-Smith -- Donna is a well-known teacher of position and aids, developing balance in the rider, and specializes in Arabian and Mustang horses, endurance training and coaching. Located in the Oakland, California area. Telephone (510) 487-9001.
Pete Spates -- classicalcowboy@att.net. Pete's an idealist and a true practitioner or the "deeper way". He's good help for those of you in Southern California.
Vincent Spiaggia -- Mr. Vincent is a dancer, a mounted shooter, a good hand with horses, and a self-made student of the horse always in quest for more learning. He's a good teacher and we can recommend him to beginners and first-time horse owners. Located in southern California. Telephone (909) 215-5683.
Linda Stevenson -- Linda specializes in teaching children and beginners. She operates the most beautiful and pleasant ranch and boarding facility in the Central Valley of California, with complete training facilities and plenty of safe school horses available.
Telephone (209) 667-1183.
Tim Thomas -- telephone (530) 889-8676. Tim specializes in cutting and cow work, but also will take on beginners who want to learn general riding or anyone wanting to get their horse more familiar with cattle. Tim's a thoughtful philosopher and a real nice guy.
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Vincent Spiaggia
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Tony Uytendaal - This is a man who might have had no reason to either like or want to participate in our attitude and approach to horsemanship. Son of a famous Dutch family of open jumper and dressage professionals, many-times champion in his own right, Tony has long understood the mechanics of bringing horses to the upper levels. However, Tony is also a man with a real brain and a great big heart – especially for the horses he cares so much about. I met Tony only because a sponsoring group had rented his arena; and Tony met me only because he was curious about what this lady from America might have to say. But after seeing how "birdie theory" can be applied to help restive horses, Tony came to me with tears in his eyes saying, "this is the part that I have been missing all these years." Students who meet Tony will find him a kind, thorough, and (needless to say) highly qualified teacher. He lives outside Melbourne, Australia, and can be reached by Emailing tonyuyt@bigpond.net.au. |
Tony Uytendaal
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Harry Whitney
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Our friend Harry Whitney refuses to call himself a horse trainer. Instead, he's an "equine communicator." By this we mean no psychic, but someone who sees things from the horse's point of view -- someone fluent in the language of horses. Even better, Mr. Whitney promises to teach this "foreign language" to YOU, not only for your benefit, but for the benefit of your horse. You'd never know it by looking at his old high toppers and cowboy hat, but Harry holds an animal science degree from Kansas State University.
A most perceptive, kind, and clear instructor, Harry has been an "animal communicator" since he was a youngster. His performing troops have includednot only horses and ponies but donkeys, dogs, goats, steers, and even chickens. Never one to buck out the rough stock, Harry nevertheless followed the rodeo circuit for years, performing a spectacular Roman-riding act. Meanwhile he earned not only his pay but the respect of the other performers -- as a bullfighter and as the only pickup-man on the circuit who can ride any horse given to him and more than that, get it to work contentedly. He can do the same for your horse.
You can get a peep of Harry by referring to the June and July, 1995 issues of Equus Magazine ("The Tricks to Training" and "Smart Horse Tricks" co-written with Dr. Deb), or in more recent issues of Equus, The Whole Horse Journal, Western Horseman, and The Trail Less Traveled. Despite all the writeups, though, you may not have heard of Harry before -- we who know him have a standing joke about him being known as "Harry Who". There are so many people out there, we notice, who call themselves "horse whisperers" who aren't, yet some of the very best don't call themselves that and don't advertise except by word of mouth. Equine Studies Institute is proud to pass the god word on to you about Harry, because as with all our faculty, the focus as far as Harry is concerned is totally on helping the horse.
Harry's clinics fill quickly -- often, a year or more ahead. Riders must make reservations; spectators are welcome anytime. To view Harry's schedule and obtain contact phone numbers and road directions to scheduled events, please go to www.harrywhitney.com.
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Joe Wolter
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Joe Wolter -- Joe's at the Four-Sixes in Guthrie, Texas, but sometimes travels; see www.6666.com . Joe is soft and kind, and we don't see enough of him now that he's managing the horse operation at the Four Sixes.
Marie Zdunic -- Marie specializes in producing Dressage horses (for competitors) and High School horses (for the really smart people). Telephone (810) 632-5725 or www.shineabitfarm.com.
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| Robert "Bob" Anderson, CF - Bob is an exceptional farrier with a great "eye" for orthopedically correct trim -- the kind that moves horses from abnormality and unsoundness back to where all horses want to be -- sound, free-moving, and comfortable. A breeder of Arabian horses himself, Bob has a real good feel, moves slow and quiet, and can get under the ones who might stiffen up or pull back with someone else. Bob has been a farriery instructor in both private and public institutions and a certification inspector for the AFA. Email Robert_Anderson_Farrier@msn.com. |
Harry Whitney and Sturat Greenberg, CF
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Farrier Stuart Greenberg, CF - Our friend Stuart G. teaches a popular series of practical horseshoeing courses at Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa, California. Stuart is not only a good teacher but a fine horseshoer with a wonderful "eye" for structural alignment and comfortable stance, which is the basis of orthopedics. Mr. Greenberg is frequently called upon to consult with the more difficult cases and rehabilitation, working with various veterinary practices and clinics. Contact him by EMail vineanvil@aol.com. |
Yvonne Miller
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Yvonne Miller - Yvonne practices horseshoeing in British Columbia. A great hand with a horse, Ms. Miller is known for her ability to coax trims and shoes onto horses who might otherwise object to the procedures. She has also become expert at limb assessment and appliance manufacture for the flat-soled or thin-walled Thoroughbred. Email totalbalancenutrition@yahoo.com. |
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| Saddlemaker David Genadek - Mr. Genadek is a master saddlemaker and president of About the Horse, Inc., a saddle making and design company -- and he's here to help you get the kinks out of your horse's back! What really sets David's work apart is his keen pursuit of both equine and human anatomy. About the Horse, Inc., has recently introduced the "Ladies' Trail Saddle", which has an absolutely wonderful seat that has actually been designed by a full-bodied woman for full-bodied women. Men can get the same saddle, too -- with a seat anatomically balanced for the male of the species.
Very much alive to the fact that many commercially-manufactured saddles do not fit the breeds they are intended for, David has redesigned the internal "skeleton" or tree of several different types of saddles. Since the saddle tree is the structural part which contacts the horse's back, its proper design is essential to achieving a comfortable fit. David's saddles eliminate shoulder-gouging, bridging, pinching, and loin gouging, and they also reduce or eliminate the need for cumbersome padding. "If the saddle fits, no special type of padding should be needed," says David.
Mr. Genadek also presents innovative rigging and girthing systems which prevent saddles from creeping forward or back, eliminating the need for breastplate or crupper in most working contexts. The saddle that resulted from this thinking is sturdy enough to rope off of, beautiful to look at, and easy on both horse and rider.
Saddles from About the Horse are not made on a full-custom basis, but David has numerous trees. David is glad to work with individual horse owners on fitting, and if he can't feel he's got a good enough fit for your particular horse, he'll refer you on to another saddlemaker.
David also regularly gives saddle-fit clinics and we recommend them, because his presentations are correct, clear, and fun -- and there's no attempt to sell you anything. If the saddle you own when you get to David's clinic already fits -- he'll tell you so right in front of everybody!
You can also get David's excellent one-hour videotape, "About Saddle Fit", at cost for $25. This is a must-have for every concerned horse owner and a great discussion focus for ag school classes and riding club meetings. Call 1-800-449-7409.
David's web site
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David Elliott
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Bitmaker David Elliott - David Elliott of Lethbridge, Alberta, is one of the nicest people -- and most knowledgeable professionals -- that you would ever hope to meet. Dave's shop produces beautiful custom-designed, handmade bits each of which is a work of art. he specializes in individual and custom-fitted designs, for example wider mouthpieces or mouthpieces for damaged mouths. He can help you to understand how bits work, what's most important to have in a bit, and most importantly, how to fit the bit for the greatest comfort to your horse.
David grew up around horses and his family was involved in ranching and farming activities. Back in the 1970's he attended the Oklahoma Farriers College and up until 1993 worked as a full-time farrier for horses involved in many different disciplines. David has also done driving, dressage, reining, and jumping, and has worked closely with professionals in designing better bits for reining, roping, and barrel racing. David thus brings a wide scope of understanding to his bitting workshops.
"After building bits for a number of years," says David, "I realized the need to better understand all the principles of bitting, which include the anatomy of the horse, training techniques, and bit mechanics. I am furthering my education in anatomy which relates to the design of bits. With added knowledge I can help educate customers to better understand how and why bits function."
We're proud to be able to add Dave Elliott to our roster of Institute Friends and Faculty. He's a real softspoken, thorough teacher and we recommend his bitting workshops -- contact by EMail -- bitspur@telusplanet.net. We know David wishes you and your horse the very best in function and comfort as you go about your work together, no matter what that work might be.
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If you have a question of veterinary significance, you may contact the Institute office and where possible, we will refer you to someone who can help. We are especially happy to serve as a clearinghouse for various "alternative" veterinary approaches, as well as the best in "conventional" medicine.
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Jeff Abbas
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A Note from Dr. Deb:
Many people who visit our ESI website come here to ask for our professional recommendations, whether that be to find someone to help them start their colt, learn to ride and train their horse better, find veterinary or alternative-care services, etc. But another dimension to our lives with horses is that we are all computer users and we all use the Internet, probably every day-.otherwise, you would not be here reading this right now!
Our first ESI Website went up eight years ago. Our original design was created by Jeff Abbas of Kitchen Table Web Design Services, and Jeff has served as our Webmaster through most of the intervening time. We are sponsoring this page for Jeff because we have had great service from The Kitchen Table. We love Jeff's creative designs and we have certainly benefitted from his astute and timely suggestions as to what's the latest thing on the Web, and what new "bells and whistles" on our site would be most likely to be of help to us and the many people who rely on our services.
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In the time that the ESI site has been on-line, we have accumulated more than SEVEN MILLION hits. That's astonishing - results way beyond our wildest dreams, enabling us to effectively reach deep into the horse community. Those of you who have equine-related businesses, whether training, boarding, sales, or related goods - please take our advice and look into getting shopping-cart services and secure online PayPal credit card transactions. Jeff can also help you with the writing and image preparation that must go into creating a website. Especially for neophytes, Jeff will take the time to walk you through the whole process so you never feel lost.
We're pleased to give Kitchen Table Web Design our top rating. Here's a little more from Jeff:
'The Kitchen Table started as a part-time Web development business in 1996 with Equine Studies Institute as one of the first clients. Now, almost ten years later, it has developed into a full-time business for me. I try to do as much straight coding for web sites as I possibly can, to make them do exactly what I want them to do. With the coding and work laid out in the programs associated with Adobe Creative Suite, it makes creating web sites as much fun now as it was when the Web was almost text-only.
The power of the Web grows more evident to people all the time. With that awareness becoming more and more widespread, it makes developing a site from the ground up a very rewarding enterprise. When it gets to the point where their new website is doing what my clients expect (and more), it is always a great joy to me to see their faces light up as they realize they have done the right thing to make their business or service prosper and grow.
Although I do create websites for just about anything one can think of, there does seem to be a focus on equine-related sites. Having learned some of the ins and outs of the horse business through the years enables me to pick up much quicker on horse-related sites than your average "web guy".
If you require any assistance or are in need of a web site, please consider The Kitchen Table. It is not every web design service that offers a money-back guarantee..The Kitchen Table does.
Our home address is www.KitchenTableWebs.com and you can contact me by writing JeffA@KitchenTableWebs.com.
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