My name is Jessica and I have been looking for an answer to my trainer prayers! I have what can be a problematic, over sensitive and intelligent Warmblood. After talking to several trainers and even trying a few, all who had no idea how to ride my horse, (one actually jumped out of the ring while trying to give me a lesson) or the trainers who would have you believe beating him into submission would solve all our problems. I found Dorothy Mueller at Ironwood Farm Equestrian. She took the time to come to my home to meet my horse, and actually listened when I told her his issues as well as mine. His first issue was trailering. Dorothy left her trailer here for over a week and came out to get him on without whips, lounge lines, or any negative things that just make him defensive.
After only two days at Ironwood Farm, my horse was very relaxed and comfortable, no nervousness or pushing him to get progress. After several conversations with Dorothy about our issues, strong points as well as bad, I was riding six days a week with a positive attitude on both our parts. My horse and I had a complete understanding of every exercise we were doing and why.
After only five months of training we have made more progress than we have in five years. I have my confidence and belief back in my horse, and he does too! My horse’s care and concern for safety has been incredible at Dorothy’s farm. Mike, Dorothy’s husband is always in the barn and knows who is there and why, no strangers wandering through, no idiot grooms handling my horse or anyone mishandling him. Every attention to detail is paid with great care, from feeding to a relaxed day of all day turnout.
Our lessons have been a positive reinforcement of riding principles, and training concepts to fit our needs. Dorothy has addressed issues in my brain and my horse’s that no one has ever considered before. Her understanding of my horse both mentally and physically has made for a very pleasant experience for both of us. We are making strides in my riding and training I never thought would be possible.
If you have riding issues or have a horse with training issues, do both of you a favor and call Dorothy. Her knowledge of riding and training far exceeds any other trainer I have known. I have found her to be very honest in all her business practices as well as very fair in prices, as she goes way above and beyond any other trainer I know! And most important Dorothy is a genuinely nice person as well as a very interesting person to talk to. She always has the time to talk to you, which is very important!