Client Testimonials
2024
I am a breeder of Rocky Mountain and KY Mountain Horse here in the Sierra Foothills. I have been working with Sandy Smyth-Reedy for two year now. She's does fabulous work starting my horses and they always come back to me happy, kind, and excited about their future. Sandy is a talented trainer and has a gift with horses of all types. I am so grateful she has opened up her facility and taken on some of my gaited Rocky Mountain Horses. Sandy has put a great foundation every one of my horses that she has worked with. Thank you so much Sandy.
-Susan Travers
Owner of Shake Ridge Rocky and Kentucky Mountain Horses
-Susan Travers
Owner of Shake Ridge Rocky and Kentucky Mountain Horses
2022
There’s an old saying about horse trainers you often hear when any group of horse breeders gets together: ‘anyone can hang a shingle and call themselves a horse trainer.’ Unlike equine veterinarians who must attend vet school and get a license to practice, the training of horses in this country is mostly unregulated. As a result, any horse owner searching for a solid training foundation on a young horse or anyone looking to correct a behavior issue in an older horse may inadvertently hire a horse trainer whose skill or attitude falls well below optimum. In the worst case that trainer may actually cause harm to the horse, either mentally or physically or both. One need only visit an auction yard or peruse Craig’s List to witness the “mistakes” too frequently turned out by unqualified trainers. Breeders invest hours of thought and much time, money, and hope in their foals, and it is heart breaking to see your colts end up ruined through no fault of their own.
If a breeder of horses needs a trainer to bring a colt up through various training levels in order to determine its future, such as whether it has the ability to perform for example as a dressage competitor, a hunter, or maybe an endurance mount, the search for a trainer who can willingly do that sort of thing is even harder. Highly athletic and highly sensitive horses are even more susceptible to trainer incompetence, inflexibility, or even fear of the horse if that trainer has only had experience with less reactive or less athletic horses. Such horses often leave a poor training experience as failures, mentally damaged. In the hands of a highly skilled trainer, that young horse might have been a rising star.
This brings me to Sandy Smyth. As a long time breeder of American Saddlebred horses, I’ve placed young horses with trainers from California to Kentucky and states in between. I’ve sold horses to Alaska, New Hampshire, Kentucky, California, and the Midwest. I’ve sold top show horses and dressage as well as trail mounts…. Because in my view, each young horse deserves to end up in whatever discipline suits it best. In the decades I’ve been financially foolish enough to make this my “business plan,” I’ve only found one other trainer, a Canadian, who understood this approach. When I found Sandy, I was looking for a trainer and location to train a nice young National Show Horse for trail riding. To say I was surprised to see this filly progress quickly and happily into a budding show horse is an understatement. Where, I thought, has this young trainer been hiding? As she has done with others I’ve now sent her, Sandy will take a young untrained horse and not only give that colt a chance, but put an excellent foundation on that horse, ad all the while she lets that youngster reveal what it is most suited to be. Sandy builds confidence in the nervous ones, and inspires the lazy ones to try harder; she gently modifies the overly ambitious ones to pace themselves, and shows the prima donnas they can stand tied quietly. Shandy’s horses get exposure to everything, and that fundamental grounding and flexibility let’s the cream rise to the top.
So, I’m writing this review to say that Sandy Smyth does a terrific job. Her “shingle” is a credit to the horse training profession. It won’t be long before her name is in lights.
Barbara Molland
Far Field Farm
Petaluma, CA
If a breeder of horses needs a trainer to bring a colt up through various training levels in order to determine its future, such as whether it has the ability to perform for example as a dressage competitor, a hunter, or maybe an endurance mount, the search for a trainer who can willingly do that sort of thing is even harder. Highly athletic and highly sensitive horses are even more susceptible to trainer incompetence, inflexibility, or even fear of the horse if that trainer has only had experience with less reactive or less athletic horses. Such horses often leave a poor training experience as failures, mentally damaged. In the hands of a highly skilled trainer, that young horse might have been a rising star.
This brings me to Sandy Smyth. As a long time breeder of American Saddlebred horses, I’ve placed young horses with trainers from California to Kentucky and states in between. I’ve sold horses to Alaska, New Hampshire, Kentucky, California, and the Midwest. I’ve sold top show horses and dressage as well as trail mounts…. Because in my view, each young horse deserves to end up in whatever discipline suits it best. In the decades I’ve been financially foolish enough to make this my “business plan,” I’ve only found one other trainer, a Canadian, who understood this approach. When I found Sandy, I was looking for a trainer and location to train a nice young National Show Horse for trail riding. To say I was surprised to see this filly progress quickly and happily into a budding show horse is an understatement. Where, I thought, has this young trainer been hiding? As she has done with others I’ve now sent her, Sandy will take a young untrained horse and not only give that colt a chance, but put an excellent foundation on that horse, ad all the while she lets that youngster reveal what it is most suited to be. Sandy builds confidence in the nervous ones, and inspires the lazy ones to try harder; she gently modifies the overly ambitious ones to pace themselves, and shows the prima donnas they can stand tied quietly. Shandy’s horses get exposure to everything, and that fundamental grounding and flexibility let’s the cream rise to the top.
So, I’m writing this review to say that Sandy Smyth does a terrific job. Her “shingle” is a credit to the horse training profession. It won’t be long before her name is in lights.
Barbara Molland
Far Field Farm
Petaluma, CA
2020
I called Sandy Smyth at the recommendation of a friend because my horse had only two buttons, one for “go” and one for “go faster,” and that was it. He was tense and fast with no real brakes and certainly no rhythm or relaxation. My 5 year old off-the-track Arabian gelding and I were so lucky to get to spend three months learning from Sandy. Training with Sandy empowered me and my horse to learn to move together. Working with Sandy, we developed the foundation we need to go down the trail together as a team. Sandy taught us at our level and kept her training focused on helping us learn to move at our best and in harmony with each other. Sandy uses positive reinforcement in her training. Her sense of timing and feel is pitch perfect which only helps to reinforce the positive effects of clear communication. One of the key concepts I learned from Sandy was the importance of healthy biomechanics and how balanced movement fits into foundation training. Coming from a natural horsemanship background, using healthy biomechanics to affect or change the emotional state of a horse was a new concept for me. My horse now has better impulsion, free forward movement, alignment, suppleness and the ability to follow the feel of the reins. And thanks to Sandy, I am a more confident rider with a more balanced and independent seat. Sandy has continued to support us post-training. I look forward to working with and learning more from Sandy in the future. I would highly recommend Sandy to anyone who needs help with their horse or riding in partnership with their horse.
Cheers,
Kerri
Cheers,
Kerri
2019
Bringing my nine year old BLM Mustang to Sandy Smyth for additional training was the best Experience for both of US!
It was partnership counseling 101 horse and human. Over Sandy’s years of experience with horses and humans makes training for the horse and human FUN and motivating and Creates a forever bonding relationship with you and your horse. Our journey and adventure continues with love . -Carol Y.
It was partnership counseling 101 horse and human. Over Sandy’s years of experience with horses and humans makes training for the horse and human FUN and motivating and Creates a forever bonding relationship with you and your horse. Our journey and adventure continues with love . -Carol Y.
I got back into horses 3 years ago after a 20 year hiatus out of my control. I started working with my sisters horse but then 1 horse for 2 people just wasn’t cutting it. She knows I’m an Arab girl all the way and didn’t want a dead broke boring horse. Some personality but safe. Because her horse thinks he is a stallion she said don’t get a mare. I LOVE mares so she said “fine, but not chestnut mares” because you know “hell hath no fury like a chestnut mare!” 😊 So looking for a horse Sandy Smythe had all the good ones for sale. I was told Sandy has a fantastic reputation for matching people with horses so thought it would be good to connect with her so she could keep an eye out for me.
She said she had this mare she thought I should look at. She is a PREGNANT chestnut mare named Barbie. She’s chestnut,anyone who knows me knows I cant have a horse named Barbie lol and I have no desire for or any idea what to do with a pregnant horse or a baby! 3 strikes LOL I told her thank you but no. After back and forth with Sandy she still was convinced I should look at Barbie. By this time I found a horse I thought for sure I was going to get but I didn’t want to make a quick decision without checking out as many horses as possible.
So up we went to see the pregnant, chestnut mare called Barbie! For starters she is a flaxen chestnut and gorgeous but I was immediately comfortable on her and my sister loved her too. She just felt like the one! After working out the details with Sandy on her keeping the baby I ended up with a beautiful pregnant chestnut mare we now call Legs (short for her full name SW Muscats Legacy but works because she is leggy.)
I had always been more of a rider before. I did not really know anything about horsemanship. I started really learning after Legs came back from having a baby. She has been the perfect horse for me! She gets all snorty blowy Arab-y but is so calm I can have little kids all over her and put newbies on her in the arena.
She was technically green broke when I got her and it has been a delight to train her, especially groundwork. I have trained her to come when I whistle, to come up under me when I climb on something to get on, and we do all sorts of cool liberty work. Ive taken her on trail rides and worked with her with people who are scared to death of horses. She still has a lot to learn but she is the perfect horse for me. She is easy very expressive and easy to train. Sometimes it feels like I am doing magic because she is so light I can tap the air and she responds quickly.
She took longer than most Arabs, but she is bonded with me now. I deal with major amounts of stress in my life and she is truly my Prozac and I am so happy to be her person!
Kym Adair
She said she had this mare she thought I should look at. She is a PREGNANT chestnut mare named Barbie. She’s chestnut,anyone who knows me knows I cant have a horse named Barbie lol and I have no desire for or any idea what to do with a pregnant horse or a baby! 3 strikes LOL I told her thank you but no. After back and forth with Sandy she still was convinced I should look at Barbie. By this time I found a horse I thought for sure I was going to get but I didn’t want to make a quick decision without checking out as many horses as possible.
So up we went to see the pregnant, chestnut mare called Barbie! For starters she is a flaxen chestnut and gorgeous but I was immediately comfortable on her and my sister loved her too. She just felt like the one! After working out the details with Sandy on her keeping the baby I ended up with a beautiful pregnant chestnut mare we now call Legs (short for her full name SW Muscats Legacy but works because she is leggy.)
I had always been more of a rider before. I did not really know anything about horsemanship. I started really learning after Legs came back from having a baby. She has been the perfect horse for me! She gets all snorty blowy Arab-y but is so calm I can have little kids all over her and put newbies on her in the arena.
She was technically green broke when I got her and it has been a delight to train her, especially groundwork. I have trained her to come when I whistle, to come up under me when I climb on something to get on, and we do all sorts of cool liberty work. Ive taken her on trail rides and worked with her with people who are scared to death of horses. She still has a lot to learn but she is the perfect horse for me. She is easy very expressive and easy to train. Sometimes it feels like I am doing magic because she is so light I can tap the air and she responds quickly.
She took longer than most Arabs, but she is bonded with me now. I deal with major amounts of stress in my life and she is truly my Prozac and I am so happy to be her person!
Kym Adair
A friend of mine introduced me to Sandy when I was shopping for my next/last(?) horse. She showed me Harmony, a thoroughbred rescue at her place, in for 30 days of training. Sandy felt Harmony would be a good fit for the medieval games and trail riding that I wanted to do going forward. She also knew that I wanted a partner not just another horse in a line of horses and Harmony was looking for her own person. Sandy is a very good matchmaker! Harmony and I have gone through some physical ups and downs, for each of us, but we've leaned on each other and just keep getting better and better. I sent Harmony back to Sandy in 2018 for 90 days of training at the end of my breast cancer treatment. Sandy tailored our lessons to combine what I was physically capable of doing as I got stronger with what Harmony was learning each week. Harmony and I have had a great deal of adventure in the three years I've owned her. We've ridden at Pebble Beach, we've gone to clinics, done trail course challenges and participated in many medieval games. We have ridden some big trails and we are having a blast together. I love that Sandy continues to grow and learn as a trainer. Her style of training both of us and assessment of needs (ie body work) is why I will drive 2 hours each way to see her. I will be forever grateful to Sandy for matching us up and for taking great care of us. - Kathy P.
2017
I cannot say enough about Sandy as a trainer and great person, and her laugh is infectious!! I raised an Arabian gelding who has been exceptional since I got him at 5 months old. When he was 3 I wanted to find a good trainer for him so he could start his journey to fulfill all of his potential. I have no experience with trainers and chose the wrong one, of course. She started out all right but then she just lunged him every day in different arenas. She was using a saddle that rubbed him raw and made him buck at first because it hurt so I said, "let's try a different saddle." She said no, he was there 3 months and not ever ridden, which was the objective. Then another trainer who was moving to Scotland said she would get me on a waiting list for Sandy. The wait was worth it. From day one I could see she connected with Raven and she was riding in no time and the best part was watching her being so happy that he was just blooming for her. She actually thinks like a horse, I think. She saw what I saw and the rest was history, everyone who saw Raven fell in love with him. She took him horse camping, trail riding and with her to her lessons. Sandy is young, but she runs circles around the seasoned trainers I have come to be ware of in this area. She treated my horse like part of her family, cute pictures with her little girl and husband.
The hard part was that I am 68 and a good rider, but he is young and very spunky. I always promised myself I would do the right thing for him and I did not want him to be a pasture ornament. He has so much to offer and I now know what "if you love someone, set them free" means. Sandy helped me find a great companion for him and I am so pleased with how this all turned out thanks to Sandy. There were a couple of folks who came to look at him and if she did not think it was a good match, she told me because she knew how important it was for me to be sure he went to a good home. I said I will need to go to their house for dinner and she practically delivered me a person who would be fine with that. I still get to see him and I can't wait to see where his journey leads him. That's the other thing about Sandy, she is so honest and up front about everything, I trust her and her judgement completely. Just before the sale, I had to put my riding companion of 16 years down so it was hard to lose them both because I am lost without a horse, but I will be getting another one and I will look to Sandy to help me find another buddy. I feel like I did right by little boy in every way possible thanks to Sandy.
Send your horse to Sandy and you will get a winner, and if she can't deliver she will tell you.
Sherrry Moura
The hard part was that I am 68 and a good rider, but he is young and very spunky. I always promised myself I would do the right thing for him and I did not want him to be a pasture ornament. He has so much to offer and I now know what "if you love someone, set them free" means. Sandy helped me find a great companion for him and I am so pleased with how this all turned out thanks to Sandy. There were a couple of folks who came to look at him and if she did not think it was a good match, she told me because she knew how important it was for me to be sure he went to a good home. I said I will need to go to their house for dinner and she practically delivered me a person who would be fine with that. I still get to see him and I can't wait to see where his journey leads him. That's the other thing about Sandy, she is so honest and up front about everything, I trust her and her judgement completely. Just before the sale, I had to put my riding companion of 16 years down so it was hard to lose them both because I am lost without a horse, but I will be getting another one and I will look to Sandy to help me find another buddy. I feel like I did right by little boy in every way possible thanks to Sandy.
Send your horse to Sandy and you will get a winner, and if she can't deliver she will tell you.
Sherrry Moura
2015
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Here at Mt Dragon Pony Acres we have been producing quality Welsh Ponies and a few Welsh Crosses for over thirty years. Our ponies are well known for their consistent quality, conformation, and bloodlines. We have sold ponies into many different States, Canada, and as far away as Australia. Ponies from this farm have gone on to be Champions at Pony Finals, WPCSA Supreme Champions, Sport Horse and Pony Inspection Champions, leading producers, and more.
Located in the NE Corner of Oregon, we live in an excellent location to raise healthy well adjusted ponies. However, our location makes it difficult to find a trainer who is honest, a competent horseman, with location and the ability and willingness to help market a young prospect. In the many years we have been doing this, there have been numerous disappointments.
Approximately a year ago, we sent a young Pinto pony mare named Chloe to Sandy Smyth in Cool, CA. After Chloe arrived, Sandy was willing to listen to my thoughts on her. This was such a good feeling. It is always frustrating when a trainer disregards the breeder's thoughts and insights about a pony. Who better knows what an animal is like than their owner?
As time passed, Sandy did an excellent job keeping in touch. I received photos, videos, and updates weekly. Sandy was great about calling me with any concerns or questions about Chloe as she progressed in her training. I got to watch the first ride, first trail ride, first canter etc. I felt good about the progress she was making and how Sandy handled her. It was obvious Chloe had come to trust Sandy and was relaxed and cheerful under saddle. When Chloe reached the point we felt she was marketable, Sandy did a great job with photos and videos which showed how well Chloe was doing under saddle plus supplying me with good conformation shots. Sandy was also able to find child riders for Chloe so she could be ridden by others and by children. Sandy also hauled Chloe out to other barns and local shows for exposure and experience. Chloe was purchased by a buyer on the eastern side of the country. Her new owner was thrilled by the her solid foundation and quiet willingness.
The second pony I sent to Sandy was a rather hot Welsh gelding. He had had some bad experiences and was nervous and tense. Again, Sandy was willing to listen and brainstorm about how to give the pony the best possible start. Sandy is not in a box in her training. She is open to different ideas and ways to reach the goal of producing a sound minded, well broke pony who will do well in any discipline. She is willing to spend the extra time on the ground which is sometimes necessary to produce a solid safe pony. Again, Sandy supplied me with numerous photos and video. As this pony progressed, Sandy was willing to advertise him in venues where he might be most salable. She networked with local horse people to increase his exposure.
I would recommend Sandy! She a true trainer who has the talent and riding ability to take an untrained animal and bring it into it's full potential. She has an excellent understanding of using different ideas and methods tailored to each individual. In addition she is honest and consistently works the animals she is sent. I would trust her to do an outstanding job with a variety of personality types and breeds. I plan to work with Sandy going forward to train and promote our ponies. I feel very fortunate to have met her.
Kathleen Evans-Rawls
Mt. Dragon Pony Acres
Located in the NE Corner of Oregon, we live in an excellent location to raise healthy well adjusted ponies. However, our location makes it difficult to find a trainer who is honest, a competent horseman, with location and the ability and willingness to help market a young prospect. In the many years we have been doing this, there have been numerous disappointments.
Approximately a year ago, we sent a young Pinto pony mare named Chloe to Sandy Smyth in Cool, CA. After Chloe arrived, Sandy was willing to listen to my thoughts on her. This was such a good feeling. It is always frustrating when a trainer disregards the breeder's thoughts and insights about a pony. Who better knows what an animal is like than their owner?
As time passed, Sandy did an excellent job keeping in touch. I received photos, videos, and updates weekly. Sandy was great about calling me with any concerns or questions about Chloe as she progressed in her training. I got to watch the first ride, first trail ride, first canter etc. I felt good about the progress she was making and how Sandy handled her. It was obvious Chloe had come to trust Sandy and was relaxed and cheerful under saddle. When Chloe reached the point we felt she was marketable, Sandy did a great job with photos and videos which showed how well Chloe was doing under saddle plus supplying me with good conformation shots. Sandy was also able to find child riders for Chloe so she could be ridden by others and by children. Sandy also hauled Chloe out to other barns and local shows for exposure and experience. Chloe was purchased by a buyer on the eastern side of the country. Her new owner was thrilled by the her solid foundation and quiet willingness.
The second pony I sent to Sandy was a rather hot Welsh gelding. He had had some bad experiences and was nervous and tense. Again, Sandy was willing to listen and brainstorm about how to give the pony the best possible start. Sandy is not in a box in her training. She is open to different ideas and ways to reach the goal of producing a sound minded, well broke pony who will do well in any discipline. She is willing to spend the extra time on the ground which is sometimes necessary to produce a solid safe pony. Again, Sandy supplied me with numerous photos and video. As this pony progressed, Sandy was willing to advertise him in venues where he might be most salable. She networked with local horse people to increase his exposure.
I would recommend Sandy! She a true trainer who has the talent and riding ability to take an untrained animal and bring it into it's full potential. She has an excellent understanding of using different ideas and methods tailored to each individual. In addition she is honest and consistently works the animals she is sent. I would trust her to do an outstanding job with a variety of personality types and breeds. I plan to work with Sandy going forward to train and promote our ponies. I feel very fortunate to have met her.
Kathleen Evans-Rawls
Mt. Dragon Pony Acres
We were referred to Sandy by our trimmer. I had been hearing about her as my trimmer’s young daughter was taking lessons on her pony with Sandy. I liked what I heard, and called her for an evaluation on a new horse we were considering for my husband. Sundora had not been ridden for 4 years, and had minimal training under saddle. She was very reactive and difficult to load in a trailer, but had a sweet personality, and we were really hoping we could get her trained for my husband to ride.
Sandy came out and did an evaluation on Sunny. As I watched her work with Sunny and listened to her evaluation, I knew that we could trust her to help Sunny become the horse of my husband’s dreams. She told us with three months of training (lessons for my husband, Gary, after the initial training) we would have a horse that anybody could ride. She was moving to Cool, so we set up a training date in early spring.
Gary and Sunny began their lessons and Sandy did an incredible job encouraging both of them. Sandy also helped me with issues with my mare, Maggie, and we did a couple of trail rides together. This really helped with the transition for Sunny and Maggie to learn to ride together. Sandy helped us to learn how to encourage Sunny so she could be comfortable and not feel insecure. She now loads without fear into the trailer!
Sunny came home a much calmer, less reactive horse. Our two mares now coexist happily together. My husband and daughter are riding Sunny in the arena and on the trails, and we are making wonderful memories riding together. She is a horse that anyone can ride!
Elaine & Gary Loza
2014
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I first met Sandy when my sister bought her horse from her "Levi", the Super Horse. Sandy competed in the Charles Wilhelm's Super Horse and took 5th place with Levi only after him being broke for 6 months. I was very impressed. So when we were blessed to get our horse, Arrow, she needed some tuning up and we took her to Sandy. I rode horses when I was a little girl but now it is many years later and Sandy is excellent in telling me what I need to do and how to make Arrow and I move as one. I have learn so much in the last 60 days that I don't know what we (Arrow and I) would've done without the discipline and the consistency of Sandy. Sandy is a true angel and a very honest person that doesn't sugar coats anything. She is always looking out for the horses and safety first. She has been a blessing in our lives and we will truly miss her being so close but looking forward to visiting her up in Cool!!-Cynthia
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Sandy was recommended to me by a good friend. When I first called Sandy she greeted me warmly and gave me all the attention I needed and answered all my questions with thorough answers. I decided to move my rescue gelding to her training barn because I felt my gelding had a lot of holes in his training that my current trainer would not address per my request. I was lucky enough to meet Sandy at a show and I even got to meet her Arabian stallion, Chinook, who was impressively trained. I have never stood in front of a stallion with a 7 year old child as mares walked by and felt safer!
I was surprised at how kind, sweet and cute as button Sandy was! She struck me as a beautiful rider and very knowledgeable trainer. She offered an impromptu evaluation of my horse at my request and her evaluation nailed my concerns to the tee! I hired Sandy on the spot and felt confident with my decision from the get-go.
Sandy was honest in all of her advice and recommendations for my horse and myself throughout our 3 months with her. Unfortunately, we came to the conclusion that my beautiful gelding was not the best horse suited for me and my skill level. Sandy helped me market my gelding for sale and found him a magnificent home, the home that would take him to his next level and that I would feel great about...and she found him his new home in a matter of days and even before he went in the market officially!
I trust Sandy completely and had a wonderful experience with her from day one. I highly recommend her and I hope to be able to learn more from her in the near future. Sandy is a gem! Oh...and the horses respect her as much as their people.
-Andria
I was surprised at how kind, sweet and cute as button Sandy was! She struck me as a beautiful rider and very knowledgeable trainer. She offered an impromptu evaluation of my horse at my request and her evaluation nailed my concerns to the tee! I hired Sandy on the spot and felt confident with my decision from the get-go.
Sandy was honest in all of her advice and recommendations for my horse and myself throughout our 3 months with her. Unfortunately, we came to the conclusion that my beautiful gelding was not the best horse suited for me and my skill level. Sandy helped me market my gelding for sale and found him a magnificent home, the home that would take him to his next level and that I would feel great about...and she found him his new home in a matter of days and even before he went in the market officially!
I trust Sandy completely and had a wonderful experience with her from day one. I highly recommend her and I hope to be able to learn more from her in the near future. Sandy is a gem! Oh...and the horses respect her as much as their people.
-Andria
2013
"9 months ago I brought Sandy a nearly uncatchable, avoidant and generally speaking, unhappy, rescued mustang with a lot of baggage and challenges stemming from years of improper, if not abusive, handling. I knew I would need a special trainer to work with Washo, someone who would appreciate his state of mind and would be sensitive to his needs over their human agenda. Sandy initially worked with me on a weekly lesson basis that was more for me than for the horse and even in that limited time with her, her expertise and ability to explain the training process to me in an accessible way enabled Washo and I to develop a wonderful "on the ground" relationship in just a matter of weeks. Within a month of starting to work with Sandy not only was I safely and calmly catching and haltering Washo, but was having productive round pen sessions and was even able to make several outings to sensory and horsemanship clinics.
At the beginning of summer I took Washo to Sandy to continue his socialization and exposure and get him started under saddle. In the three months he has been with her I have watched in amazement as he steadily continues to be less and less of that reactive, head shy, runaway I used to know and more and more a quiet and confident mount and companion. I have also watched myself, under her tutelage, move from an indecisive, insecure handler to a much more effective horse communicator (which Washo appreciates greatly!).
In watching her work her magic with Washo, Sandy has demonstrated not just a wonderful understanding of horses but also an exceptional amount of patience and creativity in puzzling out new ways to approach Washo's training that both address his traumas as well as work through them. She has proven herself to have an outstanding talent for these sensitive, rescued horses. Sandy is a teacher that does not mince words and I have found that I can get a lot "done" with her during a lesson because of her ability to push through challenges, of both the horse and human kind. I would highly recommend Sandy to anyone who has a horse who needs a fresh start. I look forward to seeing Washo's continued progress and I am certain that as he and I go forward in our lives together we will have Sandy to thank for laying such a solid foundation for us both."
-Ashley
At the beginning of summer I took Washo to Sandy to continue his socialization and exposure and get him started under saddle. In the three months he has been with her I have watched in amazement as he steadily continues to be less and less of that reactive, head shy, runaway I used to know and more and more a quiet and confident mount and companion. I have also watched myself, under her tutelage, move from an indecisive, insecure handler to a much more effective horse communicator (which Washo appreciates greatly!).
In watching her work her magic with Washo, Sandy has demonstrated not just a wonderful understanding of horses but also an exceptional amount of patience and creativity in puzzling out new ways to approach Washo's training that both address his traumas as well as work through them. She has proven herself to have an outstanding talent for these sensitive, rescued horses. Sandy is a teacher that does not mince words and I have found that I can get a lot "done" with her during a lesson because of her ability to push through challenges, of both the horse and human kind. I would highly recommend Sandy to anyone who has a horse who needs a fresh start. I look forward to seeing Washo's continued progress and I am certain that as he and I go forward in our lives together we will have Sandy to thank for laying such a solid foundation for us both."
-Ashley
Sandy is by far the best trainer I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She is truly a horse guru. My boyfriend and I are completely new to the horse world, and unfortunately ran into several trainers that "took us for a ride" so to speak. We spent tons of money with other trainers and ended up frustrated and still in square one.
I took my three year old mustang gelding Diego to an English barn in Chico to be trained; he was deemed "wild, crazy, too hot, can't be ridden." Everyone advised me to sell him, saying he wasn't a good beginner horse and I would never be able to ride him. I was crushed because although he was "wild" I had grown so attached to him and very much loved him. I had almost given up hope when I found sandy. Within weeks he was a completely different horse, he was gentle as a lamb and just as sweet. I could not believe my eyes. The first day I rode, I almost teared up, thinking this day would never come.
Sandy has the knowledge, expertise, patience and confidence that I have never seen in other trainers. She taught me to be confident rider on my horse, build a strong connection, and essential ground work techniques. -Aneesa
I took my three year old mustang gelding Diego to an English barn in Chico to be trained; he was deemed "wild, crazy, too hot, can't be ridden." Everyone advised me to sell him, saying he wasn't a good beginner horse and I would never be able to ride him. I was crushed because although he was "wild" I had grown so attached to him and very much loved him. I had almost given up hope when I found sandy. Within weeks he was a completely different horse, he was gentle as a lamb and just as sweet. I could not believe my eyes. The first day I rode, I almost teared up, thinking this day would never come.
Sandy has the knowledge, expertise, patience and confidence that I have never seen in other trainers. She taught me to be confident rider on my horse, build a strong connection, and essential ground work techniques. -Aneesa
Sandy has been involved in many aspects of my “horse life” in the past 3 years for which I feel blessed. First and foremost, she has helped me grow from a scared rider/handler that was lacking knowledge and skill into a confident and able horseman. Of course there is plenty more for me to learn but my transformation is huge. I started out taking lessons from Sandy; I was so afraid of horses when I first came to Sandy that I would get ill before I rode. I had been around horses my entire life but was contemplating giving up. She patiently pushed me to become better, but she never pushed too far. She helped me regain my confidence and saved me as a horse person.
A year later Sandy found me the perfect horse; I had given her my wish list but when she found Champ it was as if she knew what I needed better that I did myself. He is a fabulous horse that anyone can ride; he is gentle, well mannered, and well trained. Champ has received 30 day tune-ups on two separate occasions from Sandy. Although Champ was already well behaved he needed some fine tuning to remind him how close to perfect he can be. As a result of those tune-ups I have seen Champ transform into a more relaxed horse who went from dreading being handled to truly enjoying his people time.
I have gone on many adventures with Sandy. From cow sorting, play days, and trail rides to lessons and clinics. Recently Sandy found me my second horse, Cowboy. He is everything a girl could want in a man; tall, good looking, a chiseled jaw line. Okay but really, a fabulous personality and temperament, athletic with great confirmation, mellow, and virtually perfect. A great match again. Even better, Sandy owned him/trained him for over a year at one point. I couldn’t be happier (or more in love) with Champ and Cowboy. They truly are such amazing animals, and I owe it all to Sandy.
Words are not enough to describe what she gives to the horses and people’s lives she touches. She is truly talented and uses her gift wisely. With all that said I would just like point out the things I find most notable about Sandy as a trainer:
· Trustworthy – She is honest, diligent, hardworking, and devoted to her job. She knows what she is doing! From proper feeding and grooming, to vetting, hoof care, and proper training techniques. There is no other place I would ever trust to send my horses.
· Caring – She always has the horse and riders best interest in mind. She truly cares about each horse’s success with her program, even after they have left. She is constantly giving back to her horse community through taking on rescues and offering her time and advice.
· Knowledgeable – She is a wealth of information and is my go to for any questions I have. She is always growing as a trainer; she recognizes the value in always learning. She is constantly reading books, attending clinics, and swapping tips with other trainers.
· Connected – She does a great job of learning about her students (horses and humans). She finds their strengths and weaknesses and improves on them. I love that she applies her basic foundation of training with an individualized approach to each new horse she trains.
· Method – Everything Sandy does with a horse is well explained and truly makes sense. I wholeheartedly believe in her method as I have seen it work wonders over and over again with so many horses.
-Brittany Mills
A year later Sandy found me the perfect horse; I had given her my wish list but when she found Champ it was as if she knew what I needed better that I did myself. He is a fabulous horse that anyone can ride; he is gentle, well mannered, and well trained. Champ has received 30 day tune-ups on two separate occasions from Sandy. Although Champ was already well behaved he needed some fine tuning to remind him how close to perfect he can be. As a result of those tune-ups I have seen Champ transform into a more relaxed horse who went from dreading being handled to truly enjoying his people time.
I have gone on many adventures with Sandy. From cow sorting, play days, and trail rides to lessons and clinics. Recently Sandy found me my second horse, Cowboy. He is everything a girl could want in a man; tall, good looking, a chiseled jaw line. Okay but really, a fabulous personality and temperament, athletic with great confirmation, mellow, and virtually perfect. A great match again. Even better, Sandy owned him/trained him for over a year at one point. I couldn’t be happier (or more in love) with Champ and Cowboy. They truly are such amazing animals, and I owe it all to Sandy.
Words are not enough to describe what she gives to the horses and people’s lives she touches. She is truly talented and uses her gift wisely. With all that said I would just like point out the things I find most notable about Sandy as a trainer:
· Trustworthy – She is honest, diligent, hardworking, and devoted to her job. She knows what she is doing! From proper feeding and grooming, to vetting, hoof care, and proper training techniques. There is no other place I would ever trust to send my horses.
· Caring – She always has the horse and riders best interest in mind. She truly cares about each horse’s success with her program, even after they have left. She is constantly giving back to her horse community through taking on rescues and offering her time and advice.
· Knowledgeable – She is a wealth of information and is my go to for any questions I have. She is always growing as a trainer; she recognizes the value in always learning. She is constantly reading books, attending clinics, and swapping tips with other trainers.
· Connected – She does a great job of learning about her students (horses and humans). She finds their strengths and weaknesses and improves on them. I love that she applies her basic foundation of training with an individualized approach to each new horse she trains.
· Method – Everything Sandy does with a horse is well explained and truly makes sense. I wholeheartedly believe in her method as I have seen it work wonders over and over again with so many horses.
-Brittany Mills
Owning a stallion is of course a lot of work, training them correctly is even more work! Although I had saddle broke my 2007 Arabian stallion, I didn't feel I could efficiently start him on my own and give him the confidence to trust me. I needed help. So, I sent my 4 year old stud to Sandy Smyth , the niece of my Ride & Tie trainer. Right away she showed confidence and was very relaxed around my stud, Caylpso, as he was a handful at 4 years old and still figuring out his manners. Sandy told me what she was going to do with him in his training and answered every question I had. I left him at her facility feeling very confident that even with only a month at Sandy's it would be very well worth it. Sandy exposed Calypso to many different things, made his ground work solid and strong and gave him confidence an security in his riding. She worked him around and near mares, geldings, and colts and made sure that he worked but always kept his focus on his rider. The last day Calypso was at Sandy's she told me to hop on. I was very hesitant as I had never ridden him and he had only about 15 rides on him from Sandy. Within minutes I was trotting and plodding around on him in the ring and he didn't even care about the other horses. I was finally riding my black stallion! Sandy gave me the confidence to trust him and ride him. " If you ride him and treat him like a broke horse, then he will be a broke horse," she told me . Best advice I've ever gotten from any trainer. Thank you so much sandy for the wonderful training you put into my little colt who is turning out to be a tremendous, well mannered stallion. We are ready for our endurance career!
-Kelsey Giles
-Kelsey Giles
Hi Sandy - I've been meaning to write. I just need to tell you that Reuben so far has been amazing. The first trail ride I think you heard about - Emily kicked him and he actually backed himself up a bank and fell down but otherwise it was a wonderful ride. He was so good. Then I rode in my arena - he was great. The Fourth of July my friend Jann (Joy's sister) and I went to Folsom Lake - not very smart considering the holiday - it was packed. Not a lot of horses but tons of bikes, people, boats and everything else. We had encountered a couple bicycles at Oroville on our first ride but those people got off and just stood still while we passed them. The fourth we dealt with people who kept on riding. Reuben never flinched. He was absolutely amazing. We troted and cantered - he was happy to do whatever he was asked. Only one thing he didn't want to get into the water. I didn't push the issue because there were so many boats, waves and screaming kids but I got him close and he was very good about that - just wasn't going to step in it. I was soooo happy. Jann was really amazed at how good he was. Her horse actually spooked (minor) at a couple things but not Reuben. Wow!!! Anyway - just wanted to thank you so much for your amazing job with Reuben and I look forward to riding with you and seeing you whenever it works out! With much appreciation, Martha
Hello Sandy,
I wanted to let you know about my recent success with Travis (or myself I guess). Mentally for me, this is one of the hardest things I have forced myself to do with Travis. I have been trying really hard to ride Travis on a loose rain with my butt in the seat and relaxed legs and body (even on trail). It has made a big difference in Travis! He seems to be more relaxed and happy. It has also made a difference in me. One way I can explain it is I feel much more free. Sounds weird but it is true. I know I still have so much to learn but now I am looking forward to all of it! I really enjoy your lessons. Thank you for helping me and Travis! All for now. Karen
I wanted to let you know about my recent success with Travis (or myself I guess). Mentally for me, this is one of the hardest things I have forced myself to do with Travis. I have been trying really hard to ride Travis on a loose rain with my butt in the seat and relaxed legs and body (even on trail). It has made a big difference in Travis! He seems to be more relaxed and happy. It has also made a difference in me. One way I can explain it is I feel much more free. Sounds weird but it is true. I know I still have so much to learn but now I am looking forward to all of it! I really enjoy your lessons. Thank you for helping me and Travis! All for now. Karen
Hi Sandy - Wanted to give you an update on Porter. I took him up to Red Rock this weekend and he was great! He was a perfect gentleman. What a lovely horse he is. You did a wonderful job of preparing him for the next steps towards his new career. I think he would do fine in the show ring and, even though we didn't take him out with hounds there's a great chance he'll be good as a field hunter.
I'm just sorry that with my injury (there's a good chance that I won't regain use of my hand for several months) prevents me from taking over in moving him to the next step. I was dying to get on and ride him today - he looked like so much fun! I ended the day with an opportunity to sell him, and given my current situation it made the most sense to sell him at this point. Oh well, there will be other prospects to be found once I'm fully functional again.
Thanks for all the work you put into Porter - it really paid off and I am very impressed with what you accomplished with him in such a short time. - Joy
I'm just sorry that with my injury (there's a good chance that I won't regain use of my hand for several months) prevents me from taking over in moving him to the next step. I was dying to get on and ride him today - he looked like so much fun! I ended the day with an opportunity to sell him, and given my current situation it made the most sense to sell him at this point. Oh well, there will be other prospects to be found once I'm fully functional again.
Thanks for all the work you put into Porter - it really paid off and I am very impressed with what you accomplished with him in such a short time. - Joy
Skippy
is doing great! I have worked with him nearly every single day
and it is like he is a whole different horse. He is actually happy to
see me and runs over to put his head down so I can halter him!?!
Amazing! We do something different each time (I am only asking one
thing at a time...) and I have been practicing my one-rein stop and 90
degree turns to keep his feet moving. I have been riding him on my own
property because I am trying to build up my trust in him and his in me.
I try to make it fun and interesting for him, and me too, and I think
he is actually enjoying it. He seems to be very relaxed in the loose
ring 5 1/4" snaffle I bought him right before he came home - just like
what you had been using.I
am really looking forward to resuming our lessons when you return!!
Thanks for making me be able to smile again when I ride Skip. It means
the world to me and I know I have so much more to learn from you and
Skip, too!Renee
Hi Sandy, yesterday was a landmark for me. I was hand walking Rainy down by the creek and coming up the hill I got tired and climbed on her from a little hill on the ground without a mounting block. my first ground mount. yay. am riding her at least 2 , usuallly 3 times a wk but just short rides, learning to steer her with my legs and building muscle. I ride her in a sidepull. I am so grateful to you for helping me. Lois
Lois got Rainy from a rescue a few years ago and had 3 different people try to ride/train her. Rainy bolted on all of them and not even a full size man could stay on this POA! Lois is now making the most of her retirement with this great little horse riding out in the open! What a great story :)
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After spending 60 days with you, Dolly transformed from a very frightened and often frightening horse, into the horse that I always believed she could be. Dolly was very untrusting and sensitive as a result abuse prior to me owning her. I was impressed and comforted with your gentle and patient, yet firm approach. She was able to understand what you were asking of her, and in working with us as a pair, you allowed us to communicate better with one another as well. We have been doing very well and are continuing our progress: we practice groundwork regularly, and we have been riding the trails a lot this year. It is amazing to see her react calmly and confidently to new obstacles in our path. 5 months ago, Dolly would buck, kick and rear- She was dangerous to be around. She also had no ground manners and was pushy and disrespectful. Today, she is a very different horse. It is truly a pleasure to ride her. She is attentive and respectful of my space. I love being able to ride her without being fearful of my safety. Thank you for everything you have done for both of us. We are both calmer and happier as a result! Also to update- Rusty (AKA Junior). Rusty is a 5 year old gelding I acquired through you and Sue Watkins for my mom, who had hip replacement surgery last year and needed a gentle horse that wouldn't take advantage of her lost muscle memory. Rusty also needed a couple months to recouperate from an injury before he could be ridden, so he and my mom had a chance to recover and bond on the ground before they worked together under saddle. Although he had only had 30 days training with you and Sue, he is absolutely bombproof. He is a very intelligent, good natured horse with an eager to please personality. He has been easy to develop- his steering and braking improved quickly! He and my mom have been out on the trail with Dolly and me often, and the other day I hopped on him in the arena bareback with just a halter and rode him around- He was such a good boy!!! He takes every new experience in stride. The first time I took him to the lake (on a solo trail ride) he was nervous to go into the lake with the waves from the boats, but did as I asked. He LOVED it! If I let him at the time he would have gone for a swim- I wish I hadn't had my phone in the saddle bag! Thank you for thinking of my mom and me when you were looking to rehome him! He is happy and loved! Rachel
I took my horse Emily to Sandy as a last ditch effort to make her into a
reliable safe horse. I do believe after a couple of weeks, Sandy
wondered what she had gotten herself into. Sandy worked with Emily for
90 days and transformed her into a dependable trail horse. I was amazed
at the amount of patience Sandy displayed when working with Emily and
then with me. Sandy is an amazing trainer and teacher. She honestly
understands a horses mind and is able to see inside to make them into
the great animals they are. I would recommend Sandy to anyone who has a
horse or their rider that needs a little to a lot of work. Sandy
transformed Emily into a great horse and trusted friend. Thanks
Sandy......I am sure we will be back.
Julie
Julie
I took my 3 year old
filly, Harley, to Sandy after I had gotten her back from "training" at
another facility. I was not happy with the results and Harley was no
different then when I took her. Anway, I thought Sandy had a lot of
work ahead of her re-training Harley. She did an AMAZING job within
that first month! Harley was respectful and much more calm. We could
not believe the difference! Sandy explained to us what she had done
and why she did it. She is very knowledgable and really takes the time
and effort to make sure you understand everything she does. By the
second month, she was a totally different horse. We have taken her out
on trail rides and she does very well......leading or following. I am
very, very happy with all the work she did with Harley. In fact, I plan
on sending my gelding, who needs a major tune up, to her soon! Thanks
again Sandy!!Rachel, David and Harley
Thank You sooo very much for spending the extra time with Kealey showing her things with Freckles..... I as a mom appreciate it and Kealey really likes you and felt so good and comfortable after being there.... which was important for this whole thing to work. Also, Thank you for gaining my trust in horse people again, I like true and real honesty, patience and non-pushy...Sandy, you have those qualities and alot more, which shows in what you do.........and Velvet, she is the one who talked so highly of you and your beliefs in people and horses being right for each other, your appreciative attitude towards horses, your business ethics wanting to gain and keep a high respected reputation out there, and just you as a good person, she had the highest recommendation for you..... and that is why my trust gained towards you and we came back for Freckles.....I will send photos of Freckles at her new home as soon as I can (trying to get my college stuff ready, start school tomorrow, yikes) and I will send a video of Kealey in a month to show you her progress...... I think you will be pleasantly surprised :)Thank you bunches!LESLEY
Sundance has been GREAT since he came home. He is not the big chicken he used to be. Thank you for your working with us on such a short time frame. Molly starts the big ride today. We will keep you posted.-Sharon
Molly's "big ride" is in reference to the 5 day Chief Joseph ride going through Idaho and Montana that is only open to Appaloosa horses. Go Molly!
Hi Sandy,
Thank you for everything! I have really enjoyed working with you and appreciate many things about it:
- your focus on having a good experience with the horse, not just equitation
- your approachability, even for my "dumb" questions I didn't know who else to ask
- your flexibility with scheduling and location and what-not
- explaining why you did things or why I should (not) do things
- your positivity and energy
- your sensitivity to my as well as Stella's needs. In being relaxed about what aims I could have with her, you allowed me to be more confident as a horse owner. Thank you!
-Claire
Thank you for everything! I have really enjoyed working with you and appreciate many things about it:
- your focus on having a good experience with the horse, not just equitation
- your approachability, even for my "dumb" questions I didn't know who else to ask
- your flexibility with scheduling and location and what-not
- explaining why you did things or why I should (not) do things
- your positivity and energy
- your sensitivity to my as well as Stella's needs. In being relaxed about what aims I could have with her, you allowed me to be more confident as a horse owner. Thank you!
-Claire
2010
Julie on Tonka
I brought Tonka, my 15 year old horse, to Sandy to help work out some kinks that he had developed over the years prior to my purchase of him. He lacked confidence, would occasionally rear on the trail if we weren’t going the way he wanted to go and wasn’t real responsive to leg or reining cues. It sometimes felt like a battle of the wills when we rode. But not any longer, her knowledge, dedication, patience and time invested in him have made him a real pleasure to ride. He no longer rears, is extremely responsive to leg and reining cues and has gained a ton of confidence on the trail. Additionally, the time and patience she invested in me and Tonka together at our weekly lesson has made me a better, calmer and more confident rider. I could not recommend her more highly and will call on her when it comes time for my 3 year old son to learn to ride.
Thank you so much Sandy and I look forward to seeing you on the trail.
-Julie
Regarding TJ I wanted to write
you to let you know how much I am enjoying the horse I bought from you.
You made the whole process of acquiring a new horse a real pleasure. It
was so comforting to deal with a person that was opened and honest. I am
naturally a very cynical person and yet I felt totally at ease with you
and felt you were completely trustworthy. Meeting someone and feeling
that comfortable does not happen often. Thank you for my wonderful
horse. I assure you he has a happy home.
Carla
Carla
Regarding "Tawny Rose" a Kiger Mustang another trainer said was "untrainable," written after Bobbi just took her home from 90 days training with Sandy. I just had to tell you that today on our daughters 32nd birthday I rode Tawny on the trail at Falcon Crest for the first time. She was unbelievable. Calm, kept her head down, hardly even looked at stuff, let alone spook. She was up Pilgrims but when we started, so I went to the front. I was trying to make the slobber straps straight down. Had to give her allot of rein, and she never tried to go faster unless I asked. She even did a nice trot, almost a jog. Cantered her just a little. Pilgrim got a little spazy on the way back, and it didn't affect her. Have I died and gone to heaven? We were out almost 1.5 hours. She is going to be a sure footed solid trail horse. I can never thank you and Sue enough. We have a long ways to go, but I know we can do it! Get well and back in the saddle soon. Bobbi
To Sandy Smyth, I can never thank you enough for the wonderful job you have done with Abbey. She was a such a nervous, uncertain, and untrained 18 year old mustang. Now she has gained so much confidence, is so much calmer, and willing to do what is asked of her without falling apart! Please use this letter as a reference for anyone that is inquiring you to do horse training. I, of course, will give you the highest of recommendations. You are a professional horse trainer with great understanding of how these wonderful animals respond to the type of training you give. You work miracles in my mind. Not everyone has the skill set or patience to achieve what you have been able to achieve with my horse. I am so glad I made that phone call to you. This has been a very positive experience with excellent results. Now I can ride Abbey with great confidence and feel safe. Thank you so very much,
Mary Valente
Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher - Krissy had a blast! A real memory maker!-Lynnette
Thanks for all of the work on HazelBell, she is doing great.And thanks a bunch for working with Alora. She learned so much and gained so much confidence, I appreciate the time and patience you had for her. She will be back up at the end of the month and we are going to go down to Loomis and ride around the little trail there.Hazel is doing really well. I have her turning on her front and on her back. and neck reining of course. Let me know is there are any other cues you put on her so I can keep them up.She is listening to me in the round pen and is feeling spunky!Thanks again, if you ever need someone for references, have them give me a call!-Laurene
I have been raising horses for 20 years and have started probably 50 horses during that time. This season I was working with a 3year old gelding that was showing to be very caty and quick. I did all the ground work and could get on and off of him but when I tried to do anything more than a walk he would jump out from under me. I found Sandy on the internet and called her up. We made arrangements for her to come out and put a couple rides on this colt for me. It was so nice to see her get in the pen with him and get his feet moving and do alot of the natural style training which fit right in with what I was done. It is really hard to have someone else get on my horses and I just don't trust sending them off so this worked out great. It only took 2 rides and I was able to pick right up and put the 30 days on him after that. Sandy is an excellent hand and she can stay in the middle of one when it gets rough. I highly recommend Sandy if you are looking for someone to put a few rides on a green horse or work the kinks out of a older horse. -Gina Chalk Chalk Quarter Horses http://chalkquarterhorses.com
Sandy Smyth is a fabulous riding instructor. She is so knowledgeable and talented with horses, patient, and fun. I am truly enjoying my lessons and can't wait to get home for the next one. -LaVonne
2009
I was fortunate to discover Sandy Smyth through our connections with
Ride To Walk. Her horsemanship skills are evident the first time you see
her interact with the horse. Sandy is a proven professional with
knowledge well beyond her years. She has done a phenomenal job with our
Thoroughbred from off the racetrack and made him into a pleasure horse
in a short period of time. She has worked closely with my son,
costomizing his instrution to include not only riding skills bus also
worked with him on how to tack up a horse, what type of tack is best for
him and the horse, and how to lunge. We were fortunate to find someone
of Sandy's caliber who is knowledgeable, patient and whose love of
horses is obvious! - Erin Glodowski
I met Sandy Smyth at Ride To Walk in Lincoln, CA almost two years
ago. She said she could help with the training of my horse Doc. She has
done that and more. Sandy's ability to communicate with a
horse through body language and mind is amazing! Her integrity and
commitment to both horse and owner is commendable. Her ability to teach
not only the horse but the rider is absolutely a gift. No challenge is
too much for this wonderful young woman whose compassion and knowledge
surpasses any trainer I have ever known. And all this without agression
or fear! Sandy's compassion and respect for the horss she
works with earns her respect and compassion in trade. Sandy has a
wonderful, sincere, deep connection with these majestic animals. She's a
true business woman who is extremely honest. You could not ask for a
better trainer than Sandy Smyth. The connection she has with my horse
Doc is endearing to my heart. This young woman works from her heart!
I have also had the experience watching Sandy interact with children.
She is kind and gentle, teaching them not only what, but why their moves
or actions are necessary for sucess in their riding. She made a lasting
impact on my then seven year old grand-daughter that will last her for
many years to come! Sandy is a wonderful multi-tasker as
well. She trains horses, works with our disabled children at Ride to
Walk and attends school. She's amazing! Her dedication to the program is
wonerful and just what it needs. She's such an asset to the team at
Ride To Walk! Sandy has a true gift when it comes to choosing the
appropriate horse for the needs of the program and has added many
beautiful and capable horses for the kids. I truely cannot
give enough praise here to Sandy Smyth. She's one of a kind and is so
dedicated to her craft. Rider and horse benefit from her kindness and
abilities. She is a gift, period! She CAN lead a horse to water and she
CAN make him drink! She is the modern day "Horse Whisperer" and a great
asset to the Ride To Walk program as well as our community.
It is rare that I see such diligence in a young person as I see in
Sandy. She gives it 110% She's a delight to work with and hae around. In
closing I would just like to say that I would recommend Sandy for
training of any kind involving a horse and rider. She's got super
attitude and a will to make things happen. Sincerely, Dorothy Dimick
2008
Dear Sandy, Thank you so much for all of your extra work getting the Ride To Walk kids ready for the Auburn Horse Show! I know Bailey had a great time. It was wonderful to see him out there struttin' his stuff. He has learned so much from all of you. We are so grateful for people like you in Bailey's life. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jennifer
2007
If you have a horse that needs a good start, look no farther, luck is here for you. I've seen amazing horses and trainers over the years and predict that Sandy will stand out with perception, ability, love of the horse, and she also has a wonderful personality. Sandy has the ability to see the needs of you and your horse before you realize it, so well you go, "WOW! How'd she do that?" This is not the first or second horse I've had trained, but I have never been more pleased. Any questions CALL. The number is available through Sandy. -D.A. Lemburg
Dear Sandy, Congratulations are in order and many thanks for a difficult task completed in a short period of time. Given several race/speed bred Quarter Horses to train, Sandy Smyth showed talent and supreme horsemanship and produced horses that are quiet and reliable with solid foundations being the result. These are horses that have gone forward with real futures in roping and barrel racing, as well as other venues. Looking forward to working with you again in the near future. -Bob Larsen, Bob Larsen Livestock
