Training Testimonials

The Queen's Tiara

Horse: The Queen's Tiara

Breed: Gypsy Vanner

Age: 4

Sex: Mare

When looking for a training facility for my young mare finding a trainer who uses natural horsemanship methods was very important. Tiara was started using a round pen and other training concepts of natural horsemanship. Jen has done a wonderful job with her. In just a session or two in the round pen Jen had Tiara figured out, dealt with her bad habits, and was working quickly and positively toward “finishing” her under saddle. In the two months that Tiara has been at Levaland she has matured, learned so much and bonded with Jen.

Jen had been terrific to work with. I have enjoyed my Wednesdays at Levaland Farm.

DiAnn R.

Vineyard Haven, MA.

Horse: Vermont's Smithwick Sebastian

Breed: Gypsy Cob

Age: 4 months

Sex: Colt

After purchasing my Gypsy Cob as a young colt it became painfully obvious to me that I needed an expert trainer after my first attempt at hoof care ended with me almost kicked across the paddock. Jen answered my desparate plea for help, arrived quickly and went to work. Four weeks later his blacksmith commented that he was just about the best young horse he had ever worked on. Thank you Jen! I am so happy that I have found the trainer to give me the horse I always wanted.

Cheryl S.

Rehobeth, MA

Jasper

Horse: Jasper’s Dirty Secret

Breed: APHA

Age: 6

Sex: Gelding

Jasper was an explosion when he went to Jen’s. She taught him to deal with issues that would put him in a panic. He learned rather quickly to control those panic attacks. Jasper would NEVER stand still. I cannot believe that after 6 years Jen taught him to stand quietly for the first time. She has shown ME how to solve these problems that frustrated me to no end. Jen taught rather quickly balance and wonderful movements on Jasper, perfect lead changes that made my jaw drop thinking is that my horse? Jen can nail a problem that he was having perfectly and then solve it. I must say Jen excels in her craft and natural talent. So few people can read a horse as she can. I have never been as happy with my horse as I have been when Jen had worked with Jasper. After all these years, I can finally enjoy my horse. I thank her very much and Jasper thanks her too.

Julie F.

Wareham, MA

Horse: Country Twist

Breed: double reg. Arabian / Paint

Age: 5

Sex: Gelding

Jen is absolutely amazing! I had noticed a difference in my horse in just the first 45 min. of her clinic. She gets quick, positive results in a short period of time. My horses' personality is more positive and more willing to work. I just love the 360 degree turnaround! She has turned 'Twist' into my dream horse! I would highly recommend Jen's 'natural' training talent and gentle 'feel' to anyone!!

Melissa C.

Fairhaven, MA

Horse: Bodi

Breed: Arabian

Age: 6

Sex: Gelding

Bodi is a six year old Arabian gelding with a history of limited human contact. He was kept as a stallion the first few years until his previous owner realized she didn’t have the time to work with him. He was gelded and I bought him 6 months later. To say Bodi had trust issues was an understatement. The vet couldn’t do a thorough health check because he was too jumpy and hated being restrained. He had to be tranquilized to get on the trailer and I was warned not to take his later off cause I’d never catch him. The first few days at his new barn all he did was run…mostly away from me. Over the last two years I have worked on Bodi’s trust issues with me and others that have contact with him. Over time he has become very sweet and loving almost to the point of being rude. I have worked on trying to break him but could never get past his anxiety about accepting a saddle. I decided I needed an expert. I had heard about Jen through the horse community and gave her a call. Jen is skilled in Natural Horsemanship and that’s the way I wanted to go with Bodi. Over the past few months Jen has done a great job teaching Bodi how to respect her as the boss while teaching him how to face his fears correctly. The first few lessons I was really impressed at how Bodi responded to her and her expectations of him. With each lesson he is submitting much faster and has learned to control a lot of his anxiety. He will now accept things that were impossible months ago. Jen has also helped me as his owner on improving my everyday training with him. Jen seems to be gifted with natural instincts that horses respond to and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a Natural Horsemanship trainer.

Stacey S.

Foxboro, MA

Horse: Sterling

Breed: Dales Pony

Age: 4

Sex: Gelding

Sterling arrived with several behavior problems which made him unsafe to handle. He was not under saddle. Within a few days his behavior evidenced willingness and a happy attitude when in work. Within 3 weeks he was under saddle, a pleasure to ride and back to being a cooperative pony. He continues to enjoy his work and be a joy to work with. I would highly recommend Jen and her program!!

Breeze T.

Martha’s Vineyard

Zoe

Horse: Zoe(Kachina)

Breed: TB/Cross

Age: 5

Sex: Mare

Wonderful Experience! Jen was able to get my mare, Zoe, onto the trailer in 45 minutes. Zoe had only been on a trailer two times previously for only a few minutes. Previously Zoe needed to be tranquilized in order to be transported. The 2nd session with Jen , Zoe was on the trailer in 20 minutes and we had a tranquilizer free ride in the trailer. Jen is enormously patient and can read horses very well - Natural Horsemanship was the key for Zoe.

Thea F.

Falmouth, MA

Padraig

Horse: Padraig

Breed: Dutch Warmblood / Thoroughbred Cross

Age: 4

Sex: Gelding

I bought Padraig as an unbroke 3 year old. When I came to Jen, I had hit a roadblock in my training. After 2 sessions, Jen had Padraig working respectfully in the round pen. Jen helped me with lunging and taught Padraig to willingly get into a trailer. Jen helped me to regain my confidence and trust in myself and my horse.

Meg W.

Bridgewater, MA

Dublin

Horse: Dublin

Breed: reg. Quarterhorse

Age: 12

Sex: Gelding

Jen is an extremely knowledgeable person, not only with my horse but also with me. She was able to help me ride extremely better with just one session. She was able to identify and give corrective instruction to a problem with my horse (rearing when saddled). I highly recommend her.

Laura A.

Salem, MA

Tiara

Horse: Tiara

Breed: Arabian/Pinto cross

Age: 7

Sex: Mare

When I first brought Tiara to Levaland she could be very difficult to handle. She had been a backyard pet for her entire life and received little to no training. Within the first 5 sessions, Jen was able to lead her quietly, round pen her effectively and had gained her trust. Tiara was also deathly afraid of trailering. It took Jen only one session with Tiara and she had her standing quietly in the trailer – Amazing!! Jen has a great respect for horses and it shows in her work with them! She always puts their needs first and that is key to her success!

Lynn G.

Bridgewater, MA