Courtney is, what I would consider to be, a natural rider. She has a calm demeanor picked up by the horses. They seem to like her immediately. She does not get flustered or overreact if they spook or carryon. She is extremely patient. I purchased a 7-year old OTTB, Noah, who had recently raced. I sent him to a “trainer” to establish a nice canter. I knew he could gallop but I wanted a canter. After two weeks at the professional trainer, he had simply trotted Noah. He was apparently intimidated and afraid he might take off with him. I brought him home and just let him relax and gain weight over the next 9 months or so.

Courtney noticed that he was just hanging around and offered to ride him. She rode him at my house in my small arena and after a while that day had him cantering both ways. In the arena, up and down the driveway and around the property. Even held him “on the buckle” at the canter. Another concern of mine was the dismount and if my leg didn’t clear his hip, would he be ok with that. She spent about 10 minutes dismounting dragging her leg across his hip, hanging onto the saddle, etc just to see what he would do. He just stood there.

After a couple of weeks, she suggested a trail ride. So, even though he had never been on the trail, she took him out in the middle of winter by himself. It was windy and cold, She returned about two hours later and he had had a blast. I could just tell. She had cantered him and took pictures of her on the trail riding “on the buckle.” She has taken him out about 5-6 times, the last time with another OTTB and he was so well behaved.

Courtney has a way with the horses. Not everyone does. I trust her instincts and ability. As I said, she is a natural. I will be sending him to her so that she can trail ride a couple times a week.I so look forward to that.

Kim, OTTB owner