"I would highly recommend Elaine as a trainer for
anyone with a young horse to start. My horse, Lily,
is a andalusian/thoroughbred cross, or Iberian
Warmblood. When Lily was approximately 3 1/2 years
old, I sent her to Elaine to be started. When Lily
got to Paradise Farm, it was the first time she had
been away from my farm since I brought her home at 3
months of age. She was very nervous and unsure of
what was going on. (That may be an
understatement). Elaine handled her with patience
and gave her plenty of time to figure things out.
Elaine started her in the round pen, and within a
short period of time she was taking her on short
trail rides with other horses. My first time on her
was exhilarating and I confess, a little scary (Lily
is very tall). However, with Elaine's guidance, I
soon overcame that fear and was able to go on a four
hour trail ride by the end of Lily's month at
Paradise Farm. Since Lily's training with Elaine, I
have taken her to several dressage shows, where she
has done very well, and we do a lot of trail
riding. As a testament to the "despooking" and
confidence building, while competing in the outdoor
ring at a show, there was a large flock of pigeons
resting on the indoor arena roof which is right next
to the outdoor ring. As I was letting my reins out
for free walk across the diagonal, the entire flock
of pigeons took flight, making a lot of
noise. Lily didn't even flinch and just kept doing
her job!! This year will be our second year of
competing and we are preparing to compete at First
Level. I truly believe that had it not been for
Elaine's training, Lily would not be at the level
she is today."
~Lisa C. Glunk and Lilianna a/k/a "Lily"
"I
thought I’d write you a quick note to thank you for
all the kindness you’ve shown me and let you know
how important our relationship is and what it’s
meant to me. I knew, from the first time we
met by accident, you were a special person both with
people and horses. The stray dog, that my family and
I were trying to find its home for, was heaven sent
because it was the seed that led up to a new,
wonderful relationship and positive experience with
horses that I’ll keep for the rest of my life.
I’ve learned so much from you and feel great about
it. Probably the little things you’ve shown me have
meant the most. Horses needs come first no matter
what, nothing Toby and I do together is wrong as
long as it works for us, use the round pen for
respect, be consistent for learning, be patient when
teaching, be kind to gain the love of your horse,
think before you act, use good feed and hay, clean
the stalls and water buckets, hoof care is critical,
there are no bad horses just stupid people and
always end a training point on a good note are all
little things that have made a huge difference to
Toby and me. Simply put, your love of horses and
your do it right and consistently attitude have made
the biggest difference to me. I’ve often wondered
how you’ve acquired the knack to be firm yet
reinforce kindness, care, respect and love of
horses. It, more than likely, just comes natural to
you. You are my all-time horse hero! You’ve
quickly educated me on appropriate behavior and
manners, correcting and praising in perfect timing
with each behavior. Besides the weekends and whole
weeks we’ve spent together, I appreciate, when
having an issue with Toby at home, all it takes is a
phone call and you walk me through solving it.
Every time I, or my family and
I, spend time at your wonderful “Elaine’s Paradise
Farm”, I seem to gain more knowledge to take home
and use with my Toby. The farm is truly a
reflection of you. Your clinics are always
inspiring and I don’t know what I enjoy more about
them, just being with you, the education I receive
or helping you with the loose ends. The indoor
arena, Paul built, is phenomenal. It enhances the
ability to train, work horses and hold clinics no
matter what the weather is. Max, your magnificent
Clydesdale, seems to stand out as a major focal
point of the farm. The bobsled rides, cart rides
and his uses for parades, weddings and other
functions are a big plus. I’ll always remember
helping you prepare Max for the wedding this past
October. We had so much fun. Everything had to be
perfect, but again, that’s just your do it right
personality. The trail riding in your area is
absolutely the best, bar nowhere else. It affords
every possible opportunity for training the horse
and rider to trail ride. Beautiful mountain trails,
streams, incredible foliage and seeing wild animals
in their natural habitat are just a few of the
pleasures I receive while on the trail with you.
Sue, you are truly gifted and talented
trainer. I can say that just by seeing how much your
horses love you. You demonstrate exceptional skills
in working with and reading both people and horses.
Your training methods are kind and consistent, that
have inspired confidence in both Toby and me. You’ve
helped in giving me challenges and opportunities to
become a better, more effective rider and owner.
Horses aside Sue, I cherish our friendship the most.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!"
~Jane Shamonsky
"My husband and I needed to
get prepared for a horseback riding vacation out
West. Such a trip has been a lifelong dream of
mine. I’d always been a huge Roy Rogers and Dale
Evans fan. My husband, who was never around animals
much as a child, agreed to the trip. Before we could
leave for the ranch both of us needed riding
experience. While I’d ridden as a child I was rusty
and timid as an older rider. I doubted my ability.
My better half had not ridden and wasn’t sure but
what riding horses was scary, which it can be
without the right training. I began looking for a
riding instructor. Luckily, I found a business card
for Elaine’s Paradise Farm. I called the number
and explained our situation. She didn’t hesitate to
take us as students. We really lucked out with
Elaine. She is an excellent teacher with tons of
knowledge. We arrived at Elaine’s Paradise Farm
full of uncertainty, but within minutes she was
beginning to build up our confidence, knowledge, and
riding skills. During the summer we rode nearly
every week, and by the third week we were riding on
trails. At Elaine’s the possibilities for rides are
numerous.. There are trails through thick forests
with lush ferns, as well as creeks to cross, hills
to ride up and down, and wide meadows to pass
through. We loved our experience with Elaine. Her
horses are very well trained, responsive, and
forgiving . She knows exactly how to communicate
with both horses and riders. Our vacation was great
because of her. We plan to continue riding at
Elaine’s Paradise Farm..
~Lynne and Marshall Hopkins
"Just
wanted to say 'thanks' again for the absolutely
fabulous trail ride. I loved the trails and the
scenery - how much fun that we could ride for hours
on the mountain. The swim in the creek was
wonderful, and a picnic lunch in the woods was
fantastic. I also really like the facilities - the
guest stalls are a great idea. "
~Rosalyn Price English & Booker
"I had given up on my 10 year
old mare which I had raised from a foal.She was
flighty, unpredictable, and difficult to catch
in the pasture. These behaviors had ceased to
present a challenge to me and were greatly
diminishing my enjoyment of riding. I chalked
all of it up to inherited characteristics that
were beyond my ability to rectify and decided it
was time to sell. This is how I met Elaine.
I arrived at Elaine's farm to look over a couple
of horses, she had for sale. As we walked around
the stalls and turn-outs, I shared the problems
that I was having with my mare. Elaine, sensing
my reluctance to sell her, suggested I bring her
over for training. As a last recourse, I trucked
her over and in just 4 short weeks there was a
dramatic transformation. Elaine encouraged me to
stop by and observe the training sessions.
Towards the end, Elaine included me in the
training. She observed me handling and riding my
mare and guided me in recognizing nuances that
influenced certain behaviors from my horse.
This is not the first time I had this horse to a
trainer but, it is the first time that the
training was successful. Elaine brings a wealth
of knowledge of the horse psychology and an
extensive background in training which enabled
me to overcome all of the difficulties I was
having with my mare. Three years later, my mare
has become a reliable mount on the trail and a
joy to be around in the pasture."
~Jim Summers
