Client Comments

"Dave and I could not be more pleased with Jessie's training of our young horse.The foundation that she has established with Bella will last her entire lifetime. In two years Jessie has taken Bella from an unbroken three-year-old to a well-schooled solid First Level working on Second Level moves dressage horse, employing firmness tempered by kindness and patience. We are fortunate to have found this wonderful trainer and recommend her without reservation to those wanting to establish the best possible foundation for a young horse.

Perhaps most importantly to us, Bella has retained her sweet, willing disposition and is truly happy in her work. Jessie is quick and generous with praise and firm but fair with correction. Many talented young horses are soured by trainers who demand too much and understand too little. It is fun and rewarding for us to see the confidence and ability that Jessie steadily is building in Bella. My beautiful, sweet, filly has become a beautiful, sweet, athletic dressage partner with a bright future and two very pleased owners.

Jessie started Bella under saddle in December of 2005. During the summer of 2006 Jessie showed Bella gently in Training Level Open Division at both recognized and schooling shows. They qualifed for Region II Championships with qualifying scores averaging 69+ percent. At Octoberfest, Jessie debuted Bella in First Level Test 1 Open Division. They placed first in a class of eight with a score of 68.5 percent. They also entered Training Level Test 4, winning that class too, with a score of 69+ percent. Judges from both classes commented on Bella's consistency, obedience, and boldness.

Update December 6, 2006: Bella and Jessie won 2006 Reserve Champion Training Level for Midwest Dressage Association. Quite a feather for the lovely filly who has only been under saddle a scant year, and for her very talented trainer!

Update February 19, 2007: Bella was selected by Midwest Dressage Association to be in the Maryal Barnett Clinic at the McPhail Center, MSU campus on February 17, 2007. She and Jessie rode the new 2007 USDF Training Level Test 3, and scored nothing lower than 7s with a sprinkling of 8s (including in gaits) and one 9! During her warmup, Bella ignored the light show created on the back wall of the darkened arena as a slide projector and screen were being adjusted!!

You've come a long way, Bella baby! These two photos were taken of Jessie and Bella's very first ride in the outdoor arena, in March 2006.

By July 2006, progess was very evident.