Testimonials
2005 Apprenticeship Graduate - Brad Marquardt
My apprenticeship with Victory Hill and Sandy Carpenter Rose began
several years back and has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my
life. Working with Sandy and the other trainers from Victory Hill, I have
learned many of the skills necessary to train horses in a safe and effective
way. Beyond that I have been exposed to all facets of training and caring
for horses from ground manners, feet handling, round pen work, basic saddle
work, advanced performance and showing, trailer loading, vet care,
feeding... the list goes on.
Sandy's unique gift is bringing people and horses along at a pace
that is safe and comfortable. The apprenticeship program is a complete and
flexible method for anybody who wants to get better with their horses.
Next Year I have the privilege of demonstrating and training the
apprentices on a wide cross section of ground work strategies that I have
picked along the way. I look forward to working with the apprentices
and the staff at Victory Hill to help you achieve your goals.
Brad Marquardt Vail, Co.
970-376-0662
2005 Apprenticeship Graduate - Michelle Conner
I must admit, when Clay first told me that we would be spending half of
our apprenticeship with another trainer, one whom I had never met or even
heard of, I was nervous to say the least! Little did I know what a true
blessing this would be; what an opportunity I was getting. Not only did I
get to take one of my own horses, but I got to study under a trainer with a
barn much like the on I dreamt of one day running. We got to work with
numerous horses in her barn and see and participate in the day to day
operations. We got to experience everything from training to horse health to
general care to feed to specialty things as chiropractic and acupuncture for
horses. There is no substitute for real world experience with multiple
horses, and we sure got that at Sandy's barn.
Clay and Sandy helped me realize my own personal strengths and value;
both as a horseperson and a person in general. They really helped me
to become a confident, effective trainer and instructor and that time really
is not a factor when working with horses. They are still there for me today
no matter what, now that I have a training facility of my own. I thank you
from the bottom of my heart for helping me to become what I am today, and
for your support as I continue to grow.
Michelle Conner Ellicot, Co
719-683-9645
www.lastingpartnership.com
2004 Internship student - Melissa Anema
Hi there! My name is Melissa and I apprenticed with Sandy at Victory Hill
Training Center for approximately 5 months. Sandy taught me everything from
becoming a confident rider to guiding me step by step on how to break my own
horse.
Since I came to Sandy as a beginner, she started me with things like
properly saddling a horse and what kind of bit to use as well as their
various purposes. I also learned about the different gaits of a horse and
how to control their speed in each one.
Some additional things that I was able to learn was how to pivot on the
front and rear quarters, how to get the horse to take up the correct
lead, and also how to collect them up in a walk, trot, and lope. Sandy
also showed me a lot about training horses through ground work and lunging
as well as how to break them of bad habits. I was then able to apply these
skills directly by breaking and training my own horse.
Additionally, I got a chance to practice a little cutting, roping, and
barrel racing. Finally, I got the chance to assist with Versatility Ranch
Horse Competition where I had a great time helping with and observing the
different activities.
Sandy puts a lot of emphasis on safety for both the horse and rider. The
horses at Victory Hill Training Center are highly trained and very well
mannered. Other than the skills that I learned and the knowledge that I
gained through my apprenticeship, I greatly enjoyed the magnificent scenery
and meeting some really neat people. It was the most awesome learning
experience that I've ever had and I won't ever forget it!
Melissa Anema
Alton, Iowa 712-756-4706
2006 Internship student - Tony Fernandez
Since I was 10 years old, I have been an avid rider. By the time I was a
young man, I assumed I knew everything about horses. I was 50 years old when
I met Sandy at Victory Hill Training Center and discovered I knew very
little.
When I became an apprentice in April of 2006, I not only learned the
proper way to ride, but the fundamentals of ground work in starting a young
horse.
The old way of forcing a bit in the mouth, throwing a saddle on a back,
jumping on and expecting results is so far from the gentle, patient,
sensible way that I have learned from Sandy.
Every movement, every routine, every word makes so much sense, and with
patience and repetition a young horse learns quickly, safely and shows
profound trust in his trainer.
To date I have started and successfully ridden three young horses, all in
less than seven sessions using the methods I have learned at Victory Hill
Training Center.
Currently I am training a one-eyed gelding who is accepting his training
as text book perfect. Within five sessions (total days of training) I was on
his back and walking calmly in the round pen. He is quiet, relaxed and eager
to please.
I can't begin to express the satisfaction I feel upon seeing the horse
respond to the proper skill of education which I have received.
I look forward to more advanced classes in finishing a horse, whether it
moves on to western versatility, the show ring, or trail riding.
I highly recommend Victory Hill Training Center to begin your equestrian
training if you are a beginner or at a level wanting to learn new and kinder
techniques. You will be very pleased with the results when you complete your
training.
Tony Fernandez, Apprentice, Salida,Colorado |
