TESTIMONIALS : Client Comments : Thank You's

Vickee
Dear Mark, Thank you for your work with Sierra. She slept the first day. Then she became full of piss and vinegar again. She played 2-ball soccer--one in her mouth and pushing a ball with her feet to my feet. It is so wonderful to have her back to normal. Thanks - Vickee Scott

Betty - Wild Horse Spirit
Good morning Rebekka, Meaning to tell you or send you an email that what you did with L-Jay was great. You understood L-Jay, what needed to be done and the end was perfect for L-Jay and us. Otherwise, many trainers would have continued doing the same old thing which was not helping. What you understood and knew separates so many professed trainers from the true trainers. Hope you are doing OK. Thanks for your help. - Betty, Wild Horse Spirit

TW
Had the horses together today. Lingering evidence of how valuable our lesson was with you on Sunday regarding the herd dynamics!!! Eli tried to slowly bite and charge at Sally, she stayed JUST OUT of reach, then slowly turned her butt to him, as if to say, bring it on, you aren't the boss of me!!! He respected her gesture to kick him in the chest, and no ruckus was further needed!!! Once he got scared at a loud car, and rushed to be between the girls!!! He worked his way too close to Penny and she squealed at his face, and away he went. Then him and Sally got to coddling??? and they were at it FOREVER, and then they wrapped necks from both sides...it was SUCH a horse thing, so deliberately a horse hug and recognition, and then Sally walked off as if to say...I'm tougher then I look and I've had enough Little Dude for the moment..just watch me sache away and eat your heart out. I stood closely, ready to interrupt if needed, and just watched this wonderful horse thing go on between them... Only two poop piles the entire day in the trailer. They all
unloaded so quietly... Thanks again for a super super lesson... {We} are working on "our boxes" every day now. You have such awesome ideas and knowledge...thank God that horses are your calling and people like me own them or I would have never gotten to know you and what you have to offer. Have a great week and hopefully I'll see you in 2 weeks. -TW

Martharuth
Thanks again for your help today. As always, you're amazing, and I learned a ton of stuff. You know it was really helpful to get your input on the saddle issue I have. One problem with not having a lot of experience is not being positive when the fit isn't quite right. I'd always ridden using an english saddle so my experience with a western saddle is relatively new. Thanks a million for the help. I've gotten my notes written and hopefully I haven't forgotten anything. -MR

Jann Hehn
Thank you for today... I really enjoyed watching you work with Kona. You knew just which questions to ask and how to ask. He did not resent the questions, I saw him trying to find the answers, and you were so patient waiting for him to find the answer. If I could just know the question, set him up to help him find the answer! Thank you again. Jann

Sarah
Dear Rebekka: I had planned to write a long winded e-mail about how much I appreciate your taking the time to impart you knowledge to me (us) at the hoof care clinic. Then I realized you are busy and reading long e-mails takes time. So, please know that I appreciate all that you do and have done for me and my horses. You are such an awesome wealth of knowledge. You have opened new doors and windows for me in ways you will never know. Just being in your presence I learn things about myself that have nothing to do with horses, but do in strange ways... I came away with sooooo much. AND such a passion for hoof care! I can't even begin to explain how my brian is tying it all together with the things I have learned and will continue to learn from both you and my coach Teri who I hope someday you will have the pleasure of meeting. Best, ~sarah

Jan Davis
Howdy Mark, My husband and I rode last night for an hour or so. I love the saddle. It's very comfortable, secure and I like the centered seat like my old Orthoflex Traditional saddle. It seems to fit Redman just fine. He did a nice extended trot when asked and moved freely when walking down hills. Nothing is flat in our Auburn area on the Western States Trail. Upon removing the saddle, Redman's sweat marks were totally uniform. June 29 we leave for Bridgeport for a 9-day horse trip. It will be great enjoying my new saddle riding every day! Thank you very much for all the time you spent both at the Horse Expo and at your ranch last Sunday. You are very knowledgable about saddles and I felt very confident purchasing the right saddle from you thanks to your saddle expertise. You and Rebekka have some beautiful horses and share an interesting life together. Sincerely, Jan Davis, Auburn, CA

Lydia
(Sofie is a young Friesiean/Saddlebred mare who just completed a 100-day period of training with Rebekka. Here is what her owner reports after taking her home.) Hi Rebekka, Rode Sophie Sunday on a trail ride out into the BLM with four other riders, none of them known to her. She did FANTASTIC!!!!!!!! She was very calm, went up and down hills, over ditches and ravines, had a jackrabbit jump out from under her feet, had plastic blowing, startled a herd of pronghorn, and she remained calm through it all. In fact she was the calmest, best behaved horse of the entire group! Thanks, Lydia

Barbara Washburn
Rebekka, ...Just wanted to thank you again for the very helpful instruction. I was reminded of it the other evening when I went to a new barn. I paid attention to Anja's focus and went through the evening without a hitch. She remained reasonably calm the entire time although there were many distractions. Best regards - have a great summer - and keep me posted on events up in Reno. - Barbara Washburn, Wilton CA

Sue
Hi Rebekka, I just wanted to let you know that our lesson on Saturday was extremely beneficial! Prince already seems a lot more respectful and calm. I bathed him that evening, and took him for a walk in the neighborhood. He's usually walking way too fast and my arm gets sore from holding him back, plus he's spooking at everything. I led him the way you showed me and kept him out of my space and behind me (but not following me like he was before, to walk on me). We had a nice walk, and it wasn't so stressful. He's really paying attention to what I want. I went to the open show in Lemmon Valley yesterday, and our experience was so much better than it had been the last time. We even went by the big horse eating water trough, and he was a bit scared, but didn't panic or bolt like he did when we were there last month. I made sure I kept his attention and he did so much better. He had his head up too high just a little bit of the time, but he was much more responsive and kept it down a lot more than last time. We did well in the show, a first, two seconds, and a fifth, but the main thing is that I feel better about going to the next show and trying to be calm for him. I was still nervous, so at least he was able to deal with me better! I was really trying to focus on having fun and not being stressed out. I can't wait to take more lessons, and see what else I can learn, I know this is the tip of the iceberg! Thanks,

Sue
Debbie and Copper (happy horse) Rebekka and Mark, I took Copper out yesterday for a group trail ride at Washoe Lake. She did fantastic! She was a little nervous (separated from her buddy and mother Bonnet);they kept calling to each other, but otherwise was a very good citizen and trail partner. She seemed to enjoy the day too; went right into the water. Thanks so much for all the work you did with her; it really shows! Hope to see you at the next meeting (work providing) - Debbie and Copper (happy horse)

Jann Hehn
Just a quick note to give you a big THANK YOU! I feel confident that once Kona gets past this huge issue that the rest will come easily for him. I don't question Kona, I question my own abilities to support him as he may need. I have pondered the statement you made that "a lot of trainers would have given up". I must admit that hit a nerve! I realized that I have an attachment, and I can't give up that easily. Will and I made a commitment when we bought a young horse, knowing full well that he would cost us additional money with training; we are committed to Kona. Obviously being realistic within this. Kona is my bud, and the actual thought of not having him, brings me to tears. HE JUST SCARES ME! LOL. I have complete confidence in you to help us, teach us etc... If anyone can help us over come this issue I know you will be able to tap into the soul of him, and help move him through it. He obviously will take more energy than one would have liked.   Watching him yesterday actually made me realize that I may lack confidence but not with out cause, and I feel that my strength will come back. Thank you. You are a blessing to our family! - Jann Hehn

Carolyn Burton
Good clinic! It reinforced a lot of things I learned from you and I came right home and worked (and rode) both boys. I'm learning a lot! I wish someone would do a Classical Riding Clinic...all on horseback. How about you??? Just an idea! Thanks again for a lot of good info. - Carolyn Burton 

Deb
Hi Rebekka, Many, many thank you's for a wonderful clinic yesterday! I was so thrilled with how well Susan and I did - it just goes to show how well what you teach works! A year ago we had a lot more issues! We still have many issues to overcome, but I feel like once you get me going in the right direction again, I can get it more quickly by remembering all that you've taught me thus far. One of the biggest humps for me to get over is how I shut down when I get a little fear in me! I appreciate your support because it has helped me immensely with my fears and I always know there is hope for more improvement under your guidance! - Deb

Joan Edwards
I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the clinic yesterday, and I wish I had participated ! I will certainly do that next time. Thanks again, Joan Edwards.

Deb Dupas
Hi Rebekka, Thank you, as always, for providing so much good information and so much support! I always come away from the clinics with a list of things to work on and a re-focusing of my energy, which is extremely helpful for me because I've realized that it is very easy for me to go off-course or lose site of what I'm trying to do and work toward. With your guidance and the support of all the wonderful people who are drawn to you, I get more than money can buy! Each clinic I have things that I wish I would've done better and things that I'm pleased with myself for and both of those things together help me move forward inch by inch. There's a challenge in some areas along with the feeling of a job well-done in others. I was frustrated with myself for not being able to get Susan in the trailer at the end of the day and I think I really had to have that happen again to come to the realization that I shut down when you say, "that's it for today." And the truth is, I'm not done until Susan is back home safely in her corral. So, that was an important lesson for me and I guess I just had to learn it that way. And I will have to come up with ways to spread my energy and focus out from beginning to the real end of the day -- relaxation and breathing will help with that, so I'll have to make a bigger effort to remember the tools I have for that! Anyway, as I blather on, I am really just saying thank you for allowing me the opportunity to learn so much! Thanks! - Deb Dupas

Deb
Hi Rebekka, I just have to say Thank You! again for my last lesson. Today I took Susan out and she was a bit high headed and asking A LOT if she could be here or there or everywhere and although I had moments of "oh crap", I just reminded myself that what I needed to do was let her know where I expected her to be despite the barking dogs on two sides of us and the horse up the street whinnying to her. It has been soooooo helpful to me to have an idea in my head of what I expect in this simple task of walking around the neighborhood. Now I have somewhere to go in my head that isn't a place of fear and non-thinking. Now I have something to think, an action to take, something to look for between she and I... I just took deep breaths when I needed to and remembered that her drama over the dogs and the horses doesn't change the fact that I expect her to be in a particular place in relation to me... and it ain't right on top of me! There were no real threats to her, so I didn't need to go there with her. I stayed where I wanted to be and eventually she was able to be there with me. Thank you! Thank you! And after we got past that little patch of trouble, she stopped asking where to be as much as settled into a nice, calm walk and I only needed an occaisional reminder when she asked for some clarification. Cool stuff. So simple and so amazing! Just wanted to share this with you because I thought you'd appreciate it! See you soon - Deb

Deb
Hi Rebekka - thanks for a much needed lesson! After you left, I took Susan back out around the neighborhood and it was simple. I was focused on where I wanted her to be and not all the other things I usually worry about. I acknowledged the fact that if she DID start dancing around or got upset about something, I would still just let her know where I expected her to be and I felt confident that I could successfully do that. That is a huge difference for me. She asked and I answered quickly and concisely. We even got chased by a little Jack Russell terrier and Susan could've cared less. I even tried it at a trot with the same good results. It has re-energized me and given me a plateful of food for thought -- where else I am unclear in what I want and expect in my own mind that then muddles her mind? What other tasks do I start and not finish. Clarity. I have to find my own clarity or I cannot give it to her. Thank you! Deb

Deb
Here is a comment regarding a recent PetFolio issue Hi Landess, Thanks very much for the April/May issue which I received yesterday. I loved the piece by Rebekka Rhodes in the equine times column. You should be proud of this publication, Landess. It is really top notch!! Thanks again, -Deb

Amy K. Fiedler
Dear Rebekka, I just want to learn from you as I understand what you are asking and I highly respect the way you ride. I find there are too many people riding in the upper levels that really have a horrid seat, poor hands, and bad balance......you could do anything you want as your riding seat is beautiful.....I want that and am willing to do whatever I can to learn from you whether that be group lessons or privately. Kindly, Amy K. Fiedler

Susan Raeney
Dear Rebekka, Let me know if you can schedule me in. I know you are busy; however, I trust your abilities and knowledge of horses more than anyone in this town! There is no one else I would prefer to study under. Thank you - Susan Raeney

Paula Lenz
Dear Rebekka, Ruth wrote and said I had to check out your web site. That was nice of you to quote me. You are terrific. I have mentioned you in at least two articles for the Trailrider--thanking you publicly. But, I think I have been negligent in sending you copies of those articles. Please forgive me--I will try to get those to you very soon. Sereno and I have become great partners. Kit and John had a fabulous summer riding with us. I think you helped make John and me better riders. - Paula Lenz

Lassen
Thanks for all the support and pointers on working with Lassen yesterday. I can relate with you on such a higher level -- the knowledge just seems to flow without the ego or attitude. You recognized right off, as I did, that Lassen is very intelligent and even faster when it comes to learning. No need to re-teach or re-train to satisfy ourselves, just have a feel how he reacts and build on that. The only one Lassen has to prove himself "sound" to is me, and sometimes that is more of a feeling than anything else. I could really sense it that day he started to go thru the gate with me on him and shifted gears to do it at a slower pace. I did not ask anything, but I could feel him gear down. That was totally him looking out for his rider.  You can't depend on him doing that every time, but it shows he is aware and just have to build on that. Tom and Susie are pretty low key and feel comfortable working with them. Tom learned a different style and thinks some of the current ways of dealing with horses is a bit like voodoo, but the end results are much like what he learned only a lot faster. It was really neat that he came over by the fence without having to be asked. Later when we fed had Lassen doing the squeeze thing and Tom got a kick out of my "added challenge". No horse to add pressure so started touching him as he when thru. At first he was a bit skittish, but by the third try he was comfortable. I think what I respect in your knowledge and experience is that you want people to think on their own and if it doesn't work "by the book", vary it a little. Am getting lots more confidence and will work more toward that. If you sit back and think a bit, because I am not that knowledgeable about horses movements and interaction, you can kind of logically figure it out.  Thanks for the encouragement -- you're the best !!!

Lassen
It was so exciting at Comstock Animal Hospital last week to have them instantly see the difference in Lassen's attitude. Told them that I had started working with you and the comment was instantly that it was no wonder he was doing better because you were one of the best around. You have a great reputation and that is something you have had to earn. I just feel so lucky that you found some time for me and Lassen and gave us a shove in the right direction. THANKS !!!

Paula Lenz
John and I took Kit to Rebekka Rhodes today for a lesson. It was all ground work homework assigned for us, but she did ride him. She is great. The entire lesson was valuable. She is very intuitive. She said it was appropriate for me to be afraid to ride him--he is also afraid to be ridden! So, we will do ground work until next Thursday  for our next lesson. I am looking forward to it. Paula Lenz  

Jean
Hi Rebekka and Mark, I received this message from Paula Lenz and thought you should read what folks are saying about you. My reply to Paula included these words: "Reno is blessed to have such an accomplished horsewoman and communicator-for us humans". "I always love going for lessons." "I learn so much just hanging on the rail." "I have lots of homework to practice." I simply can't say enough about the two of you and our new relationship with equines. Thank you so much! -Jean

Alissa and Faith
Dear Rebekka and Mark, We have learned so much with you. I feel that Faith and I are a team now, and when Faith tries to be the leader of the team, I always have a way to tell her no, now. Every day she stops testing me, little by little. Thank you so much for our training! - Alissa and Faith

Suzanne Aiton
Dear Rebekka and Mark, Thank you for taking the time to work with Faith and for giving us great "tools" to work with her! You are wonderful!" - Suzanne Aiton

Jean Harris
Taffy & I are making such progress. I just love to ride her now as each day is a learning event for me. She is going to blossom (WE are going to blossom!) I have a clear approach to her sour activity, thanks to your help :) and she is exhibiting that behavior less and less. We work on separation from Broso on each ride, which has been nearly each day. She is really a nice horse when we communicate on the same level. I'm doing a fair amount of ground work in the area of respect and I can see where it's translating into the saddle. I'm doing the plastic bag on the carrot stick thing (as you described to me) each day and she's becoming more desensitized with every lesson. We're having fun and I'm inspired and that is a good thing!!!  - Jean Harris

Cheryl
Rebekka, Thanks so much for Sunday. I am still thinking about my great step forward with KC and our progress together. When you asked me what I learned and I said that I really could get her to do what I wanted. That was only a very small part of what I learned that day. I think the biggest thing I learned was to ride with my eyes and my body and not my eyes on KC's head. I could not believe the difference it made. Next was to be persistent with my cues to first suggest, then ask, then demand if needed. I think KC respected that also. Lastly to stay calm, relaxed and quiet (the scream, I couldn't help it just came out, but I was not afraid of falling off in fact I didn't even feel like I lost my balance) and have confidence in myself. Today when I went out to see KC it seemed like she was watching me differently. When I went into her paddock before opening the gate I told her back and she moved back without me touching her. Thanks so very much from both of us. Maybe we are starting to click now. When could you come up next. - Cheryl

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