Paige Johnson

May 2, 2010

When the BLM recommended I call KJ to help train my Mustang, I believed he was Sitka’s last chance at becoming a useful trail horse.

Two months earlier I had sent her away to a “highly recommended” trainer.

When I got her home, it was very obvious she had been abused.  Sitka was covered with whip marks, had wounds all over her body, scraped front knees from being hobbled during saddling and had lost a significant amount of weight.  She still could not be saddled, bridled, or ridden.  Her trainer said she was the most athletic and bucking horse he had ever “trained”.  (I use that term loosely here)  He also actually said he was afraid to get on her because he had been bucked off and injured a number of times.  I was told that Sitka was a “rank mare” and that I would never be able to ride her.  When we got her home, we gave her a week to settle back in and heal, but were very concerned about her train-ability.

That is the horse that KJ began to get to know and attempt to earn her trust.  From day one, she responded to his calm, patient, encouraging demeanor.  He did not rush this troubled, three-year-old mare, but instead approached her training from an angle that appealed to her from the very beginning.  Within 2 weeks, she was standing to be saddled, bridled and taught.  He was able to instantly see what techniques worked with this particular horse and convince her to do what he asked.  I believe his extensive experience with mustangs has honed his skills.

Now, after three months under KJ’s training, Sitka is able to move under different gaits on command, back, whoa, side-pass, roll-back and ride out on trails with KJ aboard.  He has not only turned my supposedly “rank” horse into an interested learner, but has also taught me to become a better rider at the same time.

Currently, he is training Sitka and me to become soccer players and we both are having a “ball” with that.

Both Sitka and I continue to work with KJ a few days a week;  we benefit and learn from each lesson.  I would urgently encourage anyone with a horse needing training or polishing, mustang or any other breed, to call KJ for help.  You will not be disappointed and not a single penny spent will be wasted.  KJ brings out the very best in every horse and rider.  Good luck on your equine journey!