Training Client Comments
Kelly Gay
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I sent my 3 year old Oldenburg filly to Amelia to start under saddle. It's a hard decision, picking a trainer, wondering what you'll get... but I am so happy I chose Amelia!!!! She's the real deal, does what she says, is honest and transparent. She's gracious and humble and fair. She has a calm manner around horses no matter how nutty they act and she has a ton of experience. She's patient and knows the methods necessary to work with the horse not against, and achieve results. I can't recommend her enough! I am beyond pleased with the training my horse received from Amelia! My horse would be considered a "problem", and I was at my wits end with her. In just 30 days Amelia taught her some much needed manners and corrected her under saddle issue. Rici would kick out under saddle and almost unseat you with every single ride. Amelia was able to correct Ricis kicking out and taught me how to prevent it from happening again. I am so grateful to her and her great work! "I was put in contact with Amelia by another trainer who knew her abilities. I have an Irish Draft cross that was supposed to be “trail ready”. He was not. He obviously had been able to get away with a lot of bad behaviors due to his size. Under saddle he would decide when he was done with the ride and start misbehaving by crow hopping, bucking, or rearing. Amelia came to see us and immediately began working on leadership with the horse. She did ground work in the round pen using natural horsemanship. I wasn’t clear on what “natural horsemanship” actually meant but I learned through watching Amelia. She was patient, consistent with her expectations, immediate with her positives and with helping him learn to make better choices in his behavior. It took some time but Amelia stayed with him. She remained calm even when we thought that an issue had been solved but reappeared. I actually cannot believe what she has done with this horse. He is leg yielding, backing calmly, and is beautiful under saddle. He is cantering calmly and confidently which has taken some good work on Amelia’s part. She is not only great with the ground work but is a beautiful rider. I highly recommend Amelia to work with any behavior issue you might have." -Liza Williams of Burlington, NC. 
"We were so lucky to find Amelia! We had a quarterhorse gelding that needed a tune-up before we sold him-- he had been started in Western Pleasure and had some behavioral issues that needed to be smoothed out. We didn’t know Amelia but her web-site appealed to us because she had all the experience we needed, was located fairly close to Durham, was energetic and seemed ready to embrace a challenge-- which we knew our horse would present her. We took him to her for 30 days and it was amazing how he transformed! Within less than 2 weeks, she had his kinks worked out and was polishing him for us to sell. She advertised him on her web-site and found a buyer-- one that was perfect for our horse- another young, trained woman. We wanted him to have a good home where he would be worked by someone who’s better trained than either my husband or I are and she helped make that happen. She is always optimistic, loves any horse she meets, and a delight to work with! She's also very honest, even when she's telling you something hard to hear, which is refreshing to find in a horse trainer! We would highly recommend her for anyone-- if she doesn't think she can help you, she’ll tell you that from the start so no need to worry about being taken for granted." |
Jillian Thompson
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"As an aspiring dressage professional, I wanted to add backing my own horse into my repertoire. Out of 15 horses,we chose our 2 year old Hanoverian for her mind and movement. Her intelligence turned out to be a double edge sword. It was obvious after a few months she needed someone with more experience handling young ones then I on a regular basis. From the first session with Amelia, I loved her style and training methodology. She immediately broke through to Wren, taking her disrespect and channeling it into willing and positive energy. She does a great job being as firm as necessary, but as light as possible - something my sensitive young mare really appreciated. Due to Amelia's ground exercises and handling, Wren has turned from a testy two year old to an eager and respectful teenager. I believe the ground work and base line Amelia is giving to Wren will set her up for future success as a dressage horse. I would recommend Amelia to anyone - she's a phenomenal horse woman and trainer!"
***Update 5/16/16 - "I can't even begin to tell you how well Wren is doing! I've been taking her on trails, in fields, new arenas - she takes it all in stride and so sensibly. She is the softest most correct horse I've ever ridden, and coming along so so well! She's going to be a dressage diva; thank you for starting her so well for me! She goes straight, soft and round w/t/c! She's going so well I am going to do the four year old test with her by the end of the year, and I will tell anyone who asks, that you backed her for me! You are so good at what you do, seriously. I've never had such a clean, correct slate of a horse before!" 
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Carri Deeney
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"Due to an accident my husband is no longer able to ride. His horse Beau went a few years as a companion horse to mine. Such a beauty and so much potential going to waste and getting rusty. I met Amelia with great hopes of getting "Beau" up to par before we found him a home where he could be loved and used. Issues such as loading and being comfortable under saddle were focal points. I, nor any of my horse friends could get him to load. In 2 lessons with Amelia, Beau was happily loading. I was able to ride Beau confidently in a matter of weeks. Amelia applies natural horsemanship techniques in her training. The horse responds to what is asked with an understanding and calmness. That also relays to the rider. Team building has begun. I have seen many trainers "train" with fear as the motivation. I personally do not believe in this method. Neither does Amelia. When the time was right Beau went to a wonderful family,where he is #1. Amelia introduced all of us knowing Beau and this family would click. I am forever grateful. I highly recommend Amelia for all your training and team building needs. -Happy (and safe) Trails, Carri D."
"Amelia is helping my literally "in your pocket" pony learn to stand on his own and NOT in my lap. Saw a positive behavior difference after one session. Happy of the progress he's making. Also appreciate her professionalism!!" |
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"Amelia has done wonders for my horse Nalo. When I first got Nalo he would refuse to go. He would throw fits when trying to get him to go forward he would buck and kick out. Now I can canter him around with no problem. He was also really pushy on the ground and Amelia taught him ground manners. Nalo is my first horse and Amelia has been so helpful with everything. I'm lucky to have her as a trainer and friend." |
Janna Weeks
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"I sent my mare, Jade, to Amelia in hopes of her coming back re-started. Her original training was discovered to be non-existent and I was looking for someone with more experience with younger horses to re-start her. I was and still am impressed with the difference. My little girl is more confident in herself, and has so much more respect for everyone and everything around her. She is picking up her leads very nicely and is generally a much better horse. At 3.5 years old she is acting like an old ranch horse and is pretty much willing to try anything I ask her to. I would certainly recommend Amelia to anyone that is looking for a good, honest trainer who is fair, with both the horse and owner.”
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Kathy Evans
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"I have known Amelia Efland since she was a tiny thing. She has been riding horses since she could walk and has a special connection with all equine she has come into contact with. I was so thrilled when she moved back to Efland. I took my 17 yr old gelding, Keebler, to her as soon as she could take horses at her new farm. Keebler is a very good trail horse and a mediocre fun show horse. He just had a few issues I wanted addressed and she was able to connect with him immediately and taught an old horse new tricks! I have also had the opportunity to see her training first hand. She took a wild 8 yr old horse and in less than 90 days had him saddle broke and ridable, leading well, stands well, loads on a trailer and loves to follow you around the pasture hoping you will give him treats. Even though she named him Kicker, because of the first day she brought him home, he is such a sweet lovable boy now and does not live up to his name any more. I would refer anyone who has a horse that they would like any kind of training or lessons to help them better connect with their horse or fine tune any behaviors to contact Amelia. She is very trust worthy and will treat you and your horse like the professional she is.
Thanks Amelia for all you do for our 4 legged friends!" |
Jessica Whitt
"I can personally attest for the caliber of trainer Amelia is... We have started many colts together as well as finishing and corrective training on barrel horses, trail horses as well as western pleasure and hunter under saddle horses. Her farm will offer top quality training for sure!"
Katie Stathes
"I purchased my 2 y/o mare as a PMU rescue last year shortly after I found out I was pregnant. I had been riding and training for almost 13 years, so I had full intentions of breaking and training my mare after I had my baby, but it didn't work out that way. I had lost almost all my riding confidence (and a lot of muscle) after having my son, so I was having a really hard time just being at the barn. It was really heart breaking not to be able to do what I had loved for so long. I met Amelia in August (2011) and gave her a short history of my new found "riding problem." I felt like Amelia took on my problem personally, and without hindering my pride what so ever she got me on my horse again, and is now training Gemma. I couldn't be more grateful."
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Connie Brannon
"I just wanted to take the time to publicly thank Amelia...once again, for the time she took getting Bandit on the road to a great
future. Not only did she get him moving, moving, moving...she had a huge hand in
finding him his new home. I am very happy with what she did for him and I just
wanted to share that."
Stacy Fowle
"I sent my mare Blue Skipa "Gracy" to Amelia for 3 weeks because I didn't have time to start her under saddle myself. My mare is very skittish of new people and new things, but warms up to them with time. She is also very touchy. Amelia had her out of this in 3 weeks. She had her walking, jogging, & loping under saddle as well. I can now do about what I want with this mare. Thanks Amelia for the awesome job you did with her. I would recommend you to anyone!"
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Misty Quinn
"Amelia did thirty days training on my daughters 2 & a 1/2 year old filly and she did a fantastic job she took her time and covered all the aspects she was asked to accomplish and was very professional about it. I can't wait until the spring when she goes back for barrel training."
***UPDATE from Misty on 7/30/14: "I finally got to ride Gracie after a year off and Amelia, she didn't forget anything, I was so happy. Thank you for a job well done!"
***UPDATE from Misty on 7/30/14: "I finally got to ride Gracie after a year off and Amelia, she didn't forget anything, I was so happy. Thank you for a job well done!"
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Ashley Rice
"I met Amelia in a time where I was struggling with my horse, Tiny, who was becoming disrespectful and out of control. This not so "tiny" thoroughbred got my number and kept it! After only ONE 45 minute session of ground work, Amelia was able to snap my boy out of his disrespect towards me. He was like a totally new horse! I ended up giving him to Amelia, so she could find an owner that was more prepared to handle his personality. I am so glad I made that decision, and still cannot believe how far Tiny had come in just a few short weeks with her. In the future she will be the only trainer I will ever use again, and is the only one I would send a friend to. She is amazing!"
Tori Duke
"Amelia, You did so good working with Pete and Rocket keeping him going and in shape for me while I was unable to ride.... You're a great trainer and rider!! I would advise anyone to come to you for any kind of performance horse training!! You are so easy and soft handed just like I am and my horses responded very well to your techniques!!"
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Kim Parker
"Thanks Amelia for the great work you have done with Bo. Rode him today, out of
the round pen and in a new atmosphere. He did great thanks to your hard work
training him. Definately would recommend you to anyone needing a horse worked
with."
Patrick Trobaugh
"I asked Amelia to help me start and train my daughter's horse Kai. My daughter had just married and moved to California with her husband. When her husband was going to be deployed out to sea she was going to come back and stay with us. I wanted to surpprise her by getting her horse Kai trained. We've had him since he was 6 months old. Amelia started him and had him backing, crossing bridges, walk, trot, canter, ground tie, etc. She just about had him neck reining. Thank you Amelia for helping me out. When I have horses to be trained I know where to take them."
Michelle Criner
"If you're looking for a trainer you've found one of the best! I am completely thrilled with the work that Amelia has done with my geldings. I had just purchased a new gelding who had been kept in a stall for six months prior to my purchase. When the owner brought him out to show him to me he was scary and psycho. But for the price, I figured I'd try to find a trainer and give him a shot. I am so glad I did. She worked with my gelding for about two weeks and then had him out on the trails and my hubby can ride him (complete beginner rider). My other gelding had not been ridden in three years due to a non-equine related owner injury but after watching what she did with the new gelding I asked her to begin working him. On her second day she had him out riding on trails. I was and am very much thrilled. She is gentle but firm and her method is constant. She really knows what she is doing and was never mean or cruel to my horses. I can not recommend her enough. She is also a very friendly people person and Im very glad to have made friends with her. Do not let her age fool you she really knows what she's doing and I highly doubt you would be disappointed! Happy Trails!"
Barbara Silva
"I met Amelia in October of 2010 and knew she was the trainer for me. After 45 minutes of riding my 2 yr old North American Spotted Draft, that had never been saddled or ridden, I was riding her. She is the BEST of the BEST in training, never mind what a phenemonal barrel racer she is. She is firm and kind at the same time and has a great personality. I would recommend her ALWAYS."
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Brandy Anderson
"I first met Amelia when she came out to ride a couple of my horses in training, due to me hurting my back. I don't just let anyone ride my horses, I'm very picky especially when their in training. I watched Amelia's riding and training techniques and was very impressed. I've had her come out a couple times to ride some horses for me when I'm not able to. I would refer her to anyone any day...we are moving and didn't just want anyone coming in here to take over the barn/farm, so that's why I chose Amelia to take over. Best wishes and happy trails to her!!!! "
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Boarding Client Comments
Katie Stathes
"After boarding my mare Gemma with Amelia, we purchased a second horse, Bruce. He is a 12 y/o OTTB and a very sweet boy. However he was underweight, lacking energy and stamina when we brought him home to her farm. With just two months of a corrective and personally suited diet, he has already gained 100 lbs! He is looking more and more like the beautiful TB he should be, all thanks to Amelia. Bruce's TB spirit and energy is shining through! I love having both of my horses at Amelia's farm, it has become a second home for me, and will always be home to my horses. Speaking from personal experience, Amelia is a profound trainer, a superior rider, has a very optimistic attitude and a VERY approachable personality! I could not be more pleased with her, and the care she gives my horses."
Lesson Client Comments
Arianna Villanueva
"Amelia is one of the B E S T trainers I have EVER come across. She has made Tucker and I a much better team. Thanks to her, Tucker and I will be able to compete soon. Her farm is a thrill to be at. It's not all about training and work work work. It's a place to relax and just enjoy the company of friends and your horse. Thank you so much Mrs. Amelia for the experiences you have given me.♥" -Arianna
