Training Client Comments
Grace Baldwin
I could not be more happy with Amelia and her amazing training to help my horse Luke gain confidence to get in a trailer! He was self loading in less than an hour and she broke everything down for me so I could be just as successful doing it on my own moving forward!! He is a pretty claustrophobic boy and she helped him gain confidence so he was able to relax nicely inside. Highly recommend! She knows what she’s doing.
Danny Dunaway
Amelia is one of the best young professional trainers in the business. She treats her clients as she would want to be treated and their horses as if they were her own animals. She keeps you well informed of the progress made or if there is the need to take a step backward with the horses well being always at the forefront.
Her honesty and dedication to her profession is refreshing and a hard quality to find these days.
Always strives to bring out the best in the horse and you will get more than your money's worth in return.
Amelia has trained one horse for me and currently has a second one at this time training for Cowboy Mounted Shooting and both are now a pleasure to work with.
My choice of trainers all day, everyday!
Her honesty and dedication to her profession is refreshing and a hard quality to find these days.
Always strives to bring out the best in the horse and you will get more than your money's worth in return.
Amelia has trained one horse for me and currently has a second one at this time training for Cowboy Mounted Shooting and both are now a pleasure to work with.
My choice of trainers all day, everyday!
Rebecca Blouse
Amelia has done an amazing job with my 3 yo mustang, Ainsley. I have always been extremely cautious with and picky about who handles my horses, so the decision to send Ainsley off for training for 60+ days was not one I made lightly. Amelia was great to work with my crazy schedule (night shift, shift work as a public servant) and came to my property half a dozen times over a few months to meet me and Ainsley and give Ainsley a jump start for when she started her 60 days. Ainsley took to Amelia right away. She has currently been with Amelia just shy of a month, and I could not be happier with the results I’m already seeing! Ainsley is just thriving under Amelia, and I can’t wait to see what all we accomplish together.
Millie Jones
Amelia has been a great help with working my young mare. Always professional and always on time. Wonderful to work with a young trainer that truly wants to help you and your horse.
Jeanne Harrison
We started working with Amelia in January 2020. Our daughter had been riding horses through various barns and we were ready to purchase a horse for her to live her dream of barrel racing. In her very thoughtful kind manner Amelia worked with us to understand what type of horse we would want for our daughter. She helped us locate the horse that was the perfect fit. After we purchased him, she began working with our daughter to understand how to ride for barrel racing, and worked with him to help with various problems. She is extremely knowledgeable and I trust in what she is advising anytime we face an issue with him or between him and my daughter. As a result of her training, our daughter has qualified for the world barrel race in 2022. I highly recommend Amelia as a horse trainer and as a teacher for children, teens and adults. I have developed a significant level of trust with Amelia and would not work with anybody else. I am thankful every day that she is working with my daughter.
Marti Perry
I bought a horse a year ago was told she was kid friendly and trail ride safe; unfortunately she was neither! As a 65 year old rider I needed a safe ride. I had her with Amelia Joyner over this past summer and I now have the horse that I thought I bought! I would highly recommend Amelia and Joyner Up Horsemanship to anyone who needs help as a rider or with their horse, she’s amazing! Cricket and I thank her.
Shaylynn Wilbourne
I contacted Amelia because my gelding was crow hopping and kicking out when asked to canter..
contacting Amelia was the best decision I could’ve made for me and my horse. She is such a sweet, kind hearted person. She is an excellent trainer!! My boy was fixed in pretty much just one session with her, I was so surprised in the difference with my gelding since having Amelia out to help. I cannot thank her enough for helping dreams come true for my gelding and I. I will contact Amelia for all training needs from now on! If you’re experiencing any issues with your horse do not hesitate to reach out to Amelia, she will do right by you and you will see a difference in your horse!
contacting Amelia was the best decision I could’ve made for me and my horse. She is such a sweet, kind hearted person. She is an excellent trainer!! My boy was fixed in pretty much just one session with her, I was so surprised in the difference with my gelding since having Amelia out to help. I cannot thank her enough for helping dreams come true for my gelding and I. I will contact Amelia for all training needs from now on! If you’re experiencing any issues with your horse do not hesitate to reach out to Amelia, she will do right by you and you will see a difference in your horse!
Deb Sparma
2020: Amelia has been amazing working with my 6 yr old Arabian gelding under saddle. Heist was a halter horse who was very nervous and did not have a lot of confidence. He also got sick and lost a lot of weight.. I've purposely taken time with his ground training to help build his strength, balance confidence and trust. This year Heist was finally ready for the next level of training and Amelia has done great with him. He is now working under saddle and I couldn't be more proud of his progress. Amelia has been patient and Heist has responded well. Looking forward to his future. THANK YOU Amelia Efland Joyner
Update 2021: Wanting to add to this from last year as I have continued working with Amelia since then as she has been great with Heist. Amelia has been coming to where my horse has been for over a year. 2 months ago Heist was able to go to her. The time and consistency has paid off. I visited him every week and he was very content and treated well. In fact, he came home in better condition than when he left!!! He has more confidence and is learning to focus much better. I recommend Amelia to anyone who asks.
Update 2021: Wanting to add to this from last year as I have continued working with Amelia since then as she has been great with Heist. Amelia has been coming to where my horse has been for over a year. 2 months ago Heist was able to go to her. The time and consistency has paid off. I visited him every week and he was very content and treated well. In fact, he came home in better condition than when he left!!! He has more confidence and is learning to focus much better. I recommend Amelia to anyone who asks.
Lilly Sharples
I have a horse who used to load onto the trailer well, and then got to the point where it would take 30 minutes to load her. Amelia was able to find the base of the problem and get her self-loading again in less than an hour. Highly recommend her for trailer issues!
Krista Moody
After a long ordeal loading one of our horses we decided it was high time to get professional help. Amelia was recommended to us by a friend and she certainly lived up to her reputation! In less than 2 hours our stubborn gelding was walking on the trailer without any hesitation and by the time she was done he was self loading! Amelia's methods are thoughtful, safe, and effective. She stays calm and collected despite any antics the horse throws her way. I would highly recommend Amelia to anyone! We are looking forward to continuing to work with her and our horse on some other behavior and training issues.
Lindsay Gore
Anyone who knows Flynn, knows that we’ve struggled with trailering issues for the 3 years we’ve been together. I have seen it all with this boy! None of your normal methods work. Those that have participated know that we’ve tried anything from a butt rope, to food, to lunging, to just plain begging him to get on. It has taken anywhere from 1-5 people on any multitude of different trailers. I finally have had enough so I called out my trusted friend and trainer, Amelia Efland Joyner!
Honestly, I wasn’t sure how Amelia would have any different results than I had had for several years. I hoped she could help though! In an hour and in her own way and method, she fixed my horse! I was amazed to watch my horse load and stand calmly and quietly on the trailer waiting for her to ask him to get off! He was able to be loaded alone and with a friend with no issues!
YALL! Amelia is a miracle worker! She is so gifted with horses. She is able to fix the issue, explain it to you, and teach you how to do it. I cannot say enough good things about her and I’m so thankful she is working with us!
Call her! Message her! No need to stress about a problem again, she can help a one hour session saved me a month of having to send him off to a trainer! It was WELL worth the money.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure how Amelia would have any different results than I had had for several years. I hoped she could help though! In an hour and in her own way and method, she fixed my horse! I was amazed to watch my horse load and stand calmly and quietly on the trailer waiting for her to ask him to get off! He was able to be loaded alone and with a friend with no issues!
YALL! Amelia is a miracle worker! She is so gifted with horses. She is able to fix the issue, explain it to you, and teach you how to do it. I cannot say enough good things about her and I’m so thankful she is working with us!
Call her! Message her! No need to stress about a problem again, she can help a one hour session saved me a month of having to send him off to a trainer! It was WELL worth the money.
Mary Anne Hubbard
Amelia is very confident, patient and knowledgeable. She works well
With the foals, initial training and retooling after years of neglect. Amelia is thorough and shares insights and ideas to train the riders/owners for proper follow through.
With the foals, initial training and retooling after years of neglect. Amelia is thorough and shares insights and ideas to train the riders/owners for proper follow through.
Baxter Smith
We have just recently rescued an ottb this July. With our ottb just off the track and not having much training, we looked into Amelia’s training services and it’s been the best decision! She has such a gift with horses, and has the ability to see beyond what needs to be worked on and focuses on a positive outlook. She enables the horse and rider to build a beautiful partnership.
Kristan Johnson
Can’t say enough good things about Amelia! She was able to accomplish in just one session what would have taken me weeks to do on my own with my colt getting going under saddle and also helped my mare gain confidence and trust. Anyone looking for someone to get one started or work through and issue I highly recommend having her do it. Not only is she prompt and professional, she talked me through everything she was doing, answered all my silly questions along the way and kept me informed during sessions even when I wasn’t present!
Bethany Moats
My horse was a nervous loader who had, in the past, taken over two hours to load. While he was progressing with each trailer ride, we were not able to practice often enough (no trailer of our own) to help him gain the self-confidence he needed to be comfortable and relaxed, and I was worried that we might have a big setback because each loading experience was pressure-filled with deadlines and places to be. Amelia stepped in to fill the gap by coming out to our place with her trailer for a stress-free loading day when we didn't have the pressure of needing to be somewhere breathing our necks. In just over an hour she had my gelding self-loading. He was super relaxed and calm the entire time she was training him. She took good quality time at the beginning of the lesson to review the groundwork she was going to be using so that there wouldn't be any mixed messages while practicing. She gave him the space to snort and think things through, so that it was really a learning experience for him and not that he gave in to badgering. I am so impressed by her easy way with him, and how calm she kept the entire process. I will definitely be turning to her with any future training needs!
Jessica Jova
Amelia works miracles with teaching horses to load. She succeeded with a particularly tough case who had stumped several other professionals. She is fantastic to work with and I recommend her 100%!
Carmela Underwood
Amelia is a great trainer. I owned a horse she worked with and this horse was amazing to ride!
Katie Powell
I got my young giant ottb back in February, and at first he was ok loading on the trailer, but as time went on it took more and more to coax him on, until this past weekend where he just outright refused. He has a habit of running backwards to get out of doing things So I knew it would be easier on both him and I if I got someone with a better understanding of groundwork to help us out, and Amelia was recommended to be. She was able to come out promptly, and lo and behold after an hour session my guy is happily self loading! he got in and out of the trailer with no freak outs several times. My guy tends to be pretty reactive and can shut down when he gets upset, but she worked so well with him and he made actual progress so quickly and it didn't end in frustration on every ones part! I would absolutely recommend Amelia if you have trailer loading issues, and I'm confident she is good at working on many issues your horse could have.
Alicia McClelland
I love Amelia, great with the horses and such an amazing person that is just great to be around, wonderful to see the results as she's training recommended in my book!
Hope Digh
Amelia is great! She helped our barrel horse with turns and speed! After just a month there was a huge difference! She even encouraged us to come and watch her work with him! Thank you Amelia!
Kelly Gay
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!
Tara Schillumeit
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!
Liza Williams
"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.
Dr. Debra Holden & Richard Cowart
"We were so lucky to find Amelia! We had a quarter horse 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
"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!"
***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!"
Carri Deeney
"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."
Sara Kowalewski
"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!!"
Taylor Hall
"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
"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.”
Kathy Evans
"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!"
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."
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."
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!"
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!"
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!!"
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."
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."
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
