My horse Coal
had some behavioral problems that made me look for a trainer, and when I found Lynn
it was not without reservation. I had talked to other trainers before only to discover that
they were only interested in dealing with show horses, or warmbloods-and the fact is I
own a draft horse. But Lynn was not even phased, and gladly said she would come
take a look at him. She immediately developed a rapport with him and was in a few
short minutes getting him to do things I had tried doing for months. After clearly
explaining to me the lessons we both had to master, she made sure I was able to
repeat what she was doing and gave me a full lesson plan before leaving. I was
shocked when a few days later she actually emailed me to see how both of us were
doing, and took the time to respond to me when I had questions of my own.
Much later in an a unforeseen turn of events, Coal needed surgery on his hooves, and
for him to convalesce properly, we had to remodel his stall and part of our barn. I
boarded him at her stable during that time, and I can attest she treated him with the
very best of care. Not only was he kept physically well, but mentally she gave him
attention as if he were one of her own, and went above and beyond the call of duty.
The specific behavioral problems she addressed that I had sought her assistance in
overcoming were;
1. Throwing up his head to refuse being bridled
2. refusal lead or inversely, running off with the lead
3. When frustrated, kicking at me with his hind end or aggressive posturing
4. Refusal to stand for any length of time
Now Coal is a 16 hand 2000 lb Percheron. But after Lynn used Johns Lyon's methods
with positive rewards and repetition, Coal can now not only be lead with a loose lead,
but turn both directions, back and even ground tie. Something I never thought possible
from him. He has never attempted to kick again, and will drop his head to accept the
bit. Each of the steps in the lessons to teach him this were expertly explained to me
by Lynn, and she made sure I was able to accomplish them. I will say this type of
training is not for those who do not want to be a part of the horses learning. And Lynn
is a hands on trainer who will show you and expect you to take an active role in your
horses progress. After all, for me, Coal would not be much better if he only did these
things for Lynn. But he will now do them for anybody. Lynn is someone who is in the
horse business because she truly loves horses, whether they be big, small, show
animals, or the backyard pet. I can say with full confidence that Lynn has been an
awesome trainer for Coal as well as me, and has changed forever my relationship with
my horse.
- Diana Austin
