Heather and I have been working toward a common goal of developing a closer relationship with my horse Annie (my evil horse) since October of 2001. It has been a long road, but very productive.
Together, Heather and I have spent many weeks just working in the stall with Annie. Not too many weeks into this process, we had an episode where Annie laid her ears back and charged at us from across the stall. We were shocked! At that point, Heather knew Annie needed an attitude adjustment. Using humane methods that got Annie’s attention and gave her a different perspective, Heather was able to get through to her. Of course, all the while we are working together, I am gaining more confidence as Annie had me buffaloed.
We spent a lot of time doing groundwork. I had to let Annie know that putting her ears back wasn’t going to get her anywhere. When it did come time to ride she was determined to give me a hard time. We took our time and it paid off. I was a bit worried that I would be pulling on her mouth using a snaffle bit. Heather had a solution—we began using a side pull. This one piece of equipment gave me the confidence and ability to relax. Once I was able to accomplish that, Annie and I were ready to accomplish much more.
All the while we were progressing, Heather was very supportive and her patience unbelievable. I always came away from our weekly lesson feeling good about our progress. She has been excellent on keeping our scheduled lessons. Very few lessons have been missed. It had to be extremely cold or wet to cancel. Some bad weather days we would continue our lessons in the barn working on ground work or trail class maneuvers.
In the fall of 2003, Heather thought I might be ready to enter a horse show. With lots of help and support we entered an Arabian Fun Show—October 2003. We were very successful. I entered an in-hand trail class and received a blue ribbon and an adult walk/trot class where I came in 2nd. I was so glad Heather had the confidence in me and pushed me past my comfort level to attend this show.
As of Spring of 2004, we are working on developing a very light contact with the reins and riding more with my seat and legs. This is an awesome feeling to find that a shift in the saddle and a touch of the reins is all that is needed to control this evil horse.
Sheila Graveline—May 15, 2004
Testimonials
Heather is one of the most phenomenal horsewomen i know...not only is she as savvy as it gets but she’s also an incredibly kind-hearted person who is there for the horse and rider...she’s honest and real in her approach and i LOVE that, I think that’s the only real way to be a better horse person as well as a better person in general, for both yourself and your horse(s)...Heather has been so helpful to me over the years and at a horse expo performance in TN a while back, she kept my girl, Jane, all tuned up for me just in time for me to hop on her back and sing a few tunes...it was Jane’s first time in front of an audience and Heather helped us make that performance one I’ll never forget, we couldn’t have done it without her! She’s the real deal:-)
Templeton Thompson
Like so many first time horse owners, we had purchased horses with either health or behavioral problems. We were almost to the point of giving up when Heather started working with us. With Heather’s instruction, training, support and advice, our dreams of enjoyable horse ownership have finally come true! Thank you Heather!
The Greg Underwood family—January 2007
Before I met Heather, I was nervous about riding horses. I’ve always loved horses, but I could never build up the courage to ride them. Then, Heather taught me how to get to know a horse on the ground before riding. Now I’m no longer afraid to ride horses. I LOVE riding! In fact, this year I’m going to start showing my Tennessee Walking Horse “Bailey.” Thanks Heather!
Keri Underwood - 2007
Due to major surgery and a couple of tumbles trying to mount horses, I have difficulty with balance and a proper seat. My love for horses and the pleasures of riding out weigh my fears however my riding skills need improvement and personal instruction.
Over the years, I have read numerous book and magazines, viewed hours of video tapes and attended clinics. In each case I have learned new things but never enough to fulfill my personal requirements. Even nationally prominent horsemen have left me wanting as their techniques are aimed for the masses and they offer little or no personal attention and for a substantial price.
Fortunately, I have been receiving instructions from Mrs. Heather Simmons who first and foremost listened to my concerns and has tailored her instructions so as to assist me in achieving my goals. Heather quickly assessed the capabilities and personalities of my three horses and guided me in their language. With Heather’s instructions I have improved my riding skills and learned how to get more out of each of my horses. I can readily say that I have learned more in less than a year working with Heather than I have in all the time spent with book, videos and other horsemen.
Sincerely, Deborah Belmont
Horse owner and enthusiast
After searching years for my equestrian direction, I know at last I have found my guide. When Heather and I first met, she was very keen on hearing my horse history which was all of three years...
I had only been around horses a little until I received my first horse for my 30th birthday - a life-long dream. Then just months after we bought JD, he and I had an accident while riding in a neighbor's cow pasture. I lost confidence in me and in JD. I tried a trainer, new horses (while keeping JD), a lesson barn and still new horses, but never felt that I was getting anywhere. All I wanted was to regain my horse confidence and ride with the horse, not just on a horse.
So after Heather heard my story, we got started with one of the new horses, Star. She's a mare I bought through a horse trader (that should show my inexperience right there) and she needed solid leadership, but I didn't know how to give it to her or any of my horses. Heather and I started with ground work. She warned me that the ground work might take a while, but she said that until I could control the horse from the ground, she would not let me in the saddle. Control from the saddle starts with control on the ground. After a few months of working with Star, I was still feeling frustrated and Heather would tell me that a lot of it might be Star herself. So I thought about it and decided to work with JD instead. He already had my heart and I felt that by working with the horse and accident that broke my confidence I would come to grips with the real problems.
It's now three and a half years later and I still can't believe how far JD and I have traveled down this amazing road of healing and learning with Heather as our guide. I gained confidence and skills through months and months of ground work. Only when Heather and I both felt great about it, did I get back in the saddle. It was an amazing moment for me that felt so good and so complete. Just to get in the saddle and walk around was such a personal accomplishment. We have continued onward and upward and this year I plan on showing at a fun show for the first time ever.
Heather has made all the difference. She's my horse mentor and I love what I have learned from her and what I will continue to learn from her.
Jackie B.