Suzanne (Suzy) Huizenga is a sought-after and much-admired trainer located in Whatcom County, Washington, where she has been training students and horses for over 40 years. She specializes in bringing students and horses along calmly and happily from trot poles to jumping courses in the hunter/jumper rings. Suzy has developed …
As a young and serious rider my teacher would often tell me, “You need to work on your transitions more.” I’d do as I was told, but I never really understood why. I didn’t find them easy or fun, and neither did my horse. Now I’m wearing the instructor’s hat, …
Carol Lynn McArdle is a much-loved trainer and clinician in the Pacific Northwest. She regularly travels from her Whidbey Island farm to teach clinics throughout Washington and Oregon (and beyond). She’s known as an instructor who preserves the cheerfulness and positivity in both her equine and human students and helps …
I often find myself stepping in and taking over when I see one of my boarders struggling to deworm their horse. Recently, a client was getting into a bit of a scuffle with her gelding while performing this task, so I decided to teach instead of do. After the job …
“Horses show up for us time and time again, they hold space for us, and if we listen, they willingly tell us much about ourselves.” Article written by Vonie Kalich Once upon a time, I understood the value of my horse as an animal I could groom, ride, spend time …
Early in my career, hungry for knowledge, I attended many clinics both as a participant and an auditor. Some of my favorites were with Bob Avila and Todd Bergen and I owe a lot of my success to those very experiences. Over my professional career I also gave many clinics, …
Young’s Ranch was founded in 2006 after they got their first Tennessee Walking Horse. After their children successfully showed their horses, Young’s Ranch transitioned from the show ring to focus on all-around riding mounts. For the last 10+ years, they’ve been buying and breeding top quality all-around gaited trail horses. …
Q: I would like to know the best western bit to use Cassidy A: Hi Cassidy, Thank you for your question! So it really depends on too many things to narrow it down to one bit. I use two or three different bits depending on what I’m doing with my …
Does your horse slow down every time you ride by the gate out of the arena? Does he stop or walk like his legs are made of stone as you lead him up to the mounting block? Does it sometimes feel like you’re working harder than he is and that …
The Northwest Horse Source is celebrating Northwest trainers and instructors We believe that connecting riders, trainers, and horses is necessary for success in the horse business. It’s our goal to support the equestrian lifestyle for all our readers. If you’re a trainer who’d like to be featured in the Northwest Horse Source, click here and answer these …
