Over the past few years, actual good hands-on type of horse trainers have become scarce around here. Wes and I have paid alot of money out to numerous folks, only to go visit our horses that were supposedly being broke to ride, and those horses would be standing in a stall, once one had actually become scared of people from being mistreated, or just turned out with only a few minutes a day where they actually did anything. Or they were only ridden in a round pen environment, so once we got them home it was like starting all over again to get them used to being on a trail or in an arena. Needless to say, we just gave up hunting for the right trainers.
Then, along came Darren and Dianne Lipham. Originally they came to us looking for some weanlings to purchase, raise up, break out and make riding horses for their large family. As time went by and their colts were weaned and ready to pick up, we grew to know more and more about them and their super abilities with horses. When I found out that Darren and Dianne break their own two year olds out to ride and saw proof of how amazing their colts did, I thought, if I could just get them to ride our young stock, I know they would be treated right. Several months later, I asked Dianne if she would be interested in riding a few of our young horses. She said she had always wanted to do that as a way to make a living, but had never had the chance or the facilities until now. She said she would be glad to start some for us and we sent her Sonnys Rowdy Bar and Tough Silverado Ace.
Both of these colts came home riding like champions. After 60 days, Rowdy would trail ride quiet and calm all day long, other horses could run wide open by him and he would not even tense up, he could back as fast and as easily as he could walk forward, beginning side pass, neck rein fairly well for a young'un, lope off easily, trot quietly, lunge, etc.... the list just went on and on. They even drug stuff behind him! Then they picked up Tough and when he came home he was a changed horse. He had been hard to load, he would break and run if scared or pushed, he was just a typical big two year old boy that had figured out how to get his way. He came home a totally amazing horse. He now loves attention, is quiet and comes up in the pasture for affection, loads easily no matter what the condition, he no longer tenses up when he is asked to do something. He keeps an even head about all things. He rides smoothly and calmly and has learned to trust people.
Since then Dianne and Darren have ridden several more for us. A bossy three year old, and two young immature two year olds. All have amazed me. (One is the background pic for this page.) The 3 year old has been home for 2 months now and has had a total change of heart . She is accepting of anything and everything and doesn't fight or act ugly just because she can. The two year olds, did so amazing that Darren and Dianne even shot guns off of them while on trails and in the arena.
I know that there are alot of my customers and friends out there who want their horses to ride and do well but they don't have the time to do it themselves. Before now, I had no one to reccommend them to take their horses to. Now I do. These folks are the real deal. Wes and I have been unconditionally pleased with every horse that we have sent them and I think you will too. |
