Testimonials

I started riding in my forties, facing many of the challenges of the adult amateur: limited time and money, aches and pains, sometimes the wrong trainers, the wrong horse, or the right horse going lame.

Through all of this, initially I made quite a bit of progress. But after a number of years, this  progress stopped and I seemed to get stuck .  I understood the reasons to an extent, but knowing this didn’t help. Although I loved dressage and my horses, I felt in such a discouraged place about my riding. I had certainly ridden with good teachers and had (most of the time) a horse to ride but my improvements were so slow or non existent.

I decided to try a lesson with Emily and in the first lesson she helped me make a dramatic change in my seat and the use of my aids. Things I knew but had never really felt or manifested. Old habits that I had not realized were so ingrained.

Emily has an excellent eye and and is really good at finding the right words or images to help you seek the right feelings. She’s kind but not patronizing and persistent but not mean.  Of course the hard work of dressage is up to me – but riding with Emily has helped me to feel I’m back on the right path. —Pim Koenig 2011

 

“…I can’t imagine starting with anyone better than Emily. We started with readying the horse (Nesbit, a great school horse), saddling, bridling, and by the time Emily had me on the horse I was completely comfortable.

Emily is a fantastic teacher. Her ability to understand horse and rider and to communicate the skills needed to produce a good ride is the reason that I was able to accomplish my goals and not give up.

I have enjoyed working with Emily as she is super kind and considerate and professional. I will continue under her training with complete confidence and enthusiasm.” — Linda Davis, 2010 * update* Linda bought her first horse this year! They are doing great.

 

Emily has been training my 19 year old Arab mare and me for 5 years in dressage. I have had horses in my life since I was 6 years old and they are an important part of my life. I am now a grandmother of 6 and a senior citizen. My energy level and enthusiasm for horse activities is high and I am happily surprised because when I met Emily 5 years ago I was contemplating giving up my riding career. I decided to give dressage a try- soon finding the relationship between horse and rider so satisfying- there seems to be a mutual respect and affection between us that I had not known with my other horses.

Emily has been patient, reliable and always professional. She loves horses and is a beautiful, skilled rider, always continuing her own education. She makes you want to be a better horseman. — Nita Schwartz 2011

I met Emily Keene only 9 months ago when she hired me to be her Assistant at the Santa Fe Equestrian Center.  I knew little about the world of Dressage but had been working and riding the horses since the early 1980’s. I have exposed myself to care, barn management, hunter jumper; (which took me to college), veterinary assistance work, mentored under gentleman Cowboy trainers and contracted myself out as a rider for several owners. Emily and I  took to each other immediately. She is an extremely skilled rider with a personal drive to continue to excel with the understanding that you learn something new every time you sit in the saddle. There are several qualities I recognize and commend that Emily has concerning all aspects of being a trainer and a teacher.

Emily’s technique to training a horse is very natural but firm. Her communication skills with the horse are evident in every move she makes. Emily is sensitive to their movements, moods, and dispositions and responds to them accordingly. It takes her very little time to teach the horse to understand how to respond to a proper task request; and for them to do it cheerfully.

She is proficient with ground work, believing that it is the solid foundation for any horse to decide to become a ‘willing participant’. The horses I have seen her do ground work with become more attentive, willing, and supple within a short period of time.

When she is riding a horse , Emily is very attentive to their needs and capacity to learn.  She will not push the horse beyond their understanding. Emily knows when to end a training session and consequently,  horses retain the information and pick up where she left off from the last training session. The horses in her training program excel quickly; find their feet, engage, develop a wonderful top line and become very supple. Emily rides all the horses with an amazing sense of feel. She is firm but gentle and never applies more pressure than least necessary. This shows when you see the horses she has trained and how well they move with little aid.

Emily is a fantastic instructor. She has the ability to communicate clearly with any rider, from beginning to advanced, and make them feel comfortable.  She not only captures their ability and focuses on positives, she also can point out necessary corrections in a manner that helps the rider develop feel. When she gives a lesson she incorporates the aspects of ‘rider’, ‘horse’, and ‘horse and rider’. This is a skilled technique that involves acute understanding of all three and is very difficult for most people to do. It is impressive.

The horse’s diet is another aspect of Emily’s knowledge that is well worth mentioning. She has taken extensive time to research the horse’s needs for supplements and feed. She believes a properly fed horse is a happy horse, and a happy horse increases productivity in any job the owner is asking for.

There are several examples of how well this diet works in her training program. Emily has a 24 year old horse in her training program and on the comprehensive Dynamite program. He has a wonderful coat, excellent disposition, and loves to work. I find that most 24 year old horses start to lose their desire to perform for their rider and this is not the case here; he is attentive, engaged, and incredibly fit and supple, especially given his age.

Another horse who is a great example of Emily’s full spectrum program is in his teens and had been left to stand for a few years until just about 6 months ago when she found him for a client. He was overweight, flat backed, unwilling, and had a dull coat. With the last 6 months I have watched this horse transform back into the horse he should be; he is very willing to work and attentive to instruction, he is developing a fabulous top line, his weight is perfect and his coat has shine and luster. It has been a rewarding transformation to witness!

Over all, Emily is a complete joy and honor to work with. Her instruction is all encompassing and geared toward both a happy horse and happy rider as a team. Emily’s  horse skills on all levels are exemplary and I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking the true knowledge of Dressage and Natural Horsemanship. She is always willing to share her knowledge with a positive attitude and kind disposition. I would recommend her for any type of horse and rider at any level and positively say there would be no disappointments. —Erin Scully 2011

 

 

“Emily is a joy to work with. She is a very kind and patient teacher, and believes strongly in a good foundation for the horse. I showed up with my green 4 yr old TB and needed some good direction for both of us. I’ve been able to ride Emily’s schooling horse to improve my riding and confidence, while Emily works with my young mare to give her the education, confidence and foundation that she needs.

Emily puts the needs of the horse first and never compromises their dignity. She also considers the horse on an individual basis and works on what they need. I love this! Whether you just want to ride for pleasure and be safe or take it to the show ring and compete at high levels, Emily is the one who will get you there. ” — Paula Rosemond, 2011 * update* Paula and Darby are now working very well as a team! Congratulations Paula!

 

 

 

“Emily is consistently caring and honest in her teaching. She truly wants her students to learn. Horses trust and respect Emily, and it’s touching to see them together. She’s both firm and gentle in training them, and never loses her inherent poise, with either her students or their horses. She is kind, and gets results from the horses she works with.” —Felicia Bond, 2010 * update* Domino is 24 years young; he is strong, supple and healthy. He learned his flying changes this summer. What a superstar!

 

 

 

 

“Emily Keene is a consummate professional. Her life long equine skills of excellence in the care and training of horses is tailored to the individual. What sets her apart from many other dressage trainer is her sensitive connection with both myself as a rider and my horse. She saw and felt what my horse was expressing from the first day. Her understanding led him to trust and respect her while she continued to bring out his athleticism and special talents.

I have witnessed nervous, exploding, insecure horses turn into confident performing dressage animals through her tact and kindness. Every animal I have watcher her train, no matter what their previous problems have presented, has been naturally stimulated into a willingness to try so hard. ‘Dressage is hard,’ she will tell you, but she makes a rigorous discipline fun.” —Elisabeth Reed, 2009

 

 

“Emily intuitively knows what you and your horse need to achieve your goals. She has a kind manner, which, with her practical knowledge, gives her the ability to get positive results from the most sensitive of horses. To top it all off, Emily is just fun to ride with!” –Heather Brady, 2007 *update* Heather has been in the program for 4+ years, and was New Mexico State Champion 1st level in 2011 with her horse, Padraig. Awesome job!

 

 

“Emily is unsurpassed with rider and horse body work.  She knows how to get to the root of all those little stumbling blocks using a combination of classical dressage and common sense.  She uses the latest and most effective methods of training, instilling confidence and strength into her pupils. Sonya and I now have a correct, solid, and safe foundation from which to progress through the levels.” -Hillary Underwood, 2011

 

 

“After not having ridden a horse in over a decade and never having learned dressage, I became a student of Emily Keene’s at Keene Dressage. Very quickly, Emily instilled confidence in my riding ability with her emphasis on body alignment and energy awareness. Emily instructs with a balanced blend of patience and enthusiasm. Although she has the expertise to lead clinics, Emily prefers to teach one-on-one. I am amazed at the progress I’ve made in my riding — earning third place ribbons in my first school show — as well as the knowledge I’ve learned from Emily about horse care and horse behavior.” -Aimee Brousta 2011

 

 

I have dreamed about having a horse ever since I was a little girl. Finally, when I was 43 years old, Shiloh Moon, a beautiful QH Paint mare, came into my life. While I was overjoyed with excitement, I also realized that I did not know the first thing about caring for or training this amazing animal. I was terrified. Fortunately, that is when I met Emily.

Both Shiloh and I were new to this situation (yes, we were very “green”)… so, Emily gracefully started us off with groundwork… allowing Shiloh and I to get to know one another. She taught me about how to gain respect from Shiloh, how to “move her feet,” and provided me with the overall knowledge of safe and respectful, horsemanship.

Emily taught me how to properly groom Shiloh, from cleaning her hooves to trimming her mane. She guided me through the basics… from proper bridling, to measuring Shiloh (for sizing a new winter blanket, and bridle).

Emily helped me with choosing nutritional supplements. Shiloh is now taking Dynamite Products;  a probiotic (DynaPro), a fat and protein supplement (HES) and Dynamite vitamin pellets. Shiloh has not coliced since being on the Dynamite program (she did twice before) and her coat is shiny and beautiful. Through the Dynamite program and Emily’s training with Shiloh, she has gained muscle and her whole body formation has changed.

Over the past year Shiloh and I have been training with Emily three days a week. She has given both Shiloh and I confidence, while meeting us at our weak points. Shiloh and I are now horse and rider… and the growing and learning continues! -Danielle Atkins  2011

 

“Dear Emily, I am writing to express our gratitude for the wonderful services you have provided to us in training Index these past several years. Given our history with dressage horses we are acutely aware that the quality of training a horse receives is reflected not just in the competitions won, but in the health and happiness of the animal as well. In this respect, you have proved yourself to be an extraordinary trainer.

After a lengthy period of semi-retirement, you brought Index back to the highest levels of competition, ultimately forming an exceptional team and taking third place in USDF Horse of The Year rankings, 4th level Open.  Importantly, during the same period of time Index suffered no significant medical problems or injuries – quite a feat on any horse, let alone one that is 17 years of age….

Our grooms tell me that Index was happier during the time that you were riding him than at anytime in our 7 years of owning him. Of great importance to me as a manager is the fact that you went to such lengths to get along with and assist our barn crew in doing their jobs. Your ability to sew harmony and cooperation amongst our staff has made my task of managing our operations both easy and pleasant. With warmest regards, all of us at La Mesita Ranch wish to thank you for the services that you have provided over the past several years and we with you the very best as you continue the pursuit of your life’s passion – horses. Very truly yours,” –Joel P Serra, 2002

 

“Emily Keene started lessons with me as a ten year old girl. She shows great caring and love for horses; so I let her work for riding time and lessons. Even as a 12 and 13 year old child, Emily was concerned for the horses welfare and she performed her duties seriously and well.

She has developed into an excellent instructor and trainer. For the last several years she has started all my young stock under saddle and I am extremely pleased with the results. As an instructor for my school, ATA Riding School and the University of Utah, she demonstrates the patience necessary to start beginners and has the knowledge to teach intermediate riders. She is completely honest. She makes decisions well, assumes responsibility well and consistently shows up on time and stays overtime if necessary. Anyone who hires Emily will be gaining an excellent employee. I will miss her.”Sincerely,— ATA Riding School Terry Coppin Owner, 1993

 

“Emily Keene is an equestrian professional of outstanding quality. Her effectiveness as both a trainer and an instructor is hard to duplicate…….(her) approach to training young horses and instructing riders is patient, clear and produces results.” –Carol Helms, 2006

 

“Emily Keene is a skillful, kind, conscientious trainer and an excellent riding instructor. I am especially pleased that I can trust her to do what she has promised without shortcuts….. Her instructions are clear, concise and always helpful and never brusque. She is a consummate equestrian professional.” -Nikki Wells, 2008

 

“Emily Keene has been our trainer for nearly one year-her techniques led to amazing changes in our horses’ behavior. Emily is a practical, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable dressage equestrian My husband and I have never met a trainer quite like Emily, who can assess the training needs of both horse and rider and then set up individualized training programs that get such positive results! Under Emily’s expert guidance, we have come a very long way from being fearful in the saddle to establishing control and ease of riding as a result of her wonderful training program.” -Bob and Grace Hollen, 2008

As a result of her 90 days work with Taloma, I have a very cooperative horse that is both a pleasure to ride and to deal with on the ground. In observing Emily work with other horses as well as my own, all horses are treated with kindness and respect, while also being expected to treat humans the same way. Emily herself has an excellent work ethic and will provide a strong training program based on a solid foundation of basics.” –Jill Stacey, 2005

“I am a fifty seven year old woman who hasn’t ridden much in the last twenty years and was having difficulty feeling safe and secure when I had to get on my young thoroughbred racehorse. I feel blessed to have found Emily to take over transitioning him from racing to dressage. My horse is now quite calm and reliable. And most of all I am thankful for her great patience with me.” –Joan Yatsevitch, 2005

 

“I am amazed at the changes in Marayah (my horse)…. She moves forward with impulsion, responds obediently to the bit and is learning to use her back and various body parts effectively. Her musculature had completely remodeled….The biggest, most satisfying surprise to me is that Marayah is obviously happy and relaxed in her work. Marayah had no work ethic! She can, become surly and combative if pushed too hard. In the past year Emily has accomplished more than I ever thought possible AND Marayah appears relaxed and happy in her work. I highly recommend Emily Keene as both horse trainer and riding instructor. Over the past year I have observed her tech horses and riders of various ages and stages of development. In my opinion she has handled every one with consistently superior results. Emily possesses a very rare combination of talents: she can see a horses potential, design a training program, gently but firmly ask what the horse is capable of, and reward them consistently for effort so they want to learn. I have worked with Emily for over a year and have never seen her mistreat a horse or take a shortcut in her training methods that would be potentially detrimental to the horse. She is also a talented teacher of people and a pleasure to work with. Her explanations and imagery of how positioning and movement of the rider’s various body parts affect the horses positioning and movement have helped me develop a new understanding that will improve my riding forever.” –Mary Anne Schadler, 2005

“I have known Emily for six years, first as an instructor of courses in riding that I took through he University of Utah, then as a trainer for my colt Snickers, and finally as a co-worker at ATA (Alternate Transit Authority) Riding School. Allow me to emphasize her skills in each of these areas. As a teacher, I know what it takes to be a successful instructor. Emily is an excellent teacher, able to use imagery to reduce complex instructions down to easily understood concepts. She is patient with students, but is also demanding (as my sore muscles can attest to after a lesson!). She strives to further her teaching abilities by supplementing her knowledge, and passing that on to her students. I feel that she is an effective communicator, and able to address students needs at all levels. I have seen that she has a special understanding with animals. She is always thorough in their training, is patient with them, and demands perfection from them. I can pick out a horse that has been trained by her when I ride it for the first time because “her horses” are calm, and highly attentive to my commands. Emily is of course an accomplished rider: the joke around the stables is that she ruins her horses for us because none of us can ride as perfectly as she! Emily also works very well with the public. She is a favorite instructor among the students. I strongly encourage you to consider Emily Keene for your training needs: whatever job she is asked to do I feel confident that she will complete it with excellence. We will feel a great loss at her leaving, and hope you are able to put her many skills to good use.” –Deborah A. O’Rourke, 1993