 | ||||||
| ||||||
| ||||||
| ||||||
As a horse trainer, Chelsie is extremely patient and knowledgeable. She realizes that she is training the person as well as the horse, and she does so with support and explanation so you understand the "why" of what you are doing. Her methods may not be the fastest quick fix, but they get to the heart of the problem and improve your relationship with your horse.
In my private lessons, Chelsie is focused on me and my horse and targets the problem in order to make progress. She is able to see the larger picture of where we are headed and plans a route to get there. She is amazing in working with children, too. With Chelsie's instruction, my 3-year-old daughter learned to stop the horse in a fraction of the time I did.
Chelsie is more than just a horse trainer. She has helped me with health issues, hoof issues, saddle fitting, bits, as well as finding the right horse for me and my family. What an amazingly talented woman!
--Lucinda Sinclair from Show Low, Arizona
(Crazy novice owner of four horses>> who has learned SOOOOO much over the last 8 months of working with Chelsie!!!!)
Testimonials
I have been working with Scotch using her techniques and can't believe the results!!!! Chelsie is amazing!!! - Hillary
“A wonderful experience for me and my horse!"
-Linda Steen
(Clinic Participant)
“A stress free, fun, learning experience for horse and rider!”
- Sally Reeves (Clinic Participant)
“I felt like I was really communicating with my horse for the first time! We totally bonded at this workshop! It was amazing!” - LSH
“An excellent confidence builder for both horse and partner!” - Nyla Greer (Clinic Participant)
“She has a very balanced approach... I enjoyed the clinic very much!” - Leeann Walden
(Clinic Participant)
“Even as a non-participating observer, I learned a lot! I was very impressed with her abilities, and she is a very good teacher!” - Jean Good
(Clinic Auditor)
"Chelsie has really helped me personally with my riding, and understanding my horse. I know my horse and I wouldn't have the close relationship and mutual understanding what we do without Chelsie’s guidance.” - Kassie Parmely
“The thing I keep telling my friends is, ‘Man, I learned a lot!’ The two things that really impressed me were how much knowledge Chelsie shared, and what an excellent teacher she is! I’ve been at this for quite awhile, but only picked up bits and pieces before. It was really cool to see how it all fits together! For example, I’ve always had a terrible time teaching my horse to side pass. But now I realize what my horse needs to learn first! The light bulb went on, and I said, ‘AHHHH!’ The clinic was very well organized and a very productive day! - Vicki LaBelle (Auditor at our Miniature Horse and Pony Clinic)
"Please pass this on:
Thanks to Chelsie's guidance, from the first try and at least a dozen tries since, Scotch drives into the trailer, stands there and waits for me to come in, and backs all the way out--then comes right back in on his own. Additionally, Jewel is backing out of her stall without a problem.
Best Regards,
Hillary Peterson" (Private Lesson Client)
| ||||||
“The clinic went really well. Chelsie is a clear and concise instructor. Most of us were pretty green and inexperienced, but Chelsie was very patient with us. She was very knowledgeable. I liked how she showed us first on her own horse how it should look and then showed us how to do it ourselves. It is one thing to say how to do something, but it is another to be able to show how it is done. She was great.” - Rhonda Kloster (Clinic Participant - Miniature Horse and Pony Clinic)
| ||||||
"Chelsie came all the way to Circle, Montana to help Echo and me get prepared for the Helena, Montana and Fort Collins, Colorado [Reis Ranch] tour stops. Her confidence, patience and clear instruction were extremely helpful. What I found amazing was Chelsie is only 21 years old. The maturity and knowledge that she has was trully an asset in helping me communicate with Echo. As I prepared and participated in the friday rides, I remembered all the "key" information and coaching that I received from Chelsie. I was able to get endorsed in Freedom and Awareness ground school and round pen at the [Reis Ranch] tour stops... Thanks so much Chelsie for all your help an I look forward to working with you in the future."
-Mary Skyberg, Circle Montana (Private Lesson Client)
| ||||||
"Our gelding Cody tended to balk before loading. The loading process had evolved into a battle of wills between the two of us.
After using the techniques detailed in your loading DVD, Cody was jumping in and out of the trailer with little prompting from me.
It is such a relief to have Cody load without the anticipated struggle we used to have. Cody seems to think so too.
Thank you so much,
Jill and Cody"
| ||||||
"Recently my gelding and I attended your clinic in Pauldon AZ. Since attending, I have noticed a marked difference in the way Cody and I interact. Using your techniques when working with Cody makes him more relaxed and open to learning. I have found myself more relaxed and enjoying my time with such a wonderful young horse.
There is much more we need to learn, but the clinic has given me a sound foundation to begin. In the future, I hope to attend other clinics to improve my relationship with my equine companions.
Thank you so much for your time and expertise, Jill and Cody
| ||||||
| ||||||
| ||||||
"Hi Chelsie... Your Paulden Clinic was AWESOME!!! I am feeling sooooo much better, despite Pu's behavior. I have really gained confidence in Jackson and myself...GREAT CLINIC CHELSIE!!!
-Chris Fonoti (Clinic Participant)
| ||||||
| ||||||
Hi Chelsie,
I write a column on clicker training for the Charlotte Examiner. Today's article was about natural horsemanship halters and lead ropes. I found your excellent YouTube video about how to tie the halter and included it in my article:
I listed your website below the article for more information and you are now permanently listed in the right hand column of my page under Natural Horsemanship resources along with Parelli, Clinton Anderson, and others. I'm very happy to have found you on YouTube and will likely use your materials again for future articles.
Thank you!
Eve Alexander
| ||||||
Hi Chelsie (and Leslie),
I got your DVD with the kind note on Saturday. I watched it yesterday and was sooo inspired, I wrote this article: Chelsie Kallestad - 5 Horse Training Principles. Hope it helps!
Eve Alexander
| ||||||
Hi Chelsie,
That was a great demo... all the comments I heard were positive and everyone was very impressed at your knowledge and skills. My friends, Lynn and Cindy thought you were great and learned some new ways to work with their horses.
Since I was picked in one of the drawings, I'll write a thank you to the sponsor, which is what we learned to do when folks donated things to the school. Everyone appreciates a "thank you". So thank YOU for all the help you've given me!
-Chris
| ||||||
| ||||||
| ||||||
"Hi Chelsie,
Just an update... after only a few minutes, Max put head to the floor with the rope on. He also put his head down as I lowered myself. I am going to do this daily and then hope to progress onto next stage. Playing these games (as I call it) really works. I also did the rope wiggle when he tried to bite me. He didnt do it again.... Also, my two old was
Note: This testimonial was written in response to advice received on Facebook through our "Ask Chelsie" forum. You can read the Q & A at: Ask Chelsie #37. The client also refers to advice about "wiggling the rope" - this is from Ask Chelsie #25.
biting me and even bit my bum whilst I was closing the gate. I only need to do the rope wiggle once now and he doesnt do it again...great advice. You are great."
-Gail Elsworth from Bacup, United Kingdom
| ||||||
Hi Chelsie,
…I was so inspired by you. What an awesome person you are… I adore you and your big friends. Thanks for finding [and helping] other people like me…to accomplish…dreams.
R.M.
| ||||||
"Our gelding Cody tended to balk before loading. The loading process had evolved into a battle of wills between the two of us. After using the techniques detailed in your loading DVD, Cody was jumping in and out of the trailer with little prompting from me. It is such a relief to have Cody load without the anticipated struggle we used to have. Cody seems to think so too.
Thank you so much,
Jill and Cody"
| ||||||
| ||||||
"Chelsie,
I had such an enjoyable time with you and my horse yesterday! I can't wait until you come back.
If anyone is interested in taking lessons from you in the Cave Creek/Desert Hills area - they are welcome to ride at my place with you.
Thanks and hurry back,
Lynda Takeda" (Private Lesson Client) - Desert Hills, Arizona
| ||||||
"You are tooooootally awesome!!!..."
-Sara S. Shalda, Grand Rapids, MI
| ||||||
Chelsie,
You do SUCH a great job explaining natural horsemanship with your answers. I always read your responses....Thanks for sharing your gifts with all of us. All the best.
-Lauren Franciosi
| ||||||
Lots of great advice! I'm always leary of people who say they are horse trainers,but Chelsie is the real deal.
Thanks,
Marty Wheat From Mobile, Alabama
| ||||||
Dear Chelsie,
Hope all is well, you are the one that inspired me, after the loss of my daughter. I still dont have my own horse but when I do, you will be the one that I will trust in to teach me to how to take care and love my big horse as my bestest friend. You have a gift from God you are truely blessed. What an awesome young lady you are and will always be. Thank you , remember me from Joans, and letters to you as well. I hope in my journey that we will actually be able to work together, so I may learn just a fraction of what comes so naturally to you.
Much Love,
R.M. from Arizona
| ||||||
Subject: You are amazing!!!
"Hello. My name is Rachel. I´m from Argentina. My greatest challenge is to improve my communication with horses. I started equitation when I was a teeenager, but I found my vocation, reeducating and training "problematic" horses. The best thing is that every day you learn something else, and watching what you do with horses confirms it. You are a really fantastic! Best regards."
Rachel From Argentina
| ||||||
"Chelsie,
Your videos are so inspiring! Such trust and love shows through!"
-Carol Signe Johnson
| ||||||
Chelsie,
"Thank you for this video [How to Halter and How to Tie Rope Halter onto your Horse]. I am rope haltering my pony now, and now I know how to put it on etc.
Thank You So Much,
Jessica Alfie
| ||||||
"After a bad fall and a serious knock to my confidence, I felt that I was unable to do anything with my horse, Louie. Chelsie was there encourage me in a very patient way while she worked with both Louie and I to rebuild our relationship from the ground up. She is a great listener and was able to teach me about staying centered and calm while working with Louie. I was able to learn new ways to communicate with my horse. It is the best thing I could have done!"
Kristie O' Connor from Phoenix, Arizona
Chelsie worked with Darlene and Sarah Darst's Halflinger gelding, Artful Dodger, at "Festival of Horses 2009" in Scottsdale, AZ:
"It was good to learn the right way to learn tasks. Chelsie was really good, clear and extremely patient with a gentle spirit! Chelsie is very passoniate about what she does and knows what to focus on, in our case helping our horse respect our space."
-Darlene Darst from Snowflake, Arizona
| ||||||
"My name is Joan Landon and I own a 11yr old mare named Nellie. We have owned her since she was 5 yrs old. Nellie is half thoroughbred and half paint. She was advertised as broke however I soon learned there was a big difference between "broke" and "trained." In the 6yrs I've had her she has been to two different trainers but I was still unable to ride her. She was insecure and had no trust in anyone which made her dangerous to ride.
Then I sent her to Chelsie to be trained and her unique training gave Nellie the confidence and security that she needed. She is much more secure and has built trust and confidence in people. The great thing about Chelsie is that she is gentle and patient when training which helped Nellie become a better, safer horse to ride.
-Joan Landon, Paulden Arizona"
| ||||||
"Hello Chelsie,
I love your work and your horses and see a great work...congratulations from Spain...
Antonio Miguel Diaz Losa from Olloniego, Oviedo, Spain
We received this letter from the organizer of the AZ Youth and Career Fair held in Queen Creek, AZ Oct. 2009:
Chelsie,
Thanks so much for coming to the Youth Fair to do a Presentation for the kids. I had all positive remarks...Thanks again for helping us make it successful!
-Lise
| ||||||
Hi Chelsie...
I wanted to let you know that I do massive amounts of networking, trying to make the world better for horses. Sadly, I am constantly amazed (and often disheartened) to discover how self-centered people are, and how frequently they want to know "what's in it for them" if they agree to do a little something for our cause (which is ALL about the horses, something we who love horses should ALL be concerned with).
YOU on the other hand, have been an uplifting breath of fresh air, and you've restored my faith in mankind. I can not get over how kind and selfless you and Leslie have been since I first contacted you both.
I am so impressed with who you are...thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Melanie Sue Bowles
Founder/Director
Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary
| ||||||
Hi Chelsie!
Thanks again for the wonderful weekend clinic! I learned so much, from tying my halter properly, to backing my horse out of my space, to changing diagonals at the trot! I thought I had much of that down, but I found the details sometimes get away. I really appreciated how much attention you paid to reviewing/teaching us all those details, including showing us how to use the tools properly, step by step. And I had a great time while we did it!
Thanks again, Chelsie. I hope to see you again soon.
Debbie Pearson
