“I just wanted to express my thoughts to you about my feelings about you. I have been in this business a very long time and it is very refreshing for me to see a trainer be so honestly open in front of students and the public. Your desire to continue to grow, learn and expand is wonderful, but not always easy. I respect your desire for knowledge for yourself and for the riding community. In my mind you are a positive influence to the dressage community. Thank you!”

– Nancy Baker, DHF Friend and Judge

“I have to tell you, that you are now a true horse professional. Not because the kids you coach win the Championship and not because you get 10’s from Michael Poulin. Instead, you know you are a true professional when you sell the BABY HORSE you raised and trained!!!!! You made it, girl! I’m proud of you!

– Pam Heintz, Jennifer’s first riding instructor, second only to her mother, Lynda Sappington

“I’ve been riding between snowstorms and have been working to address that asymmetry you helped me discover in my position. It feels soooooooo weird! A chapter in Mary Wanless’ most recent book really reinforced what you helped me with. I especially enjoyed your incorporating teaching tips into my riding lesson. I hope to offer better help on position to my students using this material. In fact, I’m not sure what’s involved with teacher training, but I’d like to learn more about that as I progress through this journey.”

[This 2nd part of Linda’s testimonial is interesting b/c it is such a common sentiment of riders who have struggled through traditional dressage methodologies and find the RWYM way to be incredibly eye opening.]

“And THANKS for inviting me to join you for the teacher training in CA. I love the sentence in their description to “leave political correctness at the door!” Wow, as someone who has been trying to learn dressage without the cram and jam of traditional competition dressage, I feel like I found a treasure trove!! I love that it’s for riders of all levels (since I’ve only ridden to first level). Of course, I’m hoping you’ll help me to break through that glass ceiling! :) Anyway, please keep me posted on future dates.”

– Linda Combes, DHF Kentucky Lesson Student

“I learned so much this past year, and some of it was about my riding, LOL, which of course made me realize how much more there is to learn. Endless. I will always be grateful to you. You opened my eyes to a whole different way of riding and have helped so may of us by providing these clinics. If there is ever anything I can help you with, all you need do is ask.”

– Lucinda Lumpkin, DHF Friend

“You are a wonderful teacher--patient, but clear in your explanations and expectations. The lessons were eye-opening for me on many levels. Certainly on a physical level as I began to see just how much change I would need to make even to begin this path. The real surprise for me was more psychological in that I think my perception of “trying” is pretty limited. As I watched myself on video, I saw just how little change I was actually making. Even though my body felt like it was trying, it didn’t look like it at all! Plus, I expected to be muscle sore, but I’m really not! So, I’m going to experiment with my perception of giving 100% (I think I need to take it up to 110%). Also, I watched videos of great dressage riders and saw the truth of those changes you made in me that felt so alien. Pretty amazing.”

– Jaime Corum DHF Kentucky Lesson Student

“Thank you for your patience with my disagreeable leg, occasional A-D-D, and over gabby of the mouth…I have learned more from you in the past year than with any other instructor. You have clever ways to teach and always learning new way to convey what is not easy to explain. You have a true gift. I hope to get back in the saddle again ASAP; I miss you and riding.”

– Nicole Fiedler DHF Lesson Student

“Thanks for putting on such a great clinic. Mary did a great job being attentive, energetic, and focused even with the lessons later in the day! You, your husband, and the other riders made me feel very welcome.”

– Linda Combes, DHF Kentucky Lesson Student

“The Mary clinic was awesome, thank you so much for working so hard to get these events to happen at DHF.”

– Lori Aman, DHF Boarder and Lesson Student

“I wanted to say a big ‘THANK YOU’ for hosting the Mary Wanless clinic! I learned so much just watching part of Sunday and Monday and I can’t wait to try out some of the new “feelages” tomorrow… It means so much to know that Mary’s (and Heather’s, and your) principles are being taught and passed on to young riders. I only wish I could have started my riding out with a RWYM based instructor. As it is, I have to work really hard to eliminate bad habits in order to begin to establish the new good ones! Oh well, it’s the journey, right?”

– Jaime Corum, DHF Clinic Auditor

“Thank you Jennifer for organizing the clinic. It was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot! Please keep me on your mailing list for future programs and special events. Thank you :-)”

– Joanne Gerson, DHF Clinic Auditor

“I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the lovely weekend with Mary. You have a lovely facility and you have surrounded yourself with warm, friendly people. It was a very educational “horsey” weekend. Please keep me posted on Mary’s upcoming clinic in March. I may be able to make it for the weekend session.”

– Melody Carmichael, DHF Clinic Participant

“I didn’t get a chance to tell you before we left, but many thanks for hosting the clinic and encouraging auditors. Your farm is beautiful, we saw a really good mix of riders, it was so exciting to see an emphasis on rider bio-mechanics and also to see Heather in action. A real treat! Thanks Again!”

– Kim Gothberg, DHF Clinic Auditor

“I want to thank Cleopatra and Mark Anthony aka Jen and Lenny Truett for the wonderful show they hosted. The Halloween on Horseback at Dancing Horses Farm was a Blast! The farm was festive, the show management accommodating, the costumes were creative—horse and riders alike. And there were loads of treats for both equine and human participants.

The indoor ring was perfect for warming up; the outdoor despite of all the rain was nicely groomed. Trailer parking was easy—everything about the show was GREAT! Thank you both for your participation in the DLSC circuit. I will definitely include Dancing Horse Farm as one of the places I will show next season.”

– Debbie Keifer and “Bonnie”, DHF Show Participant

“I wanted to thank you for inviting us to come to the show. We really enjoyed ourselves and were very impressed with your facilities. Everyone there is soooooo friendly!!!!! So, hopefully the next show you have we’ll be able to come.

– Jan Jungclas, DHF Show Competitor

“Want you to know I am getting a tremendous amount out of each lesson. I really appreciate how well you can discern what I need to work on and then provide understandable corrections that I can strive to apply. It is a challenge to process all the info, and get it from my brain and effectively put into action with my body but I am enjoying the heck out of it!”

– Paul Boland, DHF Lesson Student

“My 5-year old daughter and I both take lessons with Lindsay. She is able to make our lessons relevant to each of us, in spite of a large disparity in riding ability. She is calm and encouraging and has an amazing ability to see what needs to be tweaked and then describe how to do it. Thanks Lindsay for making it fun to be better riders.”

– Tonia and Emily Montrucchio, DHF Lesson Students

“Tonight I finished my 8th lesson with Lindsay and thought I would let you know just how fortunate you are to have her instructing under you. I have been riding in the Dayton area for over 20 years, but 18 months ago I had a very bad riding accident. When it was time to begin training again, I was looking for a fresh outlook, kindness, and a trainer willing to help me adjust to the limitations I am left with. Lindsay has meet and exceeded my expectations.

Tonight, with her instruction, I felt like a dressage rider again. It is hard to put into words, perhaps “whole” is the closest word I can find.

I also need to thank you for your wonderful lesson horse Charlie! Over the years, I have known many lessons horses and have come to understand what separates a good lesson horse from a great one. In my opinion, Charlie is headed to be your “great” one. He is so kind, willing and has a great mind. Tonight he enjoyed his dressage work and was just a joy to ride. A training farm can only be as good as the lesson horses they have. When your students show this guy in the local shows, I am sure people will take notice. You have made a great choice. As a matter of fact, I have several dressage rider friends interested in coming to take lessons from Lindsay. With a horse like Charlie to ride, they will not be disappointed.

– Kim, DHF Lesson Student

“…I really appreciate you and DHF. You are a wonderful teacher and you have made learning Dressage one of the most pleasant experiences of my life. It was something I always wanted to do, but never could. Not only is it fun, but with your personality, everyone has fun and enjoys the barn, I see it all the time. Thank you for all your teaching, but most importantly, thanks for being a friend!”

– Kara :), DHF Boarder and Lesson Student

“I had been searching for the past couple years for a Dressage trainer to work with me and my Jumpers and Jennifer is just the trainer I’ve been looking for. During our lessons she keeps in mind that Dressage is a secondary interest for me and helps me to improve my horses for the Jumper ring. She’s helping me with my seasoned Jumpers and my young horses just starting out. The difference I’ve seen already in each of the horse’s flatwork and course work is fantastic. Thank you Jennifer! I look forward working with you and my horses in 2009!”

– Heidi Poinsett – Stoneybrook Farm, Dayton Ohio DHF Lesson Student

“I have always been so amazed at the support that everyone at DHF provides—everyone is always so supportive and helpful. I’ve never been anywhere like that.”

– Michele Turner, DHF Boarder and Lesson Student

“…I know Donna is safe and sound. I really feel home after such a short period. It has been a great pleasure to become part of the Dancing Horse Farm community. I am especially excited about the way you care about every horse.”

– Kerstin Hagemeister, DHF Boarder and Lesson Student

“DHF is a magical place where dreams really do come true. I was so fortunate to find Dancing Horse Farm in 2007 and join Jennifer Truett’s lesson program. She is a knowledgeable and gifted trainer and teacher whose instruction has helped me to progress toward reaching my 20-year long dream of riding dressage. Then, in July 2008 she decided that it was time for her beautiful Iberian Warmblood, Nachtwind “Breezy,” to start teaching an amateur what it is like to ride a highly trained champion.

Jen’s experience with horses and riders led her to match me with Breezy and I became her new owner. This is truly the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a horse lover for my entire life and whose only goal is to be an accomplished rider and horse owner.

The horse care at DHF is impeccable, the staff is knowledgeable and caring (especially Lindsay Lechner) and Jen’s husband Lenny is always working hard to keep everything going and willing to help out wherever help is needed.

– Lori Aman, DHF Boarder and Lesson Student

“If you are interested in a top-notch equestrian facility that offers personalized attention for both you and your equestrian partner, this is the place for you! And it’s right here in the Cincinnati - Dayton area!!!

I had been struggling for some time with “suboptimal performance” from my horse and myself and a dwindling self confidence in my riding. Fortunately, when I arrived at DHF earlier this year, I was offered truly competent and holistic coaching by Jennifer Truett, owner and Head Coach at Dancing Horse Farm. She immediately perceived that my horse was not healthy and it turned out he had EPM…..(He actually went on to have a seizure from its complications before the veterinarians diagnosed it). The staff at DHF and all my fellow boarders have been so kind and helpful to both me and my horse who is now making an amazing recovery…People I hardly knew took a special interest in my horse and would stop in just to “love on him a little” or make sure he got out for a walk every day…Others even offered to help me haul him to Lexington for diagnostic work up…(because they felt I should not go alone…)

My horse is making a very good recovery which was enhanced by Jennifer herself making a professional saddle fit adjustment to accommodate his atrophied and sore back muscles. Since Jennifer works with a team of professional equestrians, she enlisted her sponsor, Karen Borné of Borné Saddlery, to help us find a perfect saddle for my horse and me. It is an amazing experience to not be fighting your saddle to stay in a balanced seat…And she is continually assessing the fit as his back muscles hopefully keep developing. (She even lent me her own equipment to use while I was waiting for my new saddle!!!!)

Jennifer is a perceptive, educated, compassionate and passionate coach who teaches all levels effectively. She has an amazing educational background, as does her always supportive, interested and capable husband. She is also an artist, like her mother, and there are not only ongoing learning opportunities available such as regular USDF sponsored clinics, but also lots of FUN activities. If you are interested in riding musical freestyles, Jennifer is your competitive expert. Whatever branch of the sport you want to pursue, you will feel at home here. There is always more than enough room when riding so you never feel in the way, or intruding…either indoors or outdoors.

The staff at DHF has been hand picked and they are the best people I have ever met as a boarder. Even the younger staff feel accountable and capable enough to accurately observe any changes in your horse that needs attention. The senior staff is absolutely wonderful, caring and capable. I have never even worried about my horse since I left him in the care of Lindsay, Jennifer’s right hand woman, and Assistant Barn Manager who manages his EPM medications and it is usually VERY hard for me to not be concerned about controlling such things since I am a former nurse. Lindsay is also a seasoned and educated eventing instructor who adds her positive attitude and experience to the DHF Team. Your youngest children are in the best of hands with her as well. Oh, by the way, the hand picked, available lesson horses here are well maintained in their training and not just ridden by students…something that is all too infrequently seen here in the United States.

If you are planning to board your horse for any reason, you won’t regret joining us here at DHF!!!

– Christina Waite, DHF Boarder and Lesson Student

Looking “stunning” in his Christmas ribbons, Sjolling enjoyed being the Christmas present. (Photo by S. Henke)

My experience from day one with Jennifer and Karen was amazing... I will never again embrace the notion that ‘if it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t’!! After many phone calls, it became apparent that Sjolling & I may be a great match. However, I was unable to get to Ohio to experience Sjolling ‘in person’ due to family responsibilities & my job…never entertaining the thought that it was possible to purchase a horse via the Internet…but I am here to tell you of the positive experience from start to finish.

In a way, I was like an untrusting horse asking for reassurance time and time again that this was the right thing for our family & for Sjolling. The hand holding I received from Jen was steadfast & consistent. She walked me through the transaction step by step, with patience ad infinitum! There was no such thing as a ridiculous question according to Jen. :) So the decision was finally made for Sjolling to come to us.

When Sjolling stepped off the trailer exactly one week to the day before Christmas, he was simply STUNNING with his beautiful Christmas halter & shimmering Christmas ribbons entwined in his French-braided black mane. We were literally speechless & tearful with joy. I will forever remember that exact moment in time. (Come to find out later that Karen acquired the memorable Christmas halter & Jen spent 2 hours braiding his mane prior to his departure from DH Farm. What a thoughtful, special gift of their planning & time!) He then looked at all of us one by one as if to announce his arrival with a ‘So here I am!!!’ expression & nickers. Sjolling then had to be unloaded from the trailer on a rural road & walked up an icy, quarter mile driveway to his new home. He was surefooted & confident.

As for me, I am the mother of a son with autism who loves therapeutic riding, the wife of a husband with Parkinson’s who completely, genuinely supports my love of horses & I’m crazy about dressage. Amazingly, my husband looks forward to spending time with our Big Boy as much as I do. There is no doubt that Sjolling is a horse with a healing spirit for our whole family.

I have now been entrusted to love and care for this trusty steed named Sjolling who will make us all laugh & smile while teaching us about his world & ours. He is the horse of a lifetime & I cherish each & every minute with him. Thank you,Jen & Karen, for making life with Sjolling a reality. I promise to treasure him as much as you have.”

– Sandy Bertacchini Henke & Family

“Although I’ve ridden all my life, most of it has been on Quarter Horses. I prefer pattern classes (equitation, horsemanship) but they are becoming quite rare in the show circuits I participated in. My daughter, Jennifer Truett of Dancing Horse Farm, moved back to Ohio after several years in Maryland and I thought it would be fun to try riding dressage. I started taking lessons from Jennifer in May and discovered that dressage was beyond the capabilities of my aging gelding, Jack.

So the hunt was on. Jennifer had me ride various school horses (Oreo, Teddy and Waldo) as well as a few others (Orion and Daiquiri) to see what kind of gaits I could handle with my small amount of dressage experience and my short legs.

Jennifer and I both looked for horses on the Internet and elsewhere, and I talked to several owners to get more information on their horses. The only one we actually went to see was El Paso Aricos, an Azteca gelding who was for sale in Tennessee and had several videos online. From the videos, Jennifer could tell Ricos had smooth gaits and seemed to be a kind, gentle horse. Long story short, my hubby and I went to Memphis and spent a long weekend trying Ricos out, with the result that he came to Dancing Horse Farm for a two-week trial period. Long before the trial period was over, I knew he was exactly the right horse for me, and Jennifer and Dr. Lukens agree that he’s a really nice horse. I’m really excited about him! Not only is he a smooth, comfortable ride as well as sweet, gentle and cute as can be (he’s always smiling!), he’s also a third level horse, so he has tons to teach me. He’s 3/4 Andalusian, 1/4 Quarter Horse, so his personality is similar to those I’m already used to.

– Lynda Sappington, Jennifer’s Mother and DHF Training Client

“As I have told you many, many times you and DHF are utterly unique—exceptional care, friendly people and ethical business practices all rolled into one magnificent place.

I believe it is safe to say that I have searched my entire life for a farm that provides the quality care for my horse that I expect, the quality of instruction that I demand for my children and the educational atmosphere that is part of daily life at DHF.

I consider my family privileged to be part of your farm and the DHF Family. Each DHF moment my daughter learns something new from friendly DHF staff or a fellow boarder. Each lesson brings her closer to the rider she aspires to be. Each competition she radiates more confidence and poise. There is nothing that makes me happier.

While enduring our lengthy, almost comical search for a suitable horse, you were a constant source of honesty, and strength. It must have been challenging and at times painful because a young girl’s emotions had to be kept in mind when saying “Yes” or “No” to the seemingly endless advertisements for horses; however, I will never forget horse #100, “Riley”. My daughter and I didn’t bring the usual checklist, camera, and cash because truly this had to be our 100th attempt at buying a horse. The only time you had to see him was in less than two hours. The seller agreed and we were off—still without camera and definitely without hope of this horse actually being Jen-approved.

“Riley” is asked to do the usual “tricks” and then a halt. He does it perfectly and looking at me, you smiled and said, “He has great brakes!” At the end of the ride, you said, “I like him. I really, really like him. Buy him!” Three days later, “Riley” was ours. We were in shock! After hours of internet searching, countless emails and farm visits, infinite requests for your opinion, we finally found a wonderfully sane and sound horse. Now he is enjoying The Life of Riley at DHF and there is no doubt that this would not have been possible without your commitment to finding the perfect horse for us.

– Megan Sweeney, DHF Boarder and mother of DHF Working Student