River Hills Farms in Ankeny, Iowa. References for horse training and riding lessons.

From Heather M., Student from 2004-2006.

I just started owning horses three years ago, and over the last three years, I
have been to quite a few different riding instructors and stables. River Hills
Farms has by far been the most educational and fun place to ride. Jen &
Heather make riding exciting and stimulating. They encourage their students to
challenge themselves. Being a timid rider, I was once scared of speed and am
now practicing the hand gallop and working on jump position. It always
amazes me how Jen can come up with different exercises when I am not fully
understanding what position I need or am having trouble with something.

I have also been fortunate to have Heather out sixty-days ride on one of my
horses. He came to her biting when saddled and not knowing how to really
carry himself. She taught him how to collect, to jump, sidepass, and he was
learning his flying lead changes when I took him out of training so I could take
lessons twice a week.

I would recommend River Hills Farms for anyone wanting to take lessons
(young or old – new to riding or advanced) or for horse training. They teach
and train in a positive atmosphere with an emphasis on achieving perfection.

Heather M.

I have been lucky to find Heather to take lessons with. Though I came into her barn with
some riding experience, I also came in with a special needs horse. Fessor is blind in both
eyes. Heather has helped me transition from riding hunters to riding dressage. She not only
helps with the mechanics of riding, Heather also helps me with the mental side of riding. I
can be a nervous rider at times, and my horse will feed off of that. Heather can help me
remain calm and find something else to think about before I make my horse nervous.

Heather has helped me build my confidence. And that confidence carries over to my horse.
We came in working mostly in the arena at training level dressage. We still school in the
arena. Heather has coached me up into the beginnings of second level dressage. But we also
get out onto the trails and into the fields. And we go to unfamiliar places for horse shows or
clinics. Fess handled the atmosphere of the Iowa games well enough to come home with a
pair of silver medals in training level dressage last July. Then in October, Fessor and I
competed at first level dressage for the first time. We came home with two blue ribbons and
scores of 68.0% and 69.45%!

I am happy to recommend Heather as a trainer. She is willing to work with horses and
riders as they are. Heather takes the time to build a solid foundation for both horse and
rider. The time taken in the beginning pays off later as both horse and rider build upon that
foundation. We all have our challenges, and Heather will help us work around those
challenges.

Theresa, proud owner of blind Fessor