Lessons:
"Equine (LEAD) is a great place for beginner riding lessons. My 7yr old daughter absolutely loves riding Reba and can not wait for her lesson each week. We drive 30 minutes every week because it is so worth it! Reba is so gentle and very well trained. Such beautiful horses they have. Debi, her instructor is so great with my child and teaches her not only how to ride responsibly but also how to take care of the horse. This has taught her so much in a short period of time. She enjoys the one on one time she gets from Debi. My daughter actually said, I love her, I love the way she talks and laughs mom, she s so nice :). The one lesson we had to miss, my daughter cried...if that tells you anything! So I would and have told my friends and family to take their kids there and they wont be disappointed." -Cassandra K, St Marie, Il
"I have been taking lessons with Debi for about 2 months, and it s been wonderful. She is patient, knowledgeable, and fun to work with. It s clear that she wants to give the rider whatever experience they want, and will work with you at whatever pace you feel comfortable with. Debi is very in tune with your needs, the horses needs, and how to help you feel comfortable and improve your riding. Debi s horse, Reba, is an incredible horse who can adjust to lots of types of riders. She s a sweetheart! I highly recommend Equine LEAD for anyone, whether you are an experienced rider or someone who just wants to try it out." -Michelle D, Flora, Il
"My daughter had riding lessons with Deb and Reba (the beautiful horse). She absolutely loved her rides. Deb had a great format to her lessons. My daughter learned how important it is to care for the horses well. Then she got to ride Reba, which she just loved doing!! She got to know Reba and was really comfortable around her. Reba made that part really easy because she's a very docile horse and connects well with children. We would still be taking lessons, but am really happy for Deb's move to her new home. I would recommend Deb and Reba to anyone wanting to find lessons for their child!" -Sherri W, Champaign, Il
Workshops:
"I learned to tune into my inner self and listen to my body and learned to be confident with my actions."
"Overall a very positive experience. Very good basic seminar for those wishing to explore self awareness, and finding presence in the moment. Debi's love for horses is apparent, as well as her desire to share their healing presence in our lives. Very good environment. Lovely, well kept farm. Wonderful work in progress." -Patricia, Noble, IL
"I learned new skills to implement in my personal and working relationships as well as my Equine interactions."
"I was pleased to be part of one of Equine LEAD's sessions. At a time that my stress level was at a high and time just never seem to have enough I went out of my comfort zone to learn more about a new local business. As soon as I pulled off the highway and turned toward the facility the country setting put me at ease so by the time I stepped out of my car I was starting to take in the beauty of not being at a desk or lots of people. As Debi started the program and asked a few questions my mind started clearing the “clutter” and thinking of what matters at the current time. I was amazed at how much my mind was free of stress before we entered the pasture. As the sun was setting and we watched the horses, I could feel the stress and anxious feelings melt away with the sun and right before the end I realized the horses felt it too. After thirty minutes inside the fence with them they walked up to me and waited for me to touch them. That was when an ever changing moment of how people and animals are was showcased to me through horses. Just because I was not being mean to them or showing my upset emotions, the horses felt my tension just as family, co-workers, and customers do. That is when I understood the importance of “An Evening in Horse Time” could be a value to individuals and businesses. It may not be what you say or do, it is the feeling you give others that lets them know to not approach you. I recommend speaking to Debbie about what you or your employees are struggling with, let you bring a program that brings out the best for you." -Jessica Buckels, Executive Director Olney Chamber of Commerce
"I learned how to differentiate between certain emotions, and how to start becoming my Authentic Self."
"Have an open mind...
Having an open mind made this workshop very interesting. The exercises were “weird”, but very helpful – especially when Debi had us stand relaxed, close our eyes and just think about different parts of our bodies and how each part was feeling. Just being aware of things really brought certain things to my attention – which is what it was intended to do.
This is the part I put to good use when loading my horse the next time. I didn’t realize I held my breath quite that much (I knew my nerves would get to me and was projecting this to my horse, but I didn’t know just HOW much). Well, I did my best to just pay attention to my own body and to accept how I was feeling and to relax my breathing more. I needed to relax my stomach more and breathe more deeply. It worked! My horse went right in the trailer and stayed there! And this was the horse that has had several bad trailer rides (with other people driving). I drive like a grandma when I have my horses in the trailer to hopefully avoid any more of that type of thing happening….
Incidentally, this has also helped me to sleep better. I’ve noticed for some time that I was tense when trying to fall asleep. Now, I can think about each part that’s tense and just notice it – not even necessarily trying to do anything about it – and somehow I relax and stay asleep. I used to wake up every time I turned over, but am sleeping much better now.
If you get a chance, you might try one of her workshops – it will help you in more ways than one." -artcountry1