Testimonials

The Thunderbird Horse Center Facility speaks for itself and is one of the best in the area. It’s warm and inviting and such a great place to hang out. Neil’s approach to teaching people is so wonderful and by him asking questions, well… to me it shows that he cares what we think and what we know and wants to make sure we UNDERSTAND. I find that rare in this day and age where many clinicians just tell you what you WANT to hear, not what you SHOULD hear.

The clinic format was a really good combination of participation and auditing. I learned a lot about watching for rhythm in the gaits, being aware of my horse’s feet and body (bend and straightness), breaking tasks into smaller parts to set my horse up for success, sideways/crossover movements, walking back feet up to front feet. Horse on right flowing into horse on left into back up… well I have been out with my horse already and practicing. Finishing with a liberty demo with THAT horse was spectacular

I have been riding at Thunderbird Horse Center for several years. I have learned a great deal about both riding and groundwork in my lessons with Neil and Sharra.   I have had the opportunity to improve my horsemanship skills through a variety of different experiences.   I’ve enjoyed working cattle and buffalo, practising barrel racing, riding the obstacle course and more.   My ability to communicate effectively with my horses has improved and I’m much more confident in my riding and training abilities thanks to my experiences at Thunderbird.   I always enjoy my time there and I continue to learn and grow as a horseperson each time I visit. I am grateful to have such talented and knowledgeable coaches!

In the fall of 2017 I bought this sweet heart of a 3yr old from Thunderbird,

“Freckles” is smart, has tons of character and knows his job!!

I’ve had him in the box only a few times and he handles it like a pro! He’s my dad’s go to pasture horse whenever he has to treat anything, my go to horse for absolutely anything!

I had him home a week and we moved the whole herd 6 miles down the road; we’ve worked the flag, bison etc. I can throw little kids on him and he handles whatever you throw at him like an old ranch horse! What I really love is the softness and willingness that this horse has, with his little quirks it definitely took some time which Sharra and Neil lovingly put into him before I found him, to find horsemen who put that much into only a 3yr old and have them this established is one in a million

As far as not only being an amazing horsewomen Sharra is most definitely a friend and person I know who I can go to and will continue going to when I need help or want to better myself!

It’s safe to say I will for sure be buying another Thunderbird horse in my life time!

Starting my next adventure on a smaller scale with Hank, my pinto pony at Thunderbird Horse Centre has been exactly what I needed. I actually happened to acquire Hank from Thunderbird as well. Neil and Sharra have inspired me to try new things and break through my comfort zone. I have learned to think with a new perspective when around horses and my riding skills have grew, since I started taking lessons. Neil always encourages me to dream big. He is always suggesting new tricks to attempt. Sharra pushes me to work past my comfort zone and strive for new experiences with Hank and with my riding career. She is always there if I need a suggestion on training when I run out of ideas of my own. The combination of knowledge between the two is never ending! I feel welcome coming to the facility everyday. They offer so many different learning opportunities. If you are ever in search of a place to board your horse that has all the facilities you need at your disposal or if you are wanting to increase your skill set with horses, Thunderbird Horse Centre is definitely the way to go.

I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the amazing training you put into Gunner. You have him so quiet, respectful and SAFE for me. People thought I was nuts sending my horse to someone I had never met except on the internet, but now they are all eating their words:)

Thanks so much again, I got way more training than I could ever have imagined. Keep up the fantastic training, the world needs more horse people like yourselves!!

Thunderbird has given me a home away from home.

Horses have always been a love and a passion of mine but not along ago I became quite nervous and fearful of them. I was ready to sell them and just have it as a special memory from the past. Then my good friend introduced me to Thunderbird and I’m beyond grateful.

Sharra and Neil are helping me rebuild my confidence. They are supportive, patient but always know when to push. They have a true gift with horses and have helped teach me new ways with my horse that are making me a better horse owner and building a better bond with my mare.

The highlight of my week is the time I get to go the “barn’. Thunderbird has created not only a boarding stable but a boarding family. And of course who wouldn’t want to be greeted by a miniature donkey that never lacks putting a smile on my face.

I wanted to give myself time to get to know Oliver after training and really get a feel for him so I could send a whole hearted testimonial.

I had my horse with Neil for 5 months and though I lived in a different province, did get to see the amazing progress this horse has made month by month. Neil spent so much time on ground work, teaching Oliver manners and the real foundation that most horses seem to be missing these days. I have since trailered my horse back to Saskatchewan but have been blown away day by day at how well rounded and behaved he is. Though Neil started him western, I have been riding him English and Oliver has excelled at both. I have been in clinics and taken lessons and everywhere I go I get asked how old he is. Oliver is only three but is far more behaved than the majority of horses I’ve seen his age. Of course some of this is temperament but if he didn’t have the foundation that Neil laid, I would not have the confidence to be on him today. I am excited to see where we go as we learn and grow together. Neil is HIGHLY recommended, and I wouldn’t consider starting a horse with anyone but him.

When I was interested in buying my first horse, I knew that buying from a reputable place was key. I knew nothing about horses…nothing… but the patient people at Thunderbird worked with me to find an incredible horse that made me feel safe and gave me the confidence to learn.

Over the next few years I went from learning the bare basics (how to tie a halter, put on a saddle, etc...) to chasing the flag, sorting cattle and even chasing buffalo! I never thought I’d have the courage to ride in front of other people or in a group setting, but they’ve helped me overcome my insecurities and just do it!

I’ve tried to utilize the fantastic lessons and clinics at Thunderbird to increase my knowledge in all aspects of horsemanship. Each time I visit Thunderbird I feel energized and enthusiastic about what I’ve learnt and I can’t wait to go back!

Because of the positive experience in the purchase of my first horse, I went and bought another! He has been receiving training at Thunderbird on and off from the time he was a yearling. He’s been shown in competition and is now working the barrel pattern.

For convenience I also board my horses at Thunderbird. I always feel confident knowing they put the safety and welfare of the horses first. There is also the added convenience of making use of all their facilities!