Training for Horses

“I thought the Puterbaugh riding camp was absolutely phenomenal! I learned so much during my lessons and in the theory lectures as well! I was finally able to work on some of the Grand Prix movements with Salute (not sure on spelling), a beautiful grey gelding. He was an awesome school horse, and helped me learn a better seat! I have had a rough time finding the support I needed to achieve my goals, but now I think I finally found the right person! Thanks to Doug I’m more confident than ever that I can make it to Grand Prix!”     

I rode with Doug a short time when he was in Petaluma. He taught me more in one summer than I had learned in a lifetime of riding. I now live in Milwaukee Wisconsin and am thrilled Doug is relatively close.

“After several bad falls, I bounced from instructor to instructor for over two years trying to find one that would help my anxiety. Douglas was the first one that went all the way back to the lunge and worked on my seat.  After one lesson, I went home and practiced and found my anxiety almost gone.  After two I felt so much more secure, I was finally able to relax for the first time in years! I continue to go back and learn from each lesson.  Each time, when I go home and practice on my own or client’s horses I find that they are more relaxed, correct, and happier. Douglas is a fantastic instructor and the knowledge he passes on has allowed me to become not only a more effective rider but a better horseman as well.”

“I first met Douglas Puterbaugh at a schooling show where he was judging. I had just ridden perhaps the worst test of my life, and I apologized for making him suffer through it. He smiled and reassured me that all riders and horses can have bad days. He gave some positive comments to me and was genuinely kind even though I was so upset with the way I had just ridden. After the schooling show, I researched him and I saw that he was giving a clinic at his facility. My friend and I signed up because we both had gotten such positive vibes from him at the show, and we were anxious to work with him more. Oh my gosh! I learned so much in one session with him…..more than I had learned with previous trainers spanning 6 years! I sat better, I had influence over my horse in a way I had never known, I was so “high” after riding in his clinic, I actually felt like I would someday be a good rider! How wonderful! A trainer with incredible experience, passion and love of dressage that is approachable, patient, kind and humble? No way! Was I dreaming? I then decided that I wanted to pursue dressage more seriously because Douglas had re-ignited the flame that was there years ago but had “gone out” as a result of bad instruction, lack of confidence and incorrect skill sets. With my husband’s encouragement, I was given the opportunity to travel to Germany to find my new dressage partner. Tamara, Douglas’ assistant, handled every detail with such professionalism, and she secured rides at select barns that offered horses that would be suitable for me. She took the time to hand pick these barns. And that is the difference. They want the rider to be happy, and this can only come when the rider and horse are compatible. So, handpicking horses with the right temperament and training takes time. Tamara took the time to personalize this visit for me, and I can never thank her enough. And the icing on the cake of this trip was that every moment I spent with them was enjoyable! Not only did I find the horse of my dreams, but I got to know them as people and I can tell you without hesitation, they are the real deal. Douglas approaches any issue you may have with clear and precise methods that work. I have seen him transform people and horses into “partners” working together in harmony. And Douglas praises the “try”, and through this I have seen horses blossom and progress because they want to work. I have found myself smiling at times during a lesson…because I get it, and it feels good!! If you have found yourself at a point where you don’t like riding anymore, consider working with Douglas Puterbaugh. You may find, just like I did, that inner spark you had ignites again and everything becomes possible. “

” Thank you for a wonderful five day clinic! The clinic was a lot of fun it is always a good time learning with people who want to learn as much as you do. The consistent lesson work was very constructive. Being able to properly work my horse for five consecutive days was an incredible opportunity that I am very glad I was able to participate in. I truly feel the time spent in the clinic increased not only my knowledge base but also my understanding of classical dressage.
Douglas has a way of explaining questions and not intimidating his riders. Casual conversation continually grew into lengthy discussions full of open doors to better understanding. Douglas has ways to explain the consequences of non-intended poor training without degrading his student. He seems to grasp the fact that our harmful horse methods are truly unintentional. He is more than patient in the fact that what we don’t know (as riders) is the cause of lack of knowledgeable instruction and lack of Dressage masters. Not from a lack of interest or thirst for knowledge.
Tamara’s information and input for the lectures were great, along with her pop quizzes to try to help you remember what was discussed. I really enjoyed her information on the German auction and how masters and trainers are viewed in Germany. Not to mention the informative seminar on nutrition sponsored by Tribute feeds. I also wanted to give a note to all the wonderful drawings that included everything from leg wraps to supplements even a saddle and feed were raffled off.
Overall this clinic was very enjoyable and enlightening.The atmosphere of the whole clinic was always very open and energetic. So Thank you Tamara and Douglas and I am looking forward to another five days.”