Heather Spies ~

Heather Spies has been riding and training show horses for over 12 years. She has earned National and Regional Championships in many disciplines of riding.  She has shown and trained in Western, Hunter, English, Show Hack and Equitation.  Heather also offers training in Dressage.  She is only taking a limited number of horses in training. 

Heather has a certificate to work with troubled teens and has worked in a group home for several years. Heather also studing Psychology in an effort to add additional skills to her repertoire of teaching tools to assist special needs students.

Lesson Costs:

Lesson with lesson horse - $45
(This does not include time for preparation for the lesson,
but please allow half an hour ahead of time to get your horse ready).
Lessons are available for students with or without horses.

February 14, 2010

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to tell you of the wonderful benefits our child has received by working with Heather. Brett, who has Asperger's Syndrome, is now 12 years old and has been working with Heather for about 9 months. Heather has been training Brett on how to ride and care for a horse. At first, we just wanted to find an activity that Brett might enjoy and that would help him become more physically active and more aware of the world around him. However, we have been so impressed with all of the additional benefits that have accompanied our expectations.

Brett has grown and developed in so many ways with the help of Heather. Brett has developed stronger muscles, better coordination, and has improved his balance, which in turn have helped him in his adaptive P.E. class at school. He has also strengthened his focus and attention. He is able to do all the many things that are required of him while on the horse, which requires a great deal of ability to focus. This has rewarded Brett not only with horseback riding, but in school as well.

Heather not only thought about what Brett needed to do the required skills, but she also considered the best horse to help teach him the skills. Bo is gentle, easy going, and patient, which is exactly what Brett needs. Heather has built an emotional bond between Brett and Bo, by including in her training some day to day care of a horse. Before each lesson, Brett helps to groom Bo, building a bond while teaching Brett some responsibility.

Heather has been the perfect horseback riding trainer for Brett. She is so in tune with Brett's strengths, his weaknesses, and his needs. We feel very blessed to have this opportunity for Brett. Through this experience, the world that Brett lives in has become bigger, better, and more fulfilling for him.

Sincerely,