Dancing Partners' Testimonials
Dancing Horse Farm's commitment to the happiness of horse and human clientele is further evident with its pairing of horse and rider. Jen requires nothing less than a perfect match!
Here are few the many examples of Jen's ability to perfectly pair horse and rider. Testimony to her exemplary skills as an instructor, a leader and coach is available on the Testimonials page.
Here are few the many examples of Jen's ability to perfectly pair horse and rider. Testimony to her exemplary skills as an instructor, a leader and coach is available on the Testimonials page.
Buying Sunset - A Dream Come True!
Buying Sunset has been a dream come true for me. From the very first time I saw Jen riding Sunset at DHF a year ago, I was in complete awe of this beautiful, powerful and yet gentle horse. Little did I know that 12 months from then, I would be his proud new owner. From start to finish Jen astounded me by her honesty, integrity and genuine love for her horse whom she was re-homing. Not only did she take great care ensuring Sunset would be going to a good home, but Jen was equally focused on this being a good match for me. From being able to visit Sunset prior to purchase and take lessons on him, making all medical records available to my vet and me for review, to answering countless questions and emails from me, bringing Sunset all the way out to Michigan so that I could have him for a trial period, arranging financial terms to make this very big dream of mine a reality…. The list is truly endless! I would like to say a heart-felt Thank You to Jen Truett for making this one of the best, most exciting and most memorable experiences of my life. Words truly can’t adequately describe how grateful, excited and honored I feel – THANK YOU!! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us.
Best Wishes,
Melissa Neill (Ann Arbor, MI)
Buying Sunset has been a dream come true for me. From the very first time I saw Jen riding Sunset at DHF a year ago, I was in complete awe of this beautiful, powerful and yet gentle horse. Little did I know that 12 months from then, I would be his proud new owner. From start to finish Jen astounded me by her honesty, integrity and genuine love for her horse whom she was re-homing. Not only did she take great care ensuring Sunset would be going to a good home, but Jen was equally focused on this being a good match for me. From being able to visit Sunset prior to purchase and take lessons on him, making all medical records available to my vet and me for review, to answering countless questions and emails from me, bringing Sunset all the way out to Michigan so that I could have him for a trial period, arranging financial terms to make this very big dream of mine a reality…. The list is truly endless! I would like to say a heart-felt Thank You to Jen Truett for making this one of the best, most exciting and most memorable experiences of my life. Words truly can’t adequately describe how grateful, excited and honored I feel – THANK YOU!! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for us.
Best Wishes,
Melissa Neill (Ann Arbor, MI)
Another Dream Come True!
After the tragic loss of Jazz ,the great horse Jennifer had sold me, I was devastated and worried I'd never find the right partner again. Jennifer tried so hard to help heal my broken heart by finding me a good match.....so she thought about Zappoli and knew he was right the right one for me but had to convince the owner to sell!!!! Well,the rest is history and Zap and I are starting our journey together. Thanks Jen for another great horse !! And mending my broken heart.
Barbara Brown and Zap
After the tragic loss of Jazz ,the great horse Jennifer had sold me, I was devastated and worried I'd never find the right partner again. Jennifer tried so hard to help heal my broken heart by finding me a good match.....so she thought about Zappoli and knew he was right the right one for me but had to convince the owner to sell!!!! Well,the rest is history and Zap and I are starting our journey together. Thanks Jen for another great horse !! And mending my broken heart.
Barbara Brown and Zap
Dreams really CAN come true!!!!
As I started my search for a dressage horse I knew it could take months or years due to the fact that I needed something special. I was born loving horses but unfortunately for me it was never possible til I was an older adult which is of course more difficult to learn the art of riding, and adding the fact that I had no idea what direction to go. I ended up with a couple of great horses but the WRONG ones for me. So my riding fear developed and worsened. Then my vet said call Sabine Walker dressage trainer and my horse life changed. I learned to really ride but still needed a different horse, my quarter horse was a sweety but just not built for dressage. So the search began. Sabine was at a show and talked to Jen about what I needed and She knew exactly what was right for me. I saw the video of Jubilee Dazzler Nike aka Jazz and fell instantly love. But of course my thoughts were I could never be lucky enough to own a horse like Jazz or ever have the skills to ride one that nice....Jen said you have to come try him, you wont regret it. She was right and Jazz and I have started our new journey for the rest of our lives !!!! Dreams really can come true at Dancing Horse Farm. !!
Thank you so much Jen !!
Barbara Brown and Jazz
As I started my search for a dressage horse I knew it could take months or years due to the fact that I needed something special. I was born loving horses but unfortunately for me it was never possible til I was an older adult which is of course more difficult to learn the art of riding, and adding the fact that I had no idea what direction to go. I ended up with a couple of great horses but the WRONG ones for me. So my riding fear developed and worsened. Then my vet said call Sabine Walker dressage trainer and my horse life changed. I learned to really ride but still needed a different horse, my quarter horse was a sweety but just not built for dressage. So the search began. Sabine was at a show and talked to Jen about what I needed and She knew exactly what was right for me. I saw the video of Jubilee Dazzler Nike aka Jazz and fell instantly love. But of course my thoughts were I could never be lucky enough to own a horse like Jazz or ever have the skills to ride one that nice....Jen said you have to come try him, you wont regret it. She was right and Jazz and I have started our new journey for the rest of our lives !!!! Dreams really can come true at Dancing Horse Farm. !!
Thank you so much Jen !!
Barbara Brown and Jazz
A Beautiful Horse Named Jubilee
I began riding just a short 3 years ago knowing absolutely nothing about riding or even a horse but it was something that I had always wanted to do and figured I wasn't getting any younger. So I began my journey taking lessons on school horses and eventually buying an older Quarter horse named George who was the sweetest horse and had the kindest soul. I had interest in doing some dressage shows and began taking lessons with Barb Sudomier who encouraged me to take a clinic with Jen Truett who teaches Mary Wanless' rider biomechanics. I rode in her clinic and have now participated in several and I have made tremendous progress. Jen is a phenomenal instructor and leaves you with enough to work on until she comes for the next clinic. I encourage anyone who rides whatever discipline to take her clinic. In October, George began showing signs of age and lameness and I just felt he was saying, "Mom I’m tired." After several trips to the vet and trying different things, the picture was clear to me. Coincidentally, Jen posted an ad for this beautiful horse named Jubilee on Facebook. I immediately texted my trainer and told her I was going to contact Jen and see if she thought we were a match. Jen told me all about Jubilee and said she thought we would be good together. I called my good friend Jody Dobies and her daughter Bri to make a plan for a road trip. Her exact words were, "ROAD TRIP ON!" She told her husband that we were going down to Lebanon, Ohio, to try a horse named Jubilee at Dancing Horse Farm. He said, "Aren't there any horses around here that are for sale?" She said, "You don’t understand, we are going to Jen Truett's Dancing Horse Farm." So we made the 4.5 hour road trip and met Helen Pianca, who showed us Jubilee. I fell in love immediately and knew he would be my next horse.
My experience at Dancing Horse Farm was perfect in every way. The farm is beautiful and full of healthy horses and a caring staff. Jubilee’s new home is at Foxgate Farms in Columbus, Michigan . I look forward to the next clinic in April with Jen. Thanks to all at Dancing Horse Farm who made this such a positive experience for me.
Debbie Hannaford & Jubilee
I began riding just a short 3 years ago knowing absolutely nothing about riding or even a horse but it was something that I had always wanted to do and figured I wasn't getting any younger. So I began my journey taking lessons on school horses and eventually buying an older Quarter horse named George who was the sweetest horse and had the kindest soul. I had interest in doing some dressage shows and began taking lessons with Barb Sudomier who encouraged me to take a clinic with Jen Truett who teaches Mary Wanless' rider biomechanics. I rode in her clinic and have now participated in several and I have made tremendous progress. Jen is a phenomenal instructor and leaves you with enough to work on until she comes for the next clinic. I encourage anyone who rides whatever discipline to take her clinic. In October, George began showing signs of age and lameness and I just felt he was saying, "Mom I’m tired." After several trips to the vet and trying different things, the picture was clear to me. Coincidentally, Jen posted an ad for this beautiful horse named Jubilee on Facebook. I immediately texted my trainer and told her I was going to contact Jen and see if she thought we were a match. Jen told me all about Jubilee and said she thought we would be good together. I called my good friend Jody Dobies and her daughter Bri to make a plan for a road trip. Her exact words were, "ROAD TRIP ON!" She told her husband that we were going down to Lebanon, Ohio, to try a horse named Jubilee at Dancing Horse Farm. He said, "Aren't there any horses around here that are for sale?" She said, "You don’t understand, we are going to Jen Truett's Dancing Horse Farm." So we made the 4.5 hour road trip and met Helen Pianca, who showed us Jubilee. I fell in love immediately and knew he would be my next horse.
My experience at Dancing Horse Farm was perfect in every way. The farm is beautiful and full of healthy horses and a caring staff. Jubilee’s new home is at Foxgate Farms in Columbus, Michigan . I look forward to the next clinic in April with Jen. Thanks to all at Dancing Horse Farm who made this such a positive experience for me.
Debbie Hannaford & Jubilee
I Dared to Dream, just as Jen says!
I came to DHF the summer of 2012 seeking a lesson barn where horses are well cared for, sound and happy in their work. And in spite of winning a few ribbons at schooling shows I knew something wasn't quite right with my riding so I really needed help figuring that out. I found what I was looking for and then some! Out of the group of lesson horses it was Pete who let me fly on his back, arms outstretched as I found my balance based on Jen's teaching using biomechanics. With the mirrors and her vast knowledge of muscles and the role they play while influencing the horse we changed pretty much everything about how I rode. Bit by bit (no pun intended) she was able to explain in detail the effect our bodies have on our horses and I found myself fully knowing what to do with my body which makes all the difference in the world. It has given me confidence and so much joy because now I can balance and am much more stable in the saddle. It sets me up to be a much better partner for the horse I ride.
Jen also likes to support others with their dreams. Ours is to provide therapeutic riding for children with disabilities. During one of my first lessons with Jen I told her this and she immediately took interest especially once I told her of our years of research and the plans we've drawn up for building a barn. While swinging her legs on the fence (footing was being installed at the indoor so we were outside) her offer to look at our plans during dinner sometime made my mouth drop open. But there's more! She offered to help us find and train our first therapy horse. What an amazing experience, to find a farm with good lesson horses, a trainer who helped me sort my riding out who is also happily and willingly able to help us with our program. Wow.
So the day came when my family and I met with Jen and Lenny (at Elsa's!) armed with laptop with plans, notes and books. Toward the end of our fun and successful meeting (and yummy meal) I asked her about Cinnamon, a 13.3h Mustang mare as the first horse for our program. She didn't think more than a few seconds and claimed it a good fit. So the ball to purchase Cinnamon was immediately put into motion. But we must digress a moment here to give thanks to Christina, one of the excellent DHF trainers. She and I had just met the week prior for a Dreamers' planning meeting and as a fluke she mentioned Cinnamon needed a new job. I can't remember why her name came up, except that it snapped the light on so I brought the idea to Jen the next week. And so with Jen and Lenny's blessing and Christina's casual and yet crucial observation we are the proud owners of Cinnamon. Christina is training us to work as a team and at some point Jen will be teaching me to drive from behind using long reins. And so, after literally decades of research, learning, planning and networking we have a solid warm four-footed piece of evidence that our program will start and our dream will come true. And her name is Cinnamon :)
I came to DHF the summer of 2012 seeking a lesson barn where horses are well cared for, sound and happy in their work. And in spite of winning a few ribbons at schooling shows I knew something wasn't quite right with my riding so I really needed help figuring that out. I found what I was looking for and then some! Out of the group of lesson horses it was Pete who let me fly on his back, arms outstretched as I found my balance based on Jen's teaching using biomechanics. With the mirrors and her vast knowledge of muscles and the role they play while influencing the horse we changed pretty much everything about how I rode. Bit by bit (no pun intended) she was able to explain in detail the effect our bodies have on our horses and I found myself fully knowing what to do with my body which makes all the difference in the world. It has given me confidence and so much joy because now I can balance and am much more stable in the saddle. It sets me up to be a much better partner for the horse I ride.
Jen also likes to support others with their dreams. Ours is to provide therapeutic riding for children with disabilities. During one of my first lessons with Jen I told her this and she immediately took interest especially once I told her of our years of research and the plans we've drawn up for building a barn. While swinging her legs on the fence (footing was being installed at the indoor so we were outside) her offer to look at our plans during dinner sometime made my mouth drop open. But there's more! She offered to help us find and train our first therapy horse. What an amazing experience, to find a farm with good lesson horses, a trainer who helped me sort my riding out who is also happily and willingly able to help us with our program. Wow.
So the day came when my family and I met with Jen and Lenny (at Elsa's!) armed with laptop with plans, notes and books. Toward the end of our fun and successful meeting (and yummy meal) I asked her about Cinnamon, a 13.3h Mustang mare as the first horse for our program. She didn't think more than a few seconds and claimed it a good fit. So the ball to purchase Cinnamon was immediately put into motion. But we must digress a moment here to give thanks to Christina, one of the excellent DHF trainers. She and I had just met the week prior for a Dreamers' planning meeting and as a fluke she mentioned Cinnamon needed a new job. I can't remember why her name came up, except that it snapped the light on so I brought the idea to Jen the next week. And so with Jen and Lenny's blessing and Christina's casual and yet crucial observation we are the proud owners of Cinnamon. Christina is training us to work as a team and at some point Jen will be teaching me to drive from behind using long reins. And so, after literally decades of research, learning, planning and networking we have a solid warm four-footed piece of evidence that our program will start and our dream will come true. And her name is Cinnamon :)
My First Horse!
As a novice rider, taking lessons for about a year, I've dreamed of one day owning my own horse. For the last six months I've had the joy of riding at Jen Truett's Dancing Horse Farm and their amazing lesson horses alongside the barn manager Lori Aman. Jen is always on the lookout for potential school horses for her students at Dancing Horse Farm, as well as life long partners for her clients. Along the way, Jen offered to help me find my perfect match. Without any pressure to buy, Jen introduced me to a beautiful and gentle black mare she had purchased as a lesson horse. She thought she might be a great match for me. Boy, was she right. Jen’s professionalism and compassion for both horse and rider brought Mya and me together. I can't thank her enough for her commitment in finding me my perfect match. Not only do I absolutely love the horse she found for me, I appreciate all of the continuous support she gives, including professional advice, training, groundwork, and helping me find the proper tack for both Mya and me. Boarding Mya at DHF and the top notch care she gets from Jen's staff makes me feel wonderful about the decision I made.
Christine Bush
As a novice rider, taking lessons for about a year, I've dreamed of one day owning my own horse. For the last six months I've had the joy of riding at Jen Truett's Dancing Horse Farm and their amazing lesson horses alongside the barn manager Lori Aman. Jen is always on the lookout for potential school horses for her students at Dancing Horse Farm, as well as life long partners for her clients. Along the way, Jen offered to help me find my perfect match. Without any pressure to buy, Jen introduced me to a beautiful and gentle black mare she had purchased as a lesson horse. She thought she might be a great match for me. Boy, was she right. Jen’s professionalism and compassion for both horse and rider brought Mya and me together. I can't thank her enough for her commitment in finding me my perfect match. Not only do I absolutely love the horse she found for me, I appreciate all of the continuous support she gives, including professional advice, training, groundwork, and helping me find the proper tack for both Mya and me. Boarding Mya at DHF and the top notch care she gets from Jen's staff makes me feel wonderful about the decision I made.
Christine Bush
My Second DHF Horse
Jen sold me the perfect horse five and a half years ago; it was her show horse, Breezy. I have never loved any horse as much as I love Breezy. I have learned more from her and Jen than I learned in my first 40 years of riding. I could not be happier about owning a horse or experiencing the journey that has been possible because of Breezy and Dancing Horse Farm. Unfortunately, my dream of showing Breezy in Prix St. Georges will never come true because an injury she suffered in September of this year has forced her into early retirement.
Over this past summer Jen had been telling me about her three-year old, Zachary, and how fantastic he would be for Dressage. I thought that was great but I didn’t need another horse. Jen and Helen continued training him and advertising him for sale and occasionally, Jen would remind me about how well he was going. After Breezy retired, she told me I could ride Zach and again mentioned that he would be a good horse for me. I have had a very hard time handling Breezy’s injury and subsequent retirement and that got in the way of my ability to think about the future so I did nothing about Zachary.
After about a month and a half and with a person very interested in buying Zach, I thought “what am I waiting for?” so I called Jen and told her I would like to buy Zach. She never pushed me to buy him because she understands what I am going through and she wanted it to be my decision. For that, I am grateful.
I have been watching Jen match horses with riders for several years now and I am amazed by her uncanny ability for getting it right; she really has a talent for it. So, even though I have only owned Zach for one month, I can already tell that he is perfect for me. I know that Jen will guide us on our pathway to partnership and success in this amazing world of Dressage and daring to dream. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Jen.
Lori Aman
Jen sold me the perfect horse five and a half years ago; it was her show horse, Breezy. I have never loved any horse as much as I love Breezy. I have learned more from her and Jen than I learned in my first 40 years of riding. I could not be happier about owning a horse or experiencing the journey that has been possible because of Breezy and Dancing Horse Farm. Unfortunately, my dream of showing Breezy in Prix St. Georges will never come true because an injury she suffered in September of this year has forced her into early retirement.
Over this past summer Jen had been telling me about her three-year old, Zachary, and how fantastic he would be for Dressage. I thought that was great but I didn’t need another horse. Jen and Helen continued training him and advertising him for sale and occasionally, Jen would remind me about how well he was going. After Breezy retired, she told me I could ride Zach and again mentioned that he would be a good horse for me. I have had a very hard time handling Breezy’s injury and subsequent retirement and that got in the way of my ability to think about the future so I did nothing about Zachary.
After about a month and a half and with a person very interested in buying Zach, I thought “what am I waiting for?” so I called Jen and told her I would like to buy Zach. She never pushed me to buy him because she understands what I am going through and she wanted it to be my decision. For that, I am grateful.
I have been watching Jen match horses with riders for several years now and I am amazed by her uncanny ability for getting it right; she really has a talent for it. So, even though I have only owned Zach for one month, I can already tell that he is perfect for me. I know that Jen will guide us on our pathway to partnership and success in this amazing world of Dressage and daring to dream. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Jen.
Lori Aman
Nicole Wilcox and Sticky Bun
I would like to offer a glowing testimonial and heart-felt thank you to Jennifer and Lenny Truett and the entire staff at Dancing Horse Farm for their outstanding service and professionalism in finding a fantastic hunter/dressage pony for my 11 year old daughter. Words alone cannot express my gratitude. Jen and her staff have been invaluable in our search for my daughter’s ultimate dream horse.
I’ll be honest; I really had no idea what I was looking for when I first started my quest to find the perfect first pony for my daughter Nicole. My horse knowledge base was growing thanks to all of the wonderful instructors and staff at DHF, but it was still limited when it came to purchasing a horse of our own. I felt completely overwhelmed. However, Jen seemed to intuitively know exactly what my daughter needed and wanted and was able to expertly match her with the pony of her dreams and riding ability. In essence, she was able to match the perfect pony, Sticky Bun, to the perfect little girl.
I would highly recommend DHF to anyone looking to purchase a horse or wanting to improve their riding ability. The professionalism exuded by Jen, Lenny and the staff at DHF made the entire purchasing process stress-free and amazing! In addition, Jen has also assembled the finest group of trainers in the area and offers a wide range of training and lesson options as well. It still amazes me how much my daughter’s riding skills and abilities have improved and grown over time with the guidance of her wonderful and experienced trainers. Every time she rides, I see new and amazing results. Thank you for bringing out the best in her abilities and making her a more confident rider.
Our lives have changed so much since Sticky Bun has joined our family and it has been an amazing experience hands down. Sticky Bun is such an amazing and talented pony and we feel very fortunate to own such a wonderful pony. I truly believe Jen has found my daughter’s equine soul mate and I can’t wait to see where the future takes them!
Tracy Cole (Nicole's mom)
I’ll be honest; I really had no idea what I was looking for when I first started my quest to find the perfect first pony for my daughter Nicole. My horse knowledge base was growing thanks to all of the wonderful instructors and staff at DHF, but it was still limited when it came to purchasing a horse of our own. I felt completely overwhelmed. However, Jen seemed to intuitively know exactly what my daughter needed and wanted and was able to expertly match her with the pony of her dreams and riding ability. In essence, she was able to match the perfect pony, Sticky Bun, to the perfect little girl.
I would highly recommend DHF to anyone looking to purchase a horse or wanting to improve their riding ability. The professionalism exuded by Jen, Lenny and the staff at DHF made the entire purchasing process stress-free and amazing! In addition, Jen has also assembled the finest group of trainers in the area and offers a wide range of training and lesson options as well. It still amazes me how much my daughter’s riding skills and abilities have improved and grown over time with the guidance of her wonderful and experienced trainers. Every time she rides, I see new and amazing results. Thank you for bringing out the best in her abilities and making her a more confident rider.
Our lives have changed so much since Sticky Bun has joined our family and it has been an amazing experience hands down. Sticky Bun is such an amazing and talented pony and we feel very fortunate to own such a wonderful pony. I truly believe Jen has found my daughter’s equine soul mate and I can’t wait to see where the future takes them!
Tracy Cole (Nicole's mom)
Aidan Albers and "Apollo"
Testimonial by his mom, Gima Albers
We've been exceptionally grateful for DHF for their help in purchasing our first horse, Apollo. Jen & Lenny Truett and our trainer, Christina Knecht, have been a wealth of knowledge for our family since we started with DHF this spring, always educating us about the all-encompassing horse world. They have given us a better appreciation of horses; teaching us horse anatomy, grooming, training, and riding. Aidan, our 8 year old son, has grown a love towards horses due to DHF staff. It has been great to see an increase in his self-confidence, ability to ride, and his control on the horse.
When we decided to purchase a horse, Jen & Christina were active in their search, taking in mind our need for a kind horse w/ a gentle nature who would be a great first horse for our family. Jen found Apollo, a 12 year old Quarter Horse gelding, who took a liking to Aidan right away. We have enjoyed our journey in the horse world and have appreciated all the help & education we have received from DHF staff.
We hope that we continue to learn as a family and Aidan will enhance his passion and appreciation for horses.
We've been exceptionally grateful for DHF for their help in purchasing our first horse, Apollo. Jen & Lenny Truett and our trainer, Christina Knecht, have been a wealth of knowledge for our family since we started with DHF this spring, always educating us about the all-encompassing horse world. They have given us a better appreciation of horses; teaching us horse anatomy, grooming, training, and riding. Aidan, our 8 year old son, has grown a love towards horses due to DHF staff. It has been great to see an increase in his self-confidence, ability to ride, and his control on the horse.
When we decided to purchase a horse, Jen & Christina were active in their search, taking in mind our need for a kind horse w/ a gentle nature who would be a great first horse for our family. Jen found Apollo, a 12 year old Quarter Horse gelding, who took a liking to Aidan right away. We have enjoyed our journey in the horse world and have appreciated all the help & education we have received from DHF staff.
We hope that we continue to learn as a family and Aidan will enhance his passion and appreciation for horses.
Hannah Scheid and "Murphy"
Dancing Horse Farm has truly been an amazing experience for me over the past year. My horse, Joe, and I have really come so far. I can't even believe our progress looking back at my awful USDF Intro Test scores I received before moving to DHF. Jen had made us into a beautiful riding pair with the help of biomechanics. Unfortunately, Joe and I hit a bump in the road when we found out about a past racing injury that, combined with his arthritis, would prohibit us from jumping. Also, it would be hard to execute upper level dressage movements without putting stress on his joints and making him uncomfortable.
I was really upset about Joe and his injury, but Jen wasn't going to let me mope around and feel sorry for myself; and I am so thankful for that. The day we told her about the injury, she immediately found a horse for me to try. Although the horse wasn't the right fit for me personally, Jen had really enlightened me by letting me know how good this was going to be for me. Joe may have been hurt, but she was going to help me find my next great horse no matter what. While driving home after trying the first horse, Lenny showed me how easy it is to use the internet to find horses for sale near us. The second link we clicked on was for a thoroughbred named Murphy. Jen quickly contacted the owner and sent me links to some of his YouTube videos saying that she though Murphy was going to be "the one".
The next day, we went to go see Murphy and I started to get excited. Something inside me told me that he could take me a long way and be a great friend as well. Jen got on him and was really happy with him. When I got on him for the first time, I was kind of tense because I was so used to riding Joe all the time. Murphy was so good about it though and let me know all he wanted to do was make people happy. I was so impressed with his willingness to try that I knew I had to come back and try him again. Luckily, Murphy was located just down the road in Waynesville so a couple days later we took my jumping coach, Helen Trimeloni, out to see him too. This time we focused more on his jumping ability and both she and I rode him. She took him over some cross country jumps and convinced me that I was going to have a lot of fun with him. That very day, we decided to buy him.
We had my vet, Bryan McNabb, do a vet check on him since we learned our lesson by not doing one on Joe. After he passed the check, we loaded him up in the trailer and took him home. He immediately fell in love with his stall gate and having the ability to look out at the beautiful DHF pastures in front of the barn. He quickly warmed up to the peaceful environment at the farm and made Joe his new best friend.
Our first lesson was great and I loved seeing Jen so excited about her and I finding the perfect horse for me. We have already been improving in the short weeks I've had him and we're attending our first show this weekend. I am so grateful for having Jen because she found the perfect fit for me. Murphy and I have already really bonded and I am so proud of how hard he tries just to make me happy. He is so quirky and adorable that I can't help but smile every time I am around him. I am so happy I found him and can't give enough thanks to Jen for helping me on this journey.
I was really upset about Joe and his injury, but Jen wasn't going to let me mope around and feel sorry for myself; and I am so thankful for that. The day we told her about the injury, she immediately found a horse for me to try. Although the horse wasn't the right fit for me personally, Jen had really enlightened me by letting me know how good this was going to be for me. Joe may have been hurt, but she was going to help me find my next great horse no matter what. While driving home after trying the first horse, Lenny showed me how easy it is to use the internet to find horses for sale near us. The second link we clicked on was for a thoroughbred named Murphy. Jen quickly contacted the owner and sent me links to some of his YouTube videos saying that she though Murphy was going to be "the one".
The next day, we went to go see Murphy and I started to get excited. Something inside me told me that he could take me a long way and be a great friend as well. Jen got on him and was really happy with him. When I got on him for the first time, I was kind of tense because I was so used to riding Joe all the time. Murphy was so good about it though and let me know all he wanted to do was make people happy. I was so impressed with his willingness to try that I knew I had to come back and try him again. Luckily, Murphy was located just down the road in Waynesville so a couple days later we took my jumping coach, Helen Trimeloni, out to see him too. This time we focused more on his jumping ability and both she and I rode him. She took him over some cross country jumps and convinced me that I was going to have a lot of fun with him. That very day, we decided to buy him.
We had my vet, Bryan McNabb, do a vet check on him since we learned our lesson by not doing one on Joe. After he passed the check, we loaded him up in the trailer and took him home. He immediately fell in love with his stall gate and having the ability to look out at the beautiful DHF pastures in front of the barn. He quickly warmed up to the peaceful environment at the farm and made Joe his new best friend.
Our first lesson was great and I loved seeing Jen so excited about her and I finding the perfect horse for me. We have already been improving in the short weeks I've had him and we're attending our first show this weekend. I am so grateful for having Jen because she found the perfect fit for me. Murphy and I have already really bonded and I am so proud of how hard he tries just to make me happy. He is so quirky and adorable that I can't help but smile every time I am around him. I am so happy I found him and can't give enough thanks to Jen for helping me on this journey.
Lori Aman and "Breezy"
“DHF is a magical place where dreams really do come true. I was so fortunate to find Dancing Horse Farm in 2007 and join Jennifer Truett’s lesson program. She is a knowledgeable and gifted trainer and teacher whose instruction has helped me to progress toward reaching my 20-year long dream of riding dressage. Then, in July 2008 she decided that it was time for her beautiful Iberian Warmblood, Nachtwind “Breezy,” to start teaching an amateur what it is like to ride a highly trained champion.
Jen’s experience with horses and riders led her to match me with Breezy and I became her new owner. This is truly the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a horse lover for my entire life and whose only goal is to be an accomplished rider and horse owner.
The horse care at DHF is impeccable, the staff is knowledgeable and caring (especially Lindsay Lechner) and Jen’s husband Lenny is always working hard to keep everything going and willing to help out wherever help is needed.
I highly recommend DHF and Jennifer to anyone who has a love of horses and riding excellence and may be looking for that perfect horse to enjoy or the perfect place to board.”
– Lori Aman, DHF Boarder and Lesson Student
Jen’s experience with horses and riders led her to match me with Breezy and I became her new owner. This is truly the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a horse lover for my entire life and whose only goal is to be an accomplished rider and horse owner.
The horse care at DHF is impeccable, the staff is knowledgeable and caring (especially Lindsay Lechner) and Jen’s husband Lenny is always working hard to keep everything going and willing to help out wherever help is needed.
I highly recommend DHF and Jennifer to anyone who has a love of horses and riding excellence and may be looking for that perfect horse to enjoy or the perfect place to board.”
– Lori Aman, DHF Boarder and Lesson Student
Melissa and "Charlie"
"Dear Jennifer & Dancing Horse Staff:
We would like to thank you for helping us connect with our perfect sweetheart, an off the track thoroughbred named Charlie. We found your posting on DreamHorse.com and were delighted to see not one but 2 videos. This was important as we were planning to travel in from Michigan. We were immediately put at ease as all of our many questions were quickly answered. We had owned a horse in the past that was not a good fit and we were reluctant to “take the plunge” again. Arriving with a car full of excited folks at almost 9 p.m., we were so thankful that Lindsay was there to greet us and introduce us to Charlie. Lindsay volunteered so many details and gave us an honest run down of Charlie’s time at the barn. We were truly delighted with his gentlemanly manners in the cross ties. We returned to the hotel to try and get some much needed rest … I tossed and turned like a fish out of water the entire night in excitement.
Early the next morning, Jen and Lindsey met us and shared more about what they knew of Charlie’s life before Dancing Horse. Charlie had been a true rescue. A testament to their kindness and patience as they had worked hard to replace 400 pounds and strength since his arrival. When we took Charlie for a test ride; they closely watched our riding skills to be certain we would be a good fit. We returned within a few days with the trailer. I cannot say how much we appreciated the generosity—Charlie’s halter, bell boots plus the lead rope were included …the blanket that we had brought back was not the perfect fit and Jen quickly offered to loan a beautiful Irish cotton cooler for the drive home. Charlie trailered like a dream, exactly as predicted.
Not only did the staff help us add to our family, they also have made the transition seamless with e-mail support. Please feel free to contact me if you are considering working with Dancing Horse Farms.”
– Melissa and Charlie
We would like to thank you for helping us connect with our perfect sweetheart, an off the track thoroughbred named Charlie. We found your posting on DreamHorse.com and were delighted to see not one but 2 videos. This was important as we were planning to travel in from Michigan. We were immediately put at ease as all of our many questions were quickly answered. We had owned a horse in the past that was not a good fit and we were reluctant to “take the plunge” again. Arriving with a car full of excited folks at almost 9 p.m., we were so thankful that Lindsay was there to greet us and introduce us to Charlie. Lindsay volunteered so many details and gave us an honest run down of Charlie’s time at the barn. We were truly delighted with his gentlemanly manners in the cross ties. We returned to the hotel to try and get some much needed rest … I tossed and turned like a fish out of water the entire night in excitement.
Early the next morning, Jen and Lindsey met us and shared more about what they knew of Charlie’s life before Dancing Horse. Charlie had been a true rescue. A testament to their kindness and patience as they had worked hard to replace 400 pounds and strength since his arrival. When we took Charlie for a test ride; they closely watched our riding skills to be certain we would be a good fit. We returned within a few days with the trailer. I cannot say how much we appreciated the generosity—Charlie’s halter, bell boots plus the lead rope were included …the blanket that we had brought back was not the perfect fit and Jen quickly offered to loan a beautiful Irish cotton cooler for the drive home. Charlie trailered like a dream, exactly as predicted.
Not only did the staff help us add to our family, they also have made the transition seamless with e-mail support. Please feel free to contact me if you are considering working with Dancing Horse Farms.”
– Melissa and Charlie
Sandy and "Sjolling"
“We have all been brought together by Sjolling in such a wonderful, serendipitous way…it is the beginning of my family’s journey with him, and just a continuation of all the love & time you both have given him. It is testament to the fact that dreams do, indeed, come true when you least expect it. And Jennifer Truett of Dancing Horse Farm and Karen Borne of Borne Saddlery are the catalysts that made it so!
My experience from day one with Jennifer and Karen was amazing... I will never again embrace the notion that ‘if it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t’!! After many phone calls, it became apparent that Sjolling & I may be a great match. However, I was unable to get to Ohio to experience Sjolling ‘in person’ due to family responsibilities & my job…never entertaining the thought that it was possible to purchase a horse via the Internet…but I am here to tell you of the positive experience from start to finish.
In a way, I was like an untrusting horse asking for reassurance time and time again that this was the right thing for our family & for Sjolling. The hand holding I received from Jen was steadfast & consistent. She walked me through the transaction step by step, with patience ad infinitum! There was no such thing as a ridiculous question according to Jen. :) So the decision was finally made for Sjolling to come to us.
When Sjolling stepped off the trailer exactly one week to the day before Christmas, he was simply STUNNING with his beautiful Christmas halter & shimmering Christmas ribbons entwined in his French-braided black mane. We were literally speechless & tearful with joy. I will forever remember that exact moment in time. (Come to find out later that Karen acquired the memorable Christmas halter & Jen spent 2 hours braiding his mane prior to his departure from DH Farm. What a thoughtful, special gift of their planning & time!) He then looked at all of us one by one as if to announce his arrival with a ‘So here I am!!!’ expression & nickers. Sjolling then had to be unloaded from the trailer on a rural road & walked up an icy, quarter mile driveway to his new home. He was surefooted & confident.
As for me, I am the mother of a son with autism who loves therapeutic riding, the wife of a husband with Parkinson’s who completely, genuinely supports my love of horses & I’m crazy about dressage. Amazingly, my husband looks forward to spending time with our Big Boy as much as I do. There is no doubt that Sjolling is a horse with a healing spirit for our whole family.
I have now been entrusted to love and care for this trusty steed named Sjolling who will make us all laugh & smile while teaching us about his world & ours. He is the horse of a lifetime & I cherish each & every minute with him. Thank you, Jen & Karen, for making life with Sjolling a reality. I promise to treasure him as much as you have.”
– Sandy Bertacchini Henke & Family
My experience from day one with Jennifer and Karen was amazing... I will never again embrace the notion that ‘if it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t’!! After many phone calls, it became apparent that Sjolling & I may be a great match. However, I was unable to get to Ohio to experience Sjolling ‘in person’ due to family responsibilities & my job…never entertaining the thought that it was possible to purchase a horse via the Internet…but I am here to tell you of the positive experience from start to finish.
In a way, I was like an untrusting horse asking for reassurance time and time again that this was the right thing for our family & for Sjolling. The hand holding I received from Jen was steadfast & consistent. She walked me through the transaction step by step, with patience ad infinitum! There was no such thing as a ridiculous question according to Jen. :) So the decision was finally made for Sjolling to come to us.
When Sjolling stepped off the trailer exactly one week to the day before Christmas, he was simply STUNNING with his beautiful Christmas halter & shimmering Christmas ribbons entwined in his French-braided black mane. We were literally speechless & tearful with joy. I will forever remember that exact moment in time. (Come to find out later that Karen acquired the memorable Christmas halter & Jen spent 2 hours braiding his mane prior to his departure from DH Farm. What a thoughtful, special gift of their planning & time!) He then looked at all of us one by one as if to announce his arrival with a ‘So here I am!!!’ expression & nickers. Sjolling then had to be unloaded from the trailer on a rural road & walked up an icy, quarter mile driveway to his new home. He was surefooted & confident.
As for me, I am the mother of a son with autism who loves therapeutic riding, the wife of a husband with Parkinson’s who completely, genuinely supports my love of horses & I’m crazy about dressage. Amazingly, my husband looks forward to spending time with our Big Boy as much as I do. There is no doubt that Sjolling is a horse with a healing spirit for our whole family.
I have now been entrusted to love and care for this trusty steed named Sjolling who will make us all laugh & smile while teaching us about his world & ours. He is the horse of a lifetime & I cherish each & every minute with him. Thank you, Jen & Karen, for making life with Sjolling a reality. I promise to treasure him as much as you have.”
– Sandy Bertacchini Henke & Family
Sarah and "Riley"
“As I have told you many, many times you and DHF are utterly unique—exceptional care, friendly people and ethical business practices all rolled into one magnificent place.
I believe it is safe to say that I have searched my entire life for a farm that provides the quality care for my horse that I expect, the quality of instruction that I demand for my children and the educational atmosphere that is part of daily life at DHF.
I consider my family privileged to be part of your farm and the DHF Family. Each DHF moment my daughter learns something new from friendly DHF staff or a fellow boarder. Each lesson brings her closer to the rider she aspires to be. Each competition she radiates more confidence and poise. There is nothing that makes me happier.
While enduring our lengthy, almost comical search for a suitable horse, you were a constant source of honesty, and strength. It must have been challenging and at times painful because a young girl’s emotions had to be kept in mind when saying “Yes” or “No” to the seemingly endless advertisements for horses; however, I will never forget horse #100, “Riley”. My daughter and I didn’t bring the usual checklist, camera, and cash because truly this had to be our 100th attempt at buying a horse. The only time you had to see him was in less than two hours. The seller agreed and we were off—still without camera and definitely without hope of this horse actually being Jen-approved.
“Riley” is asked to do the usual “tricks” and then a halt. He does it perfectly and looking at me, you smiled and said, “He has great brakes!” At the end of the ride, you said, “I like him. I really, really like him. Buy him!” Three days later, “Riley” was ours. We were in shock! After hours of internet searching, countless e-mails and farm visits, infinite requests for your opinion, we finally found a wonderfully sane and sound horse. Now he is enjoying The Life of Riley at DHF and there is no doubt that this would not have been possible without your commitment to finding the perfect horse for us.
You continue to amaze and inspire with your honesty, integrity and never-waiver-from the-goal attitude. Thank you for modeling these admirable qualities for my daughter and all the young, impressionable horse enthusiasts who are bound to come your way.”
– Megan Sweeney, DHF Boarder and mother of DHF Working Student
I believe it is safe to say that I have searched my entire life for a farm that provides the quality care for my horse that I expect, the quality of instruction that I demand for my children and the educational atmosphere that is part of daily life at DHF.
I consider my family privileged to be part of your farm and the DHF Family. Each DHF moment my daughter learns something new from friendly DHF staff or a fellow boarder. Each lesson brings her closer to the rider she aspires to be. Each competition she radiates more confidence and poise. There is nothing that makes me happier.
While enduring our lengthy, almost comical search for a suitable horse, you were a constant source of honesty, and strength. It must have been challenging and at times painful because a young girl’s emotions had to be kept in mind when saying “Yes” or “No” to the seemingly endless advertisements for horses; however, I will never forget horse #100, “Riley”. My daughter and I didn’t bring the usual checklist, camera, and cash because truly this had to be our 100th attempt at buying a horse. The only time you had to see him was in less than two hours. The seller agreed and we were off—still without camera and definitely without hope of this horse actually being Jen-approved.
“Riley” is asked to do the usual “tricks” and then a halt. He does it perfectly and looking at me, you smiled and said, “He has great brakes!” At the end of the ride, you said, “I like him. I really, really like him. Buy him!” Three days later, “Riley” was ours. We were in shock! After hours of internet searching, countless e-mails and farm visits, infinite requests for your opinion, we finally found a wonderfully sane and sound horse. Now he is enjoying The Life of Riley at DHF and there is no doubt that this would not have been possible without your commitment to finding the perfect horse for us.
You continue to amaze and inspire with your honesty, integrity and never-waiver-from the-goal attitude. Thank you for modeling these admirable qualities for my daughter and all the young, impressionable horse enthusiasts who are bound to come your way.”
– Megan Sweeney, DHF Boarder and mother of DHF Working Student
Lynda and "Ricos"
“Although I’ve ridden all my life, most of it has been on Quarter Horses. I prefer pattern classes (equitation, horsemanship) but they are becoming quite rare in the show circuits I participated in. My daughter, Jennifer Truett of Dancing Horse Farm, moved back to Ohio after several years in Maryland with plans to open Dancing Horse Farm. I thought it would be fun to try riding dressage, so I started taking lessons from Jennifer and discovered that dressage was beyond the capabilities of my aging QH gelding, Jack.
So the hunt was on. Jennifer had me ride various school horses (Oreo, Teddy and Waldo) as well as a few others (Orion and Daiquiri) to see what kind of gaits I could handle with my small amount of dressage experience and my short legs.
Jennifer and I both looked for horses on the Internet and elsewhere, and I talked to several owners to get more information on their horses. The only one my husband and I actually went to see was El Paso Aricos, a half-Andalusian, half-Appendix Quarter Horse gelding who was for sale in Tennessee and had several videos online. From the videos, Jennifer could tell Ricos had smooth gaits and seemed to be a kind, gentle horse. Long story short, my hubby and I went to Memphis and spent a long weekend trying Ricos out, with the result that he came to Dancing Horse Farm for a two-week trial period. Long before the trial period was over, I knew he was exactly the right horse for me, and Jennifer and Dr. Lukens agree that he’s a really nice horse. I’m so excited about him! Not only is he a smooth, comfortable ride as well as sweet, gentle and cute as can be (he’s always smiling!), he’s also a third level horse, so he has tons to teach me. Since he's 1/4 Quarter Horse (Appendix QHs are half-Thoroughbred), his personality is similar to those I’m already used to.
Jennifer considered every aspect of the horse I would need and what would be appropriate for me as an experienced rider but a beginner at dressage, and found me the perfect horse. As proof of this, after him being in Ohio only a few days, Ricos and I showed in the DHF Halloween Fun Show and got Second Place in Training Level 1 with a 63.04% and WON the Training Level 2 test with a score of 64.64%! I think we’re going to be very happy as ‘dancing partners’!”
– Lynda Sappington, Jennifer’s Mother and DHF Training Client
So the hunt was on. Jennifer had me ride various school horses (Oreo, Teddy and Waldo) as well as a few others (Orion and Daiquiri) to see what kind of gaits I could handle with my small amount of dressage experience and my short legs.
Jennifer and I both looked for horses on the Internet and elsewhere, and I talked to several owners to get more information on their horses. The only one my husband and I actually went to see was El Paso Aricos, a half-Andalusian, half-Appendix Quarter Horse gelding who was for sale in Tennessee and had several videos online. From the videos, Jennifer could tell Ricos had smooth gaits and seemed to be a kind, gentle horse. Long story short, my hubby and I went to Memphis and spent a long weekend trying Ricos out, with the result that he came to Dancing Horse Farm for a two-week trial period. Long before the trial period was over, I knew he was exactly the right horse for me, and Jennifer and Dr. Lukens agree that he’s a really nice horse. I’m so excited about him! Not only is he a smooth, comfortable ride as well as sweet, gentle and cute as can be (he’s always smiling!), he’s also a third level horse, so he has tons to teach me. Since he's 1/4 Quarter Horse (Appendix QHs are half-Thoroughbred), his personality is similar to those I’m already used to.
Jennifer considered every aspect of the horse I would need and what would be appropriate for me as an experienced rider but a beginner at dressage, and found me the perfect horse. As proof of this, after him being in Ohio only a few days, Ricos and I showed in the DHF Halloween Fun Show and got Second Place in Training Level 1 with a 63.04% and WON the Training Level 2 test with a score of 64.64%! I think we’re going to be very happy as ‘dancing partners’!”
– Lynda Sappington, Jennifer’s Mother and DHF Training Client
