I have known Linda Hamm almost 20 years, she is one of my best friends. I met Linda through a group of friends who all shared the love of friends who all shared the love of horses. Years ago Linda and I with some other friends drove up to Vernon to attend a Pat Parelli clinic. I will always remember that trip and a new introduction to the way I share and build relationships with horses. I recall that first day of the clinic thinking to myself hmmm this can’t be true those horses are just following this guy around no halter, no lead rope, it was absolutely amazing to watch.
I also had the pleasure of working with Linda at Zajac Ranch for children. Linda has such a patient kind heart, she was the shining star at the ranch especially dealing with special needs children and adults who participated in the horse programs.
What has been so impressive to me over the years is watching Linda work with horses and help people with horses. Teaching horse lovers how to build a positive, rewarding relationship. Setting up for success and achieve goals.
Linda has helped me and my current horse Lahkota become a better team. I feel so blessed for Linda’s guidance, instruction, support and knowledge. She has been the reason for me and Coda’s positive partnership.
I highly recommend Linda to anyone who needs help, confidence building, or just wanting positive guidance on a better relationship with your four legged love.
Sincerely,
Shannon Johnston and Lahkota
Despite the admirable efforts of several experienced horse folk, Rebel earned the title of undefeated champion. His powerful, dominant character, coupled with his 1,100 pound mass, equaled a problem analogous to David & Goliath.
When Linda came on board, she knowingly suggested returning to the basics. Through her solid knowledge of natural, horsemanship, Linda coached Rebel and me through the psychology, techniques, and application of the seven games of the same philosophy.
Through dedication and infinite patience, always underpinned by an authentic love for horses, Linda brought Rebel and me to a point of synchronized, harmonious understanding. We were taught to communicate through a predictable, graduated dialogue of pressure and release, which progresses through the respective stages of air, hair, skin and muscle. Linda consistently excels at being a leader of horses and a wise, experienced teacher of their owners. Session training is always kept creative and stimulating, continually stretching and building upon the horse/rider relationship.
I am ecstatic to share, I can now hang a bridle on Rebel’s ears similar to placing a Christmas tree ornament. I am pleased to report that no brute force or oppressive tactics were employed to achieve this exciting success.
Working backwards (as per Linda’s recommendations), propelled Rebel and I so far forward, the progression feels magical. Rebel’s hair trigger reactiveness has been transformed into heather light responsiveness. For me, this translates to “mission accomplished”, I am a delighted horse owner who would endorse Linda without hesitation. It is my fundamental belief that in order to provide a horse trainer with a worthwhile testimonial, the reader must first be introduced to the horse with whom the trainer has been working. Our equine partners are not mass produced, but rather, each one comes complete with idiosyncratic behaviors that define their individuality.
Linda has been working with my gelded mustang “Rebel” for the past 18 months. Rebel was an adoptee from the Penticton 1st Nations when he was 7 months of age. He was one of 14 yearlings that were placed for adoption when Choice Brood Mares were culled from the feral herd. Rebel was captured with a wide girthed, bristly, handmade rope halter secured tightly around his head. Had he been left amongst his wild herd, the halter would have resulted in painful life threatening consequences as he matured and grew.
Rebel arrived home with a high strung, suspicious attitude, hair trigger reactions, unfaltering determination, and steely will.
During his first 5 years of life, Rebel received intermittent, in house training from some of B.C.’s most renowned clinicians. He progressed to a point of going under saddle, however, without dedicated practice he developed a crippling, developmental vice if you didn’t want a broken nose, and didn’t have unlimited time to spare, Rebel would be getting bridled. Old memories had returned to haunt him, and he wanted nothing of it.
– Colleen Wedd
I attended a ground work session with Linda Hamm when my rescue filly “Shay” was a yearling, which I found enjoyable and helpful, so when she was turning three decided to contact Linda again to help me work with her and my granddaughter as we moved towards eventually riding her. My original intention was to have her ready for a trainer with lots of groundwork, then send her away when we were getting ready for her to be ridden. Linda was doing such a thorough job and Shay was coming along so nicely we decided it would be fun and safe for us, Linda, granddaughter and myself to continue on with her training on our own. My 15 year old granddaughter was excited to be the first one to ride her. At this point she is riding her w/t/l with no mishaps, or scary moments. Linda has been very encouraging to us, and extremely thorough, consistent and fair in all her lessons with Shay. We are looking forward to continuing on with Linda, and attending some local shows with Shay in the spring. – Colleen Oishi