Scroll down for Testimonials and Lesson program info!!
Hello, I'm Karmen Mills. I've been riding actively for over 13 years now with a showing background in Hunter Jumpers, Dressage, and even some Western. I've taken lessons from various trainers on many different breeds ranging from Haflingers to Thoroughbreds, Lipizzans, Arabians, and Friesians! I have experience with training foals, yearlings, green horses, rusty horses, and more advanced horses. I am extremely professional and I pride myself in my ability to stay in tune to the horses needs and thus increase their success. I treat all horses with the same love and respect that I do my own, and take the time to develop a relationship with each of them. Please read more about my background here: Karmen's Page
I teach the basics of Dressage, as I believe it to be a wonderful training method to teach horses to accept the bit and work off of leg pressure, creating a supple and balanced horse. I will not accept a horse and rider combo if their needs are beyond my ability, and I will always give honest answers to your questions about my level of expertise. I have several current trainer and client references available at your request.
I like to provide my students with lessons that work on the following:
- correct rider position and balance in the saddle
- effective use of the aids to keep your horse in front of the leg and working from behind
- visualization tactics to increase understanding of exercises and methods
- developing the working bond with your horse to increase success
- Laura Leidy 1/05
"Karmen did a wonderful job with my greenbroke 4 year old Arabian. She taught him collection and balance and helped me get him ready for hunter pleasure classes on the Arabian show circuit. Above all she is quite pleasant to work with, honest and very reliable. She treats each horse with respect and kindness. Her rates are extremely reasonable and I felt like my horse was in very capable hands. She helped provide him with a wonderful foundation that will definitely serve him well in his Arabian show career. I would recommend Karmen to anyone without reservation as a trainer, and in general as a responsible and trustworthy individual." - Ashley Mullica 2/05
"Ally came to Karmen heavy in the forehand, unfit, and proving to be a pissy mare. She has come back light in the trot, relaxed in the canter, and calm. We were able to show ten days after her time with Karmen, placing third in our first show, out of about 30 english and western riders. Karmen did a great job with Ally, even though Ally was pissy to her, kicking at her leg... She is now quiet and willing, no more kicks! Thanks Karmen for your excellent help and I will seek you in the future for continued help." - Elizabeth Ruiz 4/05
"Karmen Mills trained my Thoroughbred gelding, Bacchus, for 5 months; she also assisted in his sale. She showed the highest level of integrity and ethics in handling his training and sale. She is an exceptionally hard-working and diligent trainer. While training my horse, she patiently worked through many of his issues, including resistance to lead changes, and bucking. With her patience and gentle training methods, my horse progressed well under her training. Furthermore, she took exceptional care of him, as prior to his arrival at her facility, he had difficulty maintaining his proper weight. She was successful in finding the appropriate amount of feed to keep his weight on, and succeeded in maintaining his correct weight throughout his stay at her facility. She also attends to the spirit and mental health of horses, and was sure to give Bacchus "play time" to alleviate any boredom and allow him to just be a horse. I strongly recommend Karmen to train and school horses, and will continue to use Karmen's services in the future. Karmen is an exceptional person, a pleasure to know, and superb trainer!"
- Maureen Cummings 11/05
"Jake and I will always be grateful to Karmen for her excellent advice and sound instruction. Jake, a geriatric gelding, came to me a year and a half ago skinny, scared, cranky and sore. After a few riding mishaps which in hindsight were downright dangerous, we found Karmen. Karmen truly loves horses. She has a unique way of understanding how to handle situations between horse and rider where goals get accomplished and everyone feels good about the outcome. Through Karmen¢s positive but disciplined approach Jake has muscled up and we have both established confidence in each other. Our accomplishments have impressed our greatest critics, (even those that told me to send Jake packing) but most importantly we are both happy. I would recommend Karmen to anyone who wants to advance their riding skills no matter what level or discipline. I have been so pleased with Karmen's foundational approach in dressage, I truly believe it can improve any horse and rider relationship. Thanks Karmen, we sure couldn't have done it without you!"
- Jennifer Matthews 1/07
