CK Horse Training and Consulting

08/29/2026

Fall is the time I get to spend with my own horses. These four faces will be my main priority for the rest of the year 🩷

08/29/2026

Finally!! Have time to start working with River!!

08/23/2026

That's a wrap on Appalachian Trainer Face Off 2026! Shout out to my ATFO bestie Laura VanOrden from Pale Hollow Farm LLC! We met 3 years ago the first time I participated and we clicked right away. It was so much fun to get to hang with her and her awesome husband Joey all weekend. Another shout out to Nicole Deschermeier, who's been my wingman on this trip!

Though I am not planning on participating next year, the ATFO hasn't seen the last of me!

08/22/2026

Since Sela and I are no longer competing, I have gotten to be pit crew for Nine and Triscuit Pale Hollow Farm LLC

08/21/2026

Today has been an incredible day of ups and downs for me and Sela. Despite arriving at the ATFO thinking there was no way we were going to get in the ring and compete, I was encouraged to show her in hand. In fact, that was the reality for almost all the trainers in the 365 division. Sela was so willing and good despite being pretty unprepared. But she came up lame in the hind end, so this will be the end of our in-hand participation. I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive throughout this process, as well as the people who have donated and sponsored us along the way!

08/18/2026

Twilight showing off. And yes, it's soooooo dry here.

08/17/2026

My view after getting thrown twice. I'm in pain but not disastrously hurt. A few days ago Sela and I had a beautiful ride. I was really looking forward to attempting the technical at the ATFO next week. But today, she threw me twice. HARD. I don't know why or what caused it, other than it was a cooler breezier day than normal. She didn't spook. She was in an area she's been ridden in many times. She just lost her marbles after taking a few steps and I couldn't get her under control. I did more groundwork with her and then against my better judgement, I got back on, thinking that this time if she tried something at least I'd be ready. We made it a little further the second time but she lost it again and started bolting and bucking. And off I came again.

We had our issues during the first half of the competition, but this is the first time she ever attempted any unsafe behavior while I was on her back.

08/12/2026

Third required post: Well folks, don't count us out yet! Sela is doing really well following her bout with Potomac Fever. She looks a little worse for wear but yesterday I decided to bring her back into work and she is really handling it well. Tinia asked if I was willing to try the technical part of the competition with her and honestly, even though I know we won't come close to acing it, we can still give it a go! I'll feel accomplished no matter what she gives me.

Sela is a very sweet mare. I've gone through some crazy ups and downs with her, but as we near the end of this journey, I can understand why Tinia loves her so much. All of these horses touch you and teach you and wiggle their way into your hearts. Sela has done just that with me. When I took her on, I knew she'd be a bit of a challenge and I wanted to do right by her. This poor mare has dealt with a lot in her life. We were going really strong, and I was devastated when she got sick.

Sela can do all the things most good horsey citizens do, such as leading, standing tied for grooming and saddling, loads in a trailer (you might need to give her grace with backing out), farrier, vet, fly spray, fly gear, and bath.

I was able to take Sela camping on a high line this summer and she did great. She ponies nicely on trail. So far I've ridden her down the trail once and she actually really seemed to enjoy it!

Sela is still VERY green under saddle.

Sela will need a professional to keep up her training, since I am unable to take her back to Michigan following the ATFO.

08/12/2026

Just a quick clip. But today was the first day on Sela's back since Potomac fever. She did sooo well today. We picked up right where we left off, but I am sad because I know she would be so much farther without this setback. Ultimately, though, I'm really proud of her and myself.

08/09/2026

Check this out! I got to meet Noah a few years ago when he was a judge for the ATFO. Such a good guy and wonderful horseman.

🐴 This one is for the rider who's been carrying fear in silence.

You are not alone. Not even close.

This September there is a place where you do not have to pretend. In person, in Buckley, Michigan, near Traverse City.

Two full days, hands on, in a small group of women who know exactly what the stirrup feels like when your heart is pounding.

We start where you are. We build the bond first, on the ground, before anything else. Nobody here is going to tell you to just get back on.

🐎 Only 10 riders will be accepted.
👉 https://vist.ly/5e34i