RECOMMENDATION FOR LINDA BLOCK

08/01/2011

DAN AND SUSAN PETERSON

We hired Linda Block as a trainer for our Warmblood pair 2011.  We knew her for several years as a skilled and competent driving competitor.

Ms. Block has an excellent ability to read a horses’ personality, strengths and weaknesses and can rapidly develop a training program to make the greatest progress promptly.  She is strong at identifying training issues like bit selection and harness issues.

She kept us updated weekly or more often – so that we felt up to date on progress.

Linda is a compassionate horse lover – she will treat your animal very well – but also will not tolerate any nonsense and corrects it.

We have a fair amount of driving experience, but Ms Block was also helpful with improving our driving skills – this proved of great value in competition.  She is a very good teacher.

When her horse and our pair were entered in different divisions in the same show, she spent more time on our horses than her own – which helped us a lot and put her horse at a disadvantage.

Linda also sent a detailed and informative 3 page letter to the riding trainer who will work with the horse while Linda has her surgery. You might find a better trainer, but I don’t know where.

Signed – Dan Peterson & Susan Peterson

Thank you Dan and Susan,

Working with your mares as a pair was a wonerful experience.  Your horses are not only are bred for performance, strenth and confirmation, but they possess a very positive working attitude along with natural talent.  It was a pleasure to bring them along and to be able to compete with them and to watch you both compete at the 2011 Hickory Knoll CDE.  Dan, I was a pleasure to see you smile ear to ear in your dressage test, and on the cones and marathon course.  Have fun with your mares!

Linda B.

April 29, 2011

Linda Block

Carriage Hill Driving Center

Dear Linda,

It has been a long road getting to where Fay & I are today.  At certain points along our journey we were dismayed, disappointed, afraid, angry, and confused.  We had been down the typical “training” road and had come out mentally, physically & emotionally wounded.  Still, we kept pushing forward seeking a respectful, progressive relationship and harmony under saddle.  This is when the winds shifted and we landed in your safe harbor……………..Under your careful, classically CORRECT, and respectful tutelage we discovered how to become one in rhythm and cadence.  We discovered what power comes from correctly using the hindquarters and how little the hands play a part in this.  Thank you Linda, for gently guiding us back to a healthy place; your knowledge, professionalism and experience are simply immeasurable.  We still have a ways to go but now we can do it with confidence knowing that you will be there with us every step of the way and for that we cannot thank you enough.  We highly recommend Linda Block & Carriage Hill Driving Center as a means to success – under saddle, under carriage, or under foot.  You will not be disappointed.

Sincerely,

Cathy Buckley & Fay

Thank you so much Cathy.  It has been a pleasure to work with you both.  You are very focused on your work and your efforts definitely show through your successes. 

Linda B.

When embarking  on a new endeavor one should always seek out help, right?!.So even though I had shown successfully at breed shows I thought the transition to carriage driving shows could use a helping hand. That hand turned out to be Linda Block.

Now to teach an opinionated horse person, and yes horse people have a tendency to be opinionated, is no easy task. Linda's background in actually training horses allows her to couple that talent with her people skills to come up with the perfect teaching mix,weather you are a beginner or seasoned individual. Let the success at our first show, be proof that we all can use a little bit of help, and in this instance that help should be Linda. 

Pat Nelson-Egland

Waukesha, Wisconsin

Thank you Pat.  You can see a several of Pat and "Bunny's" pictures in the Photo Gallery page.  Congradulations are definietly in order.  At their first American Driving Society sanctioned show, Pat took a 1st place in Working Pleasure, a 1st Place in Reinsmanship and a 2nd place in Turnout.  I am very proud to have guided Pat and Bunny in their new endeavors. 

Linda B.

I would like to commend Linda Block for her training and care of our Friesian mare, Lessa, a few years ago. We were VERY particular as to who we placed her in training with-we had had many awful experiences with other trainers and this horse is important to us!

We carefully checked out the barn and watched her train and drive her own horse. We were sold. This is one persnickety trainer! In fact, she probably took better care of Lessa then we do when the mare is at home!

Her driving training is beyond compare-she is quiet, gentle, determined, and persistent. The mare drives beautifully. In addition, Linda genuinely cares about the horses in her care....sometimes too much! She feeds only the best, supplements more than anyone, and brings her horses fresh veggies for snacks. When I die I want to come back as a horse in her training!

Our horse is light in the bridle, responsive, and wins! Who could ask for more. My only wish is that Linda had her own place so she could have more horses in training, and to own.

I would be delighted to answer any questions anyone might have about our experience with Linda. It was all positive. I have no regrets or complaints.

Marilyn Olson

Frankfort, Illinois

Thank you Marilyn. As you know, it was a pleasure working with you, Tiffany and Lessa. 

If you would like to see several pictures of Lessa and Tiffany in action, go to the Photo Gallery page and review the Friesan pictures.  Lessa has been successful in the ADS shows winning her first working pleaure class but also has wins in breeds shows in harness.  I am very happy to have respresented Marilyn, Tiffany and ILessa. 

Linda B.

Long before I got to know Linda Block, I watched her excel at driving shows and realized she had a gift with training horses. I acquired my beautiful black Morgan mare in 2009 and felt something was just “off”. She was a willing driving horse but just wasn’t happy in her work. She resisted taking her bit, and when in harness, she constantly fussed with her head and mouth and seemed irritable most of the time. I contacted Linda and our journey to contentment began!

My horse, "Jetta" spent 3 months training with Linda and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results! She is a patient instructor who creates a bond of respect with the horse in a safe environment, making learning easy and rewarding for the horse.

Jetta responded wonderfully to Linda’s training methods. Linda also spent time teaching me how to work with my horse on the ground and on the box, teaching me some very valuable reinsmanship skills and improved my relationship with my horse. She pays attention to every detail and is committed to bringing out the best in the horse.

I recommend Linda’s training methods 100%! It has been the best investment I’ve made in my horse and in my driving potential.

Linda Faivre

North Freedom, WI

Thank you Linda for the trust and confidence you had in me. I remember the first time I came to meet you and Jetta. I could see the perplexed look on your face in addition to the hopefulness you displayed. Then looking at Jetta, I could see the kindness in her eye but I could also sense she had some frustration and did not understand her job completely. I am so glad that I had a chance to work with you both, and show Jetta that her job can be fun and enjoyable. Jetta is a kind and wonderful mare and you are an excellent student!

Linda B.

II BIT RANCH

W12350 Tiedt Rd.

Columbus, WI. 53925

608-444-5333

7/21/2010

Open letter,

I am, Melanie Lichtfeld. I own and operate the II Bit Ranch in Columbus, WI. I am a certified riding instructor and teach approximately 16 students on a weekly basis. My area of riding discipline is beginner to intermediate English, Western, Driving, ranch horse and gaming.

My riding lesson program is successful, in part, because my horses and I maintain a regular program and we participate in continuing education. A big part of that education is Carriage Hill Driving Center and Linda Block.

I take regular lessons from Linda and she helps me with my lesson plans on a weekly basis. My students are also privilege to have her visit our farm on a monthly basis. In addition, she is available to us via e-mail on a daily basis.

My driving horses are not allowed into the lesson program until they have spent at least 60 days with Linda. This ensures me that these horses are SAFE for my students.   This is the best insurance policy the II Bit has.

We here at II Bit Ranch not only recommend Linda Block, we insist on her in our program.

Melanie Lichtfeld-Ganta

Thank you Melanie. You know it has always been such a great time working with you and your students. I have to say, you have brought those horses and students a long way since the first time I ever met them. As you and I have discussed many, many times, it is the consistency and routine of training that is produces a positive result. And Melanie, that is the core success of your training and lesson plans.

Pictures of Melanie in action can be review in the Photo Gallery.

Linda B.

BLM ENTERPRISE

BONNIE MOONEY

9303 GOODELL ROAD

EAGLE HARBOR, MI. 49950

August 17, 2010

Carriage Driving

Pleasure driving

Training a horse to Drive

Whatever it is called, it requires a knowledgeable person to bring a horse and whip (driver) to a safe point of enjoyment for both!!!!!

After searching for a couple of years, for the right person to train Rose to drive. One who used the methods of training that had been consistent for Rose’s development. That method being Dressage or at least similar, IE, utilizing time, patience and understanding of the horses psyche.

When Linda moved her training business into the barn that I boarded in, I still wasn’t sure, that she was the right trainer, until I started watching her with newbie’s (beginners). Her demeanor, with all breeds who were being introduced to driving, is quiet, assured, confident, and understanding of their behaviors.

I was pleased to be a part of the training process, when she methodically introduced Rose to each step.

She moved Rose along as rapidly or slowly as was right for her. Linda called with a progress report, when I couldn’t be on hand. She has the best professionals available should your horse require specialty health care, and can articulate precisely, what you need to do and what to expect as a result , during lessons.

When I wanted to show Rose in breed show pleasure driving, Linda’s thorough research, advice, and continued education allowed Rose to become 2009 Hi-Point Amateur Pleasure Driving Horse in the WQHA (Wisconsin) and UPQHA (Upper Peninsula).P

I recommend Linda for all decisions with regards to the sport of equine driving. She remains on top of her game.

Thank You, Linda, for the continuing improvement in the relationship between Rose and myself.

Thank you Bonnie,

It is a priviledge to work with you and your horse Rose.  You were both such a fast study and learned your lessons well.  Your friendship has been invaluable throughout the years. 

Bonnie and Rose can be viewed in the Photo Gallery.  The Grey AQHA mare. 

Linda B.

I would like to publicly thank Linda Block for the excellent job she did this summer teaching my 3 yo Connemara Pony, Mike Mulligan, to drive.  I am a novice to the driving world and obviously so was he, and I was going to be happy if he just learned to pull a cart without anybody getting hurt.  I didn’t have any idea that he was going to learn to pull the cart with such elegance and style!  She really did a fabulous job with him and I am thrilled with the results.

Linda was very patient and thorough with Mike’s bitting work and groundwork, which I came to understand was the reason he did so well when he was finally hitched.  She took excellent care of him while he was with her and she treated him like he was her own.  She was also wonderful about keeping me informed about his progress.  I never worried about him when he was with her.  Linda is as good a horsewoman as I have ever met, and I would encourage anyone who is interested in training their horse to drive (or to drive better) to give her a call.

Thank you Linda!

Pat Cunningham
Lake Villa, IL

Thank you Pat,

I have been fortunate to have owners and breeders bring some high quality horses and ponies to my door step.  Mike is definitely one of them.  Mike's intellegence level, confirmation and overall striking looks...oh yes, and his personality, have made my time with him a very rewarding experience.  As a 3 year old pony, I found Mike to be very focused when he understood his job and I have to say, he loves to get out and work.  I will miss him when I go to the paddock each day. 

Linda B.

December 15, 2010

I want to thank Linda for the superb work she did with my Arab mare, Storm.  I thought about training my filly to drive for quit sometime but procrastinated in getting her started.  I wanted her started right but was afraid to commit the money.  Linda made it possible for me to afford training AND learn right along with my horse.  I have no regrets.  Linda has a systematic way of starting a horse that works!  I now have a very responsive driving horse with which my father and myself can enjoy.  The added plus...the transition to riding was drama free and pretty much accomplished before I even stepped into the saddle!

Danielle Faucett

South Milwaukee, WI

Thanks so much Danielle.  Storm was such a gracious student and so were you.  I am excited that the two of you caught on so quickly and did so well in your driving lessons.  Storm has such a wonderful attitude and wants to please you at all times. 

Linda B.