"Meet Charlie! We have been clients of Holly Winkeljohn for the past 8 years. In that time, we’ve grown from an inexperienced $700 rescue to competition level champions with Holly's plain Jane approach to what could be a very expensive sport. It’s been a joy working with Holly. We’ve had lots of jumping off spots along our journey. She’s coached us in Traditional and Western dressage (all the way to 3rd level), jumping, hunters and even a RODEO!!!!! She also takes time to teach horse ownership and common sense from grooming, to trailering, to health. I don’t think Chuck and I would have been half as successful as we are today without his “Aunt Holly” on the ground. " ~Susan Gitlin Plant City, FL
"Holly is the most encouraging trainer I have worked with. Her priority is inspiring her students and creating confidence. On top of it all she is a wealth of knowledge so you can guarantee you will come out more confident and educated." ~Gabby Diakon, GMD Training
“Holly is an incredible, kind and encouraging trainer. She’s knowledgeable and always considerate with the well being of the horse and rider in mind. She is very professional and consistent with her time and training techniques. I always look forward to learning more each week. Holly has been instrumental in helping me grow as a rider and reaching my personal riding goals!”
~Niki Vogt Florida
"I have been a student of Holly’s for a little over one year. I was returning to riding after a surgery and was a bit of a mess. Holly’s patience and clear instruction brought me to the point where I was able to compete in western dressage and win in a matter of months. She is extremely knowledgeable and provides instruction in a clear structured manner. I left each lesson with a very clear understanding of what we were trying to achieve and why. I would not hesitate to recommend her to riders at any level." ~Jenn Greene Florida/Maine
"Holly is an amazing woman all around. I trained under her during the most pivotal years of my life and I can honestly say on a personal level that she encouraged confidence and enforced integrity through every lesson. She taught me the importance of the team mentality you need with your horse to truly excel in whatever adventure you choose to chase with that horse. From training a new horse to be able collect under saddle to those picture perfect blue ribbon days, she always knew exactly how to push you and the horse to be the absolute best you can be. I would not be the woman I am today without her. She has an incredible connection with her students of all ages and lights up the arena with her infectious laughter. Her passion for horses and her students is insurmountable."
~Melody Schubert, FL
"I had a horse named Kaya that wasn’t broken to ride and I approached Holly to see if she would help us. At first Holly was a little bit hesitant as Kaya was already just over six years old but did decide to help us as she could see something special in her. Holly worked with both Kaya and myself slowly teaching us the basics at first (I was a novice rider without any training so we both had to start from scratch) and with Holly’s instruction, patience and guidance both Kaya and I became confident in our riding ability. Holly’s techniques are gentle and I never felt rushed always going at our own pace. I always looked forward to my lessons as they were so enjoyable. Kaya ended up learning much faster than I did and Holly used her as a lesson horse to further increase her abilities and she absolutely thrived. I am forever grateful for not only having her as a trainer but as a valued friend as well."
~Michele Mason Austrailia
"I had met and over achieved my goals in the jumper and hunter ring and I got bored with it. I wanted to try out dressage, but I didn’t think Dexter was capable of it. Holly was already training a few girls at the barn so I reached out and decided to join a lesson. I immediately saw changes in his movement and mindset, I definitely improved in my riding, and we were working better as a team over all; understanding each other. Now, a few months later, he’s a completely different horse. He is more responsive to my leg, he thinks and is engaged in his work, and seems to really enjoy his job." ~Joanne Curran, Land O'Lakes, FL
"Holly is not just another riding instructor. She is a gifted educator. That gift, along with her extensive experience, provide her students with the tools and knowledge they need to meet their riding goals. As an adult novice rider I have accomplished more in the last year with Holly than I have in multiple years with other instructors. Holly provides an excellent learning atmosphere. She challenges me to confront my obstacles, whether physical or mental, yet is endlessly patient and kind. I look forward to every moment I spend with her because I walk away encouraged, empowered, and inspired."
~Sarah Kelley, Lakeland, FL
"Holly has been a trainer, mentor and second mom to me for the past 14 years(????) and I give her a ton of credit for helping mold me into the responsible woman I am today. I started with Holly as an 8 year old who just wanted to ride for fun, which quickly turned into a 10 year old who wanted to show schooling hunter/dressage shows which eventually turned into a rated dressage show and somewhere in between there I became a full time owner of my dream pony, which was also fully supported by Holly. I vividly remember being 16 years old at the most trying times of my life, Holly was always a shoulder to lean on and a solid giver of advice, that always began with "go dote on your pony!" Through these 14 years, Holly has taught me patience, responsibility and trust, just by showing these traits in her everyday teachings. She is by far the most patient instructor and mentor who I can count on to give the most solid advice (horse related or not). I am truly so thankful my mom took me out to meet "Miss Holly" 14 years ago at R&R ranch. Horseback riding truly molded me into the woman I am today and it wouldn't have done that for me if it weren't for the help of Holly!" ~ Allie Yates, Lithia, FL
"When I started lessons with Holly I had several things that I needed help with. She has many training exercises to improve your riding that benefit both you and your horse. I leave every lesson learning something new. She is great with instructing you in a way that encourages you and doesnt make you feel inadequate. I cant wait for my lesson each week! I highly recommend her. Thanks Holly!"
~ Amy Wright, Lakeland, FL
"I started riding as a 55 year old with Holly and have been riding with her for nearly 10 years. She teaches with an emphasis on basics that set any rider up for success, whether that is trail riding or competition level shows. I appreciate her wide range of knowledge and how she continues to learn new methods and ideas to add to her already large skill set that provide new ways for me to gain confidence and advance my riding ability. Being part of Holly's barn is a bright spot in my life and gives me great joy. Nothing better than being on a horse when you are confident in your skill and challenging yourself to do better! Thanks Holly."