Testimonials
“Incorporating a sport psychology consultant into my barn’s support team has been vital for us. Tonya has helped my riders prepare more effectively for the ring, remember their courses, increase their focus in lessons and at shows, and handle the ups and downs of competition with a more positive attitude. We have done group clinics at various times throughout the year including prior to medal finals, and I have encouraged clients to see her on an individual basis as well. Tonya’s willingness to be on-site at shows is really valuable.”
- Beverly Jovais, Chestnut Hill Farm, CA
“After the clinic the girls had the best lessons they have ever had every single day this week. They are all SO excited and I have been really making them take their time and employ the tools you gave them prior to every “turn” they take in their lessons. The confidence they have gained with the techniques you taught is fabulous. The feedback on your clinic was so positive that those who did not attend are regretful - and those who did it will support future ones for sure!”
- Kelly Van Vleck, Van Vleck Ranch, CA
“The biggest skills my riders got were relaxation, breathing, visualization, and using checkpoints in the ring. The clinic was very complimentary to teaching because we as trainers get very focused on the actual details of the ride and yet there is so much for riders to be doing on their own, psychologically, that Tonya really brought out. Now I see them using the tools and getting in the habit of planning their rides. I have been using the tools as well - like phrasing things in the positive and taking occasional circle breaths before I give instruction - it has helped me be more effective.”
- Wendy Brownlee, Brownlee Equestrian, NV
“My riders learned how to focus better before going into the ring. There is one rider who has had an unbelievable improvement since the clinic. She is probably what you would consider the gold standard of what we were looking to get out of it. She is taking it really seriously… she does her homework in the binder at lessons and horse shows. I would highly advise any trainer to add these psychological tools to their toolbox.”
- Cara Chapel, Folly Farm LLC, CT
“As a junior and amateur, when I went to the indoor medal finals and for all of the major medal finals on the west coast, my work with Tonya and the technique of visualization was a key for me. Now as a professional, I find it helpful to sit in on Tonya’s clinics at our farm and use the ideas and techniques in my teaching. It has helped me to be simple and clear in communicating with clients. Our clients’ use of imagery and focusing skills helps them be more relaxed and effective in the ring. Tonya’s availability is also a key – even a brief session when calling in from a horse show can help you re-focus and gain perspective.”
- Lindsay Anderson, Shady Lane Farm, CA
“Tonya’s presentation at the USEA Area VI Annual meeting helped people understand the value of working on the mental preparedness for competing, and that it is just as important as the physical training, if not more so. I do think that Tonya’s experience as a rider and a competitor gives her a good feel for what we are asking of ourselves in this sport. People really connected with her, and felt comfortable talking with her. I think one of the biggest bonuses to Tonya is that she will work with you over the phone. I think that is great!”
- Dayna Lynd-Pugh, US Eventing Association Area VI, 2007 Annual Meeting, Fresno, CA
“My riders got the chance to really think about the many things that hinder their performance in the ring, due to stress. I was thrilled because their desire to be perfect gets in their way more than any horse! I think they realized this and found ways to deal with it through Tonya’s clinic. It exceeded my expectations. I have already told other coaches that Tonya’s clinics are invaluable for their athletes. It was so important to spend a concentrated amount of time coming up with new and purposeful methods to deal with the issues. We have continued to talk about the strategies discussed in the clinics in our lessons. Goal setting has been ongoing, and students are more focused now. I also see them breathing properly and visualizing before and during classes. They talk about issues more openly. Many bring the binders to the shows!! I see them talking about and utilizing many of the techniques. She’s the best!”
- Suzanne Payne, Smith College IHSA Riding Team, MA
“I use Tonya - I believe in using sport psychology techniques myself. I refer a lot of my students to Tonya and have her do clinics for my barn. Working with Tonya really improves their focus, regardless of riding level. They also learn to deal with fear and anxiety, if those are issues for them. The clinics on horseback are great for practicing the techniques while they are actually riding. It is powerful having both trainer and sport psychology consultant in the ring helping them put concepts into action. At shows my students come up with one or two specific performance goals before they enter the ring, and it helps them collect themselves and ride successfully.”
- Lucie Wharton, Whileaway Farm, CA
“I was a junior rider the first time I attended one of Tonya’s clinics. Her strategies and techniques not only helped me excel, but are now part of my teaching and riding. I am most impressed with Tonya’s ability to reach and work with every type of student from beginner to advanced; from the non-focused day dreamer to the self-motivated. Her clinics teach to every learning style and produce GREAT RESULTS!!! My riders are better able to maintain focus, make decisions, and discuss problems and strategies. I am proud to offer her clinics to my riders.”
- Kate Haisch, Chatham Hall, VA
“Tonya is a wonderful, positive, and kind person to work with. She has given my students confidence many times. She is a rider herself and understands the nervousness and fears that a rider can have. She knows how important it is to breathe and focus. I love that she gives a notebook to each student with homework for them to work on. I have my students carry their notebooks in their tack trunks and review them at the shows.”
- Marian Nelson, Riverside Ranch, CA
“I am extremely impressed with how thorough Tonya is in her teaching style and the ideas that she communicates with her clients. I have experienced first-hand Tonya’s ability to set up specific, individualized programs for different issues. For example, there have been unbelievable results with one student who had extreme fear issues with riding every day, to the point of almost complete paralysis. She has been able to conquer her fear and now enjoys her rides very much. She feels much more confident and can utilize the valuable tools that Tonya has given her in any situation and at any time. I would strongly recommend Tonya’s clinics as a valuable resource and supplement to any riding program. I would also advise trainers to use these sport psychology techniques in their teaching and training.”
- Ruth Van Sweden, Van Sweden Equine Training, CA
