Testimonials

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. I was so pleased after my ride today that I just had to email you to again say thanks.
It had been almost two weeks since I had ridden Dillon because of all the rain and snow. I had done groundwork with him as possible in between the ice and lake in my riding area. The groundwork had gone well, but still, I was a little apprehensive since it had been so long since I had ridden. It was an awesome day. I felt like we were really together and I was able to ride with really loose reins and change gaits and make turns with just barely a lift of the rein to start and rare corrections on the circle. And - his mouth was totally quiet.

Jane L.

I have been riding with the Donohues for 9 years and haven't regretted a second of it. Nick and Jessie help foster an extremely supportive family environment.The lessons I've learned at the barn haven't just made me a better horsewoman, they've made me a better person. I highly recommend the Donohues.

Annah B.

I have been taking lessons and riding horses with the Donohues for just over three years. This is a phenomenal place to learn the finest quality horsemanship. Great exposure to all elements of riding from the very basics to advanced skills including working with cattle and ranch roping. Very friendly environment to learn and grow. Highly recommended.

Aaron H.

I just wanted to tell you what a remarkable change you have made in our life. When I brought Pixi there you didn't see her arrival but Jesse did. I remember the look on her face when my trailer was rocking back and forth as Pixi was tearing it apart acting like a poorly mannered stud. David got home with her today - no rocking no pounding no kicking. Where's Pixi?? She couldn't be in the trailer??? Haha I opened her window she was standing all calm and quiet in no rush to get out. Wow! Taking her in and out of the trailer was always a wild ride and my life felt way too on the edge each time. So thanks again we are in awe!

Jayne N.

I have had the pleasure of training with, and now the friendship of Nick and Jessie for almost a year now. I came to them after many years out of the saddle, wanting to put my feet firmly in the strips in the Natural / Vaquero / Tom and Bill Dorrance / Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman style of horsemanship. I had heard Donohue Horsemanship was the place I would find this. I cannot say they met expectations because they have gone so far and beyond what I had imagined. I leased "Sunday" for a time and then, bought my colt, Lincoln. Nicks skill and support have resulted in an extraordinary start for Lincoln and the education and support I receive in my lessons with Nick and with Jessie often make me wish for a longer drive home so as to hold on to the feelings and message in quiet contemplation. Lincoln and I are able to participate in Clinics that Nick and Jessie host as well as clinics they produce and facilitate. The opportunity to learn and grow with ones horse is endless. The care they put into their horsemanship is reflected in the care of the facility and its other four legged family members. The cats, their dogs and the cattle they raise are all as respected and well cared for as the horses.

If someone had told me a year ago I'd be sorting cattle and experiencing the kind of horsemanship I have been, I'd have said, "In my dreams." Well........don't wake me ~ ever.

Doreen B.

Vaquero horsemanship is not about discipline, tack or clothing. It's about the human's approach to the horse and desire to create a true partnership. This type of horsemanship is challenging but extremely rewarding. I've seen Nick Donohue work with colts and troubled horses and get them to a place where they feel a sense of peace with the human. I started my horsemanship journey with him back in 2010 and have learned far too much to summarize here, but it's completely changed my life for the better.

Nick has been working with my horse who would buck out of fear or resistance. He's learning that the human can provide peace and support. It's like he's a different horse thanks to Nick, and through my ongoing lessons I'm learning how to provide the support he needs. I feel extremely lucky that the Donohues are so close by and grateful that Nick is here to guide me on my journey.

Not to mention that the facility is pristine and the horses and cattle are very well cared for. It's a fantastic place to board, train and learn all aspects of vaquero horsemanship, and everyone there feels like extended family. I feel pretty lucky to have found this herd. :)

Melissa L.