ALL EVENTS
REQUEST INFO
APPLY NOW

615.379.1056

Tag: josh lyons accreditation

Horse Trainer Highlight

Posted on by Kristen Bosgraf

R3 Performance Horses - Ridge Romine

R3 Performance Horses, owned by Ridge and Miranda Romine, offers weekly and monthly training programs, mini clinics, as well as standing On a Moonshine High, aka “Moonshine”, at stud on their farm.  Located in Athens, TN this beautiful facility includes a 10-stall barn, covered arena, and outdoor arena available for clients to use as well as a tack holding room, and wash area. Ridge completed the Josh Lyons Accreditation Program in 2023 leaving Colorado riding, thinking, and teaching at a completely different level which accelerated the success of R3. Meeting back in 2013, Ridge and Miranda established clear goals for what they wanted in their life. With college, military, job placements, and more, they knew moving to Athens, TN offered the balance of family values and lifestyle opportunities they wanted. They welcomed their son, Ryker, to the world in 2019, and their daughter, Royce, in 2023. Together they vowed to cherish time, continually improve each other, and show their children the foundation of a team and partnership.

Upon returning home from deployment with the United States Coast Guard, Ridge shifted his career path, focusing on being the best all-around horseman he can be. In order to continue his education and provide higher quality finish horses after colt starting, Ridge chose the Lyons Legacy program. As Ridge says, “when I attended a 3 day clinic back in 2016, I learned a ton in those 3 short days. I couldn’t get over how much I learned in such a short period of time that it drove me to pursue the Accreditation. The way Josh teaches makes new exercises a lot easier to understand. His analogies when explaining make the concepts stick in your head in a way that really helps me learn.” Here he found where his true passion lies with horses – being able to establish a concrete foundation for a horse and rider so they have the best tools and confidence to navigate through all situations.

“My main thing was to be able to work for myself,” Ridge says. “At the end of the day, I want to be able to work and spend time with my family. The market of training horses has gaps in integrity, communication, and accountability. If I can accomplish client goals and mend the lack of trust in the horse community, then that is what I consider success. Any day on the back of a horse is better than a day working for somebody else. ” After finishing the accreditation, Ridge gained the confidence to start his own business using the tools Josh gave him to answer the questions many people ask.

The Future of R3 Performance Horses

Ridge continues to seek additional learning opportunities to further develop his skills and services. “I would really like to become the best overall horseman I can be. I want to be able to gain enough knowledge and perspective to provide services over multiple disciplines instead of falling into one unique niche. Continuing to learn is a huge goal for my future. The day I say “I know everything about horses” is the day I am wrong. Whenever I get the chance to pick Josh’s brain, I am trying to gain more and more knowledge. I’m grateful Josh is willing to chat, teach, and even mentor when it comes to new, old, and future opportunities.”

Together with his family, R3 Performance horses continues to grow and add new services to their clientele. You can reach the R3 team at: 

TRAINING CONTACT INFO

Phone: (423) 333 – 8782
Email: ridge@r3performancehorses.com

INVOICING & SCHEDULING

Phone: (423) 333 – 8782
Email: miranda@r3performancehorses.com

Lyons Legacy Latest – March 2024 Newsletter

Posted on by Kristen Bosgraf

March 2024

March feels like it is whipping by and spring is upon us! It has also proven to be a busy month for Josh, starting with two days of private sessions with an amazing group of ladies from North Dakota. We had a great time with Megan, Deb, and Alicia and look forward to seeing them again when we head their way in November!

A few days later, Josh hit the mid west for two 5-Day clinics with a couple days of private sessions in between.  First stop, the lovely WKU L.D. Brown Ag & Expo Center in Bowling Green, KY.  We saw familiar faces from past KY clinics, some Lyons Legacy graduates, and a great group of first time Lyons clinic riders. We even had the Amateur Champion of the 2020 Appalachian Trainer Face Off hosted by the Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue join us for a few days! One of our riders, Natalie, put it best when she said ” the best part was our group of riders, your attitudes were all amazing, everyone was friendly with smiles.”

Then it was off to Reflections Equestrian Center for two days of private sessions leading up to another 5-Day Clinic.  Josh was able to help a young, unstarted stallion get going under saddle – a fun way to spend the afternoon! The clinic group includes many past attendees and of course some graduates came through to say hi and lend a hand. Everyone at Reflections makes our team feel like they are right at home. Thank you to both WKU and Reflections for your hospitality and sharing your beautiful facilities for our events!          

Events Calendar

Easter Sunday Prayer

Oh Lord, You loved this world so much that you gave your one and only Son, that we might be called your children too. Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace of Easter Sunday every day. Let us have hearts of thankfulness for your sacrifice. Let us have eyes that look upon Your grace and rejoice in our salvation. Please help us to walk in that mighty grace and tell your good news to the world. All for Your glory do we pray, Lord, Amen.

Still accepting riders and auditors for the April clinics in Arizona! Click the picture to register, auditors can sign up by clicking here.

Ready to pursue a career with horses?  Join us in 2024 to earn your certification!  We are still taking applications for these upcoming classes:

Remember, only our Colorado campus classes are eligible to receive Veterans Education Benefits. Classes are limited to just 10 students – don’t delay, enroll today!

Apply Now

Lyons Legacy Latest – February 2024 Newsletter

Posted on by Kristen Bosgraf

February has been a quiet month for Josh and the team – a welcome break before the spring/summer clinic madness begins! We are pleased to announce our latest class of Lyons Legacy graduates: Lori Ricigliano, Amy Parsley, and Jason Siebels! They completed their program February 2 and are already moving on to their next adventures. Lori will be competing in the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Challenge in Lexington, KY this coming October. Amy will be competing in the 2024 Appalachian Trainer Faceoff in Winfield, WV this coming August. Jason is launching his own business, Running JS Training, offering training and exercising services in the AZ area. Make sure you support not only these new graduates but our whole team of Lyons Legacy Trainers!

For all our online school participants, our next zoom meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28th at 7:00pm Arizona time. If you haven’t heard – online school students have the opportunity to connect with Josh twice each month in the form of a zoom meeting to learn about a variety of topics and get feedback from Josh about not only the topic at hand but any other issues you have been experiencing with your training. The Lyons Legacy Online Training Program is a great option for those who cannot travel to in person events, as a supplement to your clinic experiences, and even as preparation for your participation in either a clinic or program.

Train for success – with THE BEST!

The benefits of attending a clinic – either as a rider or auditor – far outweigh the financial investment! Each clinic is unique to the goals of the riders participating. That means every clinic is a new experience, even if you have ridden with Josh before! All types of horses and riding disciplines are welcomed and encouraged to participate. Come ride with us!

Private Instruction Opportunity In April

Our calendar has opened up for additional private instruction time in the month of April. Lessons will be available in the Scottsdale, AZ area – come to us or if you are local, we can come to you! Half-day sessions (10am – 2pm) are $600 and can include two riders for that cost. Let’s get you ready for show season! Call Kristen to check availability, get questions answered, or to schedule at 615-379-1056.

Ready to pursue a career with horses? Join us in 2024 to earn your certification! We are still taking applications for these upcoming classes:

John & Josh Lyons Certification Program – April 29, 2024 – June 7, 2024

John & Josh Lyons Certification Program – Aug. 5, 2024 – Sept. 13, 2024

Josh Lyons Accreditation Program – Aug. 19, 2024 – Sept. 27, 2024

Remember, only our Colorado campus classes are eligible to receive Veterans Education Benefits. Classes are limited to just 10 students – don’t delay, enroll today!

Thoroughbred Makeover 2024

Posted on by Kristen Bosgraf

Lori Ricigliano, of Ricigliano Farms, graduated from the L2-Intermediate Professional Horseman Program February 2, 2024, joining the ranks of Lyons Legacy Trainers. Lori  is very active in the horse industry.  She has held her Judges License as a  USEF / AHA – “R” rated Arabian Horse Judge for over 25 years. She is also a published author and clinician for horsemanship and horse training as well as host of the syndicated equine radio talk show Hoof Beats with Lori.

One of her next adventures is to participate in the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover held October 9-12 in Lexington, KY. Lori and her mare Kitty will be one of over 400 competitors hoping to win the $10,000 cash prize! The whole Lyons Legacy Team will be rooting for Lori and Kitty.  Show them how to #ridelikealyons!

The Thoroughbred Makeover is the largest Thoroughbred retraining competition in the world for recently-retired ex-racehorses. The Retired Racehorse Project, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, created the Thoroughbred Makeover to showcase the trainability and talent of off-track Thoroughbreds. The competition is intended to inspire good trainers to become involved in transitioning these horses to second careers, and the National Symposium serves to educate the people involved in the care, training, and sale of these horses to responsible owners.

Ten competitive disciplines are offered at the Makeover: Barrel Racing, Competitive Trail, Dressage, Eventing, Field Hunter, Polo, Ranch Work, Show Hunter, Show Jumper, and Freestyle (a free-form division to demonstrate skills of the trainer’s choice). A horse may be entered in up to two disciplines.

Preliminary rounds take place on Wednesday and Thursday. Each competitor receives a preliminary round score and placing, and the top five in each discipline advance to the Finale, which takes place on Saturday in the Covered Arena and is broadcast via livestream. The Finale is a separate championship event and competitors are placed by Finale scores.

Each discipline competes separately in Finale, and each has their own final test to determine the Makeover Champion in that discipline. Judges from all disciplines then rank the ten Makeover Discipline Champions, and the Thoroughbred Makeover Champion is named (and earns a $10,000 check!).

The competition will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY on October 9-12, 2024.

Horse Trainer Highlight

Posted on by Kristen Bosgraf

April returned to her hometown of Tyler, TX after retiring from the Marine Corps, in May of 2021. She joined the Marine Corps at 17 years old and served our country for over 24 years in the aviation field, recruiting & career planning. Her husband is also a retired Marine, and their son currently serves in the Marine Corps. Hoorah! She has worked with Veteran nonprofits, serving as a board member and officer throughout the years. After retirement, she began looking for a Veteran horse program in East Texas and was one of the first Veteran riders at Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center! This led April to seek continuing education as she felt a calling to help other veterans heal and follow their passion with horses.  Through her research she found the Lyons Legacy Equestrian Academy program.

April, chose to attend our John & Josh Lyons Certification program in August of 2022 and joined the ranks of Lyons Legacy Trainers on September 23, 2022. After graduation, she returned home to move forward with her equine career. Many Veterans have invisible “soul” wounds, and she believes horses are God’s vessel for healing. As a lifelong equestrian, April’s passion for horses paired with her love for Jesus and our Veterans, led her to serve on staff at Starbrite. The additional skills she gained from her experience in the Lyons Legacy program, paired with her previous experience at Starbrite and with horses in general, made her the perfect choice to take on the role of Program & Site Director at Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center.  Her next adventure is completing her PATH certification to be able to better serve her clientele and fulfill her role at Starbrite.

April has owned horses since the age of 18 with the exception of while deployed to Iraq in 2005. In April’s words, “horse ownership while on active duty is not for the faint of heart.  Moving often required hauling cross country, new stables, farrier, vet and hay supply with little time to ride.  However, the reward of meeting new horse people, having a constant happy place always outweighed the hardship.  My horses and time with them were when I was not a wife, mom, Marine, family member, friend, but just myself.  It was and is my therapy. Through prayer and souls searching I know my purpose is to help other Veterans that struggle with PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma.”

About Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a service organization that utilizes equine assisted activities to spread the Love of Christ by empowering youth, adults and veterans with a variety of needs and abilities. The Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and member of PATH International. (Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship) and is located in Whitehouse, TX. The programs offered at Starbrite include Therapeutic Riding, Horsemanship, and Horses for Heroes.  These programs are supported by a large group of volunteers to facilitate the learning environment.

Colorado Campus moves to Fort Morgan

Posted on by Kristen Bosgraf
Horse Training Certification Program

Big news – we are moving our Colorado campus from Grand Junction to Fort Morgan!  The opportunity to take advantage of a private facility was too good to pass up.  Boon Ranch is just 10 minutes outside of Fort Morgan, offering our students a wide variety of local accommodations and attractions. Additionally, there are some hookup options right on site for students that hope to utilize their LQ trailer or RV!  Take a look at these amenities:

  • 20 stall heated barn w/ automatic waters
  • 14 stall barn off the indoor
  • 16 covered runs w/ automatic waters
  • 6 large covered pens w/ automatic waters
  • 4 large pastures w/ automatic waters
  • Indoor 150x100
  • Outdoor 160x140
  • Outdoor 120x120
  • Outdoor Roping Arena 185 x 400
  • 2 Round Pens

We feel so very blessed to embark on this new endeavor with Boon Ranch!  Hosting our programs at a private facility gives our students an intimate environment where they can focus on their progression without feeling like they are on public display. Thank you Boon Ranch!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

NRHA Futurity News

Posted on by Kristen Bosgraf

Max Morin at the NRHA Futurity

Nothing makes us prouder than seeing our graduates succeed!  Max Morin completed both the Certification and Accreditation programs in addition to becoming the first Master Trainer representing the Lyons Legacy philosophy and training methods. He has focused his career on reining and found his calling!  Max is currently competing in the NRHA Futurity in OKC with MAGNUM WIMPYS DREAM aka Rocco.  Read more in the article as seen on the NRHA website:

The Stage is Set for Record-Breaking NRHA Futurity Finals!

Reiners brought the heat in their last chance to make it to the National Reining Horse Association Futurity finals. More entries and higher payouts brought the best out of 3-year-old reiners and their riders.

More than $2.9 million will be paid out, breaking the 2022 record for riders in Non Pro and Open divisions in the Jim Norick Coliseum. 

Once again, the Level 4 Open exhibitors will be competing for an impressive $350,000 first-place prize during the MS Diamonds TX L4 Open Futurity Finals. The reserve champion will win a guaranteed $150,000, and third place will bank $100,000.

The CINCH Non Pro Level 4 is also lucrative, with the Champion leaving the Sooner State with $75,000, the Reserve winner earning $45,000, and third taking a cool $35,000.

Andrea Fappani Leads Field of Open Finalists on Inferno Thirty Five

A competitive field of 3-year-old horses and their riders tested their skills Nov. 29 in the Jim Norick Coliseum for the Level 4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All, hoping to put together a second solid run that would earn them a trip to the MS Diamonds TX Level 4 Open Finals on Dec. 2. All day, scores kept going up and up, as riders added the semifinal scores to their first-round scores for composites that indicate consistency as well as fiery talent.

The NRHA’s only Eight Million Dollar Rider, Andrea Fappani, rode Stephen Archer’s Inferno Thirty Five to the highest composite score of the Level 4 Open Semi-Finals, presented by Not Ruf At All, with a 443.5.

Inferno Thirty Five is a 2020 stallion sired by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six and out of Madeof Pure Spangled by Star Spangled Whiz. Mary A. Jansma nominated the horse bred by Cardinal Hill Training Center. The horse already has $100,000 in lifetime earnings thanks to a win at The Invitational at the 100X Reining Classic.

Luca Fappani took the top spot in Levels 2 and 3 on Playing With Da Boys, a 2020 mare sired by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of the Gunner mare My Berry Best Gun. Neiberger-Camp Partnership owns Playing With Da Boys, who already has earnings of more than $3,800 through the 100X Reining Classic. The composite score was 442, and Fappani will advance in Level 4 also.

In Level 1, Maxime Morin set the pace on his own horse Magnum Wimpys Dream, with a 437 composite. The 2020 stallion is sired by NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of Wimpys Little Lassie by Wimpys Little Step. He was bred and nominated by Henry Knox. The horse has $4,776 in earnings through the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity and the Warm Up 3 Futurity sponsored by Snipers Smoking Gun.

NRHA Seven Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida received the top composite score of 442.5  in Prime Time on Spooks Gotta Homerun, a 2020 stallion sired by Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of A Ruf Mistress by Lil Ruf Peppy. The horse was nominated by Tracy Cole and bred by Larry Weihing. He has lifetime earnings of more than $15,000 through the North American Reining Stakes Futurity and the High Roller Reining Classic Futurity.

Bubbles for Advancing to the Open Futurity Finals:

MS Diamonds TX Level 4 – 437

Level 3 – 433

Level 2 – 428

Level 1 – 419

Prime Time – 434.5 (with handicap)

Riders Advance from CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation

Although the NRHA CINCH Non Pro Futurity preliminary round concluded Monday, Nov. 27, riders who barely missed qualifying for the finals still had a chance to advance.

That’s because the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation round gives entries that last chance needed to secure a spot in the Finals. In the consolation, the top five from each of the four Levels move on to Friday’s competition.

Topping the Level 4 were NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Mandy McCutcheon and Stephanie Porath, tying with an impressive 218.5. McCutcheon rode Arylosa, a mare she owns with NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider and Owner Tom McCutcheon, nominated by Euro-Vets Inc., by Arlosa Whiz and out of Spooky Lil Chex, while Porath was aboard Gunna Prosper, a stallion she owns and nominated with her husband, Jackson Porath. The stallion is by NRHA Ten Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Whizen Starlight. 

In the Level 3, it was Robert Peterson and TR Ice On Fire who claimed the lead with a 214. TR Ice On Fire is a gelding owned by Goose Creek Ranch LLC and nominated by Tamarack Ranch, by NRHA Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize and out of Wallawhizagun.

The Level 2 lead was secured by Kristen Avila, riding A Spook In Hollywood, a horse she owns and nominated herself. The stallion is by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown and out of Lucky Lil Spook, for a score of 211.

Taking the Level 1 was Delacy Hubbard, aboard HF Freeze Brand, for a 214. HF Freeze Brand is by NRHA Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize and out of HF Mobscar, nominated by Heritage Farms. 

Bubbles to Advance out of CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation:

Level 4 – 215

Level 3 – 211

Level 2 – 209

Level 1 – 209

Draw positions for the finals will be decided during the Platinum Performance Draw Party at 8 a.m. Thursday in the Sale Arena.

Complete results, draws, schedules, and more can be found at NRHAFuturity.com.

Horse Trainer Highlight

Posted on by Kristen Bosgraf

Breakthrough Horsemanship - Alisha Anderson

Alisha Anderson has two passions. Teaching – and horses!

Currently she’s on the road assisting with Josh Lyons clinics and traveling around the country. She has combined those passions into the career she hopes to follow for years to come.

Working with Josh happened ‘by the Grace of God’ and she’s thankful for the opportunity, she says. She graduated from the Josh Lyons Accreditation Program in 2023 and has plans to also complete the John & Josh Lyons Certification Program in April 2024.

While the Josh Lyons training helped Alisha hone her skills, she bought her first horse years before while serving in the Air Force and stationed in North Dakota. Her love of horses started as a youngster when she lived on a farm for a time. She took riding lessons even after her family moved off the farm and into an apartment. She said she worked on a dairy farm as a teenager and saved her money to help pay for the lessons.

Her goal has been a career centered around horses. She admits she’s still figuring it out. Her business, Breakthrough Horsemanship, offers travel lessons as well as horse training.

“I love teaching and I have a passion for that. I missed working with students,” she said about her time worked as an instructor in the Air Force. “I like what I’m doing now because I participate in clinics and private lessons – and I like the travel. From here it’s a matter of figuring out when and where.”

She credits her own love of learning and working with others to getting her where she is today.

“I attended clinics and did all I could to learn and network,” she said. “I enjoy teaching – and horses – and I enjoy putting the two together.”

Find out more about Josh Lyons clinics and their upcoming dates and locations at joshlyons.com

Spanish Cowhorse & Performance Horses - Angel Ramirez

Angel Ramirez is just 17 years old, but she’s already completed the Josh Lyons Accreditation Program, becoming the second generation in her family to do so.

And she knows what she wants for her future – continuing to operate the family ranch with the help of her sisters.

In the meantime, she is continuing her training and she loves competing.

“Josh Lyons has been a family friend for 20 years and my mom trained with him back in 2002,” she said. “It’s an awesome community to be around so it was a no brainer to be trained by him.”

Her family’s ranch is home to 400 cattle and it’s located in Montana, about 30 miles outside of Billings.

In addition to working on the ranch she competes in cow horse competitions like reining and cutting. Because she is under age 18 she competes in youth classes. She started out in rodeos, competing in barrels and pole bending. She competes in non-pro classes but would like to someday compete in pro circuits, too.

“My favorite event is the open roping,” she said. “I’ve been doing that since I was 13.”

“I just love competing and the horsemanship of it,” she added. “It’s a great community and there are some good jackpots, rider earnings and horse earnings.”

Her goal is to do both ranching and competing. But for now she’s home-schooled. Her favorite subject is history and she says she’s good at math. It’s not all about books, though. Depending on the day, she might spend the day fixing fencing or helping at neighboring ranches. She likes the routine because it keeps her on her toes.

Right now she’s working on training her youngest horse. She has several quarter horses: Abilene, Pecos, Buck and Star to name a few. She prefers Quarter Horses because of their grit, athleticism, and willingness to work.

“They’re solid,” she said.

She’s continuing her work with Josh Lyons, too, including a five-day clinic this month.

Lyons Legacy Latest – September 2023 Newsletter

Posted on by Kristen Bosgraf

September is flying by and fall is upon us. Congratulations to our recent Accreditation Program graduates – Ellie Shirey, Ridge Romine, Mira Carr, Alisha Anderson, and Angel Ramirez!  We are very proud to have you join our family of Lyons Legacy Trainers and wish you all success in your new careers. If you’d like to find these graduates or any of our trainers, check out our Trainers Directory.

Josh, Jana, and family have been enjoying some time at home in Arizona after a very busy summer schedule.  We have met some wonderful people in our travels and are preparing for the next road trip to see old friends at Reflections Equestrian Center. This beautiful facility has hosted us many times, they always make us feel right at home. Team Lyons is very excited to be returning for both a 5-Day Trainers Clinic and 3-Day Riding Clinic! We still have room for more riders – join us for an intensive learning experience.  Auditors are always welcome to get in on the fun as well.

We have added a button for All Events to our homepage to help interested riders find upcoming events.  Not only are Josh’s clinics and programs listed, but you will find John Lyons events listed there as well.

ALL EVENTS

For those of you enrolled in our Lyons Legacy Online Training Program – our next Zoom meeting is scheduled for September 27, 2023 at 5:00 PM MST. Don’t miss out on a great Q&A session with Josh. 

We are blown away by how quickly our 2024 calendar filled with events! If you want to host a Josh Lyons clinic in 2025, get your requests in ASAP! Click the picture for more info or to fill out the host application.

Horse Training Events
Horse Training Events

Ready to pursue a career with horses?  Join us in 2024 to earn your certification!  We are excited to announce our Arizona programs will be held at a private facility in San Tan Valley, AZ.  We are still taking applications for these upcoming classes:

Remember, only our Colorado campus classes are eligible to receive Veterans Education Benefits. Classes are limited to just 10 students – don’t delay, enroll today!

APPLY NOW

Straight Talk from Students – The Accreditation Program

Posted on by Kristen Bosgraf

Troy Chappell and April Scarbrough are classmates in Josh Lyons’ accreditation program. But that’s not all they have in common.

Both have had successful careers in the past – Troy as a farmer in North Dakota, April as an active duty Marine – and both now hope to start a new career training horses and helping others in the process.

“I’ve downsized and I figured I’d retire and do something I enjoy,” Troy said. “As a farmer I had horses and I’ve done tons and tons of trail riding but as I age I want to do more than just ride – I want to teach.”

Troy, 59, said he’s helped people in the past, privately, but never as a business. That’s what he wants to change with Lyons’ help.

“This program is just the best,” he said. “Josh makes you feel like family – there’s no pressure. He really helps you tune in to what you want to do.”

One technique that sticks with him is a technique that helps the horse – and rider – let go of unwanted stress. He describes taking the horse in slow, small circles and then slowly increasing speed and moving in bigger circles.

“It raises their emotions up and down … it helps to control the horse’s emotions,” he said. “There are tons of exercises to control parts of the horse’s body – it’s kind of complex, but we break it down and put it together.

“I’m just here to better myself,” Troy said. “A horse is never really finished, and as a horseman, you never stop learning – it’s kind of a lifelong thing.”

The accreditation program is a four-week, hands on course. Trainers learn to control every aspect of a horse’s performance. The program offers targeted training techniques aimed at training higher level horses and riders.

These students say the program is about the horse, but it’s about the trainer too. They say no horseman – or horse woman – is the same – you take what works for you and leave the rest.

April retired from the marines a over a year ago. At 43, she hopes to become an equine therapeutic riding instructor.

“I looked at the qualifications for an equine therapeutic riding instructor and I realized my riding was lacking,” she said. “My brother had horses and I rode as a little girl – trail rides and wagons. As an adult I tried barrel racing and also practiced dressage. But I knew I wanted to learn more.”

She knew early on the Lyons program was different.

“I’ve learned more in two weeks than I did in all the years before,” she said. “There are definitely differing skill levels, but there’s no judgement here. I’m the least experienced but it’s no big deal.”

April wants to team up with a non-profit to help treat women suffering from trauma, specifically military sexual trauma, which refers to experiences of sexual assault or sexual harassment that a Veteran experiences during military service.

“The VA has counseling and therapy but no specific activity to get them off the couch and out of their heads.”

She also pointed to the Lyons organizations use of the GI Bill® Benefits as another factor that drew her to the Lyons program.

These benefits help qualified veterans pay for college, graduate school or training programs.

“I’ve been very grateful for that,” she said.

PROGRAMS

CLINICS

ADMISSIONS

STORE

CONTACT

Lyons Legacy
28209 139th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85262

 Office
(615) 379-1056
 info@lyonslegacy.com

HOURS

Monday – Friday
9 AM – 4 PM EST

Saturday
1 PM – 3 PM EST

© Copyright 2022 Lyons Legacy Equestrian Academy | Produced by Global Media Design