“Jody Kiefer is an outstanding trainer and horsewoman. She listens to the rider and the horse always putting the best interests of the horse in the forefront. I contacted her to help with my unruly and aggressive 17”2’ 6-year-old Warmblood. With her well-rounded training program, dedication and insight, she was able to turn around a difficult situation. She worked with both of us – teaching me how to communicate with him beginning with groundwork transitioning to the saddle. Jody focus’ her training on educating the rider to understand how the horse moves. So, instead of just saying “inside leg to outside rein”, Jody teaches why and how it impacts horse movements. I highly recommend Jody as a trainer, coach, mentor.” Ellen Abbott, Vermont
Jody helped me as a rider find a better position and balance to be a quieter rider. Jody’s focus on straightness helped my horse use his body better. Prior to focusing on proper posture and straightness, my horse needed a chiropractor every six weeks. My horse has not needed chiropractic work since focusing on both mine and my horse’s posture and correct flexion. This work has improved the teamwork between my horse and myself. His movement and responsiveness to aids improved. I would recommend Jody because of her patience and focus on positivity. She is a pleasure to work with and makes learning enjoyable. Megan DeVinny, Vermont
July 7, 2018 update from Megan DeVinny. Megan had taken at least a two-year break from the show ring. She recently decided to throw her hat back in the ring and this was the message I received from her: “Hey, we did really well at the show. Did Training level 2 and 3 and got second and first. We focused on posture, straightness, and relaxation. Our biggest comments were we need more forwardness from behind. Which I kind of knew. She gave us the unofficial rider of the year award for being the only rider who didn’t widen their hands for the free walk and stretchy trot circle. Thank you for taking us back to the basics and helping us find our balance and position!
For over ten years, Jody Kiefer has given me exceptional riding and groundwork instruction. When the time came to purchase my next horse, Jody helped me weed through many possibilities and supported the purchase of my mare. Although this mare was kind and steady, she was very crooked and unbalanced. Working with Jody, both on the ground and in the saddle, my mare has become much more supple and balanced. Jody’s instruction is calm, clear, positive and patient. Jody’s enthusiasm is evident, as she celebrates my mare’s progress (and my progress too)! I am so grateful for Jody’s kind, knowledgeable, and professional guidance. Abbie Penfield, Vermont
I have known Jody since her Junior Young rider days. It has been a joy watching her develop both as a person and an equestrian! Jody’s riding skills and horse husbandry skills have developed side- by- side. She has learned to accommodate each horse for the individual it is. Using techniques she has learned from a wide array of sources, Jody understands what may work for one horse is not necessarily the technique needed for another. Jody’s current horse, Spartan, is a beautiful, high spirited, independent thinking animal who tends to “think” about each new task Jody asks of him. Seemingly wondering why, and how difficult will it be. Jody always guides him toward success. Together they have developed a close and respectful relationship that has also given them outstanding results in the show ring. Incorporating all facets of the horse is Jody’s specialty. Is the horse refusing to learn a new exercise because of disobedience, uncertainty or discomfort? Does he need it explained differently? Or is he not physically capable? Jody will use all the skills she has learned until she is certain the horse is confident, comfortable and assured of success! Joanne Doorey-Vermont
Having known Jody both personally and professionally for over twenty years, I have seen her grow as a horseman and refine her personal philosophy of training and teaching. As a well versed and accomplished equestrian, she has helped horses and riders gain confidence by developing an approach specific to their individual needs. By expanding their skills at a pace best suited to the individual; students and their horses are able to enjoy their journey towards improved horsemanship. Dressage is one of the tools Jody uses to accomplish this goal. Always putting the horse’s well-being as her priority, Jody takes a holistic view towards the horse and what he needs to reach his potential. She makes sure the horse is healthy and ready for training. Additionally, Jody has a gift for communicating with both the horse and rider, always striving to have her students fully understand the process……She’s given me guidance through the years with my own horses, which has always been insightful and set us on the correct path. Caroline Dudek, Vermont
Dressage for Wellness 