Testimonials
From the Advantage Ranch Community Group on what the experience of learning at ADVANTAGE RANCH means…Learning is better with people and horses, and I love the connections I make with both. Also, it takes lots of responsibility to ride and show horses. You can find lots of opportunities that are in the world and I am lucky that I get to take advantage of this one.
Introduction to Show Team member, Ivy Anne Shushok, age 10
The combination of superb horses, holistic coaching, and a little girl’s dreams have been a steady foundation upon which my daughter is discovering the value of hard work, the ethic of sacrifice, the gift in being other-centric, the practice of collaboration, and the courage to become her true self.
Kelly Shushok, Mom of Ivy Anne
Maddy Zimmermann, Virginia Tech class of 2015, Novice Event Competitor with Bandit, a Quarter Horse gelding, on what Advantage Ranch makes available…
They have a unique approach to teaching that involves not just mounted and un-mounted instruction but also deeper insight into the horse's and the human's mind and body and how these factors influence the communication between horse and human, among other things. Personally, I have learned a lot about both Bandit and myself since arriving at the beginning of the school year, and they are teaching me how to use this knowledge to improve the communication and relationship between Bandit and me, both on the ground and in the saddle. Already I'm seeing us make strides (no pun intended) toward accomplishing goals that I previously thought were out of reach and smoothing out bumps that I gave up on fixing long ago.
Gratitude from Shelby Turner, Coach of the 2012-1014 Virginia Tech Intercollegiate Western Team…
Thank you so much for having Clara Bigelow, our walk-jog VT Western Rider, today to ride your wonderful rockstar of a mare! We are so grateful for your generosity in letting her practice for national semi-finals on your great horses. So many people have contributed to her getting this far and it is awesome to have the support of fabulous people like yourselves to get her ready to earn her spot at Nationals!
Peggy Norwood Stella, Durham, NC, on the powerful Clinic on Yoga, Horsemanship and Transformation presented by Sue Cumming Shultze at ADVANTAGE RANCH…
What an amazing weekend workshop! I feel so blessed that I was able to be a part of this marvelous experience. I want to express my gratitude to Deb for knowing how important this work is, to Sue for her leadership, to all the other participants for holding the sacred space for change to take place and to the horses for their willingness to show us all the truth. Sue's level of knowledge is only surpassed by her ability to inspire greatness in all of us and it was a privilege to be present for the transformation of both horses and riders with Sue as sage and guide. I am inspired to live my life with greater intention and purpose as a result. I can't wait to continue my studies with Deb at Advantage Ranch next week and with Sue in the future.
Thank you, thank you!
Peggy Norwood Stella successfully completed her training and certification and now serves as a Coach of Equine Interactive Counseling™ through her business Equessence, and is the source for a new understanding of BMI: Body, Mind, Intentions.
A Parent’s Perspective on BLAST: Boys Learning Agriculture, Sustainability & Team-Building…
I was looking for a program that would offer much more for my boys than just “this is how you do it.” I wanted them to be challenged--to receive direction and learn how to be self-directed. I wanted them to experience empathy for living beings beyond themselves. And I wanted them to discover that doing work creates a way for you to value the results of your own labors and to learn responsibility by being responsible for something big. In the Advantage Ranch BLAST program I found all the things I was looking for. My boys feel empowered and confident from the hands-on experiences and they do have a blast! Deb is amazing and Jesse is the perfect mentor for boys!
Jessica Folkart
Morgen Wells, Virginia Tech graduate student on the benefits of ADVANTAGE RANCH…
Shout out to Advantage Ranch for providing such a tranquil, welcoming environment. There's nothing quite like ending the day with some equine therapy.
Laura Highcove, rider, author, and transformational leader on M.S. Yoga at ADVANTAGE RANCH and Retreat Center…
I struggled with depression for years even though I had the perfect job, the perfect husband, and financial security. I just couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me that I wasn’t happy with my life. When I came to ADVANTAGE RANCH and began doing yoga with Morgan, I found out the big secret that freed me from my depression. I get to be happy because I choose it, every day.
