Testimonials
My husband and I are 40 something’s that finally got our own horses after years of dreaming. Having only ridden dead broke trail horses most of our lives, our new young fillies were a challenge, but a welcome one for us. Crucial to the training of both our horses and ourselves was locating an appropriate instructor/mentor that didn’t make us feel like children as we asked the most basic questions. Luckily, we found Christi. Her relaxed and practical teaching style made us more comfortable as riders and has increased our knowledge of choosing and using tack appropriately, understanding ground training, and riding skill development tenfold. Although still novices, Christi has given us skills to move forward safely and productively as we continue our quest to be better owners and riders. We always look forward to the next lesson with Christi!
Jeannette & Frederic Beranger
Le Nelhouët Farm
"Christi has a great talent for getting to know both the human and horse so they she can help you learn to communicate with your horse in an efficient and caring manner. This makes the riding experience better for both the person and the animal." -- Greg Puertolas, student -owner Scribbles.
Christi Costigan was one of the best riding and horse behavior instructors I 've ever had the good fortune to work with. Christi has the ability to read horses thoughts and body language, see into their personalities and potential, and bring horses to their best, true nature. She truly "advocates for the horse" and is a gifted trainer, using all the methods of true horsemanship.
I have a Paint horse that I loved, but was afraid to ride. The horse was angry and frustrated - two trainers told me to sell him. Then I met Christi. My 48th birthday was not far off and she asked me what I wanted. I said that I wanted to rebuild the relationship with my horse and be a good rider (not ribbon-winning, but confident and not afraid). In the time we worked together, she turned the bucking, sour, cranky horse into a gentle, affectionate horse (his "true" self). She made several recommendations, starting with saddle and bridle fit, working with my farrier to give my horse "happy feet", and recommending an equine chiropractor. Now, my horse will follow me anywhere, load in a trailer by himself, and has impeccable ground manners.
With riders, she is patient and supportive of beginners and knowledgable and challenging for advanced riders. An extra-green beginner, I learned how to wak, trot and canter-lope (a Western horse's version of a canter) in a dressage saddle. Christi spent a great deal of time explaining why she was asking for the movements, and creatively coming up with ways to help me understand how it should "feel". I have become so sensitive to "feel" in my seat, I can tell when my horse is slightly lame or has a slightly sore back - before it is even visible. Christi is equally adept at training children and men, of all ages and experience levels. She worked with my husband (no horse experience) and my children (who have been riding since they could sit on a horse) - improving all of their skills and abilities.
Christi fostered a lifetime desire in me to follow her path to learn everything I can about horses. For the rest of my life, I will be grateful for what Christi taught me.
Sincerely, Victoria Alterman and Chapys Bar