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Testimonials
"John Saint Ryan, thank you for your gentle encouragement and for helping me work on the little things. You are truly a voice for the horse. I look forward to more learning to come."
Tamara
"I came this weekend, not knowing John or what he's about. I am so glad I did! John has a lovely way of explaining things; he loves (it's evident) teaching, and he adores the horses. I learned a lot of upper-level movements, and with his explanations, I learned easily. I am already making plans to be back in April and hopefully August. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge, John; it is truly a gift!"
Becky and Pico
"Thank you for a wonderful experience. Maverick and I appreciated your very kind way of teaching, your astute observations of our partnership, and the best way for us to continue our journey together confidently and harmoniously—our best clinic experience ever! With gratitude, Stacy."
"There is nothing like having your undivided attention on me and my horse. You seem to see deeply into us, and you know just where we need to soften. Bringing my horses to a clinic is a vulnerable experience, but your humor and kindness are like a warm blanket. We know we are safe and that you will give us exercises and patterns to practice and to build a better, stronger, safer relationship. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Wendee
"Thank you so much! I learn a heap every time, but mostly I learn how much there is that I still have to learn. It's very exciting to dream into the future with my little horse and to have the support and tools to help us get there."
Eka
"I didn't know what expectations to have, except to learn, and the expectation was certainly 100% met! I also had fun, laughed, and was overjoyed to see a little more spark in my friend (the horse). Thanks so much for your clear communication, effort in explaining, gentleness, and sense of humor. See you next time. With gratitude, Maggie."
"While I have not ridden with you, I always learn when I watch and hear you. You are a fantastic teacher!!! Thank you."
David
"Thank you so much for the amazing five days of horsemanship and learning. Your patience and kindness for the horse and rider are brilliant. I loved the body control work and the consistent effort for both the horse and rider before you. It has been an honor to share this time. With kindness, Jill."
"You have a gift. You have the amazing ability to move to any rider/horse level and help us all progress. What I learned in February, I used, and got better at. This month, you gave me more tools to move farther along. Thanks for everything you help me with."
Becky
"A very good three days! After years of waiting to ride with you, I am happy to say you were everything I'd hoped you'd be. You have a soft but clear teaching style; I love your accent, and you have a skill set that I've been seeking for a long while: garrocha, in-hand work, Baucher, and more. I very much look forward to remote lessons and future visits."
Alexandria
"Thank you for your wonderful insight and support. My horse and I can't wait to ride with you again. I had no expectations for my lesson and learned so many new things! Your connection to Ray and the Dorrances is so critical to my journey. You honor them in an amazing way. Thank you again; my little yellow horse and I are so grateful!"
Patti
"I have never worked with John prior to my lesson, but after doing some research on him, I knew it would harmonize with my classical training goals. I am so grateful I decided to ride with him, as he gave me some clear, simple, and yet profound changes to my aids that really showed my horse how to release some tension in his body for lateral movements. His gentle nature and intentional goal of moving correctly were also noted and appreciated."
Kelly
"Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and for finding so much positivity in all the horses and riders. I especially appreciated your willingness to change your approach and technique to match the style and needs of the participants. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to spend time in your presence with my horse."
Dan
"John, you are truly an inspiration! It was an honor to work with you. Your softness with the horses and intuition is so lovely to witness. Thank you for helping me understand my horse better so we can work better as a team. Please come back!"
Kaelyn
"John, I have followed you for over a decade at this point, and it’s one of the highlights of my life to have you here at Briar Creek Farm, working with our students and horses. There are so few people (especially out East) who rode with Ray and Tom; I’ve truly enjoyed learning all I can from you and reconnecting with your collective principles. As far as I’m concerned, you are the greatest horseman who embodies all I believe to be true: connecting foundation, in hand, and dressage—all with amazing knowledge of the Iberians!"
Suzanne and Bob
"Hi John, I have followed you for a very long time, and my expectations were met and far exceeded what I could have imagined! I have never watched and been taught by such a kind, patient teacher who is with me and my horse, Albie. You knew just what we needed and made things so easy to understand. I do hope you will be back next year, and I’ll be able to attend the entire clinic. Thank you ever so much!"
Lori
"John, I thank you for three days of teaching and learning. You helped me understand the beginning elements and the pieces I need to assist my big lad, ‘Snack.’ As a teacher myself, I appreciate how you provide so much positive feedback. The absence of the word ‘No’ in your teaching is inspirational. Thank you for giving me the space and time to think through the elements in order to achieve moments of unity. Please come back to Virginia!"
Bev
"Dear John, thank you so much for coming to Eagle Point. We are so blessed to have you share your wisdom with us. Your ability to read, diagnose, and correct/retrain/redevelop movement and psychological conditions is phenomenal. I left yesterday with the energy and excitement of a complete beginner, and I was eager to continue learning from you."
Alena
"More, please! Had a blast! It really helped having the theory and the ‘feeling’ combined. The muddy mess of the theory became clear. Thank you!"
Liz
"Another great clinic. Challenging (as it should be!), but with clear direction and goals. Thank you!"
Kathy
"John, I have seen your DVDs with Tom over the years, and I have wanted to see you since then. I finally have the chance! I truly appreciate your kind, gentle spirit and your obvious love for horses. You make Tom proud. Hope to ride with you in the future."
Nancy
"John, this has been a fantastic clinic. Lovely people participating and auditing. You have a wonderful way with both people and horses. I really appreciate the care you take with both.
I also really enjoyed all the care you take to teach horsemanship along with the garrocha work. It was so helpful to hear your process on each horse and how you break down the small steps to keep focus on one thing at a time. Can't wait for the next one!"
Angie
"John, I was so excited when I heard you were coming to Suzanne's. My only expectation was to learn so many new skills. You are kind and patient, and you make everything stress-free. Learning how to use my wonky right side with the garrocha was difficult yet rewarding. So thank you for your encouraging way of teaching, as well as your concern that everyone is absorbing what you are sharing with them. Thank you for a wonderful clinic, and I hope you come back again. Your Scottish pal, Jacquie."
"John, what a fabulous clinic! I love how you teach the entire group while also working on each rider and horse individually. You took us from where we were at the moment and progressed each of our horsemanship skills. It was so interesting to hear about all your mentors. I hope to ride with you again."
Cathy
"Dear John, thank you! I came to the clinic hoping to play with the Garrocha and spend a little time, not hustling through life. The hours I ended up spending with John and my horse were more than transformative. I've been searching for years to form a truly collaborative relationship with my equine partners, and John's gentle and kind wisdom really guided me further down this path. I'm so grateful and full of joy, and I know my horse is happy to invite me along for the ride."
Thom
"Thank you so much for coming to Southern Oregon and giving lessons. George and I appreciate all of your help that will move us forward on our adventure with the Garrocha. You are so knowledgeable and kind; thank you."
Melody and George
"Dear John, I am so grateful to be able to learn from you. Your talent as a horseman and a teacher makes my lessons so fun and challenging. My Palomino guy and I have grown together so much this week. We look forward to seeing you again."
Patti