Kelly Arfsten offers lessons to anyone interested in basic horsemanship skills.  She works with all breeds, any style of riding, western, English or bareback.

Meet Kelly:

My interest in horses started when I was a child in Germany. I grew up with Icelandic Horses and was fortunate to work under a great trainer. I moved to Minnesota where I got a degree in Animal Science Equine. Here I expanded my dressage background by joining the IHSA hunt team and started colts. Although the western saddle seemed like a big obstacle between me and the horse, I now can see the benefits of it. As there is some in all different riding styles. I don’t believe there is one right way. Every horse is an individual, just as his owner, who is born with talents, character and difficulties. There is no one school system that fits each one. Got to figure out the right mix, to bring out the best in each individual, which in my experience happens through patience, consistency and respect.

After college I never figured I would want to work with horses as a job, but everywhere I went couldn’t stay away from helping people with their horses, which I enjoy more than anything in my life. I finally admitted that it is my life purpose – to make people and horses understand each other better.

In 2008 my dream of my own horse farm came true, where I now have the possibility to take horses and people in for training  in the southern end of Pocohantas County.

Anyone interested in lessons or trail riding with Kelly at Shalimar must arrange time directly with her by email or telephone.