Testimonials
A trainer who has made a significant impact on my life
Article written for "The Plaid Horse"
By: Courtney Holbrook
What do you do when you’re forty-five and want to get back into competitive horse showing?
Wait, let’s be more honest. What do you do when you’re forty-five, questioning your career, struggling in your relationships, prefer thoroughbreds to warmbloods, and want to show horses like you once did? I don’t mean to brag, but I really kicked some butt in short stirrup four decades ago. It was of no consequence if my riding jacket had to be pulled off inside out soaked in sweat, or if my feet froze in the winter temperatures. I wanted it that badly. And I had it. Horse show mom extraordinaire took me from state to state, riding and showing, clinics, pony finals, equitation finals… you name it.
Then it was over. Time to be a grown-up and go to college, then grad school, then forge a career in law. We usually always had horses in the background, but it was not the same. After burning myself out in a high volume, fast-paced practice for far too long, I joined my husband’s law firm. As with everything, both benefits and downsides went along with that decision. However, it gave me the ability to ride more, and we had two thoroughbreds in the barn at the time.
So then it began. Although admittedly not a day went by I didn’t question, Why am I doing this? What am I doing with my life? Can I even do it? And finally… Why does everything hurt so much?! I already had a bad riding accident as a teenager resulting in multiple jaw fractures. Getting hurt now could be so much worse. What was I thinking? My show clothes still fit, although they were quite outdated. Do pull on field boots even exist anymore, lol? (If anyone needs an extra pair of boot pulls, I have several.) Everything seemed like a huge struggle. Our relocation to Tucson in 2009 had cured my allergies, but detached from my life the horse environment I knew on the east coast.
Between the difficulty finding a trainer, unseasoned horses, and all I felt I’d lost over the years, it became incredibly challenging. I feared the gap to return to my dream had grown far too vast. Maybe it was because I didn’t want to just ride and show horses, I wanted more. For someone struggling with not just her riding, but her place in life, I was drawn to the quote by Mark Rashid – “Horsemanship is the art of mastering our own movements, thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Not the horses.” That is exactly what I wanted to embody.
Enter Sue Lyman, of Middleburg VA. One summer day I was reading The Chronicle, the magazine I grew up with and still collect to this day. That’s when I saw the article Sue had entitled “Take a Chance on a Thoroughbred”. I found it to be one of the most genuine, pleasant, and educating articles, not just about thoroughbreds but about riding in general. I sensed her gentle but firm tone, concise and clear method, and overall dedication to her horses’ health and happiness. I was hooked.
After I contacted Sue, we started with video lessons. That winter she invited me to Ocala with her barn. The term “ecstatic” did not touch my excitement. While I was unable to take my horse, I eagerly booked a hotel, car, and got on a plane.
I had seen a lot as a young rider, good and bad. And it was so long since I’d even been to a show like that. I didn’t truly know what to expect. But I can say, for whatever reason, I had no qualms packing a case and flying across the country to meet Sue.
In just one week I had lessons on different horses, met lots of new people, watched a hunter derby live, and even earned an invite to show at Upperville/Loudon with Sue’s barn that summer. Most importantly, I had blended with a great new family.
Once I returned home, I felt like I could conquer the world. I’m not the only one who noticed it. My horse Deputy saw it too. Always the communicator, whether alerting me to a rattlesnake in the barn, a fallen baby bird, or giving heightened affection the day my dog received a fatal diagnosis (he knew before the vet), he was the one who stared at me the hardest upon my return. I indeed went to Virginia a couple times that year and showed in the hunters on a wonderful horse. By no means did I win anything, but placing over fences sure felt great.
Make no mistake, none of it was easy. Frankly, it’s all been really hard. But isn’t that when you need someone to help you the most?
Plus, it gets better. The faithful horse I showed became available for her forever home this year. She’s here in Arizona with me now, which Sue helped facilitate. In all of this, I have found Sue not only exemplifies horsemanship, she is very much of this universe. I’m not sure she even realizes the extent of her own powers.
Not that long ago I was an unhappy attorney sitting at her desk. Connecting with Sue and her team changed my life. Every single aspect of it is now better. So if you want my advice, I will tell you – Dream big! You can do it.
And Sue, thanks for taking a chance on an amateur.
Article written for "The Plaid Horse"
By: Courtney Holbrook
What do you do when you’re forty-five and want to get back into competitive horse showing?
Wait, let’s be more honest. What do you do when you’re forty-five, questioning your career, struggling in your relationships, prefer thoroughbreds to warmbloods, and want to show horses like you once did? I don’t mean to brag, but I really kicked some butt in short stirrup four decades ago. It was of no consequence if my riding jacket had to be pulled off inside out soaked in sweat, or if my feet froze in the winter temperatures. I wanted it that badly. And I had it. Horse show mom extraordinaire took me from state to state, riding and showing, clinics, pony finals, equitation finals… you name it.
Then it was over. Time to be a grown-up and go to college, then grad school, then forge a career in law. We usually always had horses in the background, but it was not the same. After burning myself out in a high volume, fast-paced practice for far too long, I joined my husband’s law firm. As with everything, both benefits and downsides went along with that decision. However, it gave me the ability to ride more, and we had two thoroughbreds in the barn at the time.
So then it began. Although admittedly not a day went by I didn’t question, Why am I doing this? What am I doing with my life? Can I even do it? And finally… Why does everything hurt so much?! I already had a bad riding accident as a teenager resulting in multiple jaw fractures. Getting hurt now could be so much worse. What was I thinking? My show clothes still fit, although they were quite outdated. Do pull on field boots even exist anymore, lol? (If anyone needs an extra pair of boot pulls, I have several.) Everything seemed like a huge struggle. Our relocation to Tucson in 2009 had cured my allergies, but detached from my life the horse environment I knew on the east coast.
Between the difficulty finding a trainer, unseasoned horses, and all I felt I’d lost over the years, it became incredibly challenging. I feared the gap to return to my dream had grown far too vast. Maybe it was because I didn’t want to just ride and show horses, I wanted more. For someone struggling with not just her riding, but her place in life, I was drawn to the quote by Mark Rashid – “Horsemanship is the art of mastering our own movements, thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Not the horses.” That is exactly what I wanted to embody.
Enter Sue Lyman, of Middleburg VA. One summer day I was reading The Chronicle, the magazine I grew up with and still collect to this day. That’s when I saw the article Sue had entitled “Take a Chance on a Thoroughbred”. I found it to be one of the most genuine, pleasant, and educating articles, not just about thoroughbreds but about riding in general. I sensed her gentle but firm tone, concise and clear method, and overall dedication to her horses’ health and happiness. I was hooked.
After I contacted Sue, we started with video lessons. That winter she invited me to Ocala with her barn. The term “ecstatic” did not touch my excitement. While I was unable to take my horse, I eagerly booked a hotel, car, and got on a plane.
I had seen a lot as a young rider, good and bad. And it was so long since I’d even been to a show like that. I didn’t truly know what to expect. But I can say, for whatever reason, I had no qualms packing a case and flying across the country to meet Sue.
In just one week I had lessons on different horses, met lots of new people, watched a hunter derby live, and even earned an invite to show at Upperville/Loudon with Sue’s barn that summer. Most importantly, I had blended with a great new family.
Once I returned home, I felt like I could conquer the world. I’m not the only one who noticed it. My horse Deputy saw it too. Always the communicator, whether alerting me to a rattlesnake in the barn, a fallen baby bird, or giving heightened affection the day my dog received a fatal diagnosis (he knew before the vet), he was the one who stared at me the hardest upon my return. I indeed went to Virginia a couple times that year and showed in the hunters on a wonderful horse. By no means did I win anything, but placing over fences sure felt great.
Make no mistake, none of it was easy. Frankly, it’s all been really hard. But isn’t that when you need someone to help you the most?
Plus, it gets better. The faithful horse I showed became available for her forever home this year. She’s here in Arizona with me now, which Sue helped facilitate. In all of this, I have found Sue not only exemplifies horsemanship, she is very much of this universe. I’m not sure she even realizes the extent of her own powers.
Not that long ago I was an unhappy attorney sitting at her desk. Connecting with Sue and her team changed my life. Every single aspect of it is now better. So if you want my advice, I will tell you – Dream big! You can do it.
And Sue, thanks for taking a chance on an amateur.
I’ve been riding with Sue continuously since 2000, when she prepped me and my 17-year-old ex-fox hunter Ketch’em Kyle for the Middleburg Classic – my first rated show! I’ve had my March Lion – by Sue’s Simbalu – under Sue’s care and tutelage since I bought him at age 3 1/2; now nearly 19, he has taken me to many more shows and is still a joy to ride, whether cross-country, on the flat, or over jumps. In my many years working with Sue my horses and I have benefited from first-rate instruction and Sue’s unwavering commitment to fundamentals. I’ve watched with amazement as she has brought out the best in one customer's horse after another. And when it comes to horse care, I've had complete peace of mind, knowing that Sue will sense and respond to every nuance in a horse’s physical and mental health. I bought Lion fifteen years ago because he made me smile; today he still does, not least because Sue's expert, gentle touch keeps him happy! - Catherine Brown
When looking for a trainer I have learned there are two key components: the ability to train a horse and the willingness to train an individual. To be remarkable you have to be able to do both. Sue embodies both those skill sets. I was fortunate enough to return to riding after 40 years and find such a trainer.
For the rider, she stresses processing what you hope to accomplish in your riding lifetime but also what building blocks you need to accomplish to continue to grow toward those goals. I am convinced that I could not have found another trainer who would have taken me from where I started to where I am today and to where I hope to go.
For the horse, her ability to discern how to assist each one in reaching their potential is uncanny and wondrous to watch. She has taken both a young horse and has trained her to be a champion at the highest levels and she also took a troubled, talented horse in his teens and turned him into my schoolmaster. She is uncompromising in her care and training of these magnificent beasts. She has an intuitive approach to each horse that allows her to give them the foundation they each need.
Finally, I have been impressed with her ethics; honesty and her unwillingness to ever compromise the health of any horse under her care. You are a trainer because you love what you do. It is the most challenging profession I have ever been exposed to and I am grateful that there are people out there like Sue willing to give myself and others the opportunity to excel.
Sue is a wonderful rider and a fierce competitor, to watch her compete with my horses at the highest levels has been a privilege. She gives me something to strive for and an example to follow. After training with her for 5 years, I would recommend her to anyone who seriously wants to grow as a rider and as a human being. - Nancy Milburn
For the rider, she stresses processing what you hope to accomplish in your riding lifetime but also what building blocks you need to accomplish to continue to grow toward those goals. I am convinced that I could not have found another trainer who would have taken me from where I started to where I am today and to where I hope to go.
For the horse, her ability to discern how to assist each one in reaching their potential is uncanny and wondrous to watch. She has taken both a young horse and has trained her to be a champion at the highest levels and she also took a troubled, talented horse in his teens and turned him into my schoolmaster. She is uncompromising in her care and training of these magnificent beasts. She has an intuitive approach to each horse that allows her to give them the foundation they each need.
Finally, I have been impressed with her ethics; honesty and her unwillingness to ever compromise the health of any horse under her care. You are a trainer because you love what you do. It is the most challenging profession I have ever been exposed to and I am grateful that there are people out there like Sue willing to give myself and others the opportunity to excel.
Sue is a wonderful rider and a fierce competitor, to watch her compete with my horses at the highest levels has been a privilege. She gives me something to strive for and an example to follow. After training with her for 5 years, I would recommend her to anyone who seriously wants to grow as a rider and as a human being. - Nancy Milburn
Sue is one of the few equestrian professionals I know with the unique ability to combine vast experience in many arenas, solid training, "spot on" intuition, a holistic nutritional approach and brilliant energy work for the ultimate result of a well-tuned horse and rider team that gets results from the show ring to the hunt field! Go Sue! - Erica Wiley
Sue provides amazing balance! Sue demonstrates and conveys the basics: straightness, rhythm, pace and translates them into show ring success! Sue has outstanding emotional intelligence which translates into a fantastic balance between a technical and feeling ride. She encourages her riders to feel her horses plus a sympathetic technical ride which brings out the best in both horse and rider- Diane Wade
"I didn't know how to prepare my horses for the Hunter Ring. I searched for someone who not only knew the discipline, but would take the time to understand both me and my horse's needs inside and outside the ring. Sue has become very engaged not only in my personal goals, but in the health and happiness of my horses as well. She prepares us for the show ring in a way that makes it fun and fulfilling, but also ensures we're ready to compete at the highest levels. Undoubtedly she is bringing out a whole new level in my riding, and she genuinely strives to see me and my horses at their best. She's not just a trainer, but a wonderful horsewomen that I depend on, seek advice from, and enjoy taking my journey with. There is always something new to learn from her". Jan Bitzberger (A/O rider).
I have spent the past year and a half working to establish better communication with my horse, not only to improve our relationship in general, but to also take our horse show performances to a more advanced level. I have a talented but challenging mare, and I have taken a lot of care to find the right fit in terms of training and support. Sue Lyman and Laura Rowley have become part of the small circle of people I can trust and rely on to help me in that pursuit. In addition to their ongoing assistance, I had the pleasure of attending a riding clinic recently conducted by both Sue and Laura Rowley. Their clinic was a tremendous opportunity to review the basics which are all too often overlooked. It was also an opportunity to think outside the box as they say, and consider the horse’s voice in the training process. Their clinic stressed the teamwork involved in a successful horse-rider combination. I found their instructions to be insightful, practical, positive and fun. My horse and I had a great time and I look forward to future clinics. Bridget Allen, Round Hill, VA
I have known Sue Lyman for over twenty years. After reading the specs and objectives of the USHJA’s trainer program, I can’t think of anyone who could be more highly qualified to be certified than Sue.
In reading Sue’s resume, one sees a horsewoman with many years of interesting and varied horse experiences. What one doesn’t see is how well Sue did each job she undertook. Probably the most telling entry in her resume is in the clinic section. Rodney Jenkins was one of the most famous and respected horsemen in America. When he was asked to make a video explaining how to select hunters and jumpers, Rodney chose Sue and her horse Simbalu to demonstrate what a great working hunter should look like. Simbalu was a horse that Sue found on the track, bought, rode, trained, and cared for herself, so her selection by Rodney was not only an honor but a recognition of her accomplishments.
Sue’s skills as a rider and trainer are only a small part of her abilities as a horsewoman. I don’t know many people in our sport today who know how to take care of broodmares, handle stallions, do the breeding, do the foaling, raise the babies, break the 3 year olds, train the young horses, start them jumping and showing, and turn them into winners in the show ring. Sue can do all of this and she does it well. In addition, Sue is an excellent teacher who turns out her students in the very classic, forward seat, George Morris style.
Sue Lyman is highly respected in the Virginia area, not only as a well rounded and accomplished horsewoman, but also as a good and honest person. I am happy to recommend her to be certified by the USHJA. Katie Monahan Prudent
In reading Sue’s resume, one sees a horsewoman with many years of interesting and varied horse experiences. What one doesn’t see is how well Sue did each job she undertook. Probably the most telling entry in her resume is in the clinic section. Rodney Jenkins was one of the most famous and respected horsemen in America. When he was asked to make a video explaining how to select hunters and jumpers, Rodney chose Sue and her horse Simbalu to demonstrate what a great working hunter should look like. Simbalu was a horse that Sue found on the track, bought, rode, trained, and cared for herself, so her selection by Rodney was not only an honor but a recognition of her accomplishments.
Sue’s skills as a rider and trainer are only a small part of her abilities as a horsewoman. I don’t know many people in our sport today who know how to take care of broodmares, handle stallions, do the breeding, do the foaling, raise the babies, break the 3 year olds, train the young horses, start them jumping and showing, and turn them into winners in the show ring. Sue can do all of this and she does it well. In addition, Sue is an excellent teacher who turns out her students in the very classic, forward seat, George Morris style.
Sue Lyman is highly respected in the Virginia area, not only as a well rounded and accomplished horsewoman, but also as a good and honest person. I am happy to recommend her to be certified by the USHJA. Katie Monahan Prudent
I have proudly worked for Sue Lyman and her horses as a sports massage therapist for over 25 years. Sue's knowledge about training horses is uniquely expansive. She does not skip a step in the horse's progressive training while having a great amount of knowledge in strength and conditioning, nutrition and veterinary requirements.
Sue is also particularly expert on all tick borne illnesses in horses to the point where she is the first person I call as a resource for many of my clients including veterinarians.
It has been my pleasure to work with Sue and her horses because she is open to new ideas and inspires the horse to progress in training. Horse's get along with Sue. She respects them and does not let anything stand in the way for their well being.
As a competitor, Sue always seems relaxed and is often very successful. She also knows that there is always another day.
I highly recommend Sue as a trainer for young or older horses to reach their goals in the most professional and enjoyable way.
Jo-Ann Wilson, Sports Massage Therapist, Wilson Meagher Sports Therapy, www.sportsmassageinc.com
Sue is also particularly expert on all tick borne illnesses in horses to the point where she is the first person I call as a resource for many of my clients including veterinarians.
It has been my pleasure to work with Sue and her horses because she is open to new ideas and inspires the horse to progress in training. Horse's get along with Sue. She respects them and does not let anything stand in the way for their well being.
As a competitor, Sue always seems relaxed and is often very successful. She also knows that there is always another day.
I highly recommend Sue as a trainer for young or older horses to reach their goals in the most professional and enjoyable way.
Jo-Ann Wilson, Sports Massage Therapist, Wilson Meagher Sports Therapy, www.sportsmassageinc.com