Testimonial

"Sandy has excelled in the Horse Wyse Basic Handle and has a good "eye" for solid, athletic horses; therefore, when we decided to enlarge the number of horses in the barn, we turned to her. We have seen for ourselves how she "starts" youngsters and the end result is a well adjusted and enjoyable horse to ride. It seemed silly at the time that we would fly to Florida to look at a horse when we live in the good old Northwest where horseflesh is plentiful but we haven't regretted it one bit." - Kathie Neu

Kathie Neu

"The clinic and the Basic Handle System certainly fulfilled its promise! My riding and confidence level increased dramatically in the intensive 4-day clinic. It so impressed me that I decided to remain as a boarder with the Gruningers and further my riding education by taking lessons with Sandy using the Basic Handle principles." - Daphne McCord

Daphne McCord

"Hey, I rode the black filly today and she did SO great! She was really relaxed and kept her head down. She wanted to be a little stiff to the right- But I thought she did GREAT! I really like her- She also is walking barrels in her new career today and she really did so good- She did not take a bad step! You did a wonderful job! Thank you so much!" - Jennifer Sims

Jennifer Lee Sims

"After having a very serious horse accident on another horse, I had sworn off of horseriding.  The summer of 2001 was spent in rehab to mend from the horse accident when my husband found out that Zippos Country Red (Candy) was for sale.  We had been to shows and observed Candy in the show arena and I couldn't take my eyes off of the way she moved and responded.  We bought her in July 2001 and I began taking riding lessons from Sandy Gruninger in August to get my confidence and balance back.   Sandy was absolutely the most wonderful, patient, instructor I have ever seen.  She knew my fear and my desire to try to do things right and she just kept plugging along with me and encouraging me to not give up.  Candy has all the buttons in side-passing, flying lead changes, western pleasure, trail, showmanship, horsemanship, color classes, etc. but I didn't know where those buttons were.  Sandy just seemed to know where they were and worked with me many hours to get me to find those buttons.   I have had many successful horse shows with Candy, taking first or second places.  If it had not been for Sandy, I would never have experienced the things I have experienced with Zippos Country Red.  Thanks Sandy for EVERYTHING!!!!" - Sue Hall

Sue Hall

"I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for what you have done for me.  As you know, I had confidence issues and no longer enjoyed riding due to the scare I had from a fall off one of my horses.  After attending one of your weekend clinics, you have given me back that self confidence and so much more. I am even trying new riding adventures that I thought I would never do!  I can't thank you enough for what you have done for me, you are AWESOME!  I am looking forward to continuing my training with you in the future." - Nancy Maldonado

"What is  special about Sandy is that when you need help she KNOWS it.  Sometimes you don't even have to ask.  And the breadth of what she knows is astounding. Whether it is 3 months of training on my cutting horse when she taught him to be an amazing stopper, helping pick out the "right" tack, doctoring my sick horse or giving me pointers on working the e-cow by e-mail, Sandy has it ALL.
Anyone who works with her will recognize her spirit and will benefit from her wisdom many times over."
Thanks Sandy for helping me with ALL my horses!
Chris King (CEO, AMI Semiconductor and "Wanna be Cowgirl")

  
Chris King

Sandy makes horses fun...I start with this because this is truly the most important factor. With her great personality you will enjoy all facets of horses. As a trainer Sandy is a natural. I have placed my horse in Sandy's care/training with confidence while she was in Montana. My mare had a recent (small) knee injury and I chose to send her to Montana as soon as Sandy got there. I knew Sandy would take good care of my mare. I wanted my mare to have all the time she could while Sandy was in Montana. I have tried my best to get Sandy to move close to Spokane, WA so she could train all my horses and me. Alas I failed. Sandy still resides in Florida.
I have ridden with Sandy for 5 years in Montana. Sandy makes the Pat Wyse Summer Seminars very entertaining with her quick wit and energy. During this time Sandy has given me extra help. I have been lucky enough to have Sandy help me with my frustration on difficult techniques - beginning cow work - not actually part of the seminar. Sandy is very good at simplifying and explaining to the point that my horse and I can understand. I am just getting started in cutting and with Sandy's guidance last summer and inspiration I may even show this spring. I would have confidence in Sandy to pick/purchase a horse for me in Florida and just deliver it to WA. Sandy has a keen eye and is a good judge of horse flesh. I hope Sandy will pick my next cutting horse for me.
If you ever have any question re-Sandy; her horse care, training, or teaching skills, and want to talk to me please call 509-951-9843 leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible. - Susan Reynolds

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