NICOLE BIRKHOLZER - Owner/Director Birchwood Farms, Massachusetts, Certified EAGALA Equine Facilitator, Advanced NARHA Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Former Director Massachusetts Therapeutic Riding Program, 2004

"That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way."

"This quote by Doris Lessing well describes my experience with Tim Hayes. Admittedly, I thought I understood something that I have been studying for many years — Natural Horsemanship. Not to say that I don't still have plenty to learn, but I thought I had gotten the general idea. To make a long story short, with Tim's support, his explanations and insights, I finally understood what it meant to be with the horse. To let go of my plans, to be on horse time, to work with what the horse presents at that very moment and to build on our accomplishments even if it means to start over. For the first time, I felt that a horse found safety and solace in my presence and that I understood."

GINA ARCATE - Owner-Director-Trainer, Bay Breeze Estate, Fox Hunter Horse Farm, New York, 2006

"Tim Hayes, the Natural Horseman, taught me one very important thing from the start, Principle before Goals. He taught me to go right into whatever I'm doing with the horses, without hesitation, with confidence, and assertiveness. It takes time to make a good horse and with his teaching, he has made me a better horsewoman and a better friend to my horses. My horses give me respect and I give them respect. Tim teaches you to think like a horse so you can understand the horse; give him a chance to show you that you're not the horse person you think you are and you will be amazed how much you learn in a short time."

BERNIE LOCURTO - Trail Rider, New York, 2004

"Dear Tim - I have to let you know how awesome working with you has been. Your talents and gifts in Natural Horsemanship is what I thought horsemanship should always be but was not able to articulate it. Not only have I been comfortable and relaxed, but I have also never laughed so much at a barn. Your sense of humor is as much a gift as your teaching skills. Working with your program has been like learning the vowels and consonants of the horse dictionary. The change in the relationship between Ralph and me is more than I ever expected."

JENNIFER POST-RUDOLPH - Show Jumper, New York, 2005

"Approximately six weeks ago, I called Tim Hayes out of desperation. He was my last hope. I could not get my horse onto the horse trailer. Whether I was at a show or home, she would not load. It would take me hours to leave a show. She would not put her feet onto the ramp. Everyday I fed her breakfast and dinner on the trailer. She did not have a problem getting on the trailer and eating. However, when it was time for me to take her somewhere, she refused to get on. She reared, kicked and became dangerous. I was heartbroken. I decided to sell her. Then Tim came to my house.

Tim never used any force. He worked with my horse for about six hours, spread over a few days. Within the first two hours she went onto the trailer and I was overwhelmed. The next few days Tim worked on getting her to stay in the trailer without the butt bar. Then it was my turn. I drove her right onto the trailer. I was amazed. Now I was ready for my homework. Every night after work, Tim asked me to load her and drive her around the block. The first few times it worked and then it did not. I called Tim hysterically and told him I could not do this anymore. In his usual soothing manner, he told me not to give up. He said it might take days, weeks or even months to work this through. Needless to say I did not give up. A week later I took my horse to a horse show and took her back home. No one had to help me.

Through this whole process, I spoke with Tim everyday. He always wanted to help me. He never doubted me, or my horse. He taught me a side of horsemanship I never knew. I understand now that my horse looks to me for leadership. I know I can't get frustrated when she does not want to go onto the trailer. I understand how to drive her up the ramp and to make her go forward with the lead rope.

If I never made that phone call to Tim, I would have sold my horse. I can't thank him enough. I feel he truly worked a miracle. Tim showed up at my last horse show and I did not need his help putting my horse on the trailer. I know he was as happy as I was." Click here to read Tim's article on Natural Trailer Loading (pdf).

DINAH MAXWELL SMITH - Trail Rider, New Mexico, 2004

"Working with Tim Hayes has been nothing short of a miracle. I rode a lot when I was a kid and was fearless. When I first went to Tim, I told him that what I needed to do was get over the fear that had taken over in the many years that I had not ridden as an adult. The results have been wonderful. I have a much greater understanding of horses in general and now my horse Scamper, in particular. My fear has been replaced by confidence and respect. I've developed a true partnership with him and can hardly wait for the next session when I can work with him and get close to him and more in sync. It's sort of like finding a really great dance partner."