Jen Allen Training - References - Riding Lessons, Horse Training, Iowa, Des Moines, Altoona

Jen is the best person I have ever been taught by. And it's because she
understands that different people learn different ways. I was afraid of horses,
until my first lesson with Jen. She made me 100% comfortable next to the horse,
not just on it. She didn't move too fast for me. She explained to me the Why not
just the How. She asked questions like, "Is it helpful to you for me to tell you
that?" Which is extremely helpful. And her entire demeanor changed once she
started teaching me things. She wasn't my friend anymore she was my teacher. I
really liked that a lot. She didn't coddle me or let me do things wrong or sloppy
or go easy on me just because we're friends. She treated me the same way she
would any other student. She never assumed I knew the lingo. She was just great.

After my first lesson I got over my fear of horses and it's all because of Jen (I
suppose Squire helped a bit too, he is a great horse). And now I am taking lessons
weekly and I am very excited about learning more.

Megan Edwards
Altoona, IA

As someone who had ridden years
ago, yet had been unable too
because of the busyness of a family,
I decided to re-enter the world of
riding horses by taking lessons
from Jen. I appreciated the fact she
treated me with respect. I felt she
treated me as someone who was
rusty, but not ignorant. I learned a
lot of cool tips (leading with your
headlights was a great one) and
really enjoyed my lessons. I would
highly suggest her to anyone at
any level of riding.

Juli, Iowa.

Jen Allen sold me a lovely 5
year old QH gelding.... She
developed a confident, quiet
and willing horse. This horse
has great ground manners
and is very safe. I am a
beginner dressage rider ....

I would recommend Jen to
anyone looking for a trainer
or riding instructor. Thank
you Jen for such a lovely
horse!

--Julie from Minnesota

I started lessons with Jen in
August, 2002. I was 24 years
old and was just starting to
ride. It was something I had
always wanted to do, but had
never had the chance to. Jen
was amazing. I felt so awkward
starting out. She made me feel
so comfortable with the horses
and gave me the
encouragement I needed to
keep going. Their enthusiasm is
contagious.

--Megan Mangler

Having Jen as a trainer has been a great experience for
my twelve year old daughter. She has been training
with Jen for a little over a year. Jen has given us the
confidence to take the next step into buying our own
pony. She doesn't only train in correct positioning but
actually teaches how to train and care for the horse.
She has been there to help us with advice from which
saddle to buy to what to do when our horse has a limp
and everything in between. Over the summer Jen has
taught my daughter and her pony beginning dressage
moves, jumps up to 2'9", and cross country.

Meghan Zaragoza

Looking to improve my riding skills and not knowing exactly which direction I
wanted to go, Jen was one of the trainers I contacted by e-mail. Her response was
friendly and inviting. She informed me of some clinics she was holding involving
different disciplines. I decided to attend these clinics. In a group of a variety of
ages and experiences, she treated everyone to their individual needs. She was very
informative and professional. After this experience I decided to continue lessons
with Jen. My focus would be towards jumping. I have had the pleasure of taking
both group and private lessons, and also attending some shows with Jen. She has a
large knowledge of horses and people. I always look forward to my lessons. I have
learned a great deal from her and look forward to learning more. She creates a fun
and safe learning environment.
Roxane, Runnells

We've been with Jen for some time
now. She not only trains our
granddaughter, she treats our
horse like its hers. Both have
come a long way with her. She's
there when our granddaughter
needs a friend, or a shoulder.
Personally, she's guided the wife
and I on horse matters. We trust
her judgement. I can only give her
the highest recomendation.
Tom & Darlene Smith

I learned more in my first month with Jen than I had in nearly ten years with
many other instructors! I believe this is due to many things. She has a great
amount of knowledge about the human and equine physical and phychological
functioning, as well as a firm understanding of a multitude of disciplines of riding.
Jen has shown that she commits herself to updating her own riding and training
techniques and has taken the responsibility of catering to both human and horse
in every possible way.

...She adapts well to each individual's learning style and needs...

Riding with Jne has given me the confidence in myself and in my ability to
attempt unfamiliar things. I have not only learned to ride, but I have learned
much about myself. I feel as though this is due to a flexible and safe learning
environment in which my love of horses and riding has been encouraged to
grow....

Natalie McLain, Des Moines, IA

Jenn allen does her training with great compassion. jenn really
pours herself into her training lessons, and every student's
needs are met on a individual basis. jenn makes you feel really at
ease and comfortable, even if you've never riden a horse before
in your life, she takes all the the fear out of the lesson, and she
allows you to get up close and personal with your horse. and she
also has a way of allowing you to know the body langaunge and
disposition of your horse, she has a style that is rare and caring.
and if you need motivating, she will be right there for your
motivational needs as well.I would say she's a soft eye specialist.
your efforts are deeply appreciated. Victoria M. Lockhart.