Bonnie Kiefer Equestrian

My typical process for working with a new student begins with a consultation over the phone where we can get to know each other and make sure that I am the right fit for a new student based on all of their current needs and future goals.

I enjoy working with clients who are interested in the well-being of horses overall and have an interest in learning everything about horses from The ground up including properly handling them to grooming, tacking up, warming up techniques & exercises and quality riding. I develop working riders who learn to think for themselves and have confidence when riding, not to be a passenger.

I have over 40+ years of experience since a youth rider.  I have a solid Hunter/Jumper foundation and Dressage Training.  I also have many years of experience showing in Western Pleasure, Showmanship and Halter with additional experience riding Reining and Cutting Horses. I practice cross-training techniques between disciplines to help the horses and riders I work with to have better overall performance. I have been a Certified Equine Massage Therapy since 2014 and incorporate the miracle of massage into all of my handling of horses.

I continue to keep my rates low and consistent since the equestrian lifestyle is extremely expensive.  By keeping my rates low and consistent, it allows clients to continue to work with me long term.

For new clients, I offer special introductory rates and work within their budgets.  For lessons I charge $55 per hour.  Schooling/training rides are $25, Equine Massage & Behavioral Therapy Sessions are $140 for the 1st/initial 2-3 hour session and then go down to $80 for follow ups & maintenance massage sessions, other services such as grooming, clipping, exercising, etc. start as low as $15/hour.  I offer package rates for clients who own more than 1 horse or need me for more frequent visits.  I also offer convenient 1/2 day fee or a whole day fee when multiple services are needed.  Travel fees may apply depending on location.

By the time I was 18 years old, I had a solid foundation riding Hunter/Jumpers under many top Trainers and Instructors in Southeast Florda (Palm Beach & Broward counties) and had developed a reputation in the area for resolving behavioral problems in horses, prepping horses for shows and offering a high standard and quality of work. I was noticed by local Trainers and joined their teams but have also stayed as a Freelancer to offer my signature services as well.

I work with Beginner through Advanced level riders, however, I am more of a Technical trainer and like to engage in conversations about the mind of the horse, biomechanics and advanced techniques, so it seems that Adult riders and teens respond the best to my type of Instruction.  I will work with youth riders if they are already showing or have been riding to at least an Intermediate level.  I develop independent, confident and knowledgeable working riders, not passengers.  I prefer to work with clients interested in knowing how to work with horses from the ground up.

Since I incorporate helping horses overcome any fears, vices and desensitizing issues no matter how major or minor it is, I get the greatest of joy every time I work with a horse and help them ease these concerns so that they can feel comfortable and relaxed.

Start with this process:  1) figure out what discipline you want to learn and where those types of lessons are located nearest where you live 2) go visit the barns and take notes, photos, etc.  Talk to the Instructors and get their pricing and watch them giving a lesson to a rider your age and riding interest, if possible 3) Narrow down who you felt the most comfortable with and take a lesson with that Instructor 4) remember that if you really want to know the most about horses, you will work with and Instructor who won't just put you on the horse's back without learning about them and getting comfortable with them, they will teach you basic horsemanship little by little over time.  5) find a barn that offers horses to lease as you become more advanced so that you can ride more often 6) always remember that your Instructor should always be kind and encouraging yet firm if ever needed but never mean, rude or belittling. You should always leave the barn happy and wanting to go back soon!

Every Instructor is different, which is why it's important to watch the Instructors give lessons to students similar to your own age and riding goals.  Does the Instructor just put you on a horse and have you ride without knowing much or does the Instructor teach you how to first handle the horse, groom and tack up properly? Then during a lesson, which Instructor feels the most comfortable for you to learn from?  There are also Instructors who take horse show oriented clients and let other Instructors work with the lesson students who do not wish to show.  Some barns have Instructors who have set levels, so you will work with different ones as you gain more experience.