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My Story
Sensible horsemanship for all
Leah is a professional with a strong Natural Horsemanship foundation and fifteen years of teaching experience. She has ridden and trained with Horseman Buck Brannaman, Buster McLaury, Peter Campbell, and Randy Rieman; Dressage Instructors including Maryal Barnett, Theresa Doherty as well as other well-known trainers.
She believes in a foundation that starts on the ground and works up to the saddle; all of her students start with groundwork in order to better communicate with their horse under saddle.
At Bay Harbor Equestrian Center, where she began in May of 2005, she progressed from stable hand to training horses and teaching students. Leah served as manager and head trainer at Bay Harbor Equestrian Center from 2009 until 2013 when she went to South Fox Island to manage the island's equestrian center.
She now serves as manager, head trainer and instructor at Rising Hope Equestrian Center. She enjoys working with humans and horses at every level of experience.
My Services
What I Can Offer You and Your Horse
Lessons
Private lessons are a one on one chance to work on individually focused skills from groundwork to the saddle and more.
One hour $70
Semi-private lessons are shared by two people. Horsemanship, groundwork, and good riding form are the basis for every lesson but are geared specifically to the riders and horses level.
One hour $60
Group lessons are a great way for horses and riders to practice groundwork and riding skills with the fun and challenge of a variety of riders and horses sharing the ring.
One hour $50
Training
Individual training includes everything from colt starting to basic conditioning. This is also a great option for horses that need specific physical or behavioral issues addressed. Each session is tailored to the physical and mental state of the horse on a given day.
*Training prices do not include the cost of boarding.
Clinics
Clinics are usually a two day commitment and cover horsemanship skills, groundwork, and good riding for all disciplines . Various clinics are offered throughout the year from beginner to advanced. Clinics are a great was to spend a weekend, immersed and focused on deepening these skill sets. Next clinic, April 27 and 28, 2024.
Get in Touch Today
"If a horse learns something without trouble, he'll never forget it." Buck Brannaman
Testimonials
Susan Klimas
Training under Leah Keller has changed my relationship with all horses for the better in so many ways. I grew up riding Hunter-Jumpers and showing the MHJA circuit throughout my childhood. I was fortunate enough to have some wonderful trainers that won me top ribbons. I began teaching riding in 1994. When I started working with Leah in 2010, I discovered an entirely different way of relating to horses - a way of educating them without force. A way of creating "lightness" and understanding that I had never known. I now ride with so much more consciousness and understanding of what my horse is thinking and feeling, and riding has become not just fun and exciting, but my greatest joy. I feel inspired and motivated to learn more every time I ride with Leah. I am now confident handling so called "unmanageable horses" without fear or stress, using this new understanding of how to work a horse through its fears and confusion; creating relaxation and enjoyment for us both in the end. Thank you Leah Keller, for turning a sport into a lifestyle for me.
Casey Haggerty
Leah has helped me and my horse grow more than I ever imagined! Leah adapts every session to what my horse and I need in that moment while always keeping the end goal in sight. I love that Leah is passionate about groundwork and translating groundwork to the saddle. I experienced this firsthand when Leah helped me put my first ride on my horse. Immediately after getting on, my horse knew how to break her hind over because Leah had helped us practice on the ground! Leah’s commitment to making sure the horse is soft and responsive on the ground before getting in the saddle is the reason why those who work with her have excellent rides each time we saddle up.
Emily Meier
Leah has the unique ability to meet both horse and human exactly where they are, physically and mentally, on any given day. She knows when to encourage and when to challenge them as she strives to bring horse and human to the best version of themselves. Her passion for horsemanship and hard work are inspiring. I've learned so much from Leah through lessons, clinics, and endless conversations. I've also had the great privilege of witnessing first-hand horses, that were deemed "dangerous" or "lost causes", find peace and a better way under her care and training. The horses and humans who cross Leah's path are always better off for it.
Stefanie Flynn
I want a teacher who has a contagious enthusiasm for teaching. Leah approaches each lesson
and encounter with riders and horses as an opportunity to teach - both the rider and the horse.
Her sharing of knowledge does not start and end with the time of the lesson.
I want a teacher who is encouraging and patient, and who will not give up on me. Leah
demonstrates incredible patience with all her students, no matter the age or experience level. It
has been proven that when the teacher is positive—encouraging initial and repeated
attempts—the students will apply themselves more diligently; motivation thrives on success.