When we bought Prince we knew he was “a bit hard to catch”. Being a little green ourselves though, we didn’t see much past his good looks. We were sure he would be a perfect trail horse. He loaded into the trailer nicely and we took him home. We soon found out that although he had no truly nasty habits, this horse had some serious fear issues. He’d stand very stiff, flinched if anyone attempted to touch him, and would run away if at all possible. We took him on trail rides anyway and discovered he spooked fairly often at tarps, hikers, bikers, kids playing on the beach, other horses & riders, you-name-it. On some of these occasions, he dumped his rider, which certainly didn’t help the situation. We were definitely over our heads on this one… About this time, Ron discovered Dianne. She gave Ron and Prince a few lessons, and then took Prince into her full-time program. Over a period of time, Dianne worked with Prince to overcome his fears, build his confidence, and relax. We had a lot of horse-centric activities planned for over the summer. So, after two months, we set off to enjoy the rest of the summer and autumn with him. We took him camping and riding all over Oregon. We also took him to a large group horse-camping event, where he was exposed to lots of new people, horses, and situation – and he responded beautifully! He is so much more relaxed and confident, is no longer hard to catch, and actually seems to enjoy being with us. We found that he is now one of the better horses on the trail now wherever we go. Prince still does get nervous at times but he is able to hold it together and Ron is able to calm him down with the helpful tips Dianne gave him. Thanks Dianne - We learned so much, and are so appreciative of what you were able to accomplish with Prince (and Prince says “thanks” too)!
Ron Samuelson and Jen Hagel
Beaverton Oregon
This very versatile horsewoman will bring a lot of depth to the Australian horse industry[...] When I interviewed Dianne she was educating a young roan Quarter Horse and getting good results. Following this she had an 18 hand black Irish sporting horse stallion that had been roughly treated. In no time she had this three-year-old stallion's confidence and the quick result was awesome. This stallion was one of the biggest, most powerful horses I have seen. This part of horsemanship is a specialty with Dianne. She loves re-educating troublesome horses.
- Australian Performance Horse Magazine, August/September 2008 issue
...[Dianne] treats the horses with unwavering patience. Even love. She's what some people - followers of fiction, perhaps, or those who perfer the mystical to the pragmatic - would call a horse whisperer. After generations of horse trainers who favored the whip, pain and pressure, Mortenson is a master of the newest training trend - control through repetition, consistency, and a thorough grasp on why horses behave as they do.
- Yakima Herald Republic, February 12, 2004, Outdoor section.
Tonya & Lupe Hinojosa
My husband and I have had experiences with many trainers but none like Dianne Mortenson. Through the years and a few horses, Dianne has helped us with numerous situations. From sever behavior problems (bucking), young horses with a lack of foundations in their training, advancing a horse's training up to matching me with my current horse ,Jack, Dianne has been a complete source for all things horse. We both agree that there are very few people like Dianne. She possesses a incredible knowledge of how horses think. On top of that she knows how to communicate with horses and to people. The horse will always be handled with respect and understanding and people are giving incredible tools to improve their horsemanship as well as the horse's training. I have not ran across one situation with a horse that Dianne doesn't have some tool or way to deal with it. We both would recommend Dianne to anyone with a horse in any discipline, you will never be disappointed and your horse will thank you! Thanks, Dianne!
Sarah Reynolds
I met dianne through a mutual friend at a viewing demonstration that Dianne was working.
Eight years earlier I had had a very bad riding accident and had become terrified of getting back on the horse. After watching the way Dianne worked on this very green horse and the way she achieved an outcome with no negativity or nastiness what so ever, I was amazed and mesmerized. I decided after watching her amazing technique to ask her to get me back on the horse.
Needless to say, Dianne had me back on the horse in two lessons, she gave me the skills and the confidence to understand the horse, not just ride the horse, more importantly she gave me back control. Dianne let me in on a few little tricks of the trade that I now use that make me feel so much more safe.
I [have] always enjoyed riding but now I've learned that there is so much more to riding than just getting on the horses back. Dianne has taught me ground work and the way a horse thinks so now I can have total control on the ground.
It is amazing what Dianne has taught me in such a short time. I [am] looking forward to having her back in Australia and teaching me so much more.
Thanks again Dianne for getting me back in the saddle and for helping me conquer my fear.
-Sarah Reynolds
Terry Hills, Australia
Debra Rymer and Pirate
Dianne Mortenson has been training my horse, Pirate, for two months. I have also watched Dianne train several other horses, each of them with different needs. The results have been most beneficial for the horse and the owner. I would recommend Dianne as a trainer to anyone who owns a horse. Her methods are based on kindness and commonsense, whether working with a horse on the ground, or in the saddle.
I have a disability that has prevented me from riding for four years. With Dianne's training I am now able to confidently handle Pirate both on the ground and in the saddle. Dianne has taught me what "buttons to push" in any situation, making riding a safe and enjoyable experience...
-Debra Rymer
Blackbutt, NSW, Australia
Carmen and Bobby
I have known Dianne Mortenson for some time now and have found her to be reliable, conscientious and very knowledgable in her field.
Dianne has given me lessons now on a regular basis for some time and I have found her methods to be encouraging and first and formost is safety in all matters relating to the horse, whether you are in the saddle or on the ground. All her work is done on the ground first, but with eventually doing it in the saddle, all her quos are the same whether on the ground or in the saddle.
I have found Dianne's methods have given me confidence as I am an older rider and was not sure if I wanted to ride again, but after talking with Dianne and then starting lessons I am getting more and more confidence and am actually enjoying my riding.
Dianne helped me choose my horse and we are very well suited for one another.
I highly recommend Dianne to anyone who wishes to have a safe as can be, relaxed and enjoyable relationship with their four legged friend, her knowledge and understanding of the horse and his behaviour are based on many years of hands on experience...
