Testimonials
This is what others have to say about our services:
Thank you both again,
(Carolyn Starkie, Chidlow)
Just another quick email, to let you know Jammy is amazing. Even her condition is perfect - thank you for taking such good care of her. We went out for an hour and twenty minutes. We cantered all the firebreaks, went all through the bush, and she loved it - It was bloody unreal :). She has such a nice canter, and she is comfortable and wants to work there. Can't believe how easy she is to 'read her mind' - it was so fantastic. No jump yet - maybe tomorrow.
(Sharon Collins, Gin Gin)
(Sandra Hall, Donnybrook)
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"Hi Monique and Erwin,
I really enjoyed riding Banjo today, a fantastic little horse that can go a long way! He was great on the trip home and he came off like a gentleman. Thank you SOOO much for what you have done with him. I will definately let you know if i have any queries and update you on his progress :-) I look forward to the adventures I have with him. Thanks again, Rebekah (and Banjo!)"
(Rebekah Skinner, Tanami Pintos, Boyup Brook)
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"Hi Monique,
Dash is doing wonderfully. Trying me every now and then but is a lot lighter on the hands. We have been working well together, she has gained weight and is looking really good. She is fantastic with her one rein stops and releases just about straight away on both sides. Walking backwards is really good. Been doing a lot of trotting and finding it easier every time. Thank you so much for all the work you guys have put in, it is so nice to jump on and have a pleasant ride."
(Wendy Loly, Eaton)
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"What an incredibly wonderful experience; the warm hospitality upon arrival, the delicious meals throughout our stay! And then there is the horse experience. Erwin and Monique are a wealth of knowledge and experience and gently convey it to you. I will certainly be recommending this lovely farmstay and horse clinic to all I know. It's a worthwhile experience. One goes home relaxed and more knowledgeable then before. Thank you so much Monique and Erwin, may your business grow and prosper. Kind regards and best wishes."
(Gavin and Linda, Donnybrook)
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"Hi Monique & Erwin,
Just thought I would let you know how greatly improved Quinn is.
Rode him in the arena Wednesday and float loaded and took him to the beach today.
Completely different horse!
The only time I have had to get in his face is when he changed direction without being asked or stopped listening when I applied a leg aid.
We did lots of canter transitions in the arena...not one buck.
The beach ride was great. Again no bucking, soft backups and easy transitions (with correctly asked for leads).
My trust in him is returning. I am confident in the tools you have given me so am finding it
very easy to ride loose rein and relaxed. Sometimes I think even Quinn is genuinely surprised
when I leave him alone!!)
Thank you again,
Kate."
(Kate Guiver, West Busselton)_______________________________
"... You will laugh when you read this next bit. Because we don't have a round yard and I told my husband ALL about what you did on Saturday, he decided to make me one. He went to the tip and collected white barrels and put them in a circle. 'Well there' he says, 'will that do?' So sweet! For us who have to make the most of the small acreage we have, it will do. I'm off to try him in it now.
I've realized Buzz has really good ground manners, stands still with me, lets me groom him and do his feet. Where the training is going to come in, is in the RIDER and she must learn to communicate the CORRECT message to her horse. My dream is to be able to ride bare back too.
Linda Matten"
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"Dear Erwin,
I would like to thank you very much for taking Tonk's learning curve up a notch on the weekend of the May Horsemen's ride.
You never cease to satisfy me with your attention to the job at hand when you are handling him and it gives me the confidence to "continue" with a STALLION. I appreciate your patience with me as I learn "slowly" but surely how to speak the subtitles of horse. There is so much you teach us with out even realizing.
Ayla learnt heaps by riding along side you for the day and the whole expedition made for some amazing photo's and memory's.
Most importantly Tonk had an awesome day out with a load of horses he'd never met before and his first ride out in public was a positive experience.
Thank you so much for being there for us, we really appreciate you and the service that you provide.
Reena Harwood, Aree-Aycur Friesian Warmbloods) ________________________________________________________
"To Mr. and Mrs. Van Vliet,
Here's another Thank You for training Buddy.
He's really good. I have had so much fun on him.
We went to our first Gymkhana and placed well.
I have even taught Buddy to jump.
I have been riding him loads in our new arena.
Buddy misses you guys and couldn't wait to see you at pony club.
Lots of love,
Buddy and Tenaya xxxoo"
(Tenaya Teague, Bridgetown)
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Hi Monique & Erwin,
Just wanted to let you know Spike is going really well. You’ve done exactly what I needed you to with him, he is listening & learning with no argument. I have ridden every day so far and enjoying it.
Thanks again.
(Sharon Francis, Dardanup)
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Haze is fantastic. When we got home he really slowly backed off the float even though the other horse was running around like a loony. I've put him on the float every 2nd or 3rd day so far for a couple of times and other than the first time when he decided to test me, he has been walking straight on.
Thanks again heaps to you and Erwin for the work you did with him. It's such a relief to know that I can now float him anytime I want to, without all the carry on.
(Kellie Tilbee, Collie)___________________________________
Hey Monique,
Feather is going really well and the two geldings are rapped to have a girl around. I gave her a wash today and took her for a walk. We luv her,
Cheers Kev.
(Kevin Harrison, Joondalup) ________________________________________________________
Just wanted to thank you again for all your hard work with Cougar. He settled in very quickly when we got home. He was easy to catch all three times I have gone to him! That's so awesome! :) Today, I rode Cougar out around the race track/bush area next to my house. To think, this was a horse that made me nervous even just in the round yard, and now that he's got this great education under his belt, I know I can expect some spooks, but they are manageable. Add to that, the security of knowing that I can STOP him, well, the whole world has opened up! He is now a horse I can move forward with, who is capable of doing anything! Thank you for getting him to this place for me!
(Andrea Salmond, Katanning)____________________________
We had 15 minutes in the arena and then grabbed the dog and headed on off up the road. She was not worried until we met with the cement bridge and it's fast flowing water. Well, the water wasn't an issue at all but the different surface was a little concerning. So, we walked on foot over it a couple of times before mounting again and heading off up the road. She was more concerned about open paddocks than small tracks, but then that is something new as well. But, on the whole she showed no signs or worry or stress at anything not even a bouncing kangaroo in the paddock.
I am sure she will be very good as you have got her so quiet and nice for me I realize there is always good and bad days but we are all entitled to them. Thanks again.
(Erica Noppers, Pemberton)______________________________
Hi Monique,
Fury is coming along really well. We are now cantering out in the bush and we have had two lessons with Marina Williams. She is very impressed at how he has been started and how soft he is.
Tomorrow we are off to Walpole for a 10km ride with the Albany Trailriders with a camp over night. Fury has started wearing his 'old mac' boots so that we can go over rougher country. We have done a few practice 10km rides so I am sure he will be fine. He is a great little horse and loved by all who meet him.
Thanks once again for such a great horse. He is the best horse I have ever had.
Regards,
Natalie
(Natalie Matson, Albany)
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Murphy arrived home safely & we have just recently watched the DVD you made. It was a pleasure to watch Erwin's gentle style of training. We are extremely happy with how Murphy has progressed. Our daughter has ridden him a few times since his return and he's just been so good. Thanks so much for all the work put into him.
Regards, Karen Thompson
(Karen Thompson, Oakford)_______________________
Hi Monique & Erwin,
Just thought I'd let you know how Ochre is going. He has settled in very well with our herd, has had no hassles from any of them and is getting quite people minded with us. He always comes over to see what we're doing in the paddock and hangs around with us a lot. I can brush him and pick out his feet without a halter on him. Alice trimmed all his hooves on Sunday. She took a lot of time with him and he was very good. The people who are interested in adopting him came for a visit on Saturday, they liked him a lot so I think that they will take him. I hope all is well with you and thanks again for all your help.
Regards, Sylvia
Hi Monique and Erwin,
Micky (aka Hamid) and me are doing really well...I thought I should send you some photos.
(Georgie Lutz, Bridgetown)Georgie just had to send you pics of her and Micky in the ocean. She was so excited. We are so lucky we have great horses.
I would like to officially thank you both for the recent schooling done on my two Friesian Warmbloods, Whiney and Tonk.
When I feel as though I want to thank you most for your help with my young colt Tonk, I remind myself that the work you did on my mare Whiney has really set my daughter up for success.
Both Ayla and myself have a much clearer understanding of the relationship that we should be having with our horses after bringing them to your schooling centre.
Erwin, you brought a calmness to the whole exercise. A calmness that we needed to see as we can't be heavy handed with our horses due to the sheer size of them. You showed me that you don't have to use brute force, you just need to get the relationship right. Person is the boss, horse follows! No exceptions.
I believe I was very fortunate to travel to you for every lesson in the 6 week period as I learnt so much just watching. My fears of dealing with this monstrous 16hh, 2 year old colt just melted away with each week of his schooling. Then to get an extra couple of weeks with Whiney was an added bonus.
Monique, you are truly Erwin's second best asset. (His first being his talent with horses of course). You make what he does out there come together with your clear and often very humorous narrations of events. I enjoyed it when you where there to share it with me. You also taught me a lot on the sidelines.
What you have done for Ayla is amazing and she has never looked back. You finally got her to realize she doesn't need the rein's to control Whiney. Of course this is a hard habit to break but she is more open to drop the reins now and Whiney is always appreciative of her efforts. The canter is now more relaxed and enjoyable to watch without Whiney's head jammed up.
I think our favorite Ewin'ism is the one rein stop this is a wonderful tool for sorting out the relationship when your on top and it is not an offensive correction. It has helped me immensely with Ayla as she drops the reins more knowing that she can just do a one rein stop if necessary.
What you have both given to me is unable to be expressed in words. Thank you both of you for sharing your skills with us and for your continuing support and encouragement. You have helped us to enjoy our involvement with our horses more than I thought we could.
We are looking forward to our future lessons.
(Reena Harwood, Aree-Aycur Friesian Warmbloods, Manjimup)___
I would like to say a great big thank you for working with Ronan. We went to our first endurance ride and we had a ball. He was so well behaved he did all I asked of him and more, I felt so confident riding him we even did some distance by ourselves. He is a changed horse and I thank you for bringing out what I hoped was there. He never shied or refused anything, the only thing he didn't like was the start and finish line which was written in huge white letters on the road. So we just went around it, but when we came back he was probably that tired he didn't care what he went over, so he walked over fine. He was great in the vet ring, he was a bit shaky, I think it was a mixture of nerves and excitement but he got thru with flying colors, so thanks again and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to anyone.
(Sharon Tilbee, Collie)______________________________
We currently have him in a paddock on our front lawn and we are constantly amazed at how subtle and quiet he is. All I have to do is call his name and he up at the fence seeking attention. We have caught him almost everyday since he returned home and have continued the routine Erwin created with Fly. Not only can I just handle him, my little sister Kate caught him for the first time the other day and he took it all in his stride! We are all just so pleased that Fly is now a happy horse:). Thank you very much!
(Emma and Peta Ryan, Justt Stud , Manjimup)_______
Just wanted to say THANKS again for all that you have done for both Dusty and myself. Like I said to Erwin I was at a stage in my riding where i had lost confidence and was even considering giving up altogether...... I am eternally grateful for the extra effort you have put in for both of us and I cannot help but come back from every ride with a smile from ear to ear!! So great to be back in the saddle with a sensationally trained horse all thanks to two wonderful horse trainers!
(Lesa Boni, Greenbushes)
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"I'm looking forward to getting Nickle home and just hope that I can build on the good solid foundation that you have given him. He is a different horse to the one that I sent to you and for that I shall be eternally grateful. Erwin I think you are marvelous, you have so much talent you really deserve to be widely recognized as one of the best. In my humble opinion you are the best. I learnt so much just watching you. You are patience personified."
(Jan Markby, Byford)________________________
"Gday Erwin and Monique,
A quick email to let you know Monty traveled home well. I saddled him up this morning and did what you advised yesterday Erwin. He walked on easily with the extra hip movement by me and turned well with very little bit use. I changed from a walk to trot and back again as you suggested and he performed really well with the transitions and even stopped from a trot with no use of the bit. Backing up on a loose rein went very easily. He was also turning on the fence with the leg commands you showed me.
He is still a little bit spooky when he sees something he is not sure of but at no time did he try to swerve severely or bolt. More just a small jump to the side and coming to a stop but as he matures I am sure this will settle to. Any way thanks again for starting him and bringing him to a very good level for me to continue with.
They say the best compliment for a business is to recommend them to others and I will definitely be recommending you to any one who needs their horse started or needs a bit of polishing. Thanks again."
(Greg Button, Bullsbrook)_______________________
"My name is Helen Perkins and I am a friend of Maria who sent her horse Mr Lethal to you for starting. I have just been shown the dvd that you sent to Maria and I wanted you both to know that it was fantastic to watch! Even the music was excellent! Of course Maria and Gary are very impressed by your work with Lethal, I am also impressed with the gentle, calm manner shown by Erwin in the dvd (and the patience and work involved in producing it). I think both Maria and I were even a bit emotional while discussing the difference between the 'breaking' we have witnessed in the past, and the 'starting' by yourselves. We certainly know which we prefer!
I always believe in giving credit where it is due and I think you both deserve it for humans AND horses! Looking forward to meeting you one day....."
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"Thanks to Erwin and Monique at Tales of The Trail Western Ranch down in Manjimup for the wonderful way they looked after Okey.
He's happy to be home. No problems on the trip. Started strutting like a Stallion again once he was in the paddock.
Myself and the stable hands have found that even though he was quite before he came down to you, he is now so much more considerate of where you are (lot more ground manners). I believe you've done a wonderful job in training him and we have a good start to a very bright future. You will be recommend to anyone who asks. See you in 2009 when you can start Mega Kool Colonel (Chance). Thanking you."
(Tony De Grauw, Coranda Estate, Mega Cool Quarter Horse Stud, Armadale).
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(Tenaya Teague, Bridgetown)____________________
"Erwin and Monique, thank you so much for the work you put into our 2 horses, Kasper and Spirit, over the month that they were with you. You have a wonderful gentle approach to training horses. Both our horses are calm and confident and a pleasure to ride. We come home with a smile after every ride. I have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone who needs some work done on their horses. Thank you."
(Jo and Claire Pettit, Australind)
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Visiting instructors demonstrate gentle methods
“At our February rally we were lucky enough to have Monique and Erwin van Vliet come along and be part of our day. Monique took each of the groups for a session of flatwork with pleasing results. The beginners who were on lead line had a great time doing many balance exercises and working on their seats. Some games and a bit of healthy competition made for a few funny moments in the beginners arena. Monique told us that when she began riding her Dad made her ride with no reins or stirrups to develop her balance and this is so important for the beginner’s confidence. Everyone, children and parents alike from each of the three groups were very impressed and thoroughly enjoyed Monique’s lessons. Monique’s parents who were out here from Holland were also present and armed with a video camera and we hope they enjoyed the lessons and their day at an Australian Pony Club Rally.
After lunch we were given an insight into some of our four legged friends behavior. Erwin took Kite a 3yr old thoroughbred filly belonging to Grace Vowles and began with some gentle handling, grooming and picking up her feet. He also made her stand quietly by moving her into position as he wanted. He did this in order to establish respect and a feeling of trust between Kite and himself as well as to get her listening to him. Erwin then put her through a number of exercises. We were all a trifle worried when she began to say no and did some rather showy bucking an a bit of rearing but a credit to Erwin’s horsemanship (and no doubt those long legs) he managed to stay on her and continue to work through some of her issues. It was great to watch Kite start to respond to Erwin and do the tasks he asked of her. He worked to earn her trust and we could see her response to his quiet, gentle but firm methods. Monique’s commentary as we watched Erwin work Kite gave us an even more thorough understanding of horse behavior, how they think and ways in which we can achieve the same results. Monique’s quick sense of humour also added an extra dimension of warmth and lightness to the demonstration.
Monique and Erwin own the Western Ranch in Quinninup where they start horses and also have the pleasure of breeding their own stock. Monique’s background is in Dressage and Erwin can often be seen at Campdrafts around the area as he competes in various Western events. Monique and Erwin brought along one of their own youngsters that they had bred themselves. Erwin was then able to demonstrate some of their techniques and the gentle methods they use to get their horses’ respect with one of their own youngsters. Okey had only had 7 weeks of training in his life so far and it was fantastic to watch Erwin as he put him through his paces. Monique and Erwin were both quick to emphasize the point that it is all about respect and trust with horses and when you have these with your horse you can develop a great working relationship and a true partnership.
The demonstration was very impressive and we would all like to take this opportunity to thank Monique and Erwin for taking the time to come to our rally. I’m sure we all learned something new and it was a great experience for all.
So if you have a horse you want started (not broken) or are interested in their methods of horse training then visit their website for more information. You can also contact them by phone and have a chat or even arrange to go out and visit the ranch itself and see more of Monique and Erwin in action.“
(Blackwood Horse and Pony Club Inc. Monthly Newsletter, March 2007)
