Testimonials

What others are saying:

"I am loving your videos...unbelievably clear and easy to follow/understand...I am so impressed by what you can accomplish while keeping the horse calm and under low pressure. I had started some online liberty training prior to working with you and although it has been a good start, there is just no comparison in how clear the steps are and the unique methods you have created and/or discovered."  

Kristen

“Ariana has a quiet approach to the horse that not only horses respond to but the human spirit as well. Thank you for doing what you do.”

Kathleen H.

“Watching clinicians like Ariana teach methods that focus on reading and understanding the horse is incredibly encouraging to see. I hope her thoughtful & kind methods reach more people in the horse community so we can continue to develop a softer way with our equine partners.”

Melissa R

“I was so impressed with Ariana’s ability to work with a tense horse and watch the transformation of that horse to a point of total relaxation. Her patience & calmness is something I strive for with my horses. I can’t wait to learn more from her videos.”

Cindy D.

“Ariana’s demo was one of the best Midwest Horse Fair demos. She worked with fairness, consistency, and consideration for a nervous horse feeding off the environment. One golden nugget I learned from her demo was to ask and get out of the way. I think I sometimes stay a bit too long with my ask. Thank you.”

Becky

"Ariana's Coaching Calls are extremely helpful and her attention to detail is second to none! I send in a video clip for her to review, of an issue I'm having with one of our horses. She'll come up with a clear, concise plan on how I should address the issue. Having access to her library of hundreds of helpful videos is a HUGE bonus. I love the way she articulates her observations and instructions!" 

Mark

“Ariana’s clinic was amazing! She explained exactly what cues she was using, why she was using them, and what she was saying to the horse with those cues. Further, she explained the steps & process to follow when starting a horse in Liberty work and why. Thank you Ariana.”

Sue H

"Ariana Sakaris is one of the most conscientious, well-informed, and kind equine professionals in the industry. To top it off, she is also a compassionate, intelligent listener, and conscientious educator. I had the privilege to remotely work with her on my latest project: a search for my next equine partner in Working Equitation. She was able to listen to my thoughts and needs and guide me in the right direction every time we looked at prospective horses. Her well-trained eye captured so many nuances I would have never noticed, and her suggested questions for sellers and things to look for when I tried horses never failed to help me make the best decisions along the way. I couldn’t recommend her more highly as a consultant, as an instructor (in-person and online), as a trainer, and as a person. Thank you, again Ariana, for your limitless patience and untiring efforts to help me, and to find me my dream horse, Leonidas."

Katerina Taiganides

“Ariana’s clinic was the best at the Midwest Horse Fair. She was able to remain still inside while the horse she just met was in a panic. She was able to demonstrate a better, more compassionate way to deal with an anxious horse. She allowed the horse to experience his emotions instead of shutting them down. An excellent demonstration of how a person can “be” inside while interacting with an anxious horse."

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“Very impressive to watch. Your patience inspired me - for me to be more patient with my own mare at home. Thank you for your time & experience that you share."

Amy K.

“Ariana was super informative and had great tips. Loved how she honored the horse over the clinic results.”

Amy L.

"The Student of the Horse membership video library is extensive, well organized, and so easy to follow along with! Ariana really breaks down each step of a concept and explains and shows things in a way that is both detailed and digestible. These videos have helped me create a more relaxed, balanced, and willing partner. I love that she meets me at the gate ready to work!"

Haley

“Enjoyed Ariana’s clinic so much I’m willing to drive to Kentucky to see and learn more from her.”

Rachel B.

“It was so encouraging and neat to watch. I loved the patience to meet the horse where they were at, and the encouragement that “it takes as long as it takes.” Too often we get rushed and it was a great reminder to slow down. Thank you!”

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“Really appreciated learning more about reading a horse’s anxiety level and how to work with your horse in a high anxiety situation for liberty work. Also loved the tip on working a horse in an unfamiliar area to help improve this. Great clinic and very informative!”

Danielle G.

“Saw the clinic and loved it. I have been wanting to start teaching my horse at home Liberty with hopes of building our relationship more. I learned so much!”

Ellie P

“I enjoyed Ariana’s focus on the horses emotions during her clinic. Her focus on asking the horse “can you do this?” instead of telling them to do something is wonderful.”

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“I loved watching the clinic. Your patience is incredible. Your exercises have taught me to learn what to do. Your clinic is amazing.” 

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“I loved watching the horses soften as Ariana held space for them to work through anxiety and develop focus.”

Lisa M.

"I stumbled across Ariana’s work when I located and purchased her video teaching the Lay Down.

I wanted to accomplish this training milestone with my horse to help resolve the anxiety he experiences due to having only one eye. In the past, I’d worked with a quality trainer but we struggled to make progress and my horse let me know there was too much pressure. We needed to find a new approach. 

Once I got started with the training, I signed up to get some one-on-one advice via video and phone. I was expecting to get a generic message or maybe something pre-recorded in response so I was over-the-moon surprised by the incredibly personalized explanation, demonstration, and advice that Ariana provided.  

Ariana’s predictions were completely accurate and so, when I was engaged with my horse and recognizing the behaviors that Ariana expected, I had the confidence to keep going and accomplish a breakthrough in our training. There were no missing pieces in the step-by-step guidance that I received and I’ve been recommending Ariana ever since!"

Janice B.

“Ariana is absolutely amazing! Her approach, connection, and communication are focused on what is best for the horse. Thank you for all that you do!”

Pam

“I am inspired by Ariana’s work - she explains Liberty in an easy to understand and execute fashion. I especially appreciate her management of the horses - in such a kind & respectful way.”

Theresa D.

“I thought I knew quite a lot about Liberty training until I watched Ariana’s demonstration! I was wrong! Very informative!"

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

"I greatly admire Ariana's approach to training both for the horse and human! She has taught me that it's not about doing a task perfectly, it's about building trust with my horse and having clear two-way communication, It's also about whether the horse is happy in the end. (With Ariana, the horse is always happy in the end!)

Ariana's way of teaching helps you find your own inner home base of a calm-relaxed state of both your mind and energy, which the horse desires, needs, and is attracted to. This method teaches you what you can do, and encourages you to trust rather than react. Her aura of confidence and understanding helps both students and horses relax and receive the lesson.

When I put Ariana's teachings to work, I experience an emotional connection with my horse. It's almost like a mental bridge that she gives you permission to experiment with and leaves you wanting more. It's a meaningful feeling that is unique to every person and every horse."

Cheryl

"Over the past several years, I have had the privilege to watch Ariana work with horses. Her talents are extraordinary, communicating so very gently with each horse and being rewarded by their positive responses. Her training methods are nearly invisible....it seems she creates magic with each horse, infusing a quiet confidence in them that she, herself, carries through life. It is truly beautiful to witness. I cannot imagine a better experience for either a horse or rider than to have training with Ariana Sakaris."

Anne Bolen

“Ariana was amazingly calm while handling a nervous horse. She taught well while focusing on the horse’s well-being. I learned a lot to take back to my own horse.” 

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“Ariana has provided so much guidance and inspiration to continue to work with my horse. Her dedication is evident and motivational.”

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“Ariana is amazing! Her patience & ability to read & understand & communicate with the horse is amazing! I have learned so much to help calm my horse and help our communication.”

Robin M

“I LOVE watching Ariana - I love her calm, gentle presence with the horses no matter how they are feeling.”

Amber O.

"Ariana's system of communicating with horses lets you reach a new level of understanding in the relationship with your horse. She allows you to cross the threshold into their world where you communicate with them in the powerful language of energy and gesture that they use with each other. This world is one that is less about force and more about subtlety, nuance and harmony."

Karen Kraushaar

“Great training sessions today. I loved how Ariana worked with the horse’s natural energy instead of against it.”

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“I learned that you should work with the horses energy, not punish him for it.”

Beth E.

“Ariana has given me some essential tools to improve my relationship with my horse. She has given me hope and confidence to improve and it’s exciting to incorporate them. God Bless you! You’re a blessing in this journey.”

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“Ariana was my favorite clinician at the Midwest Horse Fair! Her calm, gently and wise manner with horses is so inspiring.”

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“Watching Ariana build the relationship with the horse to help them regulate their
emotions was really great to see.”

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“Ariana’s Demo was so easy for me to connect with & areas I can work on with my own horse. She takes the stress out of working through the horse’s anxiety by “turning it into an opportunity rather than a problem.” Thank you!”

Kelly C.

“Ariana was fantastic. She pointed out what was going on with the horse physically & emotionally, while emphasizing mental pressure and giving the horse space/permission to explore and learn.”

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“It was amazing to watch the small changes happen with the horse and the explanation of the small but obvious progress.”

Carol B.

“The clinic was very worthwhile, shows a horse that needed to learn how to settle & think. Ariana showed a great way to teach that.”

Paula R.

“Ariana led a wonderful demo. It was incredible to see her work!”

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“Ariana’s presentation was very helpful with tools and lessons that were easy to follow. She was able to explain things very clearly and in simple terms.”

Katie K.

“We enjoyed watching Ariana break down some basic Liberty into simple steps. Loved when she said you are “training for the Liberty horse you will have 6 months from now.” 

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“I enjoyed how she allowed the horse the time to become comfortable with her and [the horse’s] surroundings before asking more from them. You could see the horse’s anxiety go down throughout her demo. LOVE!”

Carley B.

“Ariana’s clear calm way of explaining/teaching in and of itself lends to the increased communication with Ground work & Liberty work.” -

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee

“Ariana was fully prepared; she asked all the right questions to put me at ease, and additional questions to make sure my horse would be at ease. She has a gently way and a teacher’s attitude. Highly recommend!”

Celeste M.

“Thank you for all the very helpful education. It helped A LOT. Can’t wait for the next time.”

Midwest Horse Fair Clinic Participant

“Thank you, Ariana! I have learned so much from you!! Thank you for sharing and teaching us!!”

Midwest Horse Fair Attendee