Miles of Smiles Training

"Leslie has no doubt saved my life, but more importantly, she has saved my dream. I have wanted to ride since girlhood. I dreamt of being Calamity Jane (Doris Day). Well, I did turn out to be Calam --- I took lessons as a 55 year old chic and then bought a 10 year old TB gelding—oops. Of course the usual—I came off and broke some parts. While in recovery I found Leslie’s website and her story of a fall and recovery. She let me take lessons on the Great Greta. My confidence got better again. Then Leslie said –NO,NO to my TB, Sugar. “You need a quiet, kind horse to ride” said Leslie. She called around and we found Poncho the comedy Appaloosa.

Leslie has given Poncho and me a lot of good training. We can trot and we can stop and we can start again. Leslie found Poncho’s weak spots and he's going to be a safe horse for Old Calamity Roxane, but mostly she has taught me to keep riding and work through my trouble. Then I am safe.

My husband began to take lessons with his wild wife and bought a 16+hand Paint/TB with a real desire to be in charge...great horse with a mind of his own. Campbell has proved to be a really good rider and has a real handle on the horse thing His horse-Reckless Red aka Rex has needed some lessons in following directions. Leslie has given Campbell the tools and Rex the training to be my leader trail horse.

We now have a horse property in Idaho and will be taking the boys to their new home. Leslie and her great attitude---You can do this, and I will never ask you to do something that you can not do—have made the adventure seem possible. A real dream maker."

PonchoRex

Roxane and Campbell G.
Round Hill, VA - Mackay, ID

"Thanks again for coming out yesterday, I greatly appreciate your willingness to help us out. Agatha loaded right on the trailer in the afternoon to go home- no questions or tantrums, hooray :-) We ended up champion in both of our 3' divisions- good thing we made it there!

I can't thank you enough for your help! I'll keep you posted on our show and trailer progress! I'm so excited to be able to show now!"

Nicole W.
Gaithersburg, MD

"Nic is doing wonderfully, and we are very pleased with him. This was a horse we never dreamed would do some of the things that he is doing. We have built a trust that would not have been possible without you. When I went out of town for a few days and came back, I yelled over the fence for him, and sure enough the sound of thundering hooves came over the ridge, and he was there, whinnying and prancing. We are best friends, inseparable, and my family is amazed that this dumpy pony I bought for 500 dollars as a rescue has turned out to be a sleek, muscled horse, who enjoys life. He is so happy. Thank you again."

Nic

Nicki U.
Purcellville, VA

"I had not ridden my young Morgan horse, Teddy, for more than 18 months because he was bucking. I was seriously considering selling him. During his one month of training with Leslie, she addressed all of his behavior issues, and gave me some very useful instruction and safety tools to use when I sense an impending problem. Leslie not only got my horse back on track, her guidance also allowed me to regain my self-confidence. The week following his time with Leslie, Teddy and I went on a 4-hour trail ride--which included several water crossings and all kinds of terrain--and he was nearly perfect the entire time. It was the best ride I have ever had--on any horse, anywhere.

Leslie is very quietly effective, in control without being abusive or heavy-handed. She didn't "change" my horse, but her instruction has allowed me to appreciate all of his good qualities and deal with his "issues." I am using Leslie's advice in my efforts to gain his respect and achieve for both of us a quality riding experience.

Last week we took 2nd place in a local competition. I thank Leslie for giving my horse back."

Teddy

Nancy B.
Purcellville, VA

"Most people do not realize the importance of proper ground work with a horse prior to riding. This point became especially clear to me when Wally and I were faced with crossing multiple creeks on a local trail ride recently. Prior to this trail ride, the largest body of water we had crossed was six inches wide and he stepped over it. You can see from the photo that the water was both wide and deep and had the potential of being a very frightening experience. However, after training at Miles of Smiles with you, Wally and I approached the water with more confidence and knowledge of how to safely manage this potentially fearful situation. Thank you for helping us overcome our fears of water and making our rides safer and therefore more fun. You're the best!"

Wally

Janet G.
Bristow, VA

"I just wanted to thank you for the clinic, it was so inspirational. I had a wonderful time with Red and we really enjoyed meeting all of your other clients. You gave us a really wonderful, new incentive, I've been doing trails with USTR and have been out and about ever since. Red is so brave and so bold and so competitive that we are having a riot! Red and I are on a whole new level, I now have the pony of every girls dream. I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciated it, thank you so much."

Cherie A.
Hamilton, VA

"The clinic provided a lot of insight for me personally. It is a much different thing to just watch you work with the horse as opposed to teaching us how to work with our horses. Your instructions and descriptions in the teaching process of these exercises was just superb! Even though my dyslexia with right and left can sometimes get into the way of my comprehending I found your instructions to be totally clear and very well explained. I can finally say that I believe I understand the concepts and procedures of how to use the groundwork exercises fully now. It is amazing to me how much these groundwork exercises work hand in hand with the regular dressage lesson instruction that I have been getting. The softening from the ground has made me see now that all I have to do is ask for the softening while mounted and I am getting it!! In fact, on our trail ride after the clinic, I was testing to see if I could get some softening and sure enough I would ask with either rein and he would come down and soften right into the bit."

Rhonda B.
Charles Town, WV

"Thanks for a GREAT day yesterday! I really, really enjoyed the entire clinic, even "choking" just trotting over the cavalettis. DJ is so much fun to ride and she's getting much softer and responsive. I'm getting better too even though it's still a struggle mentally but I can see where I'm making progress. I just need to make myself get out and ride. The ribbons were a nice touch - mine is in the office where I can see it all the time!"

Harriet W.
Lovettsville, VA

"I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful clinic and the babysitting on the trail. It was very insightful for me to be riding along, scared out of my mind, while you lectured me about "mind set" - that was good for me, not too much at all and very poignant in the moment! It's good to hear that Jolie passes the test as well, it gives me confidence in her. I enjoyed the girls and learned a lot."

Carla O.
Round Hill, VA

"Fortunately for me you started Chester so well he is doing fantastic! He is trail riding regularly and has started jumping very small obstacles. We even trail rode for 5 hours in the halter after my bridle broke on the second day of an overnight camp trip. Thanks again for doing a wonderful job with Chester!!"

Chester

Sherry B.
Purcellville, VA

"My son and I volunteer at Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Lisbon, MD, and he fell in love with a mare named Caramel Sunday when she came in as a starvation case with 6 other horses. They had not known what type, if any, training she may have had previously. So Lynell was wonderful enough to pay for a month of training with Leslie for Caramel (as my son and I call her). Leslie was wonderful. She was persistent, yet kind to Caramel and she has a soft hand and you can tell that she loves what she does. She was brave enough to get on her not knowing her history, whether she was physically abused or what. We could visit Caramel whenever we wanted and got to watch her work with Caramel on several occasions. It was a very educational experience. She taught me and my son Jimmy, who is 12, several training techniques that we could use when we brought Caramel home. She was gracious enough to let me and Jimmy, try first hand so we could find any issues we may have with her and learn how to correct them. He also got to ride Caramel on a trailride so she could watch them together for their first ride. I would recommend Leslie to anyone I knew that had any type of training issues with a horse. And I'm sure Days End would not hesitate to send another one of their horses to her. If you have the privilege to have your horse trained by Leslie, you will be truly blessed! Thank you, so much, Leslie for everything you have done to make our life with Caramel Sunday that much more wonderful!"

"Mariah enjoyed her ride today. She had Kodi trot 5 laps and then practiced on the chubby X jump, zig zags and walk...she will not canter without you there. THANK YOU for giving her the confidence in you to do this when you are there, and the confidence in her and Kodi to ride when you are not :) She was proud of Kodi for being good without you there :)

So for so many things, for all that you have done...but most of all for all the SMILES you have brought ...THANK YOU!!!! Truly you live up to your business name MILES OF SMILES TRAINING."

"From the bottom of my heart, I cannot tell you how much you've changed things for the better for me and my riding future. Went out tonight for a ride - Guinness was perfect - only a little "eyeballing" when we went down the hill - there are cows on one side and a donkey, sheep and some geese on the other - but when we came back up, he wanted to hang out with them. I can't tell you how much it means to be able to ride by myself again - I used to ride all the time by myself when I had my Arab - and I only dreamed of the day I would be able to do that again! I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me!"

"Four years ago, we bought a 4 month old full Clydesdale named Ramblin’ Man. Our intention was to ride him and not pull. We loved seeing him grow up to become one of the gentle giants of his breed. When he turned 3 ½, he started to realize how big he was and if he did not want to do something, he did not do it. If he wanted to go somewhere, he went, even if a person was in the way. We had been contemplating when and where to send “Rammy” for training for manners and to be “broken” to ride. Our veterinarian recommended Leslie and after talking on the phone a number of times and reading over the information she sent, we made our decision to go for it.

We were tremendously impressed with the progress Leslie made in just one week with Rammy’s ground manners. Her unending patience and gentle but firm manner with our big horse was something to behold. We were welcome to come visit him anytime and we did see him about three times a week. We also were encouraged to come to his workouts to learn what she was doing and to practice it ourselves under her direction. This also included both of us getting on Rammy during his training.

The most fun and a memory we will always treasure was our trail ride through the beautiful woods near Lovettsville. Courtney rode Ram, I rode Greta, and Leslie led on Curly. We rode up and down hills, crossed streams and saw some breath-taking views.

Leslie not only helped us with training our horse but she is a great wealth of knowledge about tack, farriers, and anything to do with horses. We highly recommend Leslie. She is a wonderful trainer, her facility is very impressive, and she and her husband Dave are very kind and helpful people."

"I just wanted to say thank you for a great ride today!! I loved every minute of it. I am crazy about Harvey and thrilled with how much you taught him. We are going to have a wonderful life together. Every time I ride a horse I think of my dad and the gift he gave me by encouraging my love of horses. And now every time I ride Harvey I will think of you and the gift you gave me with your thoughtful training of Harvest Moon. You are so talented Leslie, and I am thrilled that you have shared your talents and patience and joy with me and "Hoover". And I'd also like to thank Dave for all that he does in the background - the unsung hero - because without him Huckleberry Farm and Miles of Smiles Training would not be complete."

"I think of you often and have been meaning to email and fill you in on Grant. He is absolutely fabulous. I have perma grin every time I ride. He is so fun, so willing, so smart and so awesome to sit on. When he gets those hind legs under and pushing, its like floating over the clouds. I have you to thank for teaching him all of the right basics. In fact, last week I was riding him around the property with another horse when the other horse brushed against a palm frond, scared himself and Grant and they both took off. Grant pulled up, took a deep breath and turned around to go check out what happened. I know I have you to thank for taking your time, earning his confidence and for teaching him the emergency brake! In a sticky situation, I know that I can always come back to the fundamentals you taught him."

"Leslie came highly recommended to me by others whose horses she has worked with, but she exceeded my expectations.

Sundance, my unbroken two-year- old Connemara/TB cross was a willful, spoiled, little brat who always wanted his own way and threw his considerable weight around to get it. Leslie agreed to break him. For 4 days she waged an uphill battle teaching this big colt manners, respect and bending in the round pen. Of course, with patience and persistence, Leslie won him over. In 8 days Leslie was riding him at the walk, trot and canter, on the trail, through water, trappy terrain, uphill and down. In two weeks I got on him and did the same. Sundance was as good as his golden palomino color.

Long ago I gave up riding my two year old babies. Leslie made it possible for me to break this rule. I continue to work with Sundance and am so pleased with his progress. Leslie has become a trusted friend and advisor. I took Sundance to a 3 day clinic and no one could believe this well behaved pony was just two. I am so grateful for the solid foundation Leslie gave my horse.

"I just wanted you to know that my horses/your students are doing great! We are having lots of fun and it's all because of the wonderful training you provided - and huge amounts of patience that you have... I owe a lot to you for giving my "kids" a great start and for "saving" Petite (when most people said she was dangerous and a throw-away!). My horses love to work now and I do believe it's because you started them off right. You taught my horses that it's a team effort and that training can be fun. Petite - the horse to whom you gave a second lease on life - sends her love! Thank you!"

"Now I ask you...what does it say when the Thoroughbred is going along the trail with the two Paints and the Thoroughbred is calmer and has more manners? It says his trainers - Leslie and Lynell - have not been wasting their time, that's what it says!

"I can't begin to thank you enough for riding in the Leesburg Halloween Parade last night. You all were just absolutely fabulous. Out of the clear blue you said "yes", you are the best! The feedback I'm hearing is that you all were the hit of the parade. Paws4people and I appreciate your kindness and generosity."

"I’ve heard it said you will meet five people who will change your life. I truly believe Leslie Gottesman is one of the five.

I had the pleasure of meeting Leslie after she put my “baby” horse, Niki, a 3 ½ year old Friesian cross, under saddle. My husband, Bobby and I, drove down to Cumberland on a dreary December day to pick up Niki. We wanted to meet the trainer that took on a daunting task, see what Niki had learned and what we could do to keep her moving forward. Leslie greeted us warmly and told us it was a pleasure working with Niki…. (I think she was being very nice as Niki was/is a very spoiled young lady). Niki was respectful, stood while mounting and did everything she was asked. Then Leslie asked me to ride…. (The theme song from “Jaws” playing in my head)… I am not the most confident rider; frankly I’m a HUGE chicken! For the moment of truth! Niki was respectful, stood while mounting and did everything she was asked. WOW! was all I could say. Here I was, riding my young horse and I was thrilled!

I was so pleased with Leslie and her ability I asked if she could continue working with me, Niki, and my mare, Penny. I had taken a bad fall on my mare and my confidence was gone. It is refreshing to work with someone that understands fear. Never once have I been placed in a dangerous situation. I had a goal to ride my mare to the end of the driveway…sounds silly, but that was a huge issue for me. Leslie and I did it! I cowgirled up!!!!

I have worked with numerous trainers and spent way too much money. Leslie Gottesman is the only one who has put it all together. She is the ultimate professional. Confident in her own ability. I trust her completely and I have a GREAT horse! (That’s for you, Leslie!) If you have the opportunity to work with Leslie, I promise you; you will not be disappointed."

"Leslie is great, she has done wonderful work with our young horses and has also started older ones under saddle. I trust Leslie with all of my horses and all of my horses trust her. She is the Miracle Worker!"

"What a great trainer you truly are. I wanted to share with you the wonderful day we had. Ace and I went out on our first ride with our neighbors. They were most impressed with the young man, they said he got an A+! We actually used him as the lead horse, the baby of the group, for a portion of the ride. When we got back to the barn and I dismounted and took my saddle off, he stood like a gentleman. There were no words exchanged but I'm quite sure they noticed how well-behaved he was. I just wanted to let you know truly how appreciative and thankful I am for all your hard work with my two year old gelding."

"Last year, I took my homebred gelding, Bo, to Leslie to be started under saddle. Although I had ridden young horses in the past, it had been many years, and after two serious accidents, I had lost all confidence on greenies.

Thanks to Leslie’s excellent training skills, Bo gained a solid foundation and came along quickly. But I was another matter. I believed that I had become totally incompetent and way beyond redemption. Leslie never lost patience as she continued to work with me to restore my confidence. Due to her unfailing kindness, help and understanding along the way, I’ve regained much of my old assurance and am enjoying riding again.

I now board Bo at Leslie and Dave’s farm where I continue to witness the same skillful handling of all the horses who arrive at Huckleberry Farm for training. Leslie treats each and every horse as though it were her own, and by the time they leave, the horses and their human partners are much improved, safer and happier for the experience.

Leslie has a true gift for bringing out the best in horses and people – she really cares about every single one. Simply put, Leslie’s the greatest, and I can’t thank her enough for what she’s done for Bo and me! "

"I wanted to write and thank you for all your help with Wellington. I can’t begin to tell you how impressed I have been by your compassion, professionalism, and your interest in our problem. From our first conversation, you were reassuring, and confident without seeming like a “know it all”. You never lectured or tried to educate when I explained all the stupid things I had tried to do. We sent you a horse that was very scared and refusing to load on the trailer and was terrified when being transported. In less than 48 hours I arrived at your place to find a very different horse. He was so much more confident and happy. My mouth really hit the ground, however, when I saw him load and stand on the trailer. I am not exaggerating when I tell you we spent almost three weeks trying to get the same results…only managing to scare him in the process. With over 30 years of horse experience I felt I had seen it all.

I was also pleased by the time you spent working with me and showing me how to continue working with Wellington. You were patient and generous with your time.

Your follow up was also great. Calling me to let me know that Wellington arrived safely and was settling was reassuring. In addition, I appreciated your call after we picked Wellington up to confirm that he arrived safely. Communicating with you was easy and I was pleased at how available you were.

I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone struggling with a difficult horse or one that needs to be backed. As a matter of fact I have already given your number out to several of my friends. Please also consider giving my name out as a reference if you wish. Thank you again for believing in Wellington and being so positive and straightforward to work with. We look forward to working with you in the future."