Here's what some of my clients have to say:

I have taken lessons with Candee on and off for three years.  She helped me start my six year old quarter horse over
fences. Even though I had no previous jumping experience, she helped my horse and I to become quite a team. She
also helped me to develop a rehabilitation program to build strength on his weaker side that occurred from and injury he
had as a yearling. Even if you do not take lessons from Candee, she is a great contact for any horse-related questions.
The thing I like most about Candee is that she works with you and your horse at the level the two of you are capable of
performing together and will not push you, or your horse if you are not comfortable or confident.
-E.D.W.


As an avid hunter rider for more than ten years, I was a little skeptical about taking sort of dressage lessons.  I had heard
people talk about how boring it was, nothing like the thrill of taking a jumping lesson.  Then I met Candee.  What I found
is that she teaches so much more than the average dressage trainer. She actually taught me how to RIDE my horse
instead of being just a "passenger".  She helped me to open up the communication between my horse and me.  
I was always taught to use artificial aids such as martingales and draw reins....not with Candee!  She actually taught me
how to get my horse to do what I ask, with gentle methods that my mare understood and seemed to enjoy.  Before long, I
had the tools I needed to actually pursue showing dressage!  I found her exercises to be challenging for me and my
horse.  Candee always kept me motivated to keep at it even when it seemed we wouldn't figure it out.  Surprisingly, I
found that my mare's flatwork was becoming phenomenal and her jumping became flawless!  I would recommend
Candee in an instant for anyone who wants to understand their horse better and improve their riding and horsemanship.
-Kelly R.

It is my honor to recommend Candee Niss for any aspect of Equestrian Counseling. Her methods and results are the
most powerful I've ever seen. Her power comes from her ability to get to that quiet place where she can hear exactly what
the horse and rider needs. Her students become graceful, quiet, harmonious riders and the horses become willing,
attentive partners.

I met Candee at her farm when I returned to horses after a 17-year hiatus. She patiently answered no less than a million
questions from me. I hung on her every word as each time I applied her advice it made me a much better rider and friend
to my horse.

After Candee moved, I spent time at various barns of different disciplines from Western Pleasure to Dressage. I
observed other trainers and methods and it completely reinforced that Candee has something incredibly special. I
believe it is her Zen like way to be open and present with the individual needs of the horse and rider, rather than assign a
solution based on tradition.

She has owned and operated a large successful boarding and training barn. She's been single handedly hauling
horses in huge trailers to horse shows since she was fifteen. She has extensive experience with horses with medical
issues. In short, she's been there, done that, and knows what works.

Since my time with Candee, I've gone from leasing a horse to owning a herd of three, two of which were troubled horses
on their way to auction. Not a day goes by where I don't apply what Candee has shared with me> My relationship with my
horses has exceeded my grandest expectations. Most of the time I work with my horses at liberty, ride bridle-less and my
horses paint on canvas with brushes in their mouths. Allowing horses to paint has become a foundation for rehabbing
troubled horses through Art Therapy. Candee's open-minded approach and advice has been a constant support for me
for over 10 years.

It would be my pleasure to share more information. You can contact me, Cheryl Ward, at www.paintinghorse.com


Candee is very effective in bonding the horse and rider together.  Her vast experience with all sorts of horses and riders
enables her to demonstrate how to ride and execute movements from the easy or simplistic to the more advanced
dressage and jumper requirements.  My horses and my daughter are able to compete and train as a happy, cohesive
team under Candee's instruction.
I feel that Candee's strength lies in her flexible training methods and an innate versatility to extract positive attributes from
both the horse and rider to meet their goals, whatever they may be.
-Lori W.