_png.png)
Horses in Harmony
Lifelong horsewoman, Rachel Hilton has an eclectic mix of experience to draw from when it comes to training and teaching. She spent the first decade of her career riding reining horses and starting colts with Tom Pierson, who coached Rachel to many victories in the NRHA arena, and over $60,000 won. The second decade of Rachel's career was spent at Mardanza Farms in Micanopy, FL operating Keystone Training. Rachel worked with Frank Barnett to start young warmbloods destined for the jumping and dressage rings, and Frank taught her classical dressage that she put to practice on a wide range of horses.
Rachel is proud owner of Jagalicious, a three-time WDAA (western dressage) world champion and USEF Horse of the Year. Jagalicious also helped Rachel earn her USDF Silver Medal, and was the horse that Rachel competed in the reining freestyle at the World Equestrian Center, combining both dressage and reining movements, which showcased the mare's athletic adjustability. Rachel firmly believes in cross discipline training, and has a diverse skillset to draw upon. Rachel also owns Kitty Hawk, a Dutch Warmblood mare that she is currently developing and competing in dressage and working equitation. She is available under the right circumstances. Rachel has done all of the training on Kitty and is intimately invested in her wellbeing. She has a solid foundation and her development has been a quality, disciplined and consistent approach. She would be perfect for a confident rider looking for a step up. Her elegant way of going and presence will get you noticed in the arena, no question!
Lessons
Rachel is keen to help riders gain a deeper level of communication with their horses. She is well versed at making an accurate assessment of where the horse and rider currently stand, and will help build a road map that is tailored specifically to your needs. She is capable of communicating the finer details of communication to riders in a way that resonates, and will challenge and encourage you to be the leader your horse deserves. Private lessons are available by appointment, $100 per session.
Training
Rachel enjoys taking horses in for tune ups that require some time spent building a new set of skills. She draws from her well rounded background to tailor a program designed to improve communication with your horse in a calm and confident way that will challenge them both mentally and physically.
Full training includes 5-6 training sessions per week, full care board (stabled at night, turnout during the day), and one scheduled lesson or visit per week, so that the rider gets the opportunity to witness the development of new skillset that their horse is building and be part of the process.
To make a lasting change in a horse's musculature, it takes a minimum of 120 days. Short term training is available, but Rachel will be the first to tell you she is not a miracle worker! Depending on the situation, a month or two might be enough to bridge the gap between where you are and where you'd like to be. Evaluations prior to sending a horse for training are available upon request. Training is $2,100 per month.
Clinics
Rachel is available to teach clinics or private lessons; generally, the day consists of one-on-one sessions or small groups that are working on similar tasks. If you are interested in hosting, it will require someone willing to organize and gather riders who are interested. A minimum number of riders and payment will be required in advance. Contact Rachel for more details, she would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.
Horses Take Us Higher
Horses Take Us Higher is a memoir written by Rachel combining her story training horses across the country for over a decade, and training tips that make up the framework of her program. An uplifting story enriched with technical expertise that encourages readers to keep cultivating intentional awareness, both in one's personal life and in the saddle, and gives some practical ways to do so. Softcover book was self published in 2024; 126 pages with black and white photos; can be personalized, signed, and shipped to your preferred destination. $25 includes media mail shipping, please call or email to order.