Jennifer’s Testimonials
| “I want to thank you for the wonderful job you did with my mare, Dakota, and the training she took to so well. I am very happy with the results of my search for the right trainer and feel that Dakota has gained the most from the experience.” –Jan Minette, River Falls, WI |
| ” Jennifer takes AMAZING care of the horses and her training methods are the best. She understands horses and how to communicate what she wants in positive ways. Jennifer is a wonderful trainer and person. I could not see my horse being anywhere else.” — Jennifer Skelton, Bloomington, MN |
| “My new horse Rainy is exactly what I was looking for – a reliable, safe mare with excellent potential as a great all-around youth horse. Jennifer helped me every step of the way as I got to know her, and was very upfront and honest about her abilities and potential. She was priced perfectly within my budget (I was even able to buy a new saddle!), and Jennifer was available at any time if I had any questions or concerns after I took Rainy home. Rainy and I will continue to go to Jennifer and her excellent support team as we advance together.” –Danette Plansky, Thorpe, WI |
| “Our participation in this program has been one of the most rewarding and wonderful learning experiences that my daughter has ever had.” — Angela Karl, Colfax, WI |
| “Jennifer is always positive and enthusiastic, celebrating every shared success. I am always happy to recommend her as both a trainer and riding instructor. She uses patience and logic to get lasting results with horses of all abilities. Jennifer furthered my horse Cole’s education, and I couldn’t be happier. It was worth every penny.” — Tricia Aspen, Colfax, WI |
| “I have made many friends, all of which are great people and are just as dedicated as I am. We have forged bonds that will never be broken, and we have this program to thank.” — Jenna Wayerski, Arkansas, WI |
| “If you have envisioned yourself learning to ride, or owning your own horse someday, I couldn’t think of a better place to start.” — Becky Anderson-Hinwood, Colfax, WI |
| “I was amazed at the speed my mare progressed. Jennifer was always emailing or calling with updates, she was very flexible with her schedule and always made time for me to visit. I would highly recommend Jennifer to anyone who wants a calm, confident and safe horse.” — Allison Wolfbauer, Forest Lake, MN |
| “I knew that my new horse was beyond anything I had dealt with before. His feet hadn’t been trimmed and he would quiver any time he was touched. After a month of work with Jennifer, he became an eager, confident student. He is now eager to be around people, willingly approaches people, and loves to learn new things. His true personality and curious nature are starting to bloom. The best part of having a horse in training is that Jennifer takes the time to “train” the owners too! I think I learned as much as my horse did and have been able to apply things I learned there to the rest of our herd at home.” — Angie Petschow, Mondovi, WI |
| “After my sister’s near fatal riding accident when her horse reared up and went over, we sought professional help when our young 2 year old gelding started rearing. After the first week I couldn’t believe the difference in him. Jennifer scheduled her training time around our schedule so that we could be there for her to teach us the remarkable foundation that we can keep building on. I now have a 2 year old filly scheduled with Jennifer and I am so excited that the days are just dragging. I have learned so much already. Her training methods have given me a whole new tool box to work from and made our time with our horses safer, fun and relaxing. I highly recommend Jen as a trainer and teacher. If you have a problem in you pasture, call Jennifer!” — Stan and Roxanne Sward, Colfax, WI |
| “I would highly recommend Jennifer’s training to anyone, whether they are starting a youngster, dealing with problem horses, or just putting the finishing touch on. We have been amazed by the results Jennifer has gotten in a short amount of time with two of our mares and our Arabian stallion. Her dedication is obvious, and the time and patience she spends assures a happy, well-turned out horse. I greatly recommend Jennifer to anyone looking for a personalized and dedicated trainer for their special horse.” — Hannah Gawin, Mondovi, WI |
| “When I sent my gelding to Jennifer for 30 days of training, he was disrespectful, spooky, and not very confident. Over the course of the month, he became a confident, respectful three year old who rarely spooked. Jen put a really solid foundation on Cash that I appreciate every time I pull him out of the pasture to ride him. Jen has the patience of a saint and I found no holes in Cash’s training when I got him back. I would recommend Jen to anyone looking for a trainer!” — Kari Best, Colfax, WI |
| “A couple of months ago I couldn’t stand my mare at all and wanted her sold. Now, I don’t think I could find a suitable enough home for her. I just can’t believe how she trusts and respects me. It is such an awesome feeling!” — Amy Miller, Baldwin, WI |
| “My daughter aspires to be a trainer someday and I feel fortunate that she has a good leader to follow. Jennifer is a wonderful trainer for the horse that has captured my daughter’s heart and soul, and a wonderful role model of what a good horse person should be.” –Deanna Rice, Colfax, WI |
| “Our mare was nervous, difficult to catch, and had serious trust issues. She was next to impossible to saddle, but now we can saddle her and she stands still and calm. After 30 days, she has a new attitude towards riding, and especially towards people. Jennifer took the time to show my daughter how to communicate better with her horse and gave her things to work towards once she came home, so she is continuing to progress. When we brought her to the stable, it took forever to get her in the trailer. On the day she left, my daughter loaded her ALL BY HERSELF, while sitting in a lawn chair outside the trailer. We are very happy with her and we have so many hopes for her future.” –Joni Berres, Sand Creek, WI |
| “It has been nearly 2 years since we had our mare started by Jennifer. Even though I am far less horse savvy than my daughter, I am confident that having professional training with Jennifer was a good investment. Since the day we brought her home, she has been so much better, and her under saddle training has really stuck, which makes me feel that Jennifer trained her well. We are very happy with her!” — Jeanne Styczinski, Colfax, WI
“My filly was getting more and more dangerous… I had tried to use round-penning techniques but the results were anything but a well trained horse. So, when Jennifer began training her, she trained me as well. She spent a lot of time each day with both of us and I was able to take what I learned and bring it home to the other family horses. At the end of those two amazing weeks, she was a different horse. Now my two year niece can sit on her while she grazes. Jennifer has been a very good trainer and teacher for me. She has made a world of difference in how I work with and understand horses. I am very grateful for all that she has done for me and I hope to train more with her in future. Whenever I have questions she is always there to guide me through.” — Levi Otterson, Colfax, WI |
| “My horse was timid and fearful each and every time I took him out to ride. Jennifer’s method is a very effective training tool and after only a month, he is more confident. We are now able to trailer various places and he’s not spooky. I am excited to say that I can trail ride him in only a halter! During training, I was able to ride him in a river for the first time – it was awesome! This training program gave me a good starting point and direction. I have become a better horse owner and am grateful for the time and energy devoted to me and my horse. I would recommend Jennifer Collman to every horse lover, owner and rider. You’ll get what you are looking for here!” –Carrie Neidermyer, Menomonie, WI |
| “I had bought a mare with the understanding that she had serious issues with bolting and running away with her rider. What impressed me the most about Jennifer was her ability to read the horse very quickly and understand the root of her problem. She was able to explain and demonstrate her training methods to me and always encouraged me to watch the training process. I was impressed with how quickly her training got results, and how her training changed the mare’s entire attitude towards riding.” — Mary Sautter, Eau Claire, WI |
| “I can’t thank Jennifer enough for all of her help and advice with my horse, Lillee. It’s so nice to know that I can turn to her for guidance on my issues, and that I don’t feel alone on this journey!”
— Darby LaQue Eau Claire, WI |
| “Jennifer, I’ve been thinking about how much I appreciate you and how thankful I am to have you as my trainer. Jen, you are such a gifted instructor. On Thanksgiving, I spent some time talking with my sister, who is a retired college professor and former chairman of the education department at Bethel University. I ended up talking about you and about the many diverse techniques you use to help me be able to grasp the concepts that don’t come naturally to me. You use facts, history, picture imagery, and celebrate small victories with me. You’ve been so venerable about your own struggles in the past, similar to mine now. You are relentlessly patient and continuously instill hope in me that I can do it! You are helping me to believe that, even at 70, Adagio and I can still do some good stuff together! Thank you for who you are and for sharing yourself, your hard work and knowledge with me. It’s a rare thing to find someone who is so gifted who is also willing to say that anyone can learn to do what you’ve learned to do. Thanks for taking me on as a student, and for helping me believe in myself. I look forward to seeing where we go from here! Onward and upward!” — Mary Lakner, Circle Pines, Minnesota |
| “Jennifer is someone who loves what she passes on, someone who makes learning fun, someone who is enthusiastic and encourages even those who may never be highly skilled. She is my friend, a success, and I appreciate all of her encouragement and her never ending belief in me.” — Roxanne House, Stillwater, Minnesota |
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“Jen, thank you for being seriously the best instructor! Thanks for not only teaching but explaining, and making me feel like I can accomplish anything. Finding you as an instructor is positively one of the best things that happened to me this year.” — Olivia Lansing, Minneapolis, Minnesota “My granddaughter takes riding lessons here & she loves this place & the Horse she rides ! Jennifer is very knowledgeable and works with kids very well !!! — Bob Lauzon, Minneapolis, Minnesota
“A Great place to learn a variety of disciplines, Jennifer is great to work with!” — Paul Ellefson, Roberts, Wisconsin
“I came to Windfall wanting to re-learn how to ride. What I have gained in the last year has been SO much more. I learned I didn’t know how to ride to begin with. I am learning horsemanship. The difference between riding a horse, and partnering with a horse. I am being challenged on a daily basis, and able to apply what I am learning to my management career. True Leadership. It has been cathartic and supportive. Insightful. I wish that companies would look at this training for their management. It changes how you look at things. I didn’t know I wanted to be a horseman until I started training. I found my horse, the perfect match, through Jennifer. And, his improvements have been measurable. But, more importantly, the changes in me have been significant. You can own a horse. You can ride a horse. But, being a horseman is an entirely different thing. It’s learning to communicate. Learning to recognize. Being honest with your failings, and looking for answers sincerely. My self-confidence and self-worth have changed. And, I’m more humble. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.” — Carol Peterson, Minneapolis, Minnesota
“My daughter came to Jennifer not knowing she had been trained incorrectly! Emily took lessons, they started from scratch and she became a confident, competent rider. Jen is not only a great instructor but she helped her to feel more confident in other areas of her life!” — Renee Ihde, Circle Pines, Minnesota
“Jennifer was an instrumental teacher in my constant quest of horsemanship. She truly cares about all of her horses and students, and will give 100% to see them succeed! I still, to this day, refer back to my lessons with her so many years ago. Take a lesson with Jen, you won’t be disappointed!” — Teresa Ball, Bozeman, Montana
“I cannot say enough about Jennifer and her amazing heart for horses! She is amazing and I’m so excited to have the opportunity for her to work with my Friesian again!!” — Colleen Ronningen
“My daughter has been riding at Windfall Equestrian Center since they opened. My other daughter rode here for a year as well. I recommend Windfall for any horse enthusiast. They are professional, progressive, and knowledgeable. Thanks Windfall!” — Stefanie B, Hastings, Minnesota
“I started riding this year at the age of 39. By the time I came to Windfall, 4 or so months into my journey, I had already gone through two barns and was getting very little in the way of actual instruction. I now have been riding under Jen’s instruction for close to two months and have seen so much growth and improvement in that short time. The level of focus and instruction that she gives to you in a lesson is truly unmatched! Something I also really love about my lessons is she shares so much more with you than just learning to ride. She teaches you to understand the psychology of the horse and to just have overall great horsemanship. Her lesson horses are top notch and the atmosphere is well kept and always feels safe. I am so grateful to have found a place to settle in and call home in my journey!! Thank you, Jen!” — Emily Kewley
“I have taken riding lessons at many stables. I highly recommend Windfall Equestrian Center. The instructors are very knowledgeable and teach basic to advanced riding skills. The lesson horses are well trained and it’s enjoyable to ride them for lessons. Jennifer Collman, the owner, has very high standards for her clients, horses and center. You will not be disappointed learning to ride at Windfall Equestrian Center.” — Nancy Mammel, Stillwater, Minnesota
“This is my first Google review I have ever written so that right there should tell you how grateful I am to have stumbled upon Windfall Equestrian Center. I have worked with a variety of trainers and ridden at 5 different stables over the years and Windfall is above and beyond the best. Not only is it evident how much they care about their horses and their well being, but I have learned more in 6 months from Jennifer than I did in the previous 5 years of riding elsewhere. Lessons are specifically catered to my goals and Jen has a knack with explaining things in unique ways so that you truly understand them. It is a gift to work with such talented lesson horses and have the opportunity to see riders and horses of all levels and passions working to better themselves. I am so grateful to Jen and the whole team for making me feel welcome and could not recommend their programs enough for beginners and advanced riders alike!” — Terra Jonker
“This place is outstanding. The staff are extremely knowledgable and its a great place to learn.” — Rob Stafford, Minneapolis, Minnesota
“Heaven for horse lovers.” — Ryan Michaelson, Cottage Grove, Minnesota
“We have been coming for a little over a month. The staff is super friendly and amazing with our horse loving 3 year old— they are flexible with her training and basically let her guide the lesson while still fostering her love of horses!” — Missy Smyth
“Jennifer, and community of riders are wonderful, welcoming, encouraging and knowledgeable. My daughter has learned so much, and has had wonderful opportunities.” — Mark Dalton, Minneapolis, Minnesota
“I have been at Windfall for over a month now, and I love it. Windfall views things from the horse’s perspective, and does a great job at encouraging both horse and rider. Lovely people, lovely horses, it is always very tough for me to leave when I go home. However, I am always excited to return. Such a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Amazing teachers as well. Overall, encouraging, friendly, mindful of horse and rider, just basically all the great qualities of a stable. I will definitely be with Windfall for a VERY long time.” — Amber Sharr, River Falls, Wisconsin
“I’ve been taking hunt seat lessons from Jennifer for a little over two years and she has been an amazing instructor! She is very good at making sure you understand the basic fundamentals of riding and slowly teaching you more as she feels you are capable. My riding ability in the last two years has surpassed what I had know from the previous 20! I highly recommend her no matter what riding style you are interested in.” — Jayme Krstich, Minneapolis, Minnesota
“I first grew up riding with Jen and then later had the opportunity to train along side her. Over the course of 17 years, I can very truthfully say that everything she has taught me, has made me a better rider, a better trainer, and a better person. Because of Jen, I am on the path to following my dream of training and riding my own horses to the top levels of the sport. Because of Jen, I am a better owner, rider, trainer, and partner to my horses.” — Staci Gust
“I was at a point in my life when I was ready to give up on the horse dream, I struggled to find a barn where I’d fit in, being a city girl and having no interest in showing. I was at a point where I easily lost confidence. As a last ditch effort, I contacted Jen…and I’m so grateful that I did. In the year and a half that I’ve been riding with Jen, my confidence has soared. I cannot believe how much my riding and ground skills have improved. Now a year and a half later, I’m preparing for my first show (never saw that one coming!) and I have some awesome barn friends. Bonus: I always say in Jen’s lessons you get a lesson and a show… Jen is extremely knowledgeable and also incredibly entertaining!” — Kari Kelcher, Hugo, Minnesota
“Jennifer trained my horse and also rehabilitated her at the same time. Strengthening her and teaching her at the same time. I would go and watch her several times during the 60 days she had my horse. She encouraged it and answered questions and explained everything she was doing and why. I learned a great deal from her in a couple months. She truly has studied and through trial and error has really an amazing ability to read all the signs and language a horse displays. Truly an AMAZING horse trainer who trains for the passion of doing it. I highly recommend her!!” — Chrissy Bohnhoff
“Jennifer took my horse Troubadour and I in when we had no where else to go and BOTH Troubadour and I were a wreck! Troubadour went from being the poster child of “the horse” people shouldn’t buy. To the friendliest clown in the barn. Even better, we both went to our first Western Dressage show! We went in the ring, we did the pattern, we walked out of the ring. It was such a major accomplishment!! We wouldn’t have been able to do it with out Jen!!” — Dede Donnelly, Circle Pines, Minnesota
“Jennifer has been a huge help for getting me where I want to be in my riding career. I’ve been embarking on my journey as a hunter jumper and she has made the process fun and safe. I highly recommend you check her out! She does all kinds of disciplines!” — Sarah Myers
“Jennifer is professional and wonderful to work with. She has an unbelievable ability to read and work with horses, which makes her an effective and ethical horse trainer. She is also a fantastic riding instructor. I trust her with my daughter and her horses.” — Kim Southwick, Plymouth, Minnesota
“Jennifer is amazing, when I took my first lesson there that was the best lesson I have ever taken. I really highly recommend her stables out.” — Zelaya Ebanks
“Without Jennifer, this old lady would have NEVER aquired her dream. I have always wanted to do dressage and to show. Life, time and money held me back. But in 2015-16 had my new horse, Bugsie in training with Jen. He was green to dressage and I had a mental understanding but not an actual application. Yet, under Jen Collman instruction…. Bugsie and I won a blue ribbon in one of our first shows. She made it possible for this old lady to fulfill one of her life dreams. To show, to complete, and to be trained enough to succeed! Thank you Jen!” — Roxanne House, Stillwater, Minnesota
“Never learned so much in so little time, WOW, what a smart horse lady and trainer!” — Desiree Lichman, Hammond, Wisconsin
“I have an 11 year old young man who refuses to give up riding and is not interested in learning from any other than Jen. She is able to engage him and help him reach for greater goals than he ever thought possible!” — Jessica Shearen, Forest Lake, Minnesota
“Wow. The trainer is amazing! The facility is clean and the staff are very friendly! Great place!” — Jeff McLearen, Plymouth, Minnesota
“My wife is taking lessons here after a long break from riding. Jennifer has a very unique and holistic understanding of horses and brings that to her training.” — John Thayer, Minneapolis, Minnesota
“Jennifer is a very special person and the greatest teacher, very knowledgeable and observant. Her approach is very easy to grasp, and she has helped me so much with balance, timing, and understanding. Jennifer has helped me to understand and problem solve issues that I have had with my horses. Since all their personalities and movement are different, it was difficult for me to sort whether a habit they had gotten into versus one of my own. Never have I learned so much from a trainer in so little time. I wish one day to bring all my horses to Windfall Equestrian Center and continue with private lessons. Thank you, Jennifer, you are truly amazing!” — Jael Sande
“Jennifer is truly an exceptional trainer. She’s extremely informative, patient with learners, allows students to learn in multiple ways, and she is just FUN!” — Michele Eller, Stillwater, Minnesota
“I brought my horse for trailer training. I have a straight load trailer. Jennifer helped my horse with confidence with loading and unloading. I recommend her to anyone that has trailer issues. Her technique worked with my horse. I was very happy!! If you work with Jennifer, it’s important to make a commitment to work along with her. It helped me to get a better understanding of the training. Great Job!! Very happy with her service.” — Jennifer Lauren
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