I met Kristen in May of 2007. I had just bought my first horse, X-Ray Vision, as an adult rider and had some major confidence issues from a previous fall. First getting on him, I realized the breadth of my fear; I couldn’t ride in the outdoor arena, I couldn’t ride with any other horses around, I was constantly hunched over with fear that X-ray was going to take off and I couldn’t get him to move forward. And most importantly, I was not enjoying my relationship with my horse; I feared him and resented him and I was convinced I was never going to be able to ride him well. I finally asked Kristen for help with not only training me but also my horse.
After our training, my horse became muscled, eager, quiet and moved off the leg with ease and precision– so much so that I no longer carried a crop. I developed a much more confident seat and began jumping again which I so sorely missed from my younger days. Kristen taught me to respect my horse, not to push him too fast as he is still learning, to have fun and has made my relationship with him blossom into one based on trust and affection.
While X-Ray was in training and becoming stronger, Kristen and I talked about my goals and aspirations as a rider. My dream was to go fox-hunting and to do eventing. After much soul-searching, I had realized that to do this, a different horse was in order. X-Ray was perfect for the hunter ring, but I needed a horse with experience to go cross-country since I had none. Kristen came with me to try new horses. She knew my skill set, my issues and my wish list for a perfect horse. She helped me find my new partner, Harley, a pony-club horse with experience, personality and ability. He is my “life time” horse that I would have never found without her. We plan on doing our first beginner-novice event this fall along with our first hunt pace, something I truly could never have done without Kristen’s guidance and instruction.
Shawnna Zupko for X-Ray and Harley
We knew before our first lesson with Kristen was over that she was a keeper. Our family had recently purchased a pony for our son, a novice rider, and an Arabian for our daughter, a more advanced rider. We hired Kristen to come to our barn and give the kids lessons, work with our horses, and guide us on the great journey of horse ownership. It didn’t take long for us to recognize and value the depth of knowledge, experience, and excitement that Kristen pours into whatever we want to do. She truly guides and trains us all toward achieving our goals—she’s not pushing a personal agenda or program beyond safety, excellent horsemanship, and fun. The icing on this cake is Kristen’s natural talent and incredible skills with training horses and people. She’s fabulous with kids—she knows just when to teach, to challenge, to correct, to cajole, to comfort. She’s fabulous with horses—she’s moving our pony forward, keeping the Arabian in check, and training our newest, green horse to listen—no small task! And, to the shock of all our friends, she’s even gotten me—someone who’s been afraid of horses most of her life—to love learning to be on horseback. In short, Kristen is the total package—and our family is most grateful to be working with her.
Rebecca Chapman—for Chip, Emily, and Joseph, too (Powell, Ohio)
Kristen is just the most wonderful person!!! I had never been on a horse before I started taking lessons with her and she has taught me so much and has really helped me develop a love for horses. So much in fact that I recently purchased a horse, based on her recommendation, and I could not have asked for a more beautiful animal!! Since my new horse has never been ridden my only choice for a person to train her had to be Kristen. I have watched her train other horses and have seen her abilities and skills in handling horses of all demeanors with a calm confidence and steady hand. She truly exhibits a real love for horses and her training techniques sincerely exhibits the love she has for these wonderful animals. I am very grateful for meeting her and having her guidance as a new horse owner.
-Craig Stevens (Delaware, Ohio)
"Before I met Kristen, I would refuse to canter because I was scared. But when she started teaching me I felt like she understood my fear and knew how to help me overcome it. When Kristen gives me lessons, she's not just my instructor but my friend. She is so caring about everyone and is always there to help people with anything they need. Kristen told me over and over again, "Have confidence in yourself." I thought that I would never have confidence in myself but she gave me the instruction and support I needed. The first time I cantered and felt confident, I was so happy! I had never had that much confidence in myself before and by overcoming this fear, I can now start working towards the goals I want to achieve."
-Lindsay Tarbox (Marysville, Ohio)
Nadeen, a three-year-old Canadian filly, completed 90 days of training with Kristen.
“I remember the first day I came to Harvest Moon with Nadeen. Kristen was there to greet us - and show Nadeen her new home. Nadeen was such a green horse - I could only halter lead her. Her size intimated everyone. She was not saddle broke and she had a habit of kicking out with her huge back legs, when you would go to clean her hoofs. You were so patient with her and before I knew it, you had her saddle broke! She still has a ways to go - she can be so darn stubborn about her trot! But the difference you made with her is so unbelievable in the couple of months that she was at Harvest Moon. She went from a bucking bronco, to a very slow and laid-back horse. My latest news is about the bath that I gave her this week. Her black coat was getting a little "burnt" so I decided to put some black henna on her. I scrubbed the color on her neck, back, stomach, mane and tail..okay - the legs are left. I remembered what you told me, ‘don't act nervous around her, or that will make her nervous.’ So, I squirted the henna on her legs and scrubbed the front and BACK legs!! She just stood there - and didn't kick out in the least. I don't know how to thank you for making Nadeen into a "safe" horse. So many people just kept telling me that she was too big of a horse for me, and I should sell her. Thank you for all your encouragement!
-Vickie Morris (Canton, Ohio)
Monty and Snowy
“I met Kristen quite by accident. I was responding to an ad for an Arabian mare that was located in Marysville, Ohio, almost 200 miles from where I live. It is still unknown to me why I went to look at this mare, as I have no real interest in Arabians. While I was there, I got to see Kristen ride a horse that was being very unruly and trying to buck her off. She has an amazing seat. I immediately thought of my abused rescue Percheron, Snowy and how afraid I was to ride him because he could so easily "unseat" me. And, it was a long way to the ground from his back. I began talking with Kristen about Snowy and my other Percheron, Monty and she was eager to work with both of them.
I became enamored with the idea that with Kristen's help and guidance, I could one day ride either of these horses, which was my only goal. Along the way, in talking with Kristen, I learned that she uses artificial aids as little as possible, and my admiration for her continued to grow. Finally, someone who wants to understand horses’ backgrounds and not just beat them into submission! I promised Snowy that no one would ever hurt him again and I knew that Kristen was the one to work with him. I felt confident that she would not get hurt by Snowy's fearful actions, because she is such an excellent rider herself. She is not afraid of horses reactions and is truly a ‘horse whisperer.’ She gets into the minds of the horses and really seems to know why they are reacting the way they are. Then she works to correct the mindset that gets them there. And most importantly, Snowy would never be hurt by her either.
Then I did a little research on Kristen Hassen. I saw that she graduated from OSU with a masters degree. She could get a high paying job in many fields, but her love is teaching horses and teach them she does. She took Monty, whom several people could not get to take even one step forward and taught him to walk, trot and canter. He is now a productive member of the equine society. With Snowy, I was told that he would probably just be a lawn ornament and I was ready to accept that. But with Kristen's gentle guidance, he too, walks, trots and canters. And I have ridden him by myself which I never thought I'd be able to do. Thanks to Kristen, I now have two horses, that at one time I felt could never be ridden for a variety of reasons, can now both be ridden in an arena, on trails and probably just about anywhere....and safely too. I will be forever grateful to this special woman.”
-Melody Stacey (Morrow County, Ohio)