Training

Mary Rizo-Patron is the head trainer at Hacienda La Amistad. Mary uses a cooperation method of training that has the horses' trust as the primary element of their education. In using this method the horses learn to cooperate with the rider and work with him or her rather than execute routines because they do not have a chance to do otherwise. This technique results in a horse that works happily and has a solid foundation for many years of productive use. Mary's methods have been proven by the success of the horses that she has trained in both the open and amateur owner divisions. She has had successes in Pleasure and Performance as well as in the very demanding Classic Fino divisions as can be seen by her winnings at the National shows. To see these click on the "Shows" button. Mary started training Paso Fino horses in 1984 after a back injury prevented her to continue training dressage horses. She had trained in the Northeast, the Southeast, and the Midwest before settling on her own farm in Waynesville, Ohio. Mary enjoys working with amateur owners and their horses, and many of her clients have been very successful in the show ring at regional shows as well as at the National level. All these people enjoy their horses by trail riding them through the off-season since these horses have been trained to happily participate in any event that is presented to them. Visit our "Clinics" page if you are interested in scheduling a clinic with Mary. Visit our "Trainer's Forum" page if you have any training or care questions for Mary.

2000 Reserve National Champion Pleasure Mare. Sierra was raised from a yearling at Hacienda La Amistad; Mary broke and trained her.