Testimonials

My wife and I could not be happier with Olivier’s work as a farrier and trainer. We have used him for barefoot trims for several years now, and our only regret is not having discovered him sooner. Oliver has incredible knowledge of the horse and its feet and works with just as much tenderness and care. This puts the horse at calm and immediately sets a tone of mutual respect that isn’t always present among other farriers. Olivier takes his time and treats each trim uniquely, not as a cookie cutter job he tries to finish as quickly as he can every 6 weeks. He has a deep understanding of the hoof and continues to learn all he can. 

As a trainer, Oliver has also been incredible. We have two young horses who came to us with very little training. Olivier has been essential in helping me with them – not only improving our communication but teaching me approaches that will be helpful with any horse at any level. This has boosted my confidence as well as theirs. Olivier is sequential in his training, listens to what my concerns and goals are, and organizes our sessions accordingly. 

Best of all, Olivier’s passion for horses is contagious. After each training session, whether it went well or went poorly, I’m more invested in that lifelong journey of horsemanship. Don’t hesitate if you are considering Olivier as a farrier or trainer – you will be happy you hired him.

Damon McLaughlin

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Olivier is a rare combination of classical European dressage + natural horsemanship. The result is his ability to reach into the mind and heart of the horse and create a fluid, positive relationship that is pure art to watch unfold. Because of Olivier, I am now advancing consistently with my young horse and developing the confidence and relationship I dreamed of. Thanks to Olivier’s skill and techniques, my horse is now mentally present and giving me his best, without pressure or force. Olivier’s instruction is detailed, clear and very easy to understand and follow. Everything he teaches and demonstrates is based on classical principles and his own special way of ‘explaining’ it to the horse so that the horse is clear and rapidly progresses. Every session ends with me riding better and my horse happier. Olivier is an extraordinary person with a very special way of developing both the rider and the horse’s willingness, courage and confidence. He is kind, encouraging, gentle and funny. He loves to make training/riding sessions fun and progressive and we are so fortunate to have him! I wouldn’t be enjoying my horse today were it not for Olivier. Thank you Olivier, for changing our lives and our rides!

Kendall SummerHawk and ‘Sugar’

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First, I have to start by saying Olivier is truly, hands down, the best farrier and horseman I have been blessed to have work with my horses since owning them. (…) The first time Olivier came to my barn all my hesitations quickly faded away. My horses both truly melted in his arms, which blew my mind since my horses are normally very “excitable” thoroughbreds! It was an instantaneous calm that I hadn’t seen in my horses with another person in a while. So calm that one of my boys waited tied for almost two hours when in Colorado we could never get him to tie without pulling back and breaking lead ropes! Then Olivier started measuring my horses feet and discussing so much about the hoof that I never knew about, he asked for the X-rays AND the advice from my vet immediately and he actually took the advice from my vet (which every other farrier I worked with ignored X-rays and vet advice and got nowhere). Long story made short Olivier was the only farrier that, through his expertise was able to fix my horses alignment through his hooves which made his legs straighten and put him back into alignment. I since have moved to Virginia and the farrier I found out here said that Olivier did such a good job that he feels confident not having to do corrective shoeing on him anymore. I still will be asking Olivier his advice on that... Olivier is so amazing I am actually highly considering buying him an airplane ticket every 8 weeks to work with my horses! I am so sad I had to move my horses away from him! I highly highly recommend Olivier, and trust me I am picky ;)

Sheena, Maverick & Goose

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Olivier has been our farrier for almost a year now. His knowledge and attention to detail have done wonders for both of my horses. He has been especially patient with my barefoot mare who doesn't like picking up her feet. Actually, because of his guidance I have made a lot of progress with her. I look forward to our appointments because I know I'm going to learn something new and my horses will be happy.In my experience, Olivier runs his business phenomenally. His clients, both horses and humans, are very important to him. He takes the time to get to know them and gives his undivided attention to each individual animal and person. Olivier is easy to get in contact with and is quick to respond to messages and questions. He has always been on time and is extremely dependable. Olivier is up front about cost and is aware and considerate of the financial impact of his suggestions and care plans. This is a trait that I believe sets him apart from other business owners. My horses and I are truly blessed to have Olivier as our farrier. He will absolutely be the person I call when I move forward with training in the future. I recommend him to anybody looking for a farrier, trainer or both.

Randilyn

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Olivier has been my farrier for a year now.  I have had horses for 38 years and have used many farriers.  Olivier sets new standards for the craft.  Attention to detail, skill, scheduling & timeliness, and politeness is unmatched in the industry.

He is a gem.

 Tim B.

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I started working with Olivier after watching him work with another rider at my barn. I was impressed with how consistently kind he was; both to the rider and her young horse; as they worked on successfully building their relationship. (…) From the first lesson, Olivier began to change my awareness of how to communicate with horses; to see life as they see it, and to understand the relationship that is possible if we can stay present with these amazing animals. Olivier is incredibly patient; I am slowly learning from him to be patient; both with myself and with horses. In the saddle, Olivier is effectively changing my riding position to be safer and more independent in my seat, thus allowing me to communicate more softly with my horse. Olivier has a gift as a teacher to hold me accountable to the basic principles of dressage, RELAXATION!!!, as well as inspiring me to be mindful and present with my horse.  Learning to breathe while I ride, I am humbled at the difference in this horse; he is trusting me as his partner; we just completed our first trail ride! I am so grateful to Olivier, and I look forward to continuing my horse journey with him as my teacher.  

Diana Fassett

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Olivier has taught me so much about horses and horsemanship, and I know I wouldn’t have come this far without his teaching and guidance. He brought the spark back in my relationship with my horses and has taught me what a true connection is with my horses.   I learn something new with every training session and I am inspired to be the best I can be, dream big, and to work hard. I’ve learned how to be happy with my horses’s effort, knowing when enough is enough, to recognize and reward every effort and to be satisfied with steps in the right direction. 

Olivier is also our outstanding farrier. He has provided courteous service and consistent quality hoof care for my two horses. I’ve always been pleased and impressed with how Oliver takes great care making sure my horses are comfortable during the trims and shoeing and has shown the power of patience.  I have no hesitation in referring Olivier as a trainer and a farrier. It is evident that he deeply cares about doing the best job each and every time. His dependability, gentle friendly skills and level of expertise make him the best choice for a farrier service and trainer.  I feel truly blessed to have Olivier as our trainer and farrier. 

Sarah Brown

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Oliver has been the best farrier my horses have ever had. His expertise with corrective shoeing is unsurpassed, keeping my horses sound and comfortable as their laminitis progressed. Oliver is kind and patient with the boys, talking to them and giving them the time they needed to get comfortable. His respect for them is genuine and as Eclipses laminitis progressed Oliver was there for both of us. He gave me the strength to accept the inevitable and when the time came Oliver sent me his thoughts and prayers. My horses and I have been blessed to know Oliver, a truly wonderful man and farrier and a horses best friend. Thank you Oliver for everything

Patricia Brubaker

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Olivier is a wonderful trainer. I called him after I had a life threatening accident on a wild mustang. 50 years I've been riding horses and for the first time in my life I was afraid. Olivier helped me assess my situation and taught me the quiet language of the wild horse, one I thought I knew well but with a different accent. Together I learned to trust again, the horse besides me, the horse inside me.

I would highly recommend Olivier he is an extraordinary person who has a special way of developing the horse and rider relationship. He is smart, safe, kind, funny and occasionally breaks out into french which I swear the horses understand. We are lucky to have him here in the Sonoran desert. We all love him!

Anna Maria

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When I was looking for a new farrier and asked Olivier Fahrni if he would come to evaluate my older Andalusian gelding, Val, who was suffering from multiple forms of foot pain.  Olivier did a thorough evaluation at the very first appointment, asked to look at Val's recent radiographs, and spoke to his vet and the most recent hoof care professionals who had seen Val. I was extremely impressed with his thoroughness, his careful analysis and the forthright conversations we had.

Olivier was realistic and truthful but encouraging, as we tried slight variations of shoes with pads and then eliminated the pads completely. After a little more than a year, Val is clearly considerably more comfortable, to the point I had thought I would not see again. I recommend Olivier at the highest level for being a great farrier, trainer and instructor who always looks at the "whole horse."

Kip Mistral

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“ I have been taking lessons and training with Olivier for several months now. I ride both English and Western on two different horses. Olivier has taught me so much about bridging the gap between being a technical rider and an intuitive rider. Riding has become much more fun and my horses are responding in amazing ways. Olivier’s approach is unique in that he focuses on making sure the rider is communicating effectively with the horse, not just requiring the horse to do certain things. He is a skilled horseman with an amazing technical background. Even though I have been riding for over 30 years, his training has made me a more confident and happier rider. I have rediscovered the pleasure in riding through Olivier!”

Bobbi Berry

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I would highly recommend Olivier as both a trainer and farrier. He is one of the most patient people I have seen around horses and is very honest and dependable. He has done both training and shoeing for me and I could not be more pleased. If you want someone that knows what they are doing and is reliable he is your man.

Susan Haney

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I have read the many testimonials that your students as well as fellow farriers have written in your support..I am totally inadequate to be able to put into word, my thankfulness for your fantastic patience with me.. Not many folks have the inner peace and kindness that allows my curmudgeon warmblood to walk right up to him, and put his muzzle right into Olivier's cupped hands... Our animals are so perceptive on a person's character...and as I've been taking Dressage lessons from Olivier, and gotten to know him, I realize that my boy was completely correct...he has a natural attraction with horses...and is able to help me to overcome ,my many riding faults..at least, partially... I am an elderly person..76 years old and still want to advance in my riding..it is such a very rewarding thing, riding, and strengthening my connection with my 21 year old ex jumper, turned dressage neophyte... its an exhilarating process.. (most of the time) but not easy and it takes a very patient person to excel like he does with his elderly student.. I thank him for that and look forward to our lesson times !! Thank you once again, Olivier!!

Nancy Sherbrooke

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Olivier is a very talented farrier and trainer! I respect and trust his judgement when it comes to my horse. I am grateful for his meticulous farrier skills which has kept her sound and comfortable. I also appreciate Olivier taking the time to connect and create a friendship with Bella. Olivier’s calm and confident manner has worked really well for my Thoroughbred’s nervous and sensitive disposition. This has helped us both to gain confidence and enjoy our farrier experiences! Olivier is very easy to get along with and I look forward to working together for many more years!

Lily Wakeham

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“I feel Olivier Fahrni is an excellent horseman and trainer. He is kind and gentle with his horses and produces calm, very well trained horses. I highly recommend him as a trainer.”

Connie Petri - trainer in Tucson

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“I had the pleasure to meet Olivier during my visit to the South Arizona Equine Health Symposium in Tucson. I was happy to be connected with him. He helped to coordinate and prepare the horse for my show. His professionalism made everything run perfectly. Not to mention the fact that he rode the days before the event the horse i jumped without bridle. I’m sure the horse wouldn’t have performed so beautifully without Olivier training.”

Angelo Telatin - Phd Equine behavior / trainer / Member of the British Horse Society

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“I first met Olivier in March of 2017 when I became his farrier.  He was already an accomplished trainer but I quickly discovered that he was yearning to learn more about how farriers impact the mechanics, health, and movement of the equine foot to further aid him in his training ability.  What began as a “ride-along” quickly moved forward to Olivier’s apprenticeship and we have been working together ever since.  Not many individuals who set out to become a farrier have the natural ability to become a truly good farrier but Olivier is certainly one of the exceptions.  His natural desire to learn, horsemanship skills, and true desire to aid in the comfort of horses along with the skills he has developed have made him an excellent farrier.  It has been a privilege both teaching him and learning from him.  I might add…… Olivier is also one of the most decent human beings I have ever known.”

Eddie McKenzie

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“My German mare, Danke, is a bit sensitive and very stiff on the left side.  When I started having Olivier work with her, he was very clear and patient with his aids. He allowed her to figure out what she needed to do, without forcing her or creating tension. In just a few sessions, her improvement was very noticeable. Olivier is trained in classical dressage and understands how horses think and move, mental and physical. When giving a lesson, Olivier is able to break down his explanations/instruction, into clear understandable direction. When riding, Olivier is beautiful to watch, his balanced seat and gentle aids are from years of classical training. Because of Olivier, working with my mare, I am now progressing rapidly and feeling confident. Thank you Olivier, for your dedication, knowledge and willingness to share your expertise!” 

Diane Devincentis

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“Olivier has been giving me lessons and shoeing my horses.  He has a calm, quiet, soft, yet firm demeanor that people and horses respond to.  I am strictly a recreational rider, so he is teaching me and the horses things that will make riding safer and more enjoyable.  With his background of showing, he could also teach people who compete.  He gives constructive criticism, but in a kind and helpful way.  My horses love him.  One of them is not a people friendly horse, but she always comes ambling up to Olivier for attention.  The other horse tries to stop and get his head rubbed every time we pass Olivier.  He keeps emphasizing that mistakes are okay, so the only stress during the lessons is self imposed. 

Olivier is very knowledgeable about the anatomy and movement of horses.  He is a student of the horse, always learning.  This helps tremendously when he's taking care of their feet.  He is the first farrier in the 10 years that I've had horses, who has eased the break over.  He has a weekly meeting with to go over radiographs and talk about plans for each horse.  He has only worked on my horses twice, but I have already noticed a difference in how they move.”

Susan Skaggs

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“Olivier has been trimming my horses feet for the past 2 years.  This includes a skittish 29-year-old mare, a gaited horse and a quarter horse with navicular disease in both front feet.  Olivier is knowledgeable and skillful with these three different trimming situations.  And just as important to me, he does his job with gentleness and patience.

We have also been trail riding and  and cow sorting with Olivier.  It's pretty obvious he is an excellent rider and has a strong affection for all equines.  In other words, he is an accomplished horseman who has a lot of knowledge to pass on to his students.”

Joann Caruso

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“Olivier Fahrni has an intuitive and natural rapport with people and horses.  I asked Olivier to help me with my horse because I wasn't enjoying her or trusting her. She was very unresponsive but could also be quick and reactive firing off a series of bucks when she felt insecure. I was riding her very defensively. 

Olivier developed her responsiveness while encouraging me to relax and soften toward her.  Progress and enjoyment have increased with every lesson.  I now look forward to riding my horse and am becoming the rider I wanted to be thanks to Olivier's expertise.”

Judith Carte

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“Olivier took me back to the basics of handling horses and communicating with horses and only afterwards did that for a number of lessons, did we start to learn to ride. Every week was a new adventure and I got to the point that while my goal was to be able to ride for extended periods of time, what I got was a rebirth of the love of horses and of riding these wonderful animals. I gained not only knowledge, but I lost a fear that I had had from when I was a young kid who traded his Shetland pony for a tall American Saddle Bred who promptly took off on a mile long gallop. Thank you Olivier ! “  

 Brian Lockhart

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“It is my utmost pleasure to review my friend and trainer Olivier Fahrni. I met him in his earlier days of becoming a farrier. I found him to be eager to learn, and very attentive to whom he was learning from. Several months later, after learning more about him and his horsemanship history, I began to take lessons from him. My situation was this: I am a new horse owner, and I purchased an amazing mare, who has served as a western pleasure horse in her prior life. She is very highly skilled, and as a rider, I was not. With Oliviers background, it was a perfect fit.

Last winter, my mare spent a few weeks at Oliviers residence for further training. We discovered that my mare, Diva, is trained to the highest of levels. Hence, a big challenge for me. So, over the past year, we have had a weekly lesson together both in the arena and outside the property. We have improved greatly, and Diva is finding out she can have the sole job of being a trail horse. We are doing very, very well, I am thrilled with our results.

Olivier is very gentle, and always the student’s best cheerleader. His skills are exquisite, and I feel like he takes me, the student right into the groove of understanding that she is teaching me, and I must allow her to do so. As a farrier, he has the background of riding at the highest level, and he sees things that perhaps others wouldn’t. Diva is also in corrective shoes, and doing quite well. For an all around horseman, Olivier is awesome as a trainer, instructor, and a farrier. I recommend him highly without reservation.”

Jackie Lacome

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“Working with Olivier has been an exceptional experience that has carried over to all my time with each of my Stable Kids. My physical challenges rarely define if I ride or not because Olivier have taught me better riding techniques. So very blessed Oliver ~ thank you for meeting me on my level, helping me to raise that bar and be a better partner with each of my horses.

Tatey, Blanca, Cody & Carson each thank you for the new skill set I am developing because of your kind instruction!”

Dorothy

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Like all good horsemen, Olivier is a problem solver. He understands his clients and their horses. 

I called him because I had a problem, actually two problems. Problem 1) I am in my mid-seventies and need to re-home my very energetic half-Arab with whom I have competed for 15 years. Problem 2) I had loaned him to a friend and they got in trouble in the desert with some jumping cholla. Rocky was afraid of his own tail. 

When I explained all of this to Olivier, he actually took the situation seriously and proceeded to a solution. He started back at the beginning with groundwork and introduced confidence and attention building exercises. Then he progressed to under-saddle exercises, without then with a bridle. I was also impressed with the amount of pleasure Olivier took in this intelligent horse, whom he allowed the time to think about the questions he asked.

Olivier recognised that Rocky could only perform safely on the trail without fear of cactus. Olivier was finally able to ride Rocky on the road, getting closer and closer to the desert. He can now be ridden in the desert. 

Even Rocky still needs a talented, secure rider for his safety and theirs but, at least, problem 2 has been solved thanks to a sympathetic, generous rider.

Patricia Conway

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