CHRIS JONASON

Chris has been teaching for over 40 years. She has written the curriculum for the A.C.A., Rescue 3. She is A.F.A. certified farrier, certified Rescue 3 and A.C.A instructor. She has been teaching and writing curriculum for 40 years. She has vast experience in the horse world and has been a packer, teamster, trainer, and competitive rider in different disciplines. She offers an easy-to-learn system of teaching that will inspire and help each student develop a more meaningful understanding of communication with their equine partner. Chris currently competes in Working Equitation and still loves backcountry riding with her equine companions.

Lydia Friel

Lydia Friel is a full-time professional barefoot farrier and horse trainer. She completed her barefoot trimming certification course in 2016 taught by Chris Jonason of Rendezvous Ranch, along with continued education by attending equine hoof seminars. Lydia also specializes in starting horses from the ground up for all disciplines and working with problem horses. 

Lydia has loved horses since childhood and had always dreamed of making a living working with these amazing animals. At age 12, Lydia had humble beginnings learning about horsemanship and basic hoof care from the small herd of donkeys her family bought originally intended as livestock guardians. She began training these donkeys, and the occasional mule, how to ride and ground drive, and also how to hold their feet for the farrier. In 2014, Lydia was employed as head of horse staff at a summer camp in Middle Tennessee and worked a total of 6 seasons there.

 In 2016, Lydia moved to Washington state and apprenticed with Chris Jonason for almost 2 years. During that time, Lydia learned a plethora of skills from how to rehab acute hoof issues, how to recognize lameness, equine bodywork, working equitation, and competitive mountain trail. 

After her time as an apprentice, she moved back home to Cookeville, Tennessee to continue with her own business, Head to Hoof Equine Services, for 3 years where she has serviced over 200 horses. 

Now she resides in Spokane, Washington with her husband, 2 dogs, and 3 horses where she is continuing her passion for equines by building her business in the Spokane area. In her free time, you will find Lydia either training her own horses for endurance, hiking with her husband, Josh, or taking pictures of her dogs.

Leigh Cochran

Leigh Cochran is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist plus she was on the prestigious USET Dressage long list of Developing Rider Team.

Leigh has trained, taught, and shown Dressage for over 30 years. She has taken many horses and riders up the levels from training level to GP. Leigh has trained with many of our top riders and clinicians over the years who have been on our Olympic team. Kathleen Raine, Steffen Peters, Conrad Schumacker, Ulf Wadeborn, and many more.

Leigh loves to share her knowledge with all levels of riders and has no preference for breeds. “ Everyone has to start somewhere” Leigh has a very patient and easy way of explaining how to get the most out of you and your horse in a fun and STRESS-free way of training. Each lesson is custom to what your goals and needs are for you to succeed as a partnership.