Rendezvous Ranch in the Media and Testimonials
In the Media
Chris Jonason in The Good Life
Testimonials
Moving always brings the angst of not knowing the people and services that you've come to rely on in your old home. Will you find something that is as good or better than what you're used to? Well, I was more than pleased when I found equestrians deep in the heart of Central Washington that have a passion and interests like mine! Wow! Whether it's technical trail riding, bare hoof care, mountain trail course work, or any of the other challenging and horse-friendly activities that take place up the beautiful Nahahum canyon, I have found "My People"
Claire S.
It has been a week since I took the July 2017 Mountain Trail Riding clinic at Rendezvous Ranch and still feel like I’m walking on air. The three-day course was exhilarating. I learned and experienced so many techniques which have made me feel confident to tackle the rigors of high alpine trails.
When I first arrived at Rendezvous Ranch I was impressed by the quality and setting of the entire facility: its cleanliness, sheltered paddocks, arena, and amazing obstacle training course, all surrounded by hills dotted with Ponderosas.
One obstacle looks like a 15-foot-high wedding cake made with horizontal telephone poles and dirt. I didn’t think we would be going up there but we did! Constructed of real things a horse and rider would encounter on the trail, the obstacles were logs, granite boulders, bridges, lodge pole pine, and water. There were also features made with giant tractor tires, with squishy footing to develop agility and confidence. I don’t think there is another place like this in the State of Washington.
Chris Jonason, our trainer, and owner of Rendezvous Ranch was brilliant at breaking down the challenges of each obstacle into the basic skills needed to be successful for the horse and rider. The
techniques she and her assistant, Kristen, used made our horses relaxed and willing to tackle the progressively challenging features. At first, we lead our horses in hand and drove them trough, later we rode our calm horses with their heads down and their footing was sure. As proof of their excellent teaching methods, there was a little Palomino pony, having been ridden only six times, who was able to complete everything without a blow-up!
The Mountain Trail Riding course at Rendezvous Ranch exceeded all my expectations. I can’t wait for my next wilderness trail ride, thank you, Chris and Kristen.
Ruth M.
Facebook Reviews
“The Mountain Trail Clinic was a great chance to test my horse's agility and skills. Chris and Catha were awesome instructors, and the facility is superb. Couldn't have asked for a better experience! Thanks Rendezvous Ranch.”
-Janette Walker, 2019
“The Eastern Washington Quarter Horse Assoc. just finished it's first clinic with Rendezvous Ranch. We had private lessons on the first day and a trail clinic the next day. The facilities are outstanding and so are the instructors. I can't say enough about how great our event was. The horses were in secure and protected pens with shelters and we were all staying close to the horses which made it easy for making sure they were settling in and for convenience of feeding. Highly recommend for any type riding club.”
-Teresa Whitworth and her horse, Bear, 2018
“We had a wonderful mountain trail clinic here this weekend. Instructors were helpful and patient, and we learned a lot. I recommend this for anyone who is looking to build a more solid partnership with their horse, and greater competence in horsemanship and trail riding/trail obstacles. It was really fun! It is good cross training for beginning three day eventers as well.”
-Carol Klar, 2019
“Attended the Mountain Trail workshop last weekend. I was impressed at the quality of the facility and the expert instruction. My inexperienced mare did a great job and that was enhanced by the clear instruction I got from the skilled and kind trainers. Coming back from a serious injury this experience gave me a big confidence boost. I'll definitely go back. Thanks Chris and Catha.”
-Adele Barilleaux, 2019
“I booked the mountain trail clinic for my birthday with my new horse and it was an awesome experience. I’ve never done a clinic before, Chris’ knowledge and experience is incredible. I don’t think there’s anything she hasn’t done. I look forward to learning more from her in the future. And the obstacle course was amazing, top notch for sure! I left feeling like I had so many new tools to work on with my horse. Thank you for your time Chris, I’ll be back for sure!”
-Tiffany Veenker Hartley, 2019
“I recently attended the Women in Wilderness clinic with Chris and Catha co-teaching. It was a 6 hour haul for my friend and me to go. Let me tell you that it was absolutely worth it! I've been riding my whole life and can honestly say this was the most beneficial thing I've done for myself as a rider and my horse. Chris is so very talented and looks at the whole picture when assessing a horse and rider. The mountain trail course was amazing and contained such a variety of things to work on. I highly recommend Chris and the clinics she provided! No matter your experience level you will come away with new knowledge and understanding.”
-Kristina Gaylord, 2019
“The 3 day barefoot trim class was a great experience. I learned much more than I expected. First we learned about the anatomy of a hoof and how hoof care, environment, exercise and diet effect the hoof. We trimmed cadaver hoods and dissected a hoof. The next two days we trimmed horses under Chris’s direction. Chris is a great teacher whose passion for teaching and horses is an inspiration. Also she and her husband Ned hosted me at their beautiful ranch house. They made me feel welcome and at home. I’m looking forward to returning to learn working equitation!
-Christy Potraz, 2019
“I went to Rendezvous Ranch for the Women in the Wilderness clinic last year and absolutely loved it! Chris, the owner, is a very knowledgeable amazing horse women. I would definitely recommend this ranch for your horse or people training needs.”
-Jessica Newberry, 2018
“Such an amazing weekend get away. Perfect if you have a fur baby. Pretty sure our Gus had more fun than we did. Conveniently placed in a quiet gulch of snow covered hills.You wake up in a winter wonderland. More than enough space for the 2 of us and the pup. They had all the amenities we needed. Thank you so much to Chris for having us. We look forward to coming back.”
-Maggie Mae Bailey
