Anyone considering learning or expanding their knowledge of horses and riding needs to check out the program at Mane Success Horsemanship. Vanessa is an absolute gem, especially with kids. She is passionate about teaching, and establishes great energy with each lesson. My son is always excited to spend time with her (almost more than spending time riding!). She always expresses and passes on the knowledge for safety for both the horse and rider and has very creative ways to demonstrate education with horses.
Michelle
Vanessa Fraser at Mane Success Horsemanship is a wonderful, professional coach and a talented horsewoman who takes equine welfare very seriously. Her horses receive excellent care and it shows!
Kaiti
Vanessa Fraser is the main trainer and coach at Mane Success Horsemanship. Vanessa has been working with my daughter as a teacher and coach for more than a year now and I highly recommend her. She is a gentle and caring trainer with both the horses and the students and always makes sure the safety and well being of both is first and foremost. She gets to know each student, strives to work with their strengths and to address their fears all the while keeping it a truly enjoyable and character building experience. Vanessa is always working hard to learn new, or revisit old techniques that would enhance the training session to provide the best experience for you and your horse.
Teresa
Vanessa is always smiling; she ensures safety throughout her lessons and always leaves the horse and rider on a positive note. Customizes her lessons to the student's needs. She covers all aspects of horsemanship and beyond.
Claire
At the young age of seven Vanessa began to teach me riding lessons using Natural Horsemanship in a safe & fun environment. From this experience I learned patience, compassion for another being, responsibility and sportsmanship. With dedication and passion Vanessa mentored me for the next thirteen years.Her message was clear "don't give up and get back on your horse". Last year I ran my first sub 17, won $800 and placed first in the third division. I know the confidence I have today is directly related to Vanessa's strong horsemanship values and understanding the needs for success.
Tina
I just had my first lesson with Vanessa Fraser. I have two minis and am totally blind so both of us were wondering how I'd take to this non-traditional approach of joining up and so on. Vanessa was amazing! She never took my power away from me by doing things I could do and what she did was give me the visual information from the horse so that I could do what needed to be done. Vanessa also remained curious about how I'd know things and instead of making assumptions, she stood back and watched me with the minis so that she could understand what I could interpret from them and how I could interpret what they were doing. The minis really took to Vanessa too! I can be pretty hard to please especially when I'm trying to figure out how to adapt something and Vanessa was awesome! She totally gave me the space to do what I needed to do but also gave me wonderful feedback. If you have a disability and are thinking about lessons in ground work, I highly recommend Vanessa!
Michelle
I started training with Vanessa about eight months ago; when I look back I can't believe how much we have accomplished in such a short amount of time. Almost every lesson my horse throws a new situation at us; Vanessa always has a solution and demonstrates it in a soft and safe manner. She has taught me how to stay level headed in any situation and think deeper into why my horse is reacting the way he is. She genuinely cares about the success and safety of the horse and rider as one. Vanessa believes in having a strong bond and understanding of your horse is key to your goals. She stays in your comfort level, and works to overcome any fears or uncertainties you may have. I cannot say enough good things about Vanessa; It is her I have to thank for where my horse and I are today.
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I have known Vanessa for many years now. She bought a very special mare from me. This beautiful Saddlebred/Morgan mare was unfamiliar to the world of humans and horsemanship. At the age of six she was never handled much, and barley knew what a halter was. I had been give this mare and sent her to a trainer. The mare was unridable and still somewhat green. I felt she was not suitable for my twelve-year-old daughter and decided to sell her. Vanessa is the person who bought her. She continued to school her and began winning many ribbons with her. Together they formed a partnership through love, language and respect. I believe Vanessa is a great horseman. She has savvy and has taken the pathway to attaining her horsemanship goal naturally. How do you describe a horseman? A horseman thinks like a horse. A horseman understands the horses perspective and does not blame him for behaving like a prey animal. A horseman knows how to have a special relationship with horses, with unlimited patience. A horseman is half horse, half man. He has savvy. Real horse savvy. Vanessa has proven to me she all of these qualities and so much more. She is young, energetic, and extremely reliable. I gave Vanessa my double registered Tennessee Walker filly to train from the ground, into the mountains. She produced a confident, well-mannered mare that is a pleasure to ride.