Ross Falisi,Dawn Falisi, Subtle Horsemanship

 

Testimonials

 

 

 

INTEGRITY, EDUCATION & ANSWERS !!!! All of these and much more I found in Ross & Dawn Falisi's Horsemanship. I have witnessed the passion that this couple evokes when it comes to the well being of the animal/ human relationship. Falisi Horsemanship has the ability, if you are WILLING to listen,open your mind and ACCEPT the FACTS, to safely and humanely create a relationship between horse and rider that ultimately places you in the leadership role with a WILLING equine partner.
This testimonial comes from my own personnel experience with the Falisi's. I have 3 different horses that have very different backgrounds. One horse a 17 yr. old QH mare, who actually threatened my life on several occasions, was put out to pasture for 12 yrs. She has now been ridden for the last 9 months because the Falisi's helped me figure out the real issue. Rejected Aggression created by a so called trainer!. If you've never heard this terminology don't feel bad I hadn't either! I never found anyone, in 12 years, that could help my horse. Then I met the Falisi's!!
I will meet with anyone, who is truely interested in HORSEMANSHIP, and gladly let you watch my horses in action. You can contact me at gonnadazzle@gmail.com

To Ross and Dawn my sincerest thanks and gratitude. I wish you continued success in your endeavor to make us all see that there really are no bad horses just bad handlers!!

Cindy Musselwhite
Sanford, Florida
gonnadazzle@gmail.com
 
 
Dawn and Ross Falisi are the real deal when it comes to training horses!
The Falisi's training techniques are completely different than the Parelli, Anderson, Chris Cox type. They don't train horses with a stick with a plastic bag on the end of it, they don't jiggle lead ropes at the horses or any other technique that places the horse into avoidance. They don't use pain compulsion techniques either.
Dawn and Ross train horses through compliance, not avoidance.
Wow, what a concept huh? Instead of your horse constantly moving away, trying to avoid something or someone, your horse actually moves because they WANT to.
Dawn and Ross not only train horses, but they take on the almost impossible task of training the horse's owners.
I am one of those horse owners, presently going through the apprenticeship program taught by the Falisi's.
I have nothing but respect for Dawn and Ross, they are exceptional horse trainers, honest hard working people, wonderful parents to a couple of adorable kids and the kind of people that would drop everything and come running if you needed something.
And Ross cooks the best Italian food I've ever eaten!

Pam Dutton
Florida
blchbld@bellsouth.net
 
 
 
Ross and Dawn Falisi helped me make a lifelong dream come true. I can't put it into words that are any simpler or more accurate.

I wanted a horse all my life, and on the day I finally bought one, I made every mistake in the book. But anyone who knows me knows that I'm a loyal person, and I believe everything happens for a reason. So I was determined to work with what I had.

Unfortunately, this is what I had: A paint mare, Sunny, that had not been handled well. Her nervous personality seems to have been addressed by a strong-armed trainer — which only exacerbated the problem. I couldn't touch my horse's face, her muzzle, her ears. Worming was a disaster. My mom used to say she had "wild" eyes, and in one way or another, she always seemed to be trying to escape. Certain movements would send Sunny into a panicked back-up that might only be stopped when she hit a fenceline. She was the most tense creature I had ever encountered.
 

On top of these issues, she developed a devastating neurological disease called Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). The nerve cells in her left hind were damaged, and I soon began a long career of learning how to land after being tossed from a bucking horse.

Almost everyone I turned to for help strongly advised me to sell my horse. One trainer, who came highly recommended, took one look at Sunny when she came off the trailer and said, "That horse will never make a trail horse." That trainer kept Sunny for one week, and called to say she couldn't work with her. And she even charged me!

Soon after, I found Ross and Dawn, and I soon realized I had met the only two people who were as determined as I was to help my horse – an animal they had never met. Not only did I discover that some of Sunny's problems were actually MY problems, but I learned what a "stiff" horse is, the dangers of riding one, and the four actions a horse must take before it can buck.

And in Dawn, I found a trainer who was also a licensed physical therapist. She rehabbed my horse while team Falisi rehabbed my horsemanship.

Today I can take Sunny on any trail you can point to. She'll go anywhere for me, and she's no longer a flight or buck risk. Her first instinct will likely always be to flee, but she looks to me before she makes that move. My body language tells her when she's safe, and when to be scared.

I cannot say enough about Ross and Dawn, except to say that miracles can happen. You simply have to be open to them. And willing to let the knowledge in. You do not have to be a blind follower. Ask questions. Challenge their theories. They WANT you to think.

What an eye-opening, enlightening, truly honest experience.


Leah Miller
Florida
 
     About seven years ago I was granted the opportunity to meet Ross and Dawn Falisi. As a horseman I have been able to work with trainers, instructors, and clinicians. No one has grabbed my attention quite like Ross and Dawn. They are unique in the fact that their training is based on scientific fact rather than opinion. Beyond their remarkable ability to train they have an exclusive way of teaching both horse and human. I have had the opportunity to participate in clinics, travel to expos and take part in their apprenticeship program. As teachers, Ross and Dawn have very dissimilar styles, but they balance each other out in order to generate a beneficial classroom setting.
    I can not thank Ross and Dawn enough for the knowledge and skill that they have provided with. I would never have accomplished what I have if not for the Falisi system. I highly recommend Ross and Dawn's system to any horse enthusiast. Whether you want to take your horse for a safe, leisurely trail ride or compete at an advanced level Ross and Dawn will help you get there.

Thanks Again,
Heather Ackermann
Catskills
New York
baileyde0815@yahoo.com
 
I am very fortunate to have met Ross and Dawn Falisi. They have changed my perspective on teaching and riding. I am a professional who at one point was stuck in the same routine never really going anywhere with my training methods. Now, I have more confidence and knowledge in what I am doing. The best thing about Falisi horsemanship is it doesn't matter if you are a novice just wanting to better yourself or a professional like me. Their wide array of knowledge keeps you advancing in what ever you do.

Heather Fitzhenry
Pleasant Valley
New York
whiteorchidfarm2@aol.com
 
I just wanted to thank you for the time you spent with my horse and me. I truly learned more in our short time there than I have in a lifetime of riding with so-called 'Class A trainers'. I stopped showing on the circuit because I disagreed with the trainers, and I felt like an outcast because I didn't agree with the 'cult-type' mindset either. Its refreshing to know that I'm not the only one. There are more who agree with me. I'm so glad I came with Leah Miller (FSH Pro) to ride with you, and I hope that I will have the chance to do it again in the future!

 Andrea Miller
Oregon

 
Ross & Dawn possess the ability and knowledge to teach horsemanship and horse training to both beginner and professional horse trainers. Half the students in my class were well-seasoned professional horse trainers. The standards of each professional course are demanding, students must be able to demonstrate the knowledge learned as well as pass written test. My fellow students and I quickly learned that there is more to horse training than utilizing "cookie cutter methods." With every training technique taught the theory behind the technique and how the theory applies is also taught. Even the seasoned professional trainers many of whom had trained in other "methods" soon realize why their methods of training didn't work. In many cases these methods where detrimental to training and where actually dangerous for both the horse and the handler. If you're interested in being the best horse trainer you can be and not just a back yard cookie cutter trainer then I strongly recommend Falisi Horsemanship.

Greg Post
Abilene, Texas
buddy.post@hotmail.com
 
As one of the Falisi Horsemanship's' students, I have accomplished many of my personal goals regarding my relationship with my horses. Both Dawn and Ross have devoted a lifetime of knowledge to training. Learning from them will be an experience you will not regret. I am eager to always continue my training and to consistently improve my knowledge through future classes.
Joe Belmonte
Patchogue, NY
(631)236-2471
jnjmaintenance@optonline.net
 
Four years ago I first heard of Falisi Horsemanship. At the time I had a young horse that I was starting out. I knew that I did not want to start this colt out with the harsh traditional training methods I had seen growing up. I also knew I needed help and wanted to approach training in a humane and safe way. Prior to visiting their farm, I had received some instruction in the system, and practiced and practiced and practiced. When I first went to their farm they were amazed to see that I was on my way with receiving the relaxed response to pressure. I have participated in their Horsemanship 101, watched a clinic and rode with them at their farm in Florida. All of these experiences were amazing and I’ve been able to take my new knowledge and apply it to my horse. Ross and Dawn have boosted my confidence in and out of the saddle. I strongly recommend their system. They are great horsemen and I have complete admiration of them for what they are giving to the equine industry.
 

MJ McFarland
Hudson Valley, NY
 
 
I just want everyone to know how Ross and Dawn have helped me with their one-of-a-kind training system.  I am blessed to have this experience come into my life.  I have developed a deeper connection with every horse I touch since learning Falisi Horsemanship skills.

Over the years I have been privileged to work with some very successful people in the horse business.  I had learned how to break horses from the best in the Thoroughbred industry.  Ross and Dawn's philosophy and teachings fell right in line with what I already knew.  Tapping into their knowledge of the psychology and physiology of the horse and the Falisi idea of compliance vs. avoidance has taken my approach to training OVER THE TOP!

I went home from a Falisi clinic and went to work on a 2-year-old Thoroughbred colt.  When I say colt, I mean a foolish, overbearing, want to eat-you-for-lunch kind of colt.  We proceeded to the round pen.  After just a couple of sessions in the round pen and on the end of the rope (I said a rope, not a chain shank), the light bulbs lit up over both of our heads.  What a feeling!  It got to where I could lead this horse through a barn full of horses (even by the fillies) and he followed me like a puppy dog.  People would comment about how this horse acted just like an old broke pony horse.  We developed a special connection and he would respond WHEN AND HOW I WANTED him to respond.  Talk about total communication...I can say "run" and he asks, "how fast?"  His future looks even brighter now that the light is turned on!  Racetrack trainers welcome horses "broke" like this into their shedrows.

I am now using their "down and around" method on our foals and weanlings.  It is so fulfilling when a new baby "connects" with me.  I would have to say the confidence and trust that develops between horse and human, by using the Falisi approach, is why it works so well.  I feel everyone who touches a horse should learn this scientific path to understanding.  This really works for those of us who need to stop abusing our bodies while trying to break horses!

Gail Rice
Thoroughbred Horse Farm Manager
352-425-1600
gcrice@alltel.net
 
 

 Ross and Dawn's versatility and love of horses is very evident to anyone who has spent time learning from them. As a breeder of performance "Quarter Horses" it is refreshing to see that there are still clinician who do this because they love horses. 

I highly recommend their videos to both the novice and experience horseman. 

Roy Gebhardt      
Bar R Bar Ranch   
 

 

"Ross is an interesting and charismatic speaker who really gets everyone involved.

  He encourages a positive and reward based attitude toward training, which lead to positive and hardworking horses. These methods do not employ the use of artificial gadgets, or cruelty, and they lay a foundation that can be pivotal to any discipline.

  For me, he provided an opportunity to see simple solutions to seemingly complex problems. He also gave me a better understanding of the theory behind some of the methods that I have been using, but which were based mainly in intuition."

 Kirsten

 

 

  I want to thank you and Dawn for creating your two awesome videos "Four Corners of a Good Foundation - Ground Work and Under Saddle".  They are very clear, concise, fun, and easy to understand.  It is great to know your methods work on any style of riding and any breed of horse.  Anyone working with horses for personal or professional reasons need to see these videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in an effort to help all horses and those of us who love them.

  Your Symposium at Port Jervis Memorial Day Weekend was the best!!!  There are no words to describe the experience of learning how to communicate with our horse from the best of the best.  In addition to the priceless information we all received, you all made the learning fun.  It's very clear that you really care about horses and people and you love what you do. You are a great teacher.  Thank you and I can't wait till the next symposium.

Sincerely,
Terry Crisafulli  

 
I have always had the love for horses, though once I went to Ross' and Dawn's and purchased the horse of my heart. I knew I needed some brush-up training.  I took classes from Ross and Dawn in their clinics and I can honestly say it was one of the best choices I have made.  I give Ross and Dawn a heartfelt Thank You.
As Always and Forever
Mary Turner
 
 

 

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