Testimonials

"In May of 2008 I had the pleasure of competing in Belgium at an International Four Star Competition, and there I met Steve and Jenni. Steve spent some time helping me and his advice really made a difference in my rides and overall competition experience.

When I returned to Dallas, I contacted Steve and invited him to host a clinic at my farm. He gave the clinic in August and it was a huge success, not just for my students, but riders from other barns. Steve returned again in December 2008 and now has a waiting list for his return in the Spring of 2009.

It was amazing, to see the difference in my students riding, as far as the control of their horses and the precision of their rides (especially the ones that did both the August and December clinics). My team respects and appreciates Steve's training style so much that we have invited him to train us at the winter circuit in Tucson, Arizona.

In January of 2009 I spent three days training with Steve and Jenni at their location in California. I was extremely impressed with their training program and the quality of their horses. Their custom fit program works with each rider's abilities and disabilities, in order to help each student and horse achieve their riding potential and goals. "
- Celine Burch, Chantilly Farm, Dallas, TX

"I guess most people think of Jenni Martin as a lovely, talented, successful Grand Prix rider who can make a winning performance over huge fences look like a medal class. However, I learned that there is another side to Jenni's equestrian talents.

A while back, I had purchased a young Thoroughbred from the breeding barn where he was born. At that same time, while I was searching for a trainer to help me get him started, I saw Jenni ride in the Grand Prix at the Novermber Nationals, Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Her classical style and the horses' responses to her quiet, effective techniques impressed me so much that I approached her later. I was sure she wouldn't be interested in a 5-year-old Thoroughbred. Well, guess what? She stated she had a special place in her heart for young Thoroughbreds (in this day of Warmbloods!) and would love to work with him. To make a long story a bit shorter, my talented little guy thrived under "The Program" that Jenni and her partner, Steve McAllister, have developed. He received as much attention from Jenni and Steve as her top Grand Prix jumpers received - and he developed into a happy horse who enjoys life and enjoys his job. They took him to Indio, The Oaks, and the Memorial Day Classic. He placed at all three shows. Distance has forced me to place him elsewhere, but the techniques that are part of Jenni and Steve's wonderful and successful Program have been an absolutely invaluable experience for my horse and for me."
- Marie Bishop, Ventura, CA

This summer I was lucky enough to be invited to ride in Belgium at the International Concours of Meise on the Drytoren estate of Jean Van Gysel. Wow! My trainer, Beth Cadwallader, discovered and developed some tiny bit of bravery and passion for jumping a fence bigger than 3' when I came to her 2 years ago (thank you Beth!), but she was not able to go with me to Belgium. I would be jumping 4' courses on a horse I did not know in a foreign country without my trainer. I must be crazy.

After arriving in Belgium on a Sunday, Jean introduced me to Jenni and Steve. They had graciously agreed to coach me and my barn pals Alex and Mackenzie thru the week and at the show. I tried my horse that day, and Steve quietly began calling out comments, instruction and insight. What a great lesson! I left feeling confident that I could ride this horse.

Steve coached me once more before the show, but I spent the next 3 days by his and Jenni's side listening to everything he said and watching Jenni ride. His eye, understanding, and knowledge put together with Jenni's rides were as informative as anything I could have learned in a riding session.

The show started Thursday - one round each day for 3 days. No second chances. Steve's instruction and teaching was like a laser. Each day he asked for more, gave me more and expected more. In the championship finals on Saturday, the fences went up to 4'3" and Steve coached me to a clean round and a place in the jump-off. Jenni took over and coached me in the jump-off and to a 6th place finish out of 45 riders. It was the time of my life, and I could not have felt more prepared, confident and excited to get out there and jump Iguacu around those courses. (By the way, oxers in Europe are really wide...)

Thank you Jenni and Steve! Your training methods and coaching style made it possible for me to have a truly amazing and incredible experience.
- Shelly Wilson, CA

I have waited a long time to find a show jumping clinician that incorporates classical training into the jump training of the horse. Steve incorporates dressage training into the jumping work and leaves you with training tools, specifically for your individual horse. Talisman Farm encourages clients whose focus is hunter/jumpers to participate in regular clinics with Steve McCallister
- Esther Hillner, Talisman Farm

I'm so thankful to Celine for bringing Steve out here to Dallas! He helped me alot with my young horse and the small adjustments he had me make in my riding really helped me understand where I was going wrong with a horse who will only try if I try!

More importantly, all my students learned quite alot from him and how to handle the horses that sometimes trouble them. I'd highly suggest him to anyone.

I rode with Jenni as a teenager and she was the first person to ever put me over a large fence. She gave me confidence in my riding as well as teachings on how to listen and respond to my horse, something alot of people don't do these days.

Jenni is an amazing talent and when I knew her, back when she was around 16 or 17, she had already worked harder in her short years riding than people who had ridden their entire lives.
- Amanda Hensley, Windmill Stables

"I came to Jenni & Steve with a sale horse I had invested in – he was a mess & they completely turned him around. From the ground up – his feed, his body and his feet were tended to as well as his jump. His form had become inverted and his stride very up and down. All aspects improved immensely in their program.

That was several years ago. I never intended to keep him, however he now goes around softly, jumps round and double clean in the Adult Amateur division for me.   Cecily has made a huge difference in my ride, not only fixing issues but also getting me in sync with my horses. 

I now own several horses for my two daughters and myself.  Jenni & Steve have been instrumental in finding and developing these horses, including purchases from Europe.”
- Christina Caruso, Beverley Hills, CA