"I brought my horse to Lydia to train her and finish her out. Before I dropped off Minnie it was hard to put a halter on her without her head being up in the air, now all I have to do is push down and she lowers her head down. It was hard to ride her because she wanted it her way and she was such a rough ride. Riding her now is 20 times better then it was before. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity for Lydia to train Minnie and make her a better horse all around. Minnie is a 3 year that is very laid back and doesn't walk all over you now. If I had to do it all over again I would have done the same thing. I'm very satisfied with the work Lydia has done. Thanks again Lydia you have made so many things come possible for me and my horse Minnie." -Tabby Johnson
"I have known Lydia Durbin for quite a few years and had my 3 tennessee walking horses with her for for about 2 years now. She is such a good horse person and is very knowledgeable. Lydia is always very helpful and caring of the horses and goes out of her way most days to help out. She is always teaching and learning new things. I would trust her with any horse and I think if you had horses with her, you would too!!! :) Thanks for all of your loving care to my horses. Good luck with you future endeavours." -Emma Fackelman
"I have had my three horses with this young lady for a year or so. I would encourage any individual that may be looking to board their horse to come and talk to Lydia. She is a wonderful, caring and helpful person. She went out of her way many times to do things for us since we did not go to the barn that often. She is knowledable with any health issues that may pop up with horse care. Give her a chance with your beloved animals and I'm sure you will be satisfied." -Cindy Krock
"I've had my 2.5 year old gelding Hicktown with Lydia for about 2 months for training and my 22 year old quarter horse gelding there for boarding, both boys are very content with their new digs... I have seen such positive changes in Hicktown. He is growing up and out and has become such a well rounded horse. He has really transformed in her training program where she focuses more on natural horsemanship and laying a fundamental level of groundwork. If you watch the videos of his first, second and third you can truly see where she has done her homework. Watch how relaxed and calm he is! I could not be happier with the outcome and look forward to next spring when Hicktown returns for more training under saddle. If anyone is interested or has questions from a client's perspective, please feel free to message me. Thank you Lydia for all you do!" -Alexa Stout
"My young daughter, Stella, bought her first horse, a smart, gorgeous paint mare, in April 2014. We quickly discovered that our new girl needed quite a bit of training to be safe, and my hunt for a trainer began. We were immediately deep in love with Courage, our mare, and so it was important to me that the trainer be very good at his or her profession, of course, but I also wanted someone who would show Courage care and kindness when we couldn't be around. I also wanted someone who would be easy to communicate with, not only for me, but for Stella, as well. A tall order, I know. I found two different trainers who said they would take Courage on, but both arrangements fell through, due to their own stable situations. The second trainer, however, recommended Lydia Durbin. I'd never met Lydia, but was told she would do a good job. Having wasted three months time, I was desperate to get moving, so I called her and made an appointment to visit the Lonely Hoof Farm.
Just driving up the driveway, I felt good about the place - a fountain in the pond, a lovely yellow farm house with a porch, a well-kept barn, sturdy fences, and everything as tidy as could be. I knew that the people who lived and worked here cared - about themselves and what they wanted to project to clients, and very certainly, about the horses in their care. My meeting with Lydia went well, and we brought Courage to her to board and train. Lydia also agreed to give Stella riding lessons. One-stop shopping at its very best!
I cannot say enough about our experience at Lonely Hoof Farm. Lydia knows what she is doing, and she is a natural-born teacher. Stella is riding beautifully now and has gained a tremendous amount of confidence under Lydia's watchful eye. Lydia explains the reason behind every action, which is invaluable to those of us who want to learn more about horses. She was never impatient during lessons and she never talked down to Stella. At every lesson, she truly went above and beyond my expectations. She even met us at the Knox County Fair so that we could watch the horse classes together and she could show Stella what to expect her first year of showing.
As for Courage, she proved to be sharp to the point of being challenging, but Lydia was up to the task. Lydia trained her for both English and Western riding, and she encouraged us to be present for training sessions. During these sessions, she would demonstrate the progress Courage had made, and again, would explain the reason for every action. Lydia is firstly concerned with the safety of the rider, but also cares about the horse's mental well-being. Lydia's task was doubly hard with Courage, because she came with some mild abuse issues and needed to be "untrained" from some behaviors. It was a wonderful experience, watching Courage improve and gain skills and develop into a calm, happy animal.
Lydia has also given us the benefit of her experience by recommending brands, setting us up with worming and farrier programs, and helping us save money on tack. I don't even like to think where we would be without her guidance. She wants every client to have a positive, happy experience with his or her horse, and she is willing to do all she can to make that happen. When Courage developed some mildly bad habits at her winter home, Lydia paid a house call and showed everyone involved how to handle them. How's that for dedicated? I trust Lydia enough that I bought I project horse (a sweet little filly!) from her and have already made arrangements for Lydia to train her in the spring. We are anxious for winter to pass, so we can get back to Lonely Hoof Farm.
They say knowledge is power, and through her careful, thoughtful education of horse and rider, Lydia has empowered us to be better, stronger, more comfortable and confident horse owners. What a marvelous gift." - Vicki Kauffman
Just driving up the driveway, I felt good about the place - a fountain in the pond, a lovely yellow farm house with a porch, a well-kept barn, sturdy fences, and everything as tidy as could be. I knew that the people who lived and worked here cared - about themselves and what they wanted to project to clients, and very certainly, about the horses in their care. My meeting with Lydia went well, and we brought Courage to her to board and train. Lydia also agreed to give Stella riding lessons. One-stop shopping at its very best!
I cannot say enough about our experience at Lonely Hoof Farm. Lydia knows what she is doing, and she is a natural-born teacher. Stella is riding beautifully now and has gained a tremendous amount of confidence under Lydia's watchful eye. Lydia explains the reason behind every action, which is invaluable to those of us who want to learn more about horses. She was never impatient during lessons and she never talked down to Stella. At every lesson, she truly went above and beyond my expectations. She even met us at the Knox County Fair so that we could watch the horse classes together and she could show Stella what to expect her first year of showing.
As for Courage, she proved to be sharp to the point of being challenging, but Lydia was up to the task. Lydia trained her for both English and Western riding, and she encouraged us to be present for training sessions. During these sessions, she would demonstrate the progress Courage had made, and again, would explain the reason for every action. Lydia is firstly concerned with the safety of the rider, but also cares about the horse's mental well-being. Lydia's task was doubly hard with Courage, because she came with some mild abuse issues and needed to be "untrained" from some behaviors. It was a wonderful experience, watching Courage improve and gain skills and develop into a calm, happy animal.
Lydia has also given us the benefit of her experience by recommending brands, setting us up with worming and farrier programs, and helping us save money on tack. I don't even like to think where we would be without her guidance. She wants every client to have a positive, happy experience with his or her horse, and she is willing to do all she can to make that happen. When Courage developed some mildly bad habits at her winter home, Lydia paid a house call and showed everyone involved how to handle them. How's that for dedicated? I trust Lydia enough that I bought I project horse (a sweet little filly!) from her and have already made arrangements for Lydia to train her in the spring. We are anxious for winter to pass, so we can get back to Lonely Hoof Farm.
They say knowledge is power, and through her careful, thoughtful education of horse and rider, Lydia has empowered us to be better, stronger, more comfortable and confident horse owners. What a marvelous gift." - Vicki Kauffman
"I have 4 horses at Lonely Hoof Farm. I knew from day 1 that this was going to be a good experience...I just did not know how good. Lydia truly knows horses...not just a lot of hot air. I am a single person with some health issues and cannot always get to the barn as often as I would like. I can rest easy knowing that my critters are getting excellent care...and photos of them are just a click away. I have two 2.5 year old Freisians and two 12.5 year old Morgans. THANKS Lonely Hoof Farm and Lydia! You have made my life so much easier and peaceful." -Melissa Boone
"I haven't known Lydia very long but I do know she is a very sweet, caring, compassionate, respectful, and knowledgeable individual. She had my gelding for 30 days and I couldn't be happier with the results. I had a lot of the groundwork done and she finished him. She breaks the horse but not their spirit. She has a gorgeous farm and safe facility. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to board or for a trainer. You'll be happy with the results. Thanks again Lydia!" - Nicole Monahan
Lydia is so patient and knowledgeable when it comes to her horses. We just purchased a horse from her barn and we couldn’t be happier. When coming to try her out she was so great with making my daughter comfortable riding a new horse. Again very pleased all around with her and her farm!-Taylor Booher
Beautiful, serene, and clean. Well done, Lydia.-Angel Blakenship Van Rhoden
Miss Lydia is amazing, I love how she teaches them how to care for the horses as opposed to just showing up to ride. Fabulous experience. -Kate Leach
Friendly & Helpful. Looking forward to a connection and possibly a family horse to join our home one day.-Mid Knight White
We are two weeks in of owning the most precious little starter pony for my daughter. Lydia was completely honest and upfront in her sale. Everything she said was 100% what we got. In two weeks this pony has already helped my daughter grow as a horse owner. I look forward to seeing them develop as a team! I am so thankful for Lydia’s compassion for her horses and honesty with her followers. -Tierany McCann
I have known Lydia for over 10 years. I don't know any one more loving and knowledgeable about horses. She truly loves and cares about them and wants the best for their owners. The farm is gorgeous and a safe place for your much loved horses. -Tara Stefanik