Tex Carpenter has trained 6 head of horses for me and every horse has been great.  He has an uncanny way with horses.  He can actually talk to them and they understand.  He trains them with a very firm but gentle hand.  The horses do not buck.  The horses love him and respond willingly.  He has lots of little tricks in training horses.   He taught me one that helped me in getting my horse’s  head down to bridle easier.  He put a 2 year old gelding, who barely led, into a horse trailer  It took about ½ hour but the colt stepped into the trailer.  The colt had never been in a trailer before.  I highly recommend Tex as a horse trainer.   He is the best.  

Zoe H.Jansen                                                                                                                                         Lavina, Montana

I would like to tell you what a wonderful experience we’ve have had with the Carpenters.  My husband and I decided to acquire a couple of horses for the purpose of trail riding. Little did we know what all was involved.  Neither one of us had much experience at all with horses.  After much searching we decided on Tennessee Walkers and after much more searching we found Tex and his wife Sheri and their son Brandon Carpenter.  We were so impressed with their training methods.  The training we received from them over a course of a couple of months was awesome.  We pulled our motor home to Tex and Sheri’s place several times, sometimes staying for almost a week.  They took us in like family.  We bought Chrystal from Tex and Image from Brandon.  We spent hours watching at the round pen and then finally getting into the round pen and learning the training techniques so that we’d know what to do with Chrystal and Image after getting them home.  We spent hours riding the horses with Tex and Brandon by our sides, coaching, training and encouraging.  Finally, the last visit, they took us on a weekend trip to the Belt Mountains where they taught us how to make a base camp including stringing a high line.

They took us on a trail where they showed us what the horses were capable of doing and also what we were capable of doing.

One of the things that impressed me the most, was the way they instilled confidence in Larry and I.  We were so new at horseback riding that Larry looked for a seatbelt the first time he climbed into the saddle.  I looked for any way but up.  Many times I’d say, “no way, I’m not doing that” and Tex would gently, but firmly tell me I could, and sure enough, after enough encouraging I could.  People ask us how old our horses are and we tell them 2 years old.

They think we’re crazy for riding 2 year olds.  We invited our neighbor to come and ride our horses sometime and he said, sure I’d love to.  He then asked how old they were and we said they were 2 year olds.  He looked quite taken back and said to offer again in about 10 years.  A few weeks later we again saw our neighbor and he commented on how well behaved our horses were.  He then changed his mind and said he’d like to ride one of them.  Tex, Sheri & Brandon all showed us how to be safe and they do a lot of extra training with their horses to make sure they are safe, gentle and fun to ride.

We’ve ridden the horses a lot in the last few months and have gotten them unintentionally on some pretty rough trails and in some tight situations.  One time Image, Larry’s horse got his feet all tangled up in a log and some debris that they were crossing.  Down they went.  Most horses would have struggled and caused a very bad wreck.  However, Image lay still and waited for Larry to dismount and then as Larry gently talked to him, he was able to get up and let Larry help him get untangled.  Image didn’t struggle at all.  We were so impressed with this behavior.  There are so many things that Tex and Brandon do in their training that makes our horses safer and a lot of fun to ride.

So, here we are, my husband and I, taking our young horses on the trails and having a great time, because of the extra time they spent with us and our horses.  I wouldn’t even consider a horse from anyone else.  Not to mention the beautiful running walk we’re privileged to experience.  Any anytime we have questions, they’re easily available via e-mail or the phone.  We have some wonderful horses and we’ve made some lifelong friends.  

I have wanted a horse since I was 10 years old.  I am now 35 years old and have bought my first horse from Tex and Sheri Carpenter.  They took the time to listen and, to get to know me personally.  At the time I was not sure why this was necessary, but I now realize how important that was.  Withoug going into detail, I was having HUGE problems with my 14 year old stepdaughter.  Tex explained the importance of the compatability of the horse and rider.  He will not sell a horse to just anyone.  First and foremost for the horse's well being and the riders.  In my case it was a lot more involved.  It was Equine Therapy.  When you purchase a horse from the Carpenters they give you the training you need.  Not being around horses at all, Tex and I were off to the round pen with Ebony's Lovely Emily for my first lesson.  Tex barely got the gate shut when I jumped and started to run and Emily was right behind me.  Tex let us go round and round for a few laps and then said "if you stop so will she.  She thinks you are chasing her."  We all got a great laugh and I learned my first lesson.  I needed to relax.  The next few lessons Tex put me on several different horses so see what my feeling was and what I thought.  It took me a while to get my feet, seat and hands, but Tex was very patient.  I just recall thinking there is a alot to remember to riding a horse.  Now it is second nature.  Wanting to learn more, I took Brandon's packing class.  What a great experience.  You learn a lot more than just packing.  I am very excited to take more of his classes.  A month after Brandon's pa cking class Tex called to see if I wanted to go on a pack trip.  I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would ever use the packing part of the class.  Justin Carpenter needed to do some training with a horse he was going to sell and needed time on it in the mountains.  June 30th 2004 we were off to the Burris Trail.  We made great time going in, setting up camp and even did a little fishing for our dinner.  On the way out, on the other hand, I had a first hand experience on what can happen in just a split second!  Tex's packhorse, Bootstrap, lost it's hind footing and ended up upside down with only a loose log holding him from going down the mountain.  Tex and Justin were off their horses in seconds to talk to Bootstrap and keep him calm.  That l;eft me holding three horses.  Bootstrap was perfectly still until Justin got the packs off.  When Tex gave Bootstrap the Okay he got back on his feet.  In all the commotion 5 dirt bikes came racing up the path.  My first thought was- here we go - I am walking out and I hate hiking!  All the horses stood very patient while we repacked Bootstrap.  We let the dirt bikes pass and we were on our way.  After the weekend was over there was no question in my mind that I want a Hayhook Tennessee Walker.  I have 3 girls ages 10, 13 and 15 that are all novice rider.  A horse with this kind of training was a must!  In August I decided on Ebony'sLovely Emily.  The girls ride Emily bareback with only a halter and a lead rope.  Experienced riders tell me that I am crazy to put my kids on a 4 year old horse, until they witness for their own eyes that this horse is so great that the girls can handle her all by themselves.  They help with every aspect of this horse.  That does not mean that something cannot go wrong, but I trust Emily with my kids.  Tex is always there to answer all of my questions.  I have recently joined the Laurel saddle club.  Some of the riders and I have been on a few day rides.  The first question is - how old is your horse, and the second is- how long have you been riding?  Many think that I have been riding all my life and that Emily is 15 - 20 years old.  I just smile.  The third question is "IS SHE FOR SALE"?  These large animals can sense things in you before you do.  Emily and I share many laughs, hugs, tears, long walks and talks.  It is just something about the smell of a horse.  Words cannot explain what the Carpenters and this horse have done for me.  Carpenters are a part of our family.  One thing is for sure - we will be buying another horse from them.  We are looking forward to many years of pleasure and friendship.

Thank you again to your whole family for all of your hard work and dedication.  We love you and God Bless!