References

February 2025

Nathel Anderson



"I sent my horse to Robin for 2 months because he had a bad bucking problem that was injuring riders. He was spooky, reactive and would dangerously explode. Robin and his crew were able to identify the problem and work with my horse to help him learn that exploding was not the answer. There was a dramatic noticeable difference at week 3. They were able to teach him lots of new things and help build his confidence, not to mention get him in very good shape in 60 days from the trails.

A side effect of sending him off to Robin was that they also helped build my own confidence. I was scared of my horse and lacking the skills to face my riding problems. They taught me how to shut down bucks, be a confident rider and problem solve through different scenarios. It has now been a little over 1 month since my horse has been back, and I am so so so happy I sent him there. We are both more confident, he is way less reactive, and I came back a completely different rider. I no longer fear my own horse. I can’t recommend Robin and his crew enough!"

(2024)

Bernice Meyer, Zimmerman MN. 55398

28218 112th Street NW

Great BIG thank you to Robin Secrist with everything he has done for me.  I had been looking for a nice riding horse to call my next soul mate - a friend of mine had her horse at Robins for training and she said "I saw Robin working with this horse and he is so nice - you need to come and check him out!" 

Not only I got to see some first hand training but Robin took my daughter and myself with others on the most beautiful trail ride. I bought the horse on the spot. Then my daughter was looking at the other horse for sale so we did another trail ride and she rode him. Bought TWO horses that day. Very nice trained horses.

I had a TWH at home that I now needed to sell no fault of his own and asked Robin if he could sell him for me and he did. First person to ride him bought him.

End of the day. I'm so impressed with Robin. Kind hand with all the horses. He knows their language. He is an awesome trainer and a true unique horse person.   I'm so happy I know Robin! Kudos to Robin ❤️(2024) Toni L Gillen

I want to give a shout out to Robin Secrist, horse trainer of R&K Ranch for the help he has given me with my young Missouri Fox Trotter Mare. She is the third horse that I have had Robin train.

I purchased this mare two years ago when she was 4 years old. At that time, it was told to me that she had six months of riding on her. I rode her before I bought her, and she did great. Brought her home, tried to ride her and she was terrified of everything, would bolt, and go crazy. Decided to let her fatten up and mature for two years and sent her to Robin for restart training this spring. He kept her for six weeks and worked to get her to trust riders and got her desensitized and ridable again.

The added bonus was that he worked with me to get my confidence back in riding her once again. He did an awesome job! My Mare is becoming the riding partner I had first planned her to be.

Thank you, Robin, for all of your help! You truly do have a way with horses!

(2024)

Great BIG thank you to Robin Secrist with everything he has done for me.  I had been looking for a nice riding horse to call my next soul mate - a friend of mine had her horse at Robins for training and she said "I saw Robin working with this horse and he is so nice - you need to come and check him out!"

(2024)

Not only I got to see some first hand training but Robin took my daughter and myself with others on the most beautiful trail ride. I bought the horse on the spot. Then my daughter was looking at the other horse for sale so we did another trail ride and she rode him. Bought TWO horses that day. Very nice trained horses. 

(2024)

I had a TWH at home that I now needed to sell no fault of his own and asked Robin if he could sell him for me and he did. First person to ride him bought him. 

(2024)

End of the day. I'm so impressed with Robin. Kind hand with all the horses. He knows their language. He is an awesome trainer and a true unique horse person.  I'm so happy I know Robin! Kudos to Robin 

TONYA MYREN (2024)

If you’re looking for someone who knows how to rehome your horse, Robin Secrist is your guy. He sold my mare in two weeks and she went to a good home where she will have a job. Robin is wonderful to work with, he knows horses and he knows people. Thank you Robin for helping me out, I sure appreciate it.

SAM SACFFADI (2022)

Merrill WI

There is an old western song. I can’t remember the name, can’t remember all the words, or who wrote it or who sang it. What I do remember the song was about growing old in the saddle and the lyrics told the story of a 70-year-old Cowboy who was the one riding the colt when the men rode out in the morning. The songwriter felt that this old Cowboy was taking unnecessary risks. I look at this from a slightly different perspective.

I’m 66 years old (almost 70) and I have been a Horseman for a long time and ridden for many miles. Throughout the years I’ve had a lot of horses, some were good, others were not often because the new horse I picked proved to be someone else’s problem. Really, at my age I have had enough of that, Robin Secrist has helped the issues with my horses and my own horsemanship tremendously. 

Now with Robin’s help, I plan to fill my string with the best horses I’ve ever had. I’ve found a breeding program that I like and have picked up a weanlings for very reasonable money. One weanling each of the last 3 years and plan to do more.  I drop off each weanling at Robins right after I pick them up from the breeder. There they get a month of basic training and then I bring them home and let them be a horse for a while.

At age one, I bring them back to Robin for a couple weeks refresher course.

A third round of training begins between 1-1/2 and 2 years old, this is when we start riding them. When I bring them home, following Robin’s instructions, I try to ride them 6-10 minutes a day. At this time, they learn that leaving the barn is not such a scary thing. Because of the foundation that Robin gives them, they really learn fast at this age even with just short lessons each day.

Before age 2 they are crossing water, crossing bridges and other obstacles. They do this willingly; they do not have to be forced. If problems arise along the way, I can bring them back for a quick tune up and/or call Robin for advice.

So, what does this have to do with the old Cowboy in the song? These horses are young, they occasionally find something to spook at. The spooks have been mild and controlled. They have never offered to buck or rear, they are true partners. At aged 2-1/2 my colt acts like a seasoned trail horse. I have never felt unsafe or like a bomb was about to go off. I allow my grandchildren to ride on them.

As I said in the beginning, with Robin’s colt training program as the basis for my training, when I’m 70, I expect to be still “riding the colt”.
 

JACQUELINE O’KEEFFE (2023)

Kinsale, Southern Ireland

Thank you so much for suggesting for Robin to come over to Ireland. We got there in the end with our horse Deco! I must say he was much better the first time round when Robin went through everything with him, the second time round, he was getting bolshy!!
 

I was very impressed by Robin, just wonderful, I learnt an awful lot. I videoed a good bit so I’m keen to just put in the work every day for the next couple of weeks and see how we go, I just found the whole thing fascinating, I could listen to Robin forever.

Dawson was telling us he might come back next summer how exciting would that be! I told him he has a bed in Leap if he wants or needs it. We all feel so enriched having met them both and the knowledge they brought. It’s wonderful to learn a whole other approach to horsemanship.
 

RACHEL, TIME, KALI & MAYA (2023)

LEAP- Southern Ireland

Dearest Robin and Dawson, we haven’t stopped talking about you since you left. We are all blown away by your skills and innate understanding and communication and bond with horses. It was just awe-inspiring to watch you communicate so clearly and beautifully with candy and to watch her instantly trust and “speak” back to you. We are all so moved by what we witness today and feel so blessed and fortunate that our paths crossed with yours. The words thank you just can’t express the gratitude we have for you and all the wisdom you imparted so generously and openly. Not to mention how immensely generous it was of you to give us so much of your precious vacation time. Thank you so so much Robin & Dawson .
 

Kali was helping a man who had issues loading his mare with your techniques and we showed him the videos too. He practiced all day today and managed to load his very difficult pony into the box today. He’s delighted ye guys are amazing!

Kali had also used your techniques for candy with the box every time and it works a treat. We can’t believe the difference and with each time Kali grows more and more confident thank you so so much! Any chance you have room for another apprentice. She absolutely loves it and is growing in confidence each day. You have shown her a whole new way of training and communicating with horses that makes sense to her. I can’t thank you enough for your coaching and mentoring. It’s a game changer.

KATIE TANNER

Lisbon, ND
 

Five Stars for Robin

Robin Secrist has trained two horses for me in the last few years, and I could not have been happier with how those horses turned out. His training methods are consistent and logical and resulted in just what I was looking for, steady and savvy trail horses. Robin is very willing to share his training methods and he is a natural teacher. I learned something every time I got to work with him. 

Robin has now managed the sale of one of those horses for me, and again he was a pro, kept me updated at every step of the way. I can recommend Robin for professional training as well as sale management without reservation.

RHONA OLSON

Hilldale, WI

I have sent Robin eight 2-year-olds over the past six years. The solid foundation established by Robin’s training in the first 30 days gives our BARREL RACING prospects the best possible start on their path to success!  Robin doesn’t simply train our horses and send them home; he empowers us with knowledge so we can continue their education. 

LISA

Fairbolt, MN

We have had multiple horses (gaited Tennessee walkers) trained by Robin. I have been very happy with all of them 7 colts were started by Robin. These horses are like our kids. I know Robin will and has always treated them right.

He breaks a horse, not the ‘spirit’ of a horse. He is very trustworthy man with your horse. He earns the respect and trust of a horse and passes that on to the owners.  He gives us a lot of patient training for us people, along with the horses. We learn something new every time we ride with Robin.

TONI VONRUDEN

Greenwood, SC

I have had the extreme pleasure of knowing Robin for the last 10 years, and I must say till this day he still amazes me of his God given talent of working with the horse!

I first met Robin when I was given a “free” horse and I needed someone that could see what this horse was all about. Was it trained, and how trained was she? Robin mentioned to me after just a few encounters of me working with the horse that “she may not be my horse”. Those were harsh words to swallow and some may say cruel however, Robin has the incredible sense of what the horse needs and what the human can offer. Robin was 100% correct. That horse and I were a dangerous combination and with my head hanging low and feeling defeated I let her go and sold her. 

What I learned from this experience was a life changer! I learned to be a better horse person, and I learned about myself and my abilities and where I wanted to be in my journey of horse ownership. It was and still is an incredible learning experience and I owe it all to Robin.

Still to this day I ask Robin for his guidance and assistance. I was not born with the talent that he has; I am all thumbs when working with the horse. Robin taught me that it’s OK and as long as I keep trying, I will improve and the horse is going to be so much better for my persistence!

LA COOK

Diamond Bluff, WI

Robin Secrist: the man, the myth, the legend. I am 64 years old; I have known about Robin and his family most all of my life; I grew up in a small river town not all that far from Alma. Not to mention Robin was born into a horse family, and my grandpa knew Robin’s dad, as we all know the horse community is a small world. In my early teens, I learned of Robin personally, not for his excellence as a horseman, but for his awesomeness as a High School Wrestler. Wrestling is a sport much like horses, it isn’t about if you get hurt but when, and is that hurt going to teach you and make you stronger and wiser or are you going to throw in the towel? Robin is not a person who throws in the towel, nope one way or another he is going to achieve his goals. Later on, I met Robin personally, and we shared some mutual friends, one being his wife Kay of over 40 years now. (Again, a testament to Robin’s dedication and commitment).

In the last 30 years, I have recommended anyone saying I need a trainer, to Robin Secrist in Alma. I do not recommend him because he is a friend, but because this man knows his business. He has a lot of old-school ways that work, but with his age and experiences his wisdom and knowledge have expanded and his toolbox and tricks in the magic hat have also expanded.

I put my money where my mouth is as well. Not only have I and do I and will I recommend Robin as a trainer for anyone wanted a well-rounded trained horse that knows how to behave and knows what is expected of them, I have taken my own animal to Robin. A few years back I decided to take on a 4-year-old unbroke very big Mammoth Donkey and turn him into a trail riding mount. 9 months into his training I was at a standstill or a checkmate with his training and moving forward. I called Robin, he found the time to get the donkey in, 28 days later Donkey came home a smarter, more reliable, and more willing mount. The stand still had been worked through with Robin and his staff and I was pleased and am riding this big donkey with ease.

If you were to ever attend one of the 3 organized rides that Robin has at his ranch every year, the big one 1^st weekend in Aug, then one in Jan and another in Feb. Every single person is there because they have had a horse or mule or donkey trained by Robin. Just the volume of people and the HUGE success of the rides is the greatest testament any trainer could ever receive, the proof is in the pictures at least over the internet. I am grateful for Robin and all of his knowledge and experiences, and I even smile at his stories, yes Robin can tell a story like no other, just more of his charm!!!

HANNAH CISEWSKI

Winona, MN

Before meeting Robin I had only stepped a toe into the horse world. I am 43 years old and have not ridden horses my whole life like everybody else. My daughter started riding and eventually we bought a horse for her. To be able to encourage my daughter, I needed a horse for myself so we could ride the trails at home together. I joined all the horse groups on Facebook, and somehow came along Robin's name as a recommendation in the comments. I was excited because I live only 30 minutes away. I cold called Robin, told him my story, that I am green as green gets. He had a horse already in his program that I decided to purchase.

After Robin saw me ride the first time, I think he regretted that! He encouraged my participation as much as possible, and told me honestly that I had so much to learn. I joined my horse in his program. (Included with the training price!!) For eight weeks, every day I went to Robins and rode with him for three hours. He started me off easy, but quickly and gently pushed me forward. Almost like he does with the horses! He explained everything step by step in easy-to-understand language. He does not have a secret training program that he doesn't want you to know. He wants you to learn and comprehend everything he is teaching you and the horse. For me, I learned how conscientious of my body language I needed to be. And I learned what to look for in the horse's body language. Among a million other things. Throughout this training, I am so fortunate to be able to say that not only do I have an amazing horse mentor, I found myself a really amazing friend too. 
 

MIKE DAVIS

Kellogg, MN

I met Robin in the fall of 2010. I brought two 2-year-old mares to him for saddle training. Best decision I ever made with my horses.  I’d had horses since fall of 1989 when my daughter finally talked me into buying her a horse after a year or so of working me over – I thought I hated horses based on my own childhood experience. She and her horse taught me I was wrong, by the summer we had 4 in our family.

After 20 years with my own horses, I found from Robin that I still had plenty to learn about horses and horsemanship. You get more from taking a horse to Robin than a better horse, if you pay attention and let him show you; you will come away with much more. Robin has trained 9 horses for me and tuned up a couple of others. They are all dependable riding horses, no bucking or rearing, they stand for saddling and load in trailers just fine too.

More recently I have taken a weanling to Robin and that little filly came home a transformed horse, she will go back when aged Two for saddle training. I have a mare due in April, her foal will be going to Robin at weaning time because I now think that this can start a horse out right for a life of being a great riding horse. When you horse is broke on the wooded hill trails and water crossings at Robins, it exposes them to most anything they will encounter trail riding, including mountain like hill trails. For me this has always been money well worth spending on my horses.

SAM SCAFFIDI (2024)

Merrill, WI

We spent the last two days riding in Tennessee. The little guy is doing fantastic! Thank you so much!!!

That little horse is doing great. We have worked it in the arena twice and taken it on two trail rides since leaving you Friday. He’s a very confident, happy little guy.

We had a minor spook today but it was mor funny than anything. We were riding the 3-mile trail north of Merrill. Someone put a life size plastic skeleton in the crotch of a tree holding a can of beer. Ghost spooked first and wind followed. Nothing more than a spook in place.

Thank you again!

CELENA KUKER

Cadott, WI

Robin started and trained both of my young horses. I recommend him above anyone else. He has built a strong foundation with groundwork for them and he has always given advice along the way when I needed it. Plus I love to ride his trails and enjoy the annual August ride at his ranch … 5 stars I say.

CARMEN QUANDAHL

Decorah IA

For more than a decade, I have been sending my young horses to Robin, to help prepare them for their future careers. They typically go three times as they grow up: as a yearling, at two, and then again as a three-year-old.

In the disciplines I raise my horses for (Dressage, Jumping, Eventing) a horse cannot be a robot. What I like most about Robin's training is that the horses learn to think, process, and make good decisions - not just made to be 'obedient.' My horses come home prepared to work and learn.

The stallion is really doing well. We’ve had a few moments, but he comes back and by the end of the session is paying attention. I’m quite happy with him.

WILLOW THE PAINTED PONY

This guy basically got me my horse! She was very difficult before she came here and when I when there when she was basically done with training, I found out I was leasing her!

NAN OSTERHOUDT

We just had our mare started by Robin. Couldn't wish for a better experience!

SUPER PIANO MAN 25

Yay Robin you are the best boss ever!

REBECCA GRAY

Rebecca Gray - rlg.np.cnm@gmail.com

Robin and his colleagues have trained four of our horses. Two of them were adults and he helped “tune them up “. He’s done a great job. He has had our babies as yearlings and long two year olds and they are started on the saddle. Robin is someone that you can safely send your horses to and know that he is doing an excellent foundation job with the horses.

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