Tempo Horsemanship 214 Binowee Drive, Googong, New South Wales 2620

"I am amazed at Claire's Tempo Training techniques. I helped a friend some weeks ago to transport her quarter horse, Spartan for re-education at Claire's. Spartan had been professionally broken in two years ago and the trainer back then had ruefully explained that Spartan is a great little horse but he couldn't get the buck out of him. Spartan was acutely girthy and virtually unrideable. With the wrong rider he could exhibit unbelievable bucking bronco displays. When we arrived Claire immediately started a desensitising program. It was engrossing to watch her skill as she worked with Spartan using just a lasso. He took his cues from her, and she just as intently was ready to release pressure when he submitted. When we left Claire was confident that this smart little horse would become a safe riding horse. We picked him up just over a week ago, and sure as her word, Spartan now has no signs of girthiness and bucking appears to be a thing of the past. I have put up with several girthy horses over my horsey lifetime, believing that girthiness was a fault that some horses had and others didn't. I cringe now thinking about all those hours of lunging which went into overcoming my horses' humpy backs. If only I had met Claire 50 years ago!"

"I have known Claire for well over ten years and she has trained over half a dozen of our ponies, taking the majority from essentially unhandled to under saddle and beyond. Claire has an intuitive understanding of horses which is complimented by her extensive knowledge base and experience. It is amazing to witness how she understands what they are thinking and can predict their reactions, and how she works naturally with the horse to create willing, cooperative horses that are enjoyable to work with. One of our ponies posed particular challenges that did not faze Claire at all. She took him to a level of capability and confidence that I had previously doubted that he was capable of. He now enjoys a wonderful partnership with his rider and has mastered several disciplines. In addition to her profound skill with horses, Claire is one of the most honest and trustworthy people that I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. She regularly goes beyond expectation and consistently delivers. The friendship, support and advice she has provided me over the years is beyond what I ever hoped for and is always deeply appreciated."

"Claire has an incredible aptitude for working with horses and people. I have had the pleasure of knowing Claire since childhood, and in that time, I have watched her develop and refine her personal approach to horsemanship. Claire has a natural kindness towards the animals she works with, and this reflects in the results of her work – whether it be breaking in or starting horses, training, or teaching clients how to ride with confidence and to connect with their horse. Claire is gentle but confident in what she asks of her horses, and never uses harsh training methods. She has the experience and knowledge to tailer training programs to individual horses and riders, understanding that the character and needs of each animal and rider differs. I can’t recommend Claire Paton Horse Education highly enough. Her professionalism, work ethic, and methodology are incomparable. Your horse will become a safe, trusting companion that will work with you for the long haul, whether you ride for pleasure or in competitive pursuits."

"Claire and the team have done wonders with my brumby mare in a short amount of time, and I would strongly recommend Tempo Horsemanship to anyone needing a knowledgeable, reliable and highly skilled trainer for their horse. I sent Millie to Tempo Horsemanship having had minimal handling, and her history was not well known to me. This wasn’t an issue for Claire, and from day one Millie was treated as if she was her own. I expected to only get some basic handling done, but after working with Millie, Claire suggested we could proceed with the breaking process. Having watched her initial session and the progress even in such a short time I knew this is exactly where I wanted Millie to have her first rides! With the horses, Claire and the team demonstrated a high level of skill and horsemanship, communicating effectively and following a safe and well researched program to break down lessons in a way that the horse can easily understand. This has turned my timid, barely touchable brumby into a confident, inquisitive pony with the right tools in her toolbox to handle a variety of situations. Millie was taken on various rides, both on and off the property with float training thrown in as an unexpected bonus. Claire even kindly organised a dentist visit while Millie was there. She was returned to me a picture of health and very well loved during her stay. To top it off Claire was honest, understanding and prompt with all correspondence with me. I was included in the training journey with updates, videos and being able to sit in or participate in training sessions whenever I could. Claire was just as understanding of my needs as Millie’s and tailored her program to suit us both. Despite the incredibly wet weather during Millie’s stay, Claire persevered, offering extensions and discounts as applicable. This was not expected but very greatly appreciated. I was even able to attend a trail ride where Millie was being ridden, and was kindly lent a horse so I could participate. Included in the training package was an extensive lesson with Millie on her final day to prepare us for our journey together going forward. I feel like I’ve learnt as much as Millie! Overall, Millie and I had a wonderful experience with Tempo Horsemanship, and since have enjoyed our first rides at home together with confidence. I will not hesitate to contact Tempo Horsemanship in the future for any of my training needs."

"I have known Claire for the better part of ten years and have witnessed her long career with horses first hand. She has broken several of my own horses and I have watched and assisted her in breaking and training many others. We have competed together and taken many a trip to ride young horses in diverse environments. Claire has a natural aptitude for horsemanship, but beyond that, she possesses experience, understanding and passion beyond her years. She deeply understands the psychology of working with an animal, as well as the technical elements of horse education. When running a drill, she will take into account everything from the character of the horse to the manoeuvring of individual body parts. She enters into every new job with the philosophy that no horse is the same. Claire has an excellent work ethic, she does not quit until the job is done. She considers the well-being of the animal and the people working with it to be her highest priority. She deals with clients and colleagues with the utmost professionalism and goes above and beyond to ensure that her clients get the very best out of her service. Honesty is very important to Claire and this is reflected in all her dealings. I would trust Claire with any horse of my own in any situation. I have learned so much about horsemanship from her over the years and I have witnessed her expertise help many others. I cannot recommend her highly enough."