Testimonials
"Samara creates a fun, low-pressure environment that supports skill development and builds confidence. Her strong work ethic and positive presence in the barn help foster a welcoming, supportive community among her students. Personally, she helped me rebuild my confidence and rediscover my love of riding that led to great success both in and outside of the show ring."
~ Robyn Walker
"What I love most about Samara’s program is her commitment to training each student as an individual. Her program isn’t a one size fits all approach, as instead she tailors training to the individual and unique needs of her students and their horses. I’ve seen huge improvements in my riding in my time so far with Samara, as she’s taught me key skills both over fences and on the flat to help me get the best performance out of both my horse and myself. Samara’s given me the tools I needed to reach my riding goals in a positive and encouraging way, while always making sure the wellbeing of myself and my horse is at the forefront of her program. Regardless of me winning a class or having mistakes during a competition, Samara will always give me feedback in a positive, intentional and confidence building manner, which is one of her greatest strengths as it helps me to learn from both my best and worst rounds. I’m very thankful for Samara’s ability to push me to ambitious goals while balancing the importance of loving our horses and finding joy in both the highs and lows of the sport."
~ Allison Reid
"I moved to Praktical Equestrian to train with Samara in 2022 with my beautiful warmblood Billy, a horse full of personality. I knew I needed extra support training Billy to reach his full potential in his equestrian career. From the moment I began training with Samara, I felt confident that I was in the right program. Her approach immediately helped me grow as a rider, allowing me to further develop my skills as an equestrian athlete. Samara maintains the ability to allow her students to work towards their goals while prioritizing the health and fitness of the horses. Since joining Praktical Equestrian, my horse looks and feels incredible. Thanks to Samara, riding has continued to be a source of joy in my life. I am so grateful to be part of such a thoughtful and supportive training program.
The Praktical Equestrian training program has allowed me to focus on knowledge and discernment for horses through horsemanship while having fun in a safe, supportive environment."
~ Megan Janz
"After knowing Samara for over a decade it is my pleasure to be able to talk about, among her many other attributes as a trainer, her positive influence and patient manner in starting my young horse. Throughout the process I never doubted her program, and neither it seems did my young mare who Samara set up for success from the first day onwards. Samara has been involved in every step of her training from an un-started youngster to being the jockey in the saddle when they won every class in their division at a rated show a few years later.
Samara’s uncanny ability to think outside the box and adapt to what the individual horse requires was exactly what my horse needed and allowed her to thrive within her own personality and strengths and become a great partner to ride.
As well, Samara’s ability to take even a hint of pressure and fear out of the initial training stages and introduce new concepts when my mare showed she was ready for the next step helped her become the confident, well mannered, and impeccably trained horse she is."
~ Alixe Cameron
"Samara has been one of the most influential people in my riding career. After a serious accident, she helped me rebuild my confidence and return to riding. From cantering over poles again to competing at the 1.15m level, she supported me every step of the way. Even on the hardest days, Samara was always there—for both me and my horses—and I always felt like I had someone truly in my corner. Leaving her when I moved away was one of the toughest parts. I can’t recommend Samara enough!"
~ Brianna Johnson
"I joined Samara's program four years ago, and in that time, l've been able to have her guidance for several horses. Samara has pushed me to achieve goals I once thought weren't possible, always offering unwavering support for both me and my horses. What I truly appreciate about her program is how personalized it is—it's never a 'one-size-fits-all' approach.
Horsemanship is always the top priority, and I trust that Samara will always put the needs of both me and my horses first. Her support over the years has been invaluable, and I can confidently say that I wouldn't be the rider I am today without her guidance. Not only has she helped me grow as a rider, but she's also helped me build confidence in both myself and my horses."
~ Amanda Easthom
