Heather and "Im Fine Leah"

Heather Oakes, Trainer/Manager

Raised with horses, Heather started riding at the age of 5 and entered her first show when she was 7.  Very active in 4-H and owned her first horse when she was 11, winning her first Grand Champion trophy. She knew she could not live without working with horses so she continued on to college at The University of Findlay and her entire life revolves around horses.

EDUCATION

2001-2003: Magna Cum Laude graduate from The University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio.

Associates of Arts in Equestrian Studies with a Western Emphasis and business courses.

Findlay instructors include Clark Bradley(2002 AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year), Steve Brown(AQHA Judge), Cindy Morehead, Jan Ladd-Roeder, Liz Flohr, Roger Landis, and Dan Huss

2001: Attended the All American Quarter Horse Congress

2002: Attended the Equine Affaire, Columbus, Ohio

2004: Attended the Equine Affaire, Springfield, Massachusetts

2005: Attended the Equine Affaire, Columbus, Ohio

2006: Demo at PA Horse World, Clinic in Missouri and California, Demo at Western States Horse Expo, Clinic in Edinborogh, Clinic in New York, Clinic in Texas

2008: Judged 4-H horse show in Stocktan, NY

The University of Findlay Curriculum

The training portion of the western equestrian studies program focuses on showmanship, horsemanship, colt breaking, western pleasure, trail, cutting, reining, and hunter under saddle.  The University of Findlay trainers included Clark Bradley, Steve Brown, Dan Huss, Cindy Morehead, Jan Ladd-Roeder, and Roger Landis.  Other areas covered include developing a general background in practical farm and stable management and developing effective oral and written communication skills pertaining to the horse industry.  In addition, customer relation skills are stressed as well as the production of a horse which is marketable and easily ridden by prospective buyers.  A complete equine science curriculum is also taken in conjunction with the training sequence.

Introduction to Equine Science

Equine Selection and Judging

Principles of Equine Nutrition

Physiology of Equine Reproduction

Introduction to Therapeutic Riding

Fundamentals of Horse Handling and Training

Introduction to General Horse Training

Basic Colt Training

Basic Colt Training II

Horse Club

WORK HISTORY

2001-2002: Stablehand at K & S Stables; duties included cleaning stalls, feeding & watering, turn-out, lunging and riding horses

2001-2003: Stablehand at The University of Findlay; duties included cleaning stalls, feeding & watering, and general upkeep of the farm

2003-2004: Assistant Trainer and Riding Instructor for AQHA Judge Sherrye Johnson-Trafton at Sable Oak Equestrian Center, Brunswick, Maine; duties included running the business in owner’s absence, training client’s horses, giving riding lessons, prepare horses for show(AQHA), take horses to shows, coach clients at show, feed and give medical attention

2005-2008:  Work part-time for Brenda Imus, nationally known gaited horse trainer, duties include taking care of her 18+horse farm, breaking and training of her gaited horses, driving truck and trailer across the country to Equine Affaire’s, Expo’s and Clinics, assisting in giving demonstrations at clinics and expos

TRAINING AND SHOWING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

**4-H Grand Champion**Assisted in training the 2003 Justin Rookie of the Year horse(Truly Vested) and rider(Mary-Jo Hamilton)**Successfully shown in many AQHA shows in Halter, Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle with a championship in Halter**Shown in the P.O.N.Y. circuit in Halter, Western Pleasure, and Trail**2004 APHA Grand Champion Junior Horse**2004 APHA Winner of the Revolving Trail Award**2008 P.O.N.Y. Grand Champion Yearling Halter horse**2008 P.O.N.Y. Reserve Champion AQHA Halter horse**2008 John A. Sundlov Revolving trophey for high point yearling**P.O.N.Y. Reserve Champion Jr. Halter horse**

MEMBERSHIPS

**American Quarter Horse Association**American Paint Horse Association**Lake Erie Paint Horse Club**

**Empire State Paint Horse Club**