Client Testimonials

“I met Kacey for the first time when we were both in high school at a small show, at a barn in Ft. Madison, Iowa. I watched her excel in all classes, and I remember being in awe of how well she rode the courses. Throughout the years I’ve watched her progress and successes in the horse industry. And when I finally got my own horse, I knew if he ever needed a little extra help, I’d send him to the person I trusted most, Kacey. Angus, my Tennessee Walker was gifted to me when he was only 2 1/2. I knew he’d be an excellent trail horse, but he just needed to learn every twig snap, or water crossing wasn’t the end of the world. I had to undergo a major spinal injury and surgery the summer after I got him, so I wanted to make sure he was safe for me to blaze the trails the following year. Kacey took him on for about a month and worked with him almost daily to make sure he was the perfect steed on the trails. And she more than exceeded my expectations, he became the best, most trustworthy trail partner a girl could ask for. Even now, at his current owners, he’s still their “go to” trail horse. Not only is Kacey dependable, she’s caring, responsible, and extremely trustworthy. She will forever get my business whenever my horses need some fine tuning, or even breaking. ”

— Emmalea McElhinney & “Angus”
Discipline - Trail Riding · 2020

“I found Kacey on Facebook a couple of years ago - I believe she was just out of high school. She was in the same group about horses I was, I reached out to her and asked her if she would be willing to work with my girl; Amora. I had been watching some of the things she had been doing with her pony Tornado - I was very impressed. I am disabled and it is hard for me to get on and off my girl. Kacey agreed to help me - I hadn’t had Amora very long when I asked Kacey for her help. Amora was leery of people she didn’t know, but not with Kacey. She was comfortable with her. This put me at ease leaving my girl with her. Kacey kept me in the loop on how things were going at all times. Kacey had Amora laying down for you to mount in no time at all. Kacey is very talented, she has a good hand when working with your horse. I highly recommend her to everyone. She may be young but she is good. She has the true heart for the horse and her work shows it. A very satisfied customer. ”

— Faith Thomas & “Amora”
Refresher · 2020

“I engaged Kacey to work with my three year old gelding in June of 2022 for 30 days. I found her from a response she made to another person’s post looking for a trainer on Facebook. We corresponded back and forth many, many times before we made a commitment, many times during and even following. She was just 19 at the time so it seemed like a leap of faith to send my young horse her way. After getting to know her and the details of how she would use the time, my confidence grew that she would be a good choice and we met face-to-face for the first time as I delivered my gelding. From there, we kept in touch with questions, progress reports, comments, ideas, and many pictures until the day I picked him up. I was very happy with the 30 days Kacey used to get my horse going. She and I both rode him and talked about this and that. She told me areas he still needed help with. She was right and that came around later. I took him directly from her place to Shimek, rode in a group of 10, and we rode safely and confidently with only the 30 days as you would hope a young-just started horse would do. He had gotten some basics down and she had given me a place to continue. I rode him a few more times as a three- year-old and put him away to grow until he turned four. I was glad I took a risk on this young lady. She gets to know your horse and works with it and with you to bring them, and you, along. Thank you, Kacey. You had the natural ability to relate to my horse. You’re just beginning on a path to a successful career. I would refer others to check her out.”

— Susan K. Voss & “Soldier”
Colt Start · 2022

“When I fell in love with a green horse I wasn’t sure where to even start. Everyone always told me that a green rider and green horse don’t mix well. But that changed when I met Kacey. She said even though she’s not a fan of it she was up for the challenge because of the natural connection me and my 4 year old gelding “36 Red” had. I had never even been around a broke horse when I started working with Kacey, but I was anxious to learn because I loved the horse. I have never met someone who explained things so well and made sure all my questions were answered. Even though I was very scared during the whole learning what to do and what not to do, Kacey always made sure I felt safe and explained the “what if this happens” and what to do. I feel like I can trust Kacey with my life and my horse's life. She immediately had a great bond with my horse Red which really helped with the training process. Kacey has even helped me over the phone when I have sent her videos of something I was having trouble with, and she would talk and explain what she thought was going on. She has given me recommendations on stuff I had no knowledge on such as what saddles would work for me and my horse, what bit would work best with my horse. I had so much fun learning and bonding with my horse over these past few months and I seriously wouldn’t have been anywhere without Kacey, and I gained a great friend out of the deal. I would highly recommend her to anyone, she truly can work with any horse that’s put in front of her and one of the only people I'd ever trust with my horse.”

— Jocelyn Nelson & “36 Red”
Restart · 2022-2023

“I had contacted Southside Performance Horses in the fall of 2023. I had watched videos of Kacey training horses and liked the way she trained. We set up a date to bring my 3 year old gelding Strait up Pendleton over to be trained in the summer of 2024. I could not be any happier with the way he turned out! Kacey would keep me up to date every week with his training. I got pictures, videos and after some time got to go over and ride him. I was more than pleased with the way he turned out under her care. I was so pleased I booked 2 more horses with her for 2025!!!”

— Michelle Billeter & “Straight Up Pendlton”
Colt Start · 2024

“Last year we got in contact with Kacey about a 2yr old quarter horse she owned and had been training. Kacey was easy to talk to answered questions and asked questions. Asking questions to ensure the horse was going to an appropriate home especially since it was for an 8yr old, I will forever be thankful for that. She worked with Pepper for several months with soft hands, it’s my belief that this helped in grooming a trustworthy and calm horse. We took my 8yr old to test Pepper and see how they would connect knowing she wasn’t a finished horse they were fantastic together even with a minor rein drop on my daughter’s behalf the pair easily calmed. We left and discussed it as a family asking more questions, Kacey always answered to the best of her knowledge. After purchasing Pepper Kacey continued to answer questions to help easy the transition. Having Pepper on our property we could easily assess the soft yet steady handling/training she had received from Kacey’s training, it was truly a blessing, keeping in mind Pepper’s age and that some days will always be better than others the willingness to learn of this horse and the quietness of her toddler tantrums is 100% attributed to how Kacey started her."

—Sarah Myers & “Pepper” Private Sale · 2024

“I was looking for a new trail horse, for 2 years on and off. When Cali was offered I immediately went to look at her. Kacey was very knowledgeable about Cali, everything she told me about her is true. Cali is a very nice mare and was easy to do business with Kacey."

—Robyn Moresi & “Cali” Private Sale · 2025

“Kacey did absolutely WONDERFUL with my Tulio. Tulio needed a refresher, he had been started as a two year old, rode some for a few years, then basically left to pasture while my son went to college and started his family. I am over 50 and wanted him to be completely solid in every way. After only 30 days, Kacey had him riding confident and dependable. I was able to take him to Mt Rushmore a week after she finished with him, through the rocks, streams and prairie. He never had a misstep or bad moment. She made my spoiled 7yo pasture pet a real horse. I’ve had horses to other trainers, but have never seen one finished so solid and willingly. She’s great with communication and loved the videos I would get every few days with his progress. I HIGHLY recommend her and will definitely reach to her again to start other horses.”

—Sherri Hunt & “Tulio”
Refresher · 2025