Lesson and Training Testimonials
"Coming to RPF SportHorses under the supervision of Kelly and Courtney has been a wonderful experience. I started coming to them with no concept of bend, half-halts, etc. struggling to be successful in the show ring at Training and First Level dressage desiring to be successful in the lower level eventing world as I have an older guy who like to jump for fun. When I went off to school I chose to send him to Kelly and Courtney for training so he could remain in shape and begin to learn more movements. He truly is a different horse than he was four years ago when I brought him for camp with Kelly and her team for the first time. I recommend RPF to everyone I get a chance to because of the success I have had with my older guy. They are truly wonderful people with a great amount of knowledge with the desire of success. I have never been so happy with my horse."
-Rebecca Banta
Golde and Rebecca Labor of Love 2017 Training Level
Golde and Rebecca June Warhorse Maiden Level
"Fancy experienced recurring back pain and soundness issues over the years that I have owned her. We had been training and competing with Kelly and the team for a little over a year and a half when her back discomfort and soundness issues really began to worsen and create more issues. After consulting multiple veterinarians, sports medicine vet, Dr. Kate Workman, diagnosed Fancy with severe arthritis from her saddle area back. She was also diagnosed as having the tip of one of the cartilaginous caps in her spine being completely broken off at the base of her withers. Dr. Workman recommended a strict rehab program with Kelly managing the under saddle portion. Fancy stayed with Kelly for about 2 months and we saw excellent progress. I saw a night and day difference between the Fancy that I left and the Fancy that I brought home with me 2 months later. She is overall much happier, more comfortable, and she is currently in the best shape she’s been in the 5 years that I have owned her. It truly makes my heart swell with joy to have my horse back and better than ever. I owe it all to Kelly and Courtney, and I can never thank them enough for all they’ve done for us."
-Claire Buck
Claire and Fancy at one of their first shows.
Claire and Fancy at Warhorse 2020.
"Kelly Bauer at RPF Sport Horses is an amazing trainer who is dedicated to the development of the riders and horses in her program. She has completely transformed our mare, Pearl. Upon entering her program Pearl was very unsure and spooky. She struggled with maintaining balance in her gaits and was out of shape. Kelly completely revamped Pearl’s training and Pearl has become a pleasure to ride. She’s gained confidence in herself and is balanced and getting lighter in the bridle each day. Pearl is currently competing in Maiden horse trials with Kelly’s daughter, Courtney Bauer, and is excelling in her new job. Kelly truly is a brilliant horse woman and we’re so pleased with all of the hard work she’s done on Pearl. Not only has she done phenomenal work with our horse, she has been working extensively with me to help regain my confidence on Pearl. Kelly truly meets the riders where they are on their riding journey to help work out the kinks. This has been monumental for me. I am a nervous rider and I often felt that I would never be able to ride my mare with confidence. Every lesson with Kelly, I move ever closer to realizing the goals I have for Pearl and I. Coming to RPF Sport Horses was the best decision we have ever made for both Pearl and I. The Smith Family would like to offer Kelly and Courtney our warmest gratitude for allowing us to be under the tutelage of Kelly and her exceptional program."
-The Smith Family
Pearl in 2019 after coming into the lives of the Smith Family.
Pearl showing with Courtney Bauer at Warhorse in September 2021
"Kelly and CJ have taken my baby from the beginning, breaking her and teaching her to trust humans. They have done a wonderful job and Lena will be going to her first horse show next month, we are very excited and thankful to them. Not only do they train but they also care for her like she is one of theirs. I would recommend this duo to all, they are professional,caring and great at what they do."
-Sherry Roberge
One of Lena's first rides with Courtney.
"As I order pictures I am reflecting on 2021 Sporthorse nationals. It was a special one for sure ! I mean how often do mother and daughter BOTH win national championships. Anybody that knows Madison and me knows we do a lot of arguing and fussing with each other at horseshows.We really do love each other though! This was also special because both horses have had issues that sidelined them in the past. Mercury has been to the vet school with his peculiar ailments so often they know him by name. Austin had a suspensory issue that caused him to miss two years in the show ring. I hand walked him twice a day for a year during his recovery. Then six weeks before nationals he was diagnosed with ulcers. We thankfully got through that with plenty of gastroguard! Special thanks to Kelly Thrasher Bauer and her daughter Courtney for taking them the month before Nationals to work the kinks out and get them in great shape for the week long show. Madison and I are so lucky to have these horses in our lives and be able to show them at this level."
-Winston Dwyer
Madison and Mercury Rising KE and Winston and Maugical Powers in their rosetts after winning National Champion Titles!
"We were completely new to the horse world four months ago when we first met Courtney. We decided to schedule a riding lesson for our eight year old who has always loved horses from afar. We are so happy we did. Courtney has been a wonderful trainer. She’s a perfect combination of educator, confidence, strength, knowledge, talent, and patience. We are very pleased how much our daughter has learned and the confidence she’s gained!"
-Angie Abel
Alexa in a lesson on Good Girl Pearl!