Horse
Logo
Horseman
Connecting Professionals and Clients to form a team!

Karin Zehm

Owner and Head Trainer at Slick's Training Services

Karin Zehm profile picture

Education

Graduated 2018 at The University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT
Degree

References

Please sign the waiver to see trainer's references.

About

After graduating from the University of Montana Western I established Slick’s Training Services in 2020. I named this business after my first horse and the one I went through college with: Slick. He is all that I could ever ask out of a horse and has become the mold I hope to model every horse after. I've focused more on colt starts, two to three year olds, but do welcome leg ups and fine tuning! I have opportunities to work cows and find it crucial to ride in and out of the arena. Most of my riding ideas are based on basic ranch horse requirements such as riding out alone in any sort of country, opening gates, rope work, elements of reining, and basic cow-work consisting of cutting and trailing. I base my horsemanship on the language of horses. Herd dynamic consists kf a pressure and release approach. That is nothing new to the equine world. What takes equine language a step farther is being aware of body language and the pressence of emotion and air. A horse can feel a fly on its back, and can sense a storm coming by air pressure. To me, langauge with a horse is paying attention to a foot cocked, a raised head, an eye turn, tense muscles, an exhale out. Adding these together tells me what that horse is trying to say. Then applying these to teach a horse something foreign to them takes extra consideration. Each horse, like people, comprehend the same concepts but at different rates and approaches. Creating a foundation in a horse is most important to me. And like all foundations, mine are also built one stone at a time. One of the first elements in my foundation consists of a horse knowing how to respect me in terms of space and leadership. Another element includes a horse knowing how to be reasonable in the face of fear and unexpected pressures. A third element includes being a mindful partner to what each rider in instructing them to do based on the riders body language and cues. These elements are important to me in a horse's foundation because it developes a level of respect and safety for the horse and rider. Which in turn creates more opportunity to grow in responsiveness and softness which is what makes riding so fun for us all. Whether the horse will be used for trails, cutting, reining, standing on teeter-totters or for the occasional ride in the pasture, I believe it is important that every horse is listened to but also respects us as leaders. One of the most incredible effect horses have on me is they keep me honest with myself. I assert myself as a leader, but am i worthy or kind enough to keep that status. Am I paying attention to how they're growing and if they enjoy their job enough to learn more. As I've mentioned riding should be fun for horse and rider, and we will only grow and advance together if we are working together in a safe and respectful way.

Contact Info

Please sign the waiver to see professional's contact info.

The persons listed in the Professionals Directory have paid to have their names included in the directory as their own personal advertisement. Leads Equine has not screened or assessed the qualifications of any person listed in the directory. Therefore, Leads Equine is not endorsing, approving or recommending the services of any person listed in the Professional's Directory. The inclusion of a person in the Professional's Directory does not constitute, and should not be considered as, an endorsement, recommendation or approval of that person's qualifications as an equine professional by Leads Equine. Leads Equine strongly encourages all persons to conduct their own investigation of the qualifications or any person in the Professional's Directory before contracting to use that person's services.

Services

  • Breakaway Roping
  • Colt Starting
  • Cow Horse Training
  • Natural Horsemanship
  • Sale Consignment
  • Team Roping Coaching/Training
  • Trail Riding
  • Versatility Ranch Horse Training
  • Western Pleasure

What clients have to say about Karin Zehm

Testimonials

"We love what she accomplished with the mares we sent her way. Both came back ready for work." -Tyree Thacker
"Hard working and takes riding seriously. I've seen her ride in weather that's kept everyone from the barn." -Jabe Anderson

Gallery

Facility

Pens with automatic waterers and cover. Horses are fed morning and night. Pipe fenced round pen and outdoor arena woth 140 acres of hay fields, meadows, and streams.