Testimonials @ Crimson Jewel Stables

"We, and our horses are so fortunate to have met Odessa Johnson! Our kids have different personalities and interest levels. Odessa adapts her lessons to their levels and makes them fun. She has a great sense of humor, especially noticed by us with our teenagers. Dana has learned how to train her own horse, a real bonus for all and a lifelong lesson. Jake, often her only boy student, relates well to her spunk. She knows when to push horses and riders and when to back off. She is always honest, gentle, yet firm. She encourages her students and horses alike."

~Diana and Chris Monroe

"Changing lives through the heart of the horse" I can't think of a better slogan for Odessa Johnsons riding academy. Horses.......... what a magestic animal! There is not any one animal on earth that carries more magesty, strength, spirit and determination. Horses bond special friends together like nothing else can. This not only describes the horse but the friendship I have with Odessa.

Lessons, clinics, trial/error, hard work, determination and lots of risk is what brought Odessa where she is today. She has a natural talent and a special communication with horses and with people. I have watched Odessa take horsemanship from many disciplines and turn it into her own unique style of teaching and training, making it enjoyable for horse and rider.

This is a tribute to our forever journey in horsemanship and friendship. Congatulations on your continued success!

~Erika

Long wavy brunette to blonde hair, nice gait, and a strong head. You thought I was talking about a horse, aye? Naaaahhhh, that is our riding instructor and owner of Crimson Jewel. Don't be fooled by her short stature and friendly nature. When it comes to the safety of her horses, students and detail in riding instruction she is like a mother lion loving and disciplining her cubs. My daughter Mercades thoughly enjoyes her time with the horses and the coaching in and out of the saddle. The school horses of Crimson Jewel are very well cared for and are safe for even the youngest and "greenest" child in the saddle. As a mother who grew up in the saddle herself, I feel blessed that I found such a fun and educational place for my daughter to enjoy and pass on the tradition of horsemanship.

~Patricia Miller

Horses have always held a special place in my heart. In fact, all of my childhood, when asked what I wanted for Christmas or birthday, the reply never changed...."I want a horse." My diligence never paid off. As I transitioned from childhood to teen, adlut woman, wife and mother, my passion went dormant. Until my own daughter turned to me with passion and conviction in her eyes, exclaiming she wanted to learn how to ride and be and be close to horses. Suddenly a fire lit up inside me that I had not felt in a long time. That little girl that was so desperate to live with horses in her life was yearnimg to come alive again. Although physically I am far from being that little girl again. She still lives inside me whispering "Don't forget about me, don't let my dream die."

On Monday, October 1, 2007, that little girl that had been dormant for so many years finally got her long awaited present. His name is PJ. He is my pony. I am that little girl. Thanks for making that little girls dream come true.......

~Danee` Waddill

"Well the good news is that I can help you." proclaimed Odessa as she met me and my horse Red. We were attempting to show off our talents of dressage of which we had NONE. Odessa quickly tapped into my visual learning style and we soon became her proverbial diamonds in the rough. In eight lessons, Red and I went from a training level score of 54.5% to a 68.5%! The judge even commented that "It was a very connected ride and fun to watch." From then on, it was evident that Red loved Odessa more than I, as he would do a half-pass just to go see her.

Odessa is as patient as the day is long, and tireless in her efforts to make you understand how to communicate with your horse and improve your seat. She carries confidence in her voice and it passes on to you. Gone are the days of trainers making you want to cry.

My confidence in Odessa are such that I trust her in her abilities to train me and my new partner in crime, an off the track thoroughbred, the finer points of dressage and horsemanship. I would have taken this opportunity with noone else. Odessa helps you follow her horse dreams because she is always following hers. Her passion is infectious as is her warming nature. I am greatful that I have found someone who takes such great care of my horse and my horse-dreams.

~Carrie Merson