Applied Classical Horsemanship with Reta Conner

Her dedication to utilizing classical dressage as a basis for all disciplines is reflected not only in her dedication to learning and teaching, Reta’s incredibly diverse success in many disciplines, but most strongly shows in her Ponderosa Performance Horses program. She owns and manages her facility where she breeds and trains her amazing warmblood and lusitanos in Black Canyon City.

An Arizona native, Reta grew up on a large cattle ranch in Northern Arizona and has been involved with horses since childhood. As a teen she was expanding her riding from her family’s ranch horses and was galloping race horses, earning her trainers license with several winning horses in her stables. She juggled that while also competing on the local high school rodeo team while also cross competing in dressage, eventing and AQHA reining.

Her versatility opened up opportunities to school and manage barns internationally, as well as ride with Belinda Nairn Wertmann (a two time Olympic dressage rider), and Pam Goodrich, a student of Nuno Oliveira. She went on to work for Gunner OsterGaard, Betsy Steiner, George and Inga Theodorescu, and Anne Gribbons. Reta has also schooled under Jan Eblling, George Williams, Karl Mikolka, Christine Taurig, and continues to train with Belinda Nairn Wertmann.

We couldn’t be more excited to offer this opportunity to learn from one of the best!