Susan Brown | Legacy Ranch

In the late '70s, I was super lucky to dive into the world of horse shows & trail riding, thanks to some amazing, experienced friends. Fast forward a decade, and I was on a stunning cliff in the Missouri Ozarks, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Big Piner River and the gorgeous valleys. In that moment, I realized my desire to pay it forward and share all the joy and knowledge I’ve gained from riding. That one moment sparked a passion that has burned bright for over 40 years!

-Susan Brown

Susan's Training Philosophy

I decided to begin training in the 1990s in Chicago when I began to see first-hand the risk posed by uncontrolled horses. I saw two ladies on a trail, one of whom had just broken her wrist because her horse bolted, and she was crying in pain. I wasn't a trainer back then but I knew I could help her.

My passion for horses began much earlier. At 13 I got my first horse but couldn't afford a saddle so I rode bareback for my first 2 years. Two years later, I found myself clearing 3.5 ft competing in a 4-H hunter jumper class. At 20 in '85 I moved to Western country, just south of Tuscon, AZ. I learned Western while riding in the Huachuca Mountains. God it was beautiful out there! My early 20s were spent trail riding a Leopard Appaloosa named Dingo with my old friends on camping trips in MO, TN, IN, KY & IL. I've been on a total of 29 annual, 8-day long rides in Missouri. My daughter, Shannon, went on 10 of them with me beginning when she was 6!

In 1988, I switched to Gaited horse breeds and studied Dressage on a TWH for 2 years under the #1 head trainer for Medieval Times Dinner Theater, Mario Contreras. I performed on a drill team under Mario's instruction for 3 years. I later found myself driving livery Horse Carriages at night in downtown Chicago in 20 degrees with high winds. For a time, I rode with the DuPage County Mounted Patrol where we monitored forest preserves for safety, and rode drill performances in parades.

After a year apprenticing with an "old timer" in Illinois, I became captivated by natural horsemanship training methods. I dedicated countless hours studying renowned trainers like John Lyons and Monty Roberts, and after two intense years, I earned my certification under Chris Irwin from Canada.

As a result, I've developed a personalized training program by integrating what I've learned through various trainers and instructors across multiple disciplines. It's a joy to now share this program with our incredible training staff, who continually inspire me with their dedication and skills.

What I love about this approach to training is its versatility; it transcends breed and discipline. From McCurdy Plantation Horses to Gypsy Vanner Horses, each session brings unique challenges and rewards. I've trained horses and their human partners for Dressage, Trail Riding, Natural Horsemanship and everything in between This journey has enriched my understanding and appreciation for the incredible diversity within the equestrian world.

This method is successful because we focus on foundation first. where we prioritize building a solid foundation for your horse. By focusing on empathy and establishing respect, leadership, and trust, we create a calm environment that enables effective communication. Our pressure-response-release approach allows us to guide a horse's movements, ultimately helping to manage their mindset and emotions. Tailoring our approach to each horse's individual needs, we ensure that both the horse owner achieve their training goals, fostering a willing and relaxed learner ready to embrace new skills along with their rider.