Testimonials

Stephen shows great patience with both the horse and owner. He was very interested in keeping me abreast of the work he had been doing with Belle and was more than willing to take the time to show me in detail me what he was teaching her. He uses nonviolent horse training methods which lead the horse to accept a variety of situations. Although Stephen had my horse through the coldest months of the year (December through February), he did his best to get Belle out of the arena when the weather was not too severe. When Stephen began working with Belle, she was very soft to work with, and when he was finished she was the same way. Thanks again, Stephen!

- Geraldine Collins (Vermilion, Alberta area)(Geraldine's horse below)

I brought a 3yr old mare to Stephen in the spring of 2008 and he put 2 months on her for me.

I was impressed at how responsive she was after just this much time. I also liked how quietly she stood while mounting and dismounting. She would stand patiently with the reins dropped in the middle of the corral while we adjusted the saddle and picked up her feet.

When I got her home she was more than willing to cross the river and go through the bush.

Stephen has a quiet easy way around horses and enjoys what he is doing. He was more than willing to answer any questions I had and spend time with me showing me the cues he used while working with my horse.

-Sharon Fanthorpe (Marwayne Alberta area)

"What I liked about Stephen is that he put on miles on the horses he trains and takes them through all kinds of different elements and terrain. I was pleased with my mare on how soft in the mouth she was. I would highly recommend the two months or more with Stephen, definitely made the difference."

-Norm Namur (Lloydminster, Alberta area) (The horse below is Norms)

We bought Copper from Stephen a year and a half ago, and we have been extremely pleased with her. Stephen gave her a wonderful foundation to work from. She is extremely willing and calm to work with, she doesn't spook or shy. My daughter uses her for everything, she is extremely cowy and athletic. About 8 months ago she started woking with her on the barrel pattern, and she is now a solid 1D barrel horse. We highly recommend Stephen's training, as he has given Copper a good solid foundation to work from. I am very impressed with his calm work ethic with the horses, and the time he puts into them. Copper is proof of that!!!

Hi Stephen, Hey just wanted to give you an update on Copper.....On the august long weekend (2009), Caitlin and Copper were in the Turn$Burn$Earn$ finals at Ponoka...and they won!!.... they did really well, they actually placed 1st, 3rd and 5th in the 1D....all three of their runs were winning runs. Overall out of all the 858 runs of the weekend...they had the 12th fastest run!!! Next week we are at the ABRA finals...we will let you know how they do!!!

-Annette Stark (St.Paul Alberta area)(Picture of copper below)

Stephen is a quiet young fellow with a very happy personality. This is reflective in his training methods with horses. I was very happy to get my horse back after only 45 days of riding with Stephen. I was able to ride him back home over 6 miles with no concern whats so ever. I was very comfortable sitting in the saddle riding my own animal that had never been road before. Stephen does a good job starting these young and older horses! Good job Stephen!

- Randy Whelan (Marwayne, Alberta area)(Randy's Paint horse below)

Stephen has started a couple horses for me in the last few years. He does an excellent job and they come back in great shape and quiet. They have no buck or spook in them and they are ready to take to the arena and get to work on. He has also worked with a problem horse that we bought that had a lot of buck in her. When I got her back after just a month with Stephen she was a totally different horse. He does a good job and I recommend his training methods to anyone that has a horse they need riding on or started...Thanks Stephen.

-Elaine Scott (Lloydminster, Alberta area) (Elaines horse below)

I purchased “Bandit” in early spring 2009; it was one of those impulse purchases that I loved and never regretted. This spring the snow was extremely deep and I never had a problem moving him through, up to his chest. Yes it can be -23 C outside and snow that is four feet deep and I am still one to ride.

He is a beautifully trained animal that had the drive I was looking for. Whether it was heading into Muriel Lake, going into Bonnyville, or going over the bridge at Jesse Lake he has never let me down. His training was extensive enough that when I wanted to move him ahead he was pleasantly soft and responded well. He round pens lovely, moves so well off leg pressures that no bridle would be necessary. I have had people from intermediate to jockey status ride him and they have all loved him. From cattle, trail riding, 4-H, and reining he’s exceptionally responsive. He’s a pleasure personality wise, and his training makes him gentle to handle in new or difficult situations. If he is unsure or if he spooks it’s a small response and not one that will move out from under you.

I would highly recommend any of Stephen’s horses, in that he seems to understand them really well. They are soft to pressure, know their round penning, and handle new situations or objects with ease. I would not hesitate to purchase another animal from him.

Debbie Waterfield ( Bonnyville area - Bandit below)

I am an Equine Dentist who travels the entire province of Alberta doing dental work on horses and mules. My whole life has been centered around horses, and as a younger woman spent many years in the saddle training good reining horses.

It has been a matter of grave concern to me to look around these past few years and see that we have a serious shortage of good horse trainers in Alberta who are training for the public. There are a lot of 'wanna bees' and some who look at horses as 'tools' as a means to an end, and use them that way.

The really good horse trainers are breeding and training their own horses and selling them for a small fortune.

I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know a young horse trainer in the Lloydminster area a couple years ago. Stephen Braun is a quiet, sincere man who is passionate about horses. He loves them and truly enjoys working with them. I have seen him work horses a number of times and I like the way he gives them time to think. He keeps them quiet under saddle with his patient approach. Some of these horses are a 'hand full' when they come to him, but he always wins their trust and willing affection.

I wholeheartedly recommend Stephen Braun to anyone with horses they love and want kind treatment for. Your horse is like a human baby. He can't tell you that his trainer is mistreating him behind your back. Stephen is the man I would want training my horses. He is as honest behind your back as he is to your face. He gives each horse the same consistent love and care, not favouring one above the other. Your horses are in safe, kind, capable hands when they are are trained by Stephen Braun.

Margaret E Rougeau EqD ( Ponoka, Ab area)