05/15/2008

"I would not hesitate to have any horse or rider under the supervision of Vixen Radford. Vixen has done training on more than one animal(horses and mules) for me, and works to your specifications with a no-nonsense approach that I completely appreciate. No time is wasted, and the focus is on what is important. I have seen her take other problem horses, and repair issues that were more than a hand-full. I have been totally confident lending my horse to kids in her care, as I know that they could not be in better hands for safety and learning. I recommend Vixen on all levels as a trainer/judge/clinician/breeder... anything equine!" Carrie Hoofnagle, Cove, Oregon

12/07/2011

I have known Vixen Radford since 2003 when she sold a horse to a good friend of mine. I managed a local boarding facility at that time and invited her to come hold a clinic for our 4H kids in the community. What a hit she was, and still is! Vixen puts so much energy and effort into all she is involved with, and it really shows. From her careful breeding program, that produces many fine horses, to the 4H kids she comes into contact with, she sets high standards and goals and holds herself to those same standards. Vixen is a warm and kind person whom I greatly enjoy being with and knowing. You will not be disappointed when you place yourself, your child or your horse in Vixen's capable hands~ I know I'm not. Terri Canaga, Dallas OR (proud owner of "Tanner")

06/27/2005

Dear Vixen- I would like to thank you for the wonderful job you did teaching myself and my 3 children at Horse Camp. We all enjoyed you tremendously and learned many new skills. Natalie became confident enough to canter (no easy feat for her as she is SUCH a timid rider) and I even began to canter as well. Your knowledge of horses and horsemanship as well as your ability to transfer that knowledge to others is a rare gift. We look forward to studying with you again soon. Sincerely, Darcy Birdsall Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

12/28/2011

To Whom It May Concern: This letter is my personal recommendation for Vixen Radford. I have known Vixen since 2006, where we met at a judges training seminar. Her confident, independent attitude is what drew me to her. She is not only one of the hardest working ladies I know, but also the biggest hearted one. I have been very fortunate to judge, teach, and train with Vixen. As a judge she always comes prepared, is never tardy, is consistent, and fair. Her confidence and expertise with horses translates through her teaching. She is amazing with all age groups and will turn down no challenge. No one surpasses her horse training abilities. I am most fortunate to be her friend. She is incredibly as a friend, as a mom, and as a person. She is honest and generous, never self centered. She takes pride in everything she does, and never leaves a task unfinished. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions I can help you with. Thank you for you time and consideration. Cassandra Soule Weathering Springs PO Box 707 Sutherlin, OR 97479 541-817-7277 weatheringsprings.com

12/30/2011

I would recommend Vixen Radford-Wecks because when I have troubles with my horse she is always there for help and I lose my fear of doing things and she makes it fun. Kyler Joseph Oregon age 11

01/08/2012

I have known Vixen since 2001 when she came to my daughter's 4-H horse camp in North Idaho. Vixen spent the next eight summers at the camp teaching kids and sharing her knowledge and passion for horses. It was a testament to her abilities that the kids requested she return every year. My daughter and I have formed a lasting friendship with Vixen and her family over the years. She was my daughter's mentor for her high school senior project which, of course, involved horses and devoted many hours to the project as her mentor. She has trained horses for us and I have also attended one of the women's retreats at her ranch. It's quite obvious if you spend any time at all with Vixen that she has a true gift in her ability to share her knowledge and passion for horses with people, be it kids, parents, adults, family or friends. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone. Jeanne DuPont Hayden, Idaho

01/25/2012

I have had so many different experiences with Vixen. Our first encounter was with a horse I had named Duke. Duke had been to 2 other trainers who said that he was untrainable. Vixen took a long look at him and suggested a session with Emily Sharrat (who does body work). I admit I was skeptical of her suggestion, but I loved this horse and was willing to try anything. After 1.5 hours with Emily, Duke was a different horse. Duke then moved in with Vixen for the summer and she trained my untrainable horse! Duke and I parted ways after a year because he was a horse that needed a daily job and I am a novice rider. I felt good about our departure because Vixen had given him a solid background and I knew he would move onto his next phase of life with a purpose. My next encounter with Vixen came when she started giving my daughter lessons for 4H. Vixen has a way of explaining things to my daughter that just make sense to her. Often times, it is as if they have developed their own language and understand each other completely. Vixen took the "I have to be perfect" out of my daughter and has given the love of the ride back to her. My current encounter with Vixen is a Chex baby named Zoey which I received as a Christmas present from my husband. I never would have dreamed of owning another young horse, but with Vixen's help and guidance, I know that Zoey and I will make a great team. (Zoey is from Chex/Fancy). I look forward to many training sessions and trail rides with Zoey, me, and Vixen. I know that I will become the rider and leader that I need to be because she will be there to guide me along the way. Cindi Aschenbrenner, Enterprise, Oregon.

01/27/2012

In preparing for the Miss Rodeo Oregon and Miss Rodeo America pageants, Vixen was VERY instrumental in helping me with horsemanship. She taught me how to assess strange, new horses very quickly and to just "go for it!" Her help led me to not only win Miss Rodeo Oregon 2011 and Miss Rodeo America 2012, but to also come away with the coveted horsemanship titles at each contest. Thank you Vixen! You rock! Mackenzie Carr Vernonia, Oregon

02/19/2012

Hello Vixen, We would love to have Sonnys Bar Chex as one of our Incentive Stallions. I would nominate Mister Mister in a heart beat. Mister has turned out to be a fantastic horse. I rope on him (either end) as well as barrel race. He has won thousands of dollars and awards over the last few years. ... He is an odd fellow, he is a little insecure and it makes him really bond to me. When I'm dismounted on the ground at a roping he wraps his neck around me and just wants to be cuddled like a dog. He has incredible energy, I swear you could lope from here to Montana and he would still be ready to rope all day. He gives 100% at everything he tries, and is the most sensitive horse I have ever had. He responds to leg pressure when I just think about applying it, he really is sensitive. He is a puppy dog on the ground and atheletic as a cat when you put him to work. We are best of buddys. Give me a call anytime, Mike Gammelgard BRN4D

02/03/2013

Everyone enjoyed the lesson a lot. You really are a teacher (I was one for a number of years and so recognize a good teacher when I see one) who know how to win the trust of her students. Thanks so much for your encouragement and kind words—it took us a while to find you but I’m so glad we have. We are pleased and proud of the association with you Best, Bill

02/05/2013

My 16 year old daughter went to a clinic last spring with her gelding because she was having some issues under saddle. I told the clinicians exactly what the problem was not only in my 5 page form I filled out but also reinforced it when they said how good her groundwork was. Long story short, they did not give her the direction and she ended up getting bucked off, ambulance ride, and no confidence in herself or her horse. I sent her to Vixen off of a referral which was difficult for me because I live in Idaho and I was entrusting my daughter and her horse to Vixen to "fix" what had happened. Vixen worked with her on a well broke horse on her riding and confidence and worked with the horse herself. By the time my daughter came back to me, she was loping her horse with no worries, she had him out on the trails, pushing cows (which neither of them had experience with) and she had her confidence back. While I definitely did not have the funds to do this, neither could I risk my daughter losing the horse she had raised from a foal over one very bad experience. I also sent one of my very spooky 4 year olds to Vixen to be started under saddle and while I only paid for the 30 days so I wasn't expecting a dead broke horse back, I got a horse that is respectful while maintaining her sweet disposition and she has a nice start under saddle. The same daughter that went to Vixen is finishing her training under saddle. I would highly recommend Vixen because she doesn't just work a horse one way. She finds out what the horse needs and trains it the proper way for the horse. There are not many trainers out there like that. AND she spends the time (as much time as you want) with you so you feel comfortable with your horse. After wasting thousands of dollars on other trainers, I know that I will spend the extra to send my horse to one that knows what they are doing. I'm not wealthy and I cut corners where I can but when it comes to a horses training and to the safety of my animals and my children I will do what I can to come up with the money necessary. If you have reservations, pay for a lesson with Vixen on one of her horses to see if you think the match is right for you and to see how she handles her horses. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me. Kate Woempner