I began my study of Natural Horsemanship eight years ago and had the great luck to become acquainted with Gary Itzstein during this time.
From the moment I first saw Gary with a horse, I knew I was in the presence of something very special. A person that possessed a rare and beautiful gift. It was not only apparent to me, but instantly recognizable to each horse he came into contact with.

Gary's lifetime of experience, coupled with great sensitivity and even greater timing, comes together in a seamless, seemingly effortless dance with his equine partner. No matter how young or untrained, the horse can immediately understand that now he is safe and he is with a human that speaks his language, the language of Equus.

Watching Gary work with horses, whether starting a colt or re-educating a so-called "problem horse", he makes it all look SOOOO easy! He never gets bothered or worked up. He's intent on reading the horse correctly so that he can instantly reward the horse for even the slightest "try".

I cannot put into simple words the width and breadth of what I have learned from watching and speaking with Gary Itzstein. It's because of his direction and example that at age 48 I began starting colts. Being a middle-aged woman, brought up with a foxhunting and dressage background, the last thing I ever thought I would have the knowledge or confidence to do, is to start a previously unhandled horse and then be riding them within hours. With no fear, fighting, pain or intimidation, using what I've learned from "Me Mate" Gary, I have been able to do this ! Me! Who would have thought that? Certainly not me!

Gary is the only professional trainer that I have ever trusted with my horses. My horses stay with him for several months each summer. When they are in his hands, I don't worry or fret about them AT ALL.

The faith and trust that I have placed in that man, is unequalled to any other person I've met in this business. He's forgotten more about horses than I will ever know.

He's one of the last of a dying breed: a true horseman.
I am honored more than I can say, to call him a mentor and friend.

 Nancy DeSisto

 Aiken, SC