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Liz Haben

 

Education

  • M.Ed. Equestrian Education, William Woods University, 2015

  • B.S. Equestrian Science, William Woods University, 2012

  • A.A.S. Equestrian Science, Black Hawk College East, 2005
     

Teaching Philosophy

When you discover your purpose, there is a clarity that follows. I know that my purpose is to share the joy, peace, and profound life lessons that horses bring to those who feel deeply called to them. At the heart of my teaching is a commitment to honoring that calling—never diminishing the innate passion students have for being around horses, but instead fostering it with intention and integrity.

I strive to foster an environment grounded in ethical horsemanship, where students learn that the horse’s well-being must always come first. We owe it to our horses to be our very best. My goal is to develop thoughtful, skilled horsemen and horsewomen who consistently prioritize the physical and emotional welfare of their equine partners and who commit themselves to being lifelong students of the horse.

In both the barn and the classroom, I aim to make learning exciting, meaningful, and applicable. I teach not only technical skills and industry knowledge, but also the practical life skills necessary for success beyond the arena—discipline, accountability, resilience, communication, and a strong work ethic. My objective is to prepare students to become capable professionals and valuable contributors to the equine industry while remaining grounded in compassion and ethical responsibility.

I am passionate about creating opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, transformative experiences—whether that means mastering the fundamentals of horsemanship, preparing for competition, learning the responsibility of stewardship, or developing the quiet presence required to build a true partnership with a horse. My greatest fulfillment comes from guiding students who genuinely want the best for their horses and are eager to deepen their understanding.

I would not be where I am today without the mentors who generously invested in me when I was just beginning. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to now provide that same guidance, structure, and encouragement to the next generation. I strive to ensure that each student not only gains knowledge and professional competence, but also remembers why they first fell in love with horses. By preserving that joy while cultivating a commitment to lifelong learning, I hope to shape horsemen and horsewomen who lead with skill, integrity, and heart.

Training Philosophy 

My goal is to develop horses that are confident in their foundational skills so they can progress through each stage of training with calm assurance. I believe true advancement is built upon a solid, patient foundation—one that prioritizes understanding over speed and correctness over shortcuts. When a horse feels confident in what is being asked, relaxation, willingness, and consistency naturally follow.

I strive to produce horses that genuinely enjoy their work. A horse that understands its job and feels physically and mentally prepared will approach training with greater willingness and longevity. My program emphasizes thoughtful progression, clear communication, and fairness, allowing each horse to develop at a pace that supports both mental confidence and physical soundness.

I hold high standards for performance with each of my horses, while always putting their needs first. I aim to align each horse’s education with current breed and industry standards, thoughtfully preparing them to meet judging expectations while maintaining integrity in the process.

 

 Ultimately, my goal is to create confident, capable horses who perform with quiet consistency and composure—horses who are prepared not only to succeed in the show pen, but to sustain long, productive careers that they enjoy. 

Areas of Interest and Expertise 

  • APHA, PtHA, AQHA, AHA All-Around Show Horse and Ranch Horse Training and Instruction

  • Judging 

  • Colt Starting and Young Horse Training

  • Equine Nutrition 

  • Horse Health Management 

  • Stable Management 

  • Equine Breeding, Genetics, and Bloodlines

  • Hoof health and rehabilitation

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