I met Monique in 2016 when I bought my quarter horse Eddie from her. I am mainly a competitive dressage rider. But, having started riding again in my mid-40’s after a 25-year long break from riding, I felt like I have a lot to learn and a lot of confidence to build. I wanted to find a horse with whom I could confidently trail ride, work cattle and learn other things about horses. I’ve always been interested in improving my riding and general horsemanship and having experiences on a horse outside an arena. Monique has been an important piece of this part of my journey with horses. Eddie turned out to be really fun to ride and more than suitable for me. He is a smart horse with very good basic training. This past year I showed him in dressage, earning very good scores, including amateur high point at one of our USDF shows from Judge Lilo Fore. We also earned Rocky Mountain Dressage Society’s Quarter Horse of the Year Award for 2019. I’ll continue to train Eddie in dressage but also do other things with him. We will probably show Western Dressage this year and I would like to continue to trail ride, learn how to work a cow and start learning working equitation. Monique is now helping me with my yearling dressage colt, First Star. I’m learning the basic groundwork and other handling skills that a horse needs before he becomes a riding horse. I’ve never owned or started a young horse before, but I feel confident that Monique can provide Star with the good start which will allow him to be happy in his work and a safe and confident future riding partner for me. -Lisa Battan 2.9.2020
I’ve been working with Monique since September, when I decided I wanted to learn how to communicate in a better way with my horse. I had a pretty long laundry list of behaviors I wanted to clean up, such as him respecting my space better, being quieter in cross ties, focusing on me as leader, responding more promptly to aids, etc. Nothing awful, but we both had some learning to do. I had seen results that other riders were getting working with Monique, so I thought I’d give her a try. The results have been terrific, starting with right after our first working session, when I took my horse to an off-site clinic. Utilizing the simple leading technique using a rope halter that I’d just learned, I had a quiet, focused horse from the first step off the trailer. Its really been interesting and rewarding seeing how my horse is improved in so many areas, and Monique makes it fun to do. She’s clear and consistent, always calm, and does a great job of explaining why these techniques work from the horse’s point of view. (I have no doubt Monique was a horse in a former life!) I would definitely recommend her to anyone who is dealing with behavioral issues or is stuck in their training program and wants to shake things up a little and try something different that will absolutely relate to whatever kind of riding you do. -Beth Tavino 2.7.2020
Big thank you to Monique Potts for breaking through my gelding’s post-rehab spookiness. My dressage trainer and I agreed we needed a competent professional to get us to the next step so that Drew was consistent and confident again so I could enjoy riding him too. Happy to say that I am able to walk, trot and canter my horse again️
I’m so pleased to see a part of my Spanish heritage coming to life with Monique on Catness: Monique’s mother bred Catness and Monique started her. The mare is now versatile and capable of working cattle, ponying other horses and packing my amateur self around. What a delightful and well-trained equine companion! Thank you, Monique️ -Chole Rackley 2.6.2020
I first met Monique when she came to work with my friend and her new horse, who was a handful. Monique approached his antics with a calm confidence and patience that never stressed the horse and showed him the behavior and boundaries that were expected of him. The work she did with him was amazingly transformational and helped my friend to develop a wonderful connection with him. I then had Monique help me with my gelding, who is very laid back but very stubborn. I was letting him get away with things I would never have allowed in a different horse. He was having trouble paying attention to where his feet were and getting very easily distracted and fixated on things in his environment. In a few short sessions, Monique showed me how to provide boundaries to my guy (whatever I was comfortable with) and to have him focus on me rather than what was going on in his environment. He is now much better about picking up his feet, focusing on where I am leading him and what my body language is telling him. Monique’s approach teaches the horse boundaries and accountability in a refreshingly non-confrontational manner. I highly recommend her to help with any behavior issues you may have with your horse, for both professionals and non-professionals. Debi V. 5/4/2018
Our daughter, Madison Meadows, took lessons with Monique for 4 years. Monique taught Madison the basic rules and fundamentals of horseback riding and horsemanship. Today Madison is a terrific rider and has the knowledge and confidence to control her horse. Dana M. 5/4/2018
The Birthday party and little kids heaven! Erin S. says: We had a great time with Monique and Blue Eyes (the mini pony) that came to our house. Monique was so gentle and patient with all the little children and everyone had a blast...thank you!! From: Briana Lock 1/23/2013
Briana L. says: My riding time with Monique has been fun, I really enjoy working with her. I'm going to continue riding horses with her, because she is a great teacher and cool to hang out with for an hour. First Lesson! 3/1/2012
Tiffany S. says: Our very first riding lesson could not have gone any better! Monique was very patient and firm with rules, riding technique, etc. We plan on going back for many more lessons! Riding Lesson 1/16/2012
Debbi W. says: My granddaughter always loves her time with Monique and the horses. She can't wait to go back! Party of the year! 12/14/2011
Carolyn P. says: Even in the snow, the 4th birthday party Monique did for us was amazing! All the kids loved the activities and the animals. Perfect birthday party! 9/25/2011
Heidi G. says: We had a fantastic day with Monique for my daughter's birthday! 8 kids aged 4 to 8, everyone had so much fun - thanks Monique! Super Teacher. 9/2/2011
H. Brooke S. says: I took my four year old daughter out for her first riding lesson (of many, I hope!) with Monique. She stayed in the saddle for more than thirty minutes. She felt safe and supported with her instructor and I felt completely confident watching her with the horse. She can't wait to go again and get good enough to try by herself eventually. Great Lesson 7/5/2011
Debbi W. says: My granddaughter, Nicole, had a fantastic time with her first "real" horseback riding lesson. She can't wait to do it again. She really likes the way Monique teaches ... explaining how to do things and then letting her go out and try them out on her own. She's really looking forward to the 2-day camp. My daughter Raven loves Monique!! 9/18/2010
Teresa V. says: My daughter Raven loves Monique!! She got out of bed this morning talking about Monique and Tea Cup, the baby mini. She can hardly wait until her next lesson. Soooo Fun!!!! 7/18/2010
Jen M. says: My daughters had a wonderful time at their first lesson. Monique was excellent with the instruction and helping to build their confidence. It's easy to tell she teaches with a true passion. Birthday party 7/13/2010
Sonia S. says: My daughter had a fabulous time at her birthday party! The girls had great fun painting the minis, riding the horses, and visiting with all the animals. I liked that they were learning a little bit about the nature and care of horses before they hopped on for their ride. And the horseshoes were wonderful souvenirs. They're all looking forward to their free lessons!
I have been taking lessons with Monique since April of 09. I started with no riding experience whatsoever and have always wanted to ride. Monique is very experienced and makes learning for someone who has had no experience very fun. She explains things in ways that I can always relate to and understand. I always look forward to the next ride and most days I can't wait to get off work to go ride! She is very patience with me and always makes sure that I have a good ride each time. I appreciate the time she takes to help me understand and do well! -Nicole L. Age 30
I have known Monique since she was a young girl, so I know that she is a natural and instinctive rider. Now that I take lessons from her, I can attest that she has a knack for taking the skills that are second nature to her, and breaking them down so that a less experienced rider can understand and learn them too. She works well with adults and children, and adapts to the individual's pace of learning. Her enthusiasm for horses and riding is infectious. I really value my lessons with Monique. -Sindi Dafler
“Monique is firm, yet very sweet with the kids. They are learning a lot, staying safe, and having loads of fun." -Jeff Monique's lessons are really fun, and her horses are very gentle and nice." -Maria (Jeff’s Daughter)
My 8 year old daughter and I had our first riding lesson with Monique yesterday. The ranch is beautiful, the horses gorgeous, and Monique is both knowledgeable and patient! She is an effective teacher with both children and adults. This is the best mother/daughter activity we have ever done! -Lori and Ava