Xavier Farms owes it success to a saying shared with Peet Equestrian……”the only place success comes before work is in a dictionary”. Peet Equestrian understands this on many levels. We develop a plan, and then it requires hard work, discipline, and attention to detail to be successful. The Great performances and winning Xavier Farms has enjoyed are the end result of their daily focus on the little things that bring big rewards later! Xavier Farms Bill Taylor Adrienne LaFar
I met Howard and Erica at the California Equine Affair January of 2014. I had been looking for help with my beautiful PRE Andalusian. Howard welcomed me with open arms and a few weeks later I trailered in for my first lessons. In our first conversation Howard asked me what my goals were. I told him that they are simple. I want to be a better horse woman, understand care and conditioning for my horse and to learn a riding program where we could compete and win! Howard said, “great, we can do that and have fun doing it!” That is exactly what we did. Now, twelve months later I can say that my goals were reached and I fell in love with the kindness and character of both Howard and Erica. We began with exercises for Max and me to get us into shape. Max needed strength in his back and neck to be able to hold himself in the lovely Andalusian frame. Next we took on training in the area of the new discipline of Working Equitation. My horse loved it. What a fun riding discipline. Midway through the year my husband took a new job 4 hours from home. As you can imagine I needed to move my husband and help him get set up. Howard offered for me to move Max to his training barn so that we could continue to learn and I would not worry about my horse during this transition in my life. This was such a generous offer and again showed Howard’s wonderful character and kindness. For the last 3 months of our training Erica took over giving me lessons and the riding of my horse everyday. I was thrilled as she is a wonderful rider. Erica took over our training at this point and we hit it off right away. Erica, like Howard, is an amazing teacher. They both find a way of communicating that is both encouraging and supportive. When I was hard on myself they never doubted that I would learn the skill in good time. It is a huge compliment to say that I never left the barn frustrated. If I did not get the lesson, Howard or Erica would break it down and assure me that learning to ride was not a race but a fun process. My horse remained relaxed and attentive to the training. This last year was the most fun I have ever had with my horse. I am thrilled with our training and feel positive about moving forward with anything I want to do with my riding. I highly recommend Peet Equestrian as a wonderful place to learn and train whether your goals are to become a better rider or to show your horse or both! Peet Equestrian is a winning barn and your horse will reach his maximum potential with Howard’s training. Warmest regards for your future with Peet Equestrian, Lorrie Bostic and Don Marqueto DM alias Max
I was a client of Peet Equestrian in California. I believe Howard and Erica are hard working, creative and live with integrity. During my time with Howard and Erica they trained three horses for me and taught me to safely drive a cart. At Peet Equestrian, Howard and Erica see each horse as an individual and train to each horse’s capabilities. Each time I brought a horse to Howard and Erica, they assessed my horse, gave me realistic expectations, timelines and goals – and then worked hard to meet them. Each of my three horses was at a different stage in their training and brought different training challenges. I believe one of Peet Equestrian’s greatest strengths is Howard’s creativity. Whenever one of my horses threw up a roadblock in training, Howard “out-thought” the horse. He always communicated directly and consistently to them. Howard repeatedly said, “you always have to love them as hard as you work them”. I would not hesitate to send another horse to them in the future. I proudly count them as friends and look forward to seeing them in the future. Ainslie Kraeck
I met Howard about 15 years ago at a show in Las Vegas held at the hot and dusty Horseman’s Park about a mile from the strip. I brought two three-year-old stallions to show that I had bred myself. During my usual bumbling around as I led one of the horses out for exercise, my sunglasses fell off my head and got stepped on by either the horse or me. It was difficult to tell which legs broke the glasses in the tangled mess. Howard calmly reached over to his truck and pulled out some sunglasses and handed them to me. “You will need these.” He said. Despite protests he insisted I take them and I will never forget his kindness towards someone he didn’t know. My surprise was even greater when I learned he was a trainer. Most trainers I knew didn’t have the time of day for anyone who was not their client. Over the years of knowing and working with Howard and Erica Peet at the various shows and seminars I learned that first introduction to Peet Equestrian so many years ago was just a sample of their many attributes. My admiration for their professionalism, abilities and most important their genuine devotion to the breed and its people has grown. They both are honest and hard working horsemen who are committed to improving their knowledge and abilities to better serve their clients. There are no two people on earth with a more encouraging and positive attitude. At Peet Equestrian you will get respect, kindness, professionalism, and great training for you and your horse. Barbara Clark Executive Director The Foundation For The Pure Spanish Horse
For years before I began sending my horses to them for training, I admired the skill and professionalism that are the hallmarks of Peet Equestrian. Now that they have brought home Championship and Movement titles with multiple horses I've sent them, I can attest to the fact that their hard work and expertise across a wide variety of disciplines is what brings their consistent results. All around trainers who never stop learning, Howard and Erica have led horses I've sent them to wins in Halter and Dressage Sport Horse-in-Hand. They have driven them to Championship titles in Country English Pleasure Driving and have ridden them to Championships in Western Pleasure, Country English Pleasure, Hunt Seat Pleasure and Working Equitation. And, perhaps most impressively, they have brought home these wins at the most important breed and working equitation competitions in the United States. The Peets embody high standards and integrity. They are honest, consistently hard working, and pay attention to the smallest details. When you send a horse to Peet Equestrian, you can be confident that they will receive high-quality feed, precise and humane hoof care, regular grooming and coat conditioning, and training that produces confident, sane, and well-rounded horses. They have earned my highest recommendation for their work. Julie Alonzo, Ph.D. Owner, Caballos del Corazón Past President, International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association Vice Chair, Working Equitation International Association of the USA
Sommer Ranch truly appreciates the SUPER talents of the DYNAMIC DUO, Howard & Erica Peet! Their training with Oriundo VG “Oreo” was instrumental in our achieving the desired goals for this stallion. Their patience never waivered with horse or human and their willingness to share their knowledge with others was clearly evident as they good-naturedly shared their halter training & show experience with me and Marian. We had so much fun working with Howard and our mare, Adagia….we didn’t want it to come to an end!! No matter where it’s located, I am sure that Peet Equestrian Center will be the fun, exciting place to learn, train & prepare to receive those beautiful Blue Ribbons! Thank you Howard & Erica. Sommer Ranch Murrieta, CA
I had the wonderful opportunity to be able to work with Howard and Erica Peet while they were training in Utah. This dedicated team helped me on numerous levels. Without having known them for very long, Howard and Erica offered to host a Grooming Clinic as a fundraiser for non-profit organization helping children in India. They also spent hours preparing, taking photographs, and marketing a horse that I needed to sell in a short amount of time. Howard spent additional out-of-lesson time, preparing and planning exercises for my horse and I to work on as we rehabilitated him back from an injury and we are now on our way to showing this summer! I have appreciated their patience and willingness to teach me new ways of looking at, working with, and riding my horse. Howard and Erica are constantly looking for ways to help, educate, and support others and are quick to express appreciation to both their horses and clients. Despite their knowledge and natural talent, they are eager to further their learning and are open to trying new riding and training techniques. Although each one’s training style is unique, as a team, their years of knowledge and experience complement each other perfectly. They are professional, yet personable; they are extremely dedicated, yet flexible enough to meet the needs of both horses and clients. Their success and happiness is directly related to helping their clients realize and accomplish the training goals that they have set for themselves. In addition to riding lessons, Howard and Erica educated me on important life lessons as well. I am grateful to have been able to work closely with them and hope that others take advantage of their amazing abilities as well.
Thank you Howard and Erica! It’s been fun! Megan Smith Riverton, Utah
I first saw Howard Peet in 1999 at the IALHA National Show in Ft. Worth, TX. It was then that I determined that I wanted a horse trainer with the same professionalism, work ethic, kindness, and care. Despite many horse trainers since then, it wasn't until November of 2009 that my dream was realized. I received an email that Peet Equestrian was relocating to Utah, well within reach of my home in Wyoming. I couldn't contact Peet Equestrian soon enough to enlisted my two stallions in his program. It was then that I realized that Peet Equestrian far exceeded even my expectations, not only with Howard, but with his beautiful and talented wife Erica, who had joined the team. The two together are amazing and their complimentary training program is unbelievably successful. I have already had four of my pure Spanish stallions with them and the results are unsurpassed. Howard and Erica are a wonderful gift, not only to the equine world but also to the owners that care for their horses so much. Celia Stenfors-Dacre Silverstar Ranch Riverton, WY
Howard and Erica are truly dedicated, extremely knowledgeable and gifted horse professionals. I was lucky enough to hear about their program. It was exactly what I was looking for. I needed someone experienced in dressage and driving for my 3 year old Shire mare, "Gypsy." My mare had a bit of a head shyness problem. Howard and Erica spent soooo.. much extra time trying different methods to get her over this problem. They succeeded!! The first day I met Howard, he told me that he didn't believe in delaying progress. If the horse is ready to progress, you will know and you move on to the next step. This is so evident in Howard's approach to training a driving horse. I was amazed at the progress Gypsy made from week to week. He has transformed her into an unbelievably elegant driving horse. On a personal level, Howard and Erica are amazing. People just don't come any better. They are warm, friendly and caring. They have sharp sense of humors and are a lot of fun to be around. I have a yearling Shire colt that I will send to Howard and Erica, and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone else. THANK YOU, Howard and Erica. Sincerely, Sandy Pugh Bluffdale, UT
I recommend Peet Equestrian without hesitation or reservation. I have a six-year-old Gypsy stallion, Oreo, who I brought to Howard and Erica for training. They did wonderful work with Oreo and helped me discover his great talent for driving. Oreo came to them as a winter-shaggy, out of shape horse, and is leaving as a gorgeous, fairy tale, working stallion. Not only do they train horses, they help and train people! Howard and Erica are immensely patient and always positive with the horses and with the people who own them. Utah is lucky to have their experience and knowledge. I’m happy to have had my horse with them and look forward to further association. I believe in a short time the question won’t be, “Should I send my horse to Peet Equestrian for training?” The question will be, “How long will I have to wait until they can fit my horse in?” Julie Coombs Kaysville, Utah
"At Nationals 2008, Howard was nicknamed Super H by the members of the team, and I don’t know any better way to describe him. . . Howard Peet is an extraordinary individual; he is charismatic, energetic and experienced. He has a genuineness about himself that is apparent in his day to day activities and relationships. Observing his lessons from the sidelines, I am in awe of his patience, ease and effectiveness of communication, and use of critique; it is easy to see that he truly wants to see his clients succeed and enjoy the art of riding and showing. Interacting with Howard on a personal level is an enlightening experience. His optimism is always shining through and I am comforted by his loyalty and warmth. Never fail, he can bring a smile to anyone’s face, especially my two children who love to tag-you’re it, and away the three of them run. Howard Peet is definitely Super H, I can’t speak for others, but for those of you reading this, and who know him, I know that you AGREE! And while my family will miss him dearly as he embarks on this new journey, we wish him the best of luck and are confident that he will succeed at all that he sets his mind to." Meagan Magana Streator, IL
My first impression of Howard Peet—Wow what a professional. Then I got to know him on a personal level and what a blessing I received. Howard works with, lives with, and breathes passion. He is self motivated to achieve and creates motivation in others around him. He is a true leader. This year I attended Nationals in Texas and was part of the “pit crew” because I wanted the experience. Never did I expect the depth of the experience. I not only gained working experience but saw firsthand a driven passionate person perform under time restraints, fatigue and the other “Murphy Law” things that can happen. I saw first-hand Howard’s positive attitude overcome all of the obstacles while still remembering to thank the “pit crew”. So my most recent impression of Howard Peet—Wow what a professional. And I am honored to have gotten to know him on a personal level. I am proud to call him a friend. May God bless both he and Erica. Terri Allen Streator, IL
I would like to give my highest recommendation to an outstanding trainer and competitor, Howard Peet. With his wife, Erica, an astute trainer herself, by his side he is a force to be reckoned with. He has won more national titles than I can count and when we compete against Howard, we know full well we'd better be at the top of our game because Howard brings it on. I consider Howard a friend and even though we compete in the show ring, he is always there for me and my stallion, KA Habanero. Be it advice, training expertise or hands-on assistance, he is always there, always ready and willing to help. Twice Habanero has thrown a shoe right before a class and Howard has come out of the show arena and stopped what he is doing to volunteer his superior farrier skills to replace his shoe. Then we wish each other good luck and go into our next class and try to outdo each other! He is the definition of good sportsmanship and grace - Howard is a true gentleman. I wish everyone we compete against had Howard's outlook about the horse show world - he goes to win and win he certainly does, but he wants it to be fun and enjoyable for everyone including the horse. Howard is a confident trainer, as well he should be, but he is never arrogant. Horses respond to his confidence and in turn, become more assured of themselves. He communicates with a horse on its level, leaving no doubt in the horse's mind what is being asked of it. He is extremely well-versed in many different disciplines and he absolutely knows how to bring home the ribbons and trophies. His skill, knowledge and innate talent make his horses shine in the show arena. I can't stress enough my respect for and admiration of Howard on every level. For that reason, I give this recommendation without hesitation and with total and complete confidence. Sally Nash Rivergate Farm
"Howard and Erica Peet trained my three year old Andalusian mare, RA Adriana while she was at Rothrock Andalusians in preparation for the Futurity and the IALHA Nationals for 2009. We brought Adriana in from pasture in January 2009 and started her on a regular training and conditioning program for halter and driving. She responded amazingly and blossomed under their guidance and care. We went on to become the Unanimous National Champion Andalusian 3 Year Old Futurity Mare and the Reserve National Champion Show Pleasure Driving Junior Horse. Howard and Erica are both extremely hard working and dedicated professionals. Their successes are a true testimonial of all that they can accomplish. The sky’s the limit on what the future holds for this team in action! We loved working with you both and look forward to seeing you in the winner’s circle in the future years to come as you continually grow and succeed as Peet Equestrian!" Pamela Karle Karle Andalusians California
"In 2007, we sent our mare Cereza to Howard & Erica. We knew she was special, however, Howard & Erica were able to really bring out the best in her. She was conditioned exceptionally, and they helped her become the Unanimous National Champion Best Movement horse at the IALHA National Show, and the Reserve National Champion Show Pleasure Driving (Open & Amateur) horse, that year as well. Most importantly, Cereza came home well started under saddle and a healthy, happy horse. Thanks Howard & Erica!" Gloria Hennen Kir-Aim Andalusians Hillsboro, MO
"Howard and Erica's hard work and dedication showed through every day, over the three years that we had them. They not only create winners, but they are winners as well." Rocky Rothrock Rothrock Andalusians Streator, IL
"I just wanted to thank you for all your help with Louie last year. You and Erica both helped me with him so much when we needed it. I learned so much from you both...your positive attitude and grace was motivating, and helped me get through 2008 Nationals when we got our Reserve Title. Also, I HAD SO MUCH FUN SHOWING DULCINEYA!!! WOW!! What a wonderful job you do with your halter horses! You make them so anybody can show them! Unbelievable!! No one can train a halter horse like you guys! I know you will do well anywhere you go, and other people should be able to enjoy your talent as much I do!!" Jenny Berger Naperville, IL
“When our Spanish mare Filomena P was leased and thus taken under Howard’s tutelage, I was concerned that this very sensitive, untrained mare could be overwhelmed by the stress of intense preparations for the Andalusian National show. I needn’t have worried, as Howard worked with her for less than four months and she went from pasture potato to multiple-national champion in both driving and in-hand competition. And most importantly, she returned relaxed, happy and healthy. Howard and Erica kept me up-to-date on her progress and were always professional yet amiable. We never felt anything but confident that she was in excellent hands.” Darla Aldred Crescent Farm La Porte, Indiana
