Amber’s lifelong dream to take part in a formal training and certification program came true last in 2004 when she accepted into the John and Josh Lyons Certification Program in Parachute, Colorado. The training she received during this intensive, eight month long program has profoundly changed her life and overall training style. As a “Referred Josh Lyons Trainer” she was personally invited back to Colorado this spring to assist Josh with the 2005 Certification Program. She also assists John and Josh with various riding clinics and Expos around the country and can be seen on the John Lyons Training Program on the RFDTV network.
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Over the years, Amber has owned a nine very special and unique horses ranging in age from 5 months to 30 years old. Her love of horses and enjoyment working with people (especially children) prompted her to begin a highly successful riding lesson program in 2001. She has shown in a wide variety of disciplines including Western Pleasure, English Pleasure, Hunter Jumpers, Saddle Seat, Showmanship, Halter and Lead-line, and Cutting. She plans to add Reined Cow Horse to her show experience during 2012.
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In addition to providing lessons, training, and hosting clinics, Amber was the trainer for the San Jose Police Mounted Unit from 2008 to 2012. Her responsibilities included the purchasing and training of the new horses, maintaining their performance, and preparing them for the challenges of working on the streets of San Jose. She was also the instructor of the New Officer Academy where her primary function was to provide equine education for the officers, fine tune their riding skills and prepare them for police work from the backs of their new partners. Due to budget cuts the trainer position was eliminated. She still remains a supporter of the unit and what it stands for.
Amber believes you never stop learning and improving your skills and knowledge. In order to continue to growth as a trainer she has ridden regularly with John Holman, a well-known and highly accomplished cutting horse trainer who grew up learning from the very talented Tom Dorrance.
To further her reined cow horse and cutting skills, Amber travels to Arizona several times a year to spend time working with Al Dunning, a world renowned cutting horse trainer. Al has won numerous World Championship Titles in Reining, Reined Cow Horse, and Cutting Competition. He grew up learning from Don Dodge and several other legendary trainers.
Amber also enjoys attending various riding clinics including those hosted by Sandy Collier, Lynn Anderson and Teddy Robinson.
Amber has also completed the EAGALA (equine assisted growth and learning association) certification in 2011. She now is the official equine specialist in conjunction with Angela Sherman from CHANGE YOUR LEAD.
In addition to her extensive experience in the saddle, Amber spent two years working as a veterinary technician and has experience with equine chiropractics, acupressure, acupuncture, Bach Flower Essence, and Chinese herbs.
