Spirited Horses Ranch - About the Trainer/Owner

My name is Kamrie Hodgeman. I have been training horses for well over 25 years. I was born and raised on a horse ranch in California. I guess you could say I was "raised on the back of a horse". I have always had a place in my heart for those challenging horses that most people give up on. There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone with a horse that just needs to be understood. This can be a young baby needing starting, a horse that has been abused, or the horse that just fears everything. It may also be that wonderful horse that just needs to learn a specific discipline such as western, jumping, english, and/or trail riding. I offer many different Equine services for those of you that are Equine Friendly. My motto is "train your horse, don't break him/her. And if he/she is already broken, I can fix him/her." I have always believed that horses have a spirit that should not be broken. They each have their own personalities and their own needs. I work with your horse to acquire the best partnership for your needs without breaking their true "spirit". I get to know your horse and train it to the desired discipline of your choice. I work with you to establish a relationship between you and your horse that bonds you together for a safe riding experience. A good relationship between horse and rider is essential to a safe experience.

My experience in training, Vet technical work, farrier work, equine physical therapy, and more help me to read your horses body, mind, and other signals. I specialize in starting young horses as well as working with and re-training problem horses. Some problem horses just simply need someone to listen to what they are trying to show us. They can be dangerous and unpredictable, sometimes causing the owner to want to sell the horse. I can help you get into his/her mind and help rebuild the trust that this horse may have lost from prior experiences. There are so many things for you and your equine friend to learn. Let me take a look and help you find out what your horse is trying to tell you.

My husband and I also privately rescued horses for over 10 years totally non-profit. We saved and re-homed a countless number of sweet souls and watched them become the wonderful horses that they are today. Sadly we also held some in our arms while they passed away from the neglect and abuse they had endured by human hands. I held them in my arms as the life passed out of them, finding some peace in knowing that the last few minutes of their lives were in the arms of someone that loved them purely and unconditionally. We have helped horses go from broken and lost, to a saved soul that flourishes in the care of their new owners. Feeling rewarded knowing that we had a hand in their new adventures. Although we decided to take a break from the world of direct rescue, we have created a training program that will help those broken and lost souls rebuild a new life. We are firm believers that if you have a horse, you have a responsibility to care for and love that horse. Not only does this mean food and water and proper care & love, but it also means a proper start to their training. That is where we come in.

Our training is done with kindness and care for your horse. The way to a horse's mind is not "forceful or cruel", it is found through body language and understanding. They can walk all over you or have a mutual respect. You must be the "Alpha Mare" so to speak. I can help you get there. Most of my clients have heard me say at one time or another " kind assertiveness". I truly believe that a horse needs an assertive person but with kindness. There is a balance and I can help you achieve that balance.

We are located in the rolling hills of Montville, Maine. Our fields are an oasis a horse deserves. It will be worth the trip to board your horse for our training services. We are taking reservations for board training now, as we will fill up fast. Check out our services page, you will see what programs we offer.We can give you the confidence you need to build confidence in your horse. I will help you establish a training program that suits your needs.

We are a family run ranch and our animals are treated as family. Our happiness becomes our animal's happiness. We look forward to meeting you and your horse!

I wanted to make a personal statement regarding wearing riding helmets. Whether a person chooses to wear a riding helmet or chooses not wear one, is a personal preference that must be left up to that person. But we at Spirited Horses are advocates of helmets. I will not allow anyone under the age of 18 to ride in my presence without a helmet. Any person over 18 is an adult and needs to make that choice on their own. I respect each individual choice. I strongly recommend helmets, but cannot reinforce that a person over 18 wear one. You will however see in many photos that I, myself, am not wearing a helmet. I have my private and personal reasons why I do not always wear a helmet. If you still find it necessary to email me and find out why, I would be willing to tell you. But respect each persons choice and make a choice that best suits you. But remember: