We found Kristen in the spring of 2009 after several unsatisfactory experiences with horseback riding lessons. We were thrilled to find an instructor that taught in a positive manner and also in a way that keeps students interested.

My three daughters have thoroughly enjoyed taking weekly riding lessons with Kristen. With four of us riding on a regular basis, it seemed to make sense for us to purchase our own horse. Kristen helped us to find the perfect horse for our family. She helped me to surprise the girls with our new family member and has been there with us every step of the way as we've learned about our new horse. Kristen has also encouraged me to ride again and enjoy it. I spent lots of time as a child riding horses and was having a hard time feeling comfortable on a horse again. Since meeting Kristen, I am back in the saddle regularly and having a wonderful time riding and learning.

I have watched all of our girls blossom as confident, committed riders because of Kristen's daily positive encouragement. I know that my kids are safe, secure, and having a great time whenever they are in the arena with Kristen. She definately has a gift with both horses and people.

--Elizabeth McClinchie (Westerville, Ohio)

My daughter has owned a ten-year-old rescue pony, Penny, for seventeen months. The pony had become a safety hazard in cross ties. In addition, Penny… had a large dose of attitude that seemed to be growing. We had to identify/solve the problem or return Penny to the rescue. I decided to move Penny to Kristen’s barn for training and so that my daughter could have lessons with Kristen. For two weeks, she pushed Penny’s buttons with kindness and care trying to get her to misbehave and pull out of the cross ties. We located the source of the problem in our saddle (child size – wide gullet was not wide enough!). We fixed the problem; she gave us an alternate safe means of securing Penny while saddling her and devised a rehabilitation plan.

I also watched Kristen work with my daughter and Penny. My daughter blossomed into a more confident, self assured rider. She is in control and Penny is happy. I’ve also watched Penny grow from a team penning pony with a “dangerous canter” to a pony that enjoys jumping with a collected canter. We joined Kristen at a local show. I was overwhelmed by the amount of attention Kristen gave each and every rider and horse. I asked parents of other riders – “is this amount of attention normal?” Each answered a resounding “yes!” I learned more about Penny and horses in general in one short month with Kristen than I had learned in the prior seventeen months. Today my daughter enjoys riding more than ever and Penny is a comfortable, happy and safe pony - thanks to Kristen.

--Denise & Morgan McCandless (Penny too!)

We found Kristen out of desperation. We were told by our trainer at that time that we had an attitude issue with our fifteen-year-old Thoroughbred. We found Kristen on the internet and brought her on for a second opinion. Within minutes, she had the answer. Although the news of his knee and ankle problems was not good, they were 100% backed up by a vet check. She not only helped us find a good home for him, she found a beautiful seven-year-old gelding for our daughter. She was there for us every step of the way. We were skeptical about buying a horse right off the track, but in just a few short weeks she had him calmed and performing remarkably well. She cares for and about both horse and rider. She is firm with lots of positive feedback. She has the knowledge of horses and the ability to train at a higher level that we were looking for. She is a one of a kind! We love her and trust her with not only our horse but with our daughter!

--Mark Spragg and daughter Kelsey Spragg (Columbus, Ohio & Cincinnati, Ohio)

We knew before our first lesson with Kristen was over that she was a keeper. Our family had recently purchased a pony for our son, a novice rider, and an Arabian for our daughter, a more advanced rider. We hired Kristen to come to our barn and give the kids lessons, work with our horses, and guide us on the great journey of horse ownership. It didn’t take long for us to recognize and value the depth of knowledge, experience, and excitement that Kristen pours into whatever we want to do. She truly guides and trains us all toward achieving our goals—she’s not pushing a personal agenda or program beyond safety, excellent horsemanship, and fun. The icing on this cake is Kristen’s natural talent and incredible skills with training horses and people. She’s fabulous with kids—she knows just when to teach, to challenge, to correct, to cajole, to comfort. She’s fabulous with horses—she’s moving our pony forward, keeping the Arabian in check, and training our newest, green horse to listen—no small task! And, to the shock of all our friends, she’s even gotten me—someone who’s been afraid of horses most of her life—to love learning to be on horseback. In short, Kristen is the total package—and our family is most grateful to be working with her. 

-Rebecca Chapman — for Chip, Emily, and Joseph, too (Powell, Ohio)

Kristen is just the most wonderful person!!! I had never been on a horse before I started taking lessons with her and she has taught me so much and has really helped me develop a love for horses. So much in fact that I recently purchased a horse, based on her recommendation, and I could not have asked for a more beautiful animal!! Since my new horse has never been ridden my only choice for a person to train her had to be Kristen. I have watched her train other horses and have seen her abilities and skills in handling horses of all demeanors with a calm confidence and steady hand. She truly exhibits a real love for horses and her training techniques sincerely exhibits the love she has for these wonderful animals. I am very grateful for meeting her and having her guidance as a new horse owner.
-Craig Stevens (Delaware, Ohio)

"Before I met Kristen, I would refuse to canter because I was scared. But when she started teaching me I felt like she understood my fear and knew how to help me overcome it. When Kristen gives me lessons, she's not just my instructor but my friend. She is so caring about everyone and is always there to help people with anything they need. Kristen told me over and over again, "Have confidence in yourself." I thought that I would never have confidence in myself but she gave me the instruction and support I needed. The first time I cantered and felt confident, I was so happy! I had never had that much confidence in myself before and by overcoming this fear, I can now start working towards the goals I want to achieve."

-Lindsay Tarbox (Marysville, Ohio)

Nadeen, a three-year-old Canadian filly, completed 90 days of training with Kristen.
“I remember the first day I came to Harvest Moon with Nadeen. Kristen was there to greet us - and show Nadeen her new home. Nadeen was such a green horse - I could only halter lead her. Her size intimated everyone. She was not saddle broke and she had a habit of kicking out with her huge back legs, when you would go to clean her hoofs. You were so patient with her and before I knew it, you had her saddle broke! She still has a ways to go - she can be so darn stubborn about her trot! But the difference you made with her is so unbelievable in the couple of months that she was at Harvest Moon. She went from a bucking bronco, to a very slow and laid-back horse. My latest news is about the bath that I gave her this week. Her black coat was getting a little "burnt" so I decided to put some black henna on her. I scrubbed the color on her neck, back, stomach, mane and tail..okay - the legs are left. I remembered what you told me, ‘don't act nervous around her, or that will make her nervous.’ So, I squirted the henna on her legs and scrubbed the front and BACK legs!! She just stood there - and didn't kick out in the least. I don't know how to thank you for making Nadeen into a "safe" horse. So many people just kept telling me that she was too big of a horse for me, and I should sell her. Thank you for all your encouragement!

-Vickie Morris (Canton, Ohio)

Monty and Snowy
“I met Kristen quite by accident. I was responding to an ad for an Arabian mare that was located in Marysville, Ohio, almost 200 miles from where I live. It is still unknown to me why I went to look at this mare, as I have no real interest in Arabians. While I was there, I got to see Kristen ride a horse that was being very unruly and trying to buck her off. She has an amazing seat. I immediately thought of my abused rescue Percheron, Snowy and how afraid I was to ride him because he could so easily "unseat" me. And, it was a long way to the ground from his back. I began talking with Kristen about Snowy and my other Percheron, Monty and she was eager to work with both of them.

I became enamored with the idea that with Kristen's help and guidance, I could one day ride either of these horses, which was my only goal. Along the way, in talking with Kristen, I learned that she uses artificial aids as little as possible, and my admiration for her continued to grow. Finally, someone who wants to understand horses’ backgrounds and not just beat them into submission! I promised Snowy that no one would ever hurt him again and I knew that Kristen was the one to work with him. I felt confident that she would not get hurt by Snowy's fearful actions, because she is such an excellent rider herself. She is not afraid of horses reactions and is truly a ‘horse whisperer.’ She gets into the minds of the horses and really seems to know why they are reacting the way they are. Then she works to correct the mindset that gets them there. And most importantly, Snowy would never be hurt by her either.

Then I did a little research on Kristen Hassen. I saw that she graduated from OSU with a masters degree. She could get a high paying job in many fields, but her love is teaching horses and teach them she does. She took Monty, whom several people could not get to take even one step forward and taught him to walk, trot and canter. He is now a productive member of the equine society. With Snowy, I was told that he would probably just be a lawn ornament and I was ready to accept that. But with Kristen's gentle guidance, he too, walks, trots and canters. And I have ridden him by myself which I never thought I'd be able to do. Thanks to Kristen, I now have two horses, that at one time I felt could never be ridden for a variety of reasons, can now both be ridden in an arena, on trails and probably just about anywhere....and safely too. I will be forever grateful to this special woman.”

-Melody Stacey (Morrow County, Ohio)