My name is Tracy Moses and I have been a client of Elly's for several years. I met Elly when I purchased my horse, DeMonReve aka Deme, from her when Deme was just turning five.

She came to me wonderfully and appropriately trained for her age and, being an adult amateur, I was fully able to ride her due to her correct training. I enjoyed riding and showing her at the lower levels for a few years and then decided to send her back to Elly for further training.

I decided I loved dressage and really wanted to move forward with my knowledge. Elly put so much of herself into training my mare and I knew she loved Deme as much as I did and this really made the decision to send her away much easier. Elly constantly stayed in touch with me and we both realized Deme was going to do amazing things. As Deme progressed so quickly, I decided I needed to be learning more, also, and Elly flew to Germany and found me the PERFECT older show horse named Angelo.

Elly started coming to Charleston on a regular basis to teach me on Angelo and finally got me to the point of being able to get Deme back. Angelo is currently with another upper level rider and instructor. Elly now takes the time to come to Charleston to work with Angelo and Deme and, as always, puts her heart and soul into helping us achieve our goals.
Deme came back to me fully trained through fourth level with miles of show experience. She is so correctly trained that I am amazed everyday when I ride her. She teaches me and, through Elly's help, allows me now to teach her, also.

Elly receives daily, excited, updates from me! I truly thank Elly every time I ride. In this sport, where unfortunately things can go so wrong, Elly always remains true to her horses and students. She has always been honest with me and made herself available to me 100 percent. She is a true professional and I GREATLY admire and respect her. With Elly's help, Deme and I will enjoy showing and moving up the levels and I know I will achieve all my goals.

I recently was introduced to Elly through my trainer, Francesca Nicoletti, during a frustrating time trying to find a new dressage partner.
Elly told me she had a "yummy" 3 year old stallion that had talent and personality overflowing. A stallion was not exactly what I was looking for, but Elly said he was special. It was love at first sight and he was everthing she had promised and more.
I arranged to leave Bonifaz S "Bear" in training with Elly for six weeks as she prepared him for the Hanoverian Stallion inspection at Hilltop this past July. While he was there I received regular updates, photos and emails of his progress, which was very comforting. During his training I had the opportunity to spend a weekend at The Homestedt and it was a wonderful learning experience. Elly is a very talented trainer and understands the handling of stallions and was generous with her knowledge and hospitality.
The stallion inspection is something my husband and I will remember always. Elly and Bonifaz S were extremly prepared and she did a wonderful job riding him and letting his talent shine. He was approved with an overall impression score of an 8!
Between the breeder's (Guenter Spievak) and Elly's training, I have found everything and more than I was hoping for; and in the process I have made a lifetime friend in Elly. She gives with all her heart and she definitly works to make matches made in heaven! Elly, thanks for opening the door to many wonderful things to come!
Hugs and kisses always from Colene, Rob & "Bear"

I first met Elly at Dressage at Devon at 2005, I asked her to show our colt Fox Cry Nicodemus. Nick just loved her and so did we.
In April 2007 we decided to send Nick to Elly for his performance training. Elly is doing an amazing job with him. We are so happy with the progress Elly has made with Nick that we have decided to leave him there under her expert care and training.
Elly has set a game plan out for Nick and we are all excited about the ride.
Shawn Bigley

Over the past four months, I have entrusted my three year old Hanoverian mare to Elly Schobel to be backed and started for dressage. I purchased this mare as a yearling with no idea that I would end up shipping her all the way to South Carolina from Texas for this aspect of her training. As her third year was approaching, I realized the initial plan for her training, in this incredibly important phase of her dressage career, was no longer an option. Thus I started my search for a new trainer. The few options that were more geographically impressive had hopeless waiting lists and also are two month programs suited for the trainers schedule and not a young horse’s schedule. I knew this would be an obstacle with my mare as she was being true to her bloodlines and developing late physically. Elly Schobel’s name crossed my desk. After speaking with Elly and many of her current and previous clients, I seriously started debating sending my mare her direction. This was not an easy decision with all the financial, physical and emotional issues a horse owner faces with sending off a horse so many miles away. My head became convinced Elly’s training program and my horse would be an excellent combination, however my heart was not until I placed a cold call to Elly’s International Trainer and Judge, Anne Gribbons. Ms. Gribbons, confirmed Elly’s professionalism and expertise in the saddle, but then did make the comment that Elly treats her horses and clients horses as family members. My heart now became convinced. Even though it has been difficult to not be able to witness the transformation that my mare has experienced at Elly’s the past months in person, I have been made to still feel apart of the process by telephone calls, emails, photos and video. This has eased the separation anxiety, on my part, and builds my confidence in her care and training. Elly has taken the approach to my mares’ training schedule to be on target on my mare’s physical and mental development. I feel this is such a crucial part in my horses training . I did not want her pushed through a program on a busy trainers schedule looking more toward stall availability for the next client rather than having a young horse well prepared to return home to her amateur dressage client with a developing partnership in mind. Elly and her staff have turned my young mare into a confident, well behaved and eager to please mare in and out of the ring. My mare has not had one issue with any of the backing and starting process that Elly and her staff have introduced when the timing has been right for my mare. It all has literally been taken in stride and my mare equivocates her training sessions to purpose and success in her mind and not confusion and failure. Elly’s daily professional supervision and personal involvement in the care of my mare has become apparent. It is obvious that my horse’s health from grooming to nutritional needs is never compromised. It is truly breath taking the difference of the physical appearance of my horse from when she first arrived to now. This difference is evidence to the attention, love and immeasurable care that my horse experiences at The Homestead. The basic foundation that Elly has started the under saddle training of mare is a dream come true. I look forward to the partnership and success I will have with my mare knowing so much of it will be owed to my horses training beginnings at The Homestead. Kelly Bernard Austin, TX

Chante

Chante at The Homestedt

OYENTE BUTLER

We met Elly when our very young Andalusian stallion needed a new home and trainer. He was in Texas with his breeder who was expecting another baby. She did some research and gave us a couple of names near our home in South Carolina.

When approached, Elly was hesitant about having an Andalusian who was also a stallion. She agreed to a trial period with him.

One of the many things we value in Elly is her directness. You always know where you and your horse stand with her. No pretending!

When Oyente arrived in the spring of 2004, he was a shy dapple gray. She stabled him away from her other horses at first. When she got to know him and his gentleness, he was stabled next to her best mare.

She cared for him like a baby. He has had several skin irritations and other “sensitive skin” issues. We have completely relied on Elly’s judgment with all treatments in all areas.

Because of her dedication, Oyente, truly wanted to please her and has therefore accomplished more than any of us thought possible at such an early age. Elly has been patient when the judges, who are used to the warm bloods, didn’t completely understand the Andalusian. She has lovingly stretched him to excel.

He has his “boy moments”, but he is such a kind and loving horse. Elly has learned every trait, good and bad, and knows the best way to teach and train him. She knows him as an individual.

Without Elly he would not have had such success. Because of Elly we would not have had him live anywhere else. She loves our boy as much as anyone in the world and we are truly grateful.

Beckie and Harry Butler