Sonnenhof Stables

Sonnenhof Stables is the highest quality in dressage training and coaching you could hope for. To give this review some context -- before riding with Ute, I had ridden on and off for over 30 years, did a year in the Humber College Equine Studies program, was a nationally certified riding coach and dressage judge in the 90's, and was trained by a Canadian Dressage Team member. I had known of Ute over the years, seen her ride at shows, and had always thought - wouldn't it be amazing to live in the KW area and be able to work with her?" Then I had the chance to move to KW.When considering the quality of a dressage trainer - it's a huge accomplishment if they have trained one horse to Grand Prix level - the highest international level. Ute has trained several. I started riding with Ute taking group lessons on excellent and well cared for horses.After a year of part-boarding

Ute Busse is not only a phenomenal coach but she is also an amazing mentor. I started riding with Ute over 8 years ago at the age of 8 and I continue to train with her now. Her amazing horsemanship, deep knowledge of the sport, kind and caring personality, along with incomparable teaching expertise has helped me become the rider and person I am today. When they say they offer Grassroots to Grandprix" at Sonnenhof Stables they are not kidding. Ute has successfully taught multiple juniors

I have know Ute Busse for over 20 years now. She taught me to love dressage and appreciate the partnership you have with your horse. I wouldn’t become the horse woman I am today without her instilling her knowledge and horsemanship. She really helped be get through the tough years in high school. I couldn’t wait to go there after school and often didn’t leave till 10pm at night. So thank you Ute for all you did for us teens!

Ute is a top level coach who goes above and beyond for all her clients and even has some wonderful school horses for people to learn on.

I have known Ute Busse since 1993, and have been a student, client and boarder at Sonnenhof Stables for the past 27 years. Ute is a superb horsewoman, an excellent trainer, and a sensitive and effective coach. Her priorities have always been the health and welfare of the horses and the safety and enjoyment of the riders.Ute and I have owned several horses together that she has trained to the Advanced level. One of her great talents is using her knowledge and experience as an ‘equine matchmaker’, finding the right horse for her clients. In 2001, she helped me find El Cid, my ‘horse of a lifetime’, for which I will always be grateful.After 27 years at Sonnenhof, I can say unequivocally that Ute not only runs one of the top Dressage stables in the province, but also she is one of the top coaches and trainers in the country. Sonnenhof is without question a five star facility.

If I could give a negative star rating I would. I was verbally abused by Ute during a riding lesson as a student of the University of Guelph's Equestrian Club. During a group lesson, my horse was having an off day and did not want to ride in line with the other horses. As someone with anxiety I could tell my emotions were getting too strong and making the horse even more nervous and difficult. For my safety, the safety of the other riders, and the safety of the horse I pulled into the middle of the arena and asked Ute if I could dismount and end my lesson early but to please continue teaching the other girls in my group while I went back to the barn to untack. Ute told me no that I was not allowed off the horse and that I had to stay on and continue the lesson. I began to suffer a severe panic attack and started sobbing and begging her to please let me dismount. When I tried to get off Ute yelled no and grabbed the reins and forced my horse forward all while telling me that the horse has to learn and I have to learn to keep riding. I physically was restrained from dismounting. Ute kept yelling at me and I kept crying to which she told me repeatedly to shut up" and "stop all that crying." After 20 minutes she ended the lesson and finally let me get off. I was traumatized from the experience and couldn't ride for 2 years. Ute has been reported to the University of Guelph and the Ontario Equestrian Federation."

I have been riding with Ute for 4 years now and can equate almost all of my training and dressage abilities to her! She helped me understand not just what I was doing when training dressage but also why. Ute also came with me when looking for a new prospect. She has worked with us for the past two years helping me bring him from a just-broke 3 year old to a confident young horse consistently bringing home 70%+ scores and top placings.Although my horses and I specialize in eventing, I have and will continue to take my dressage lessons from Ute. As a coach, she is very knowledgeable and gives clear, effective instruction with lots to take away from every lesson!

I highly recommend Ute Busse at Sonnenhof Stables for her expansive knowledge and professionalism in training and coaching. I've had my horse boarded here and in full training with Ute for over a year. I relocated from BC and her reputation in the equine world put her at the top of recommendations out West, as well as in our local community. I only heard high praise, and I know why. She has dedicated so much time into training my mare who has improved so much in the time she's been here. The improvement in my riding has exceeded my expectations and I look forward to every lesson we have together. I've trained with many coaches through childhood to adulthood, by far, Ute is at the top. My horse receives the best care and feed, and is very happy and thriving here. I can't say enough positives about Ute and the entire Sonnenhof management and staff. I wish I could give more ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I started riding at Sonnenhof Stables just over a year ago. I have a ridden a little bit in the past but felt that I needed to start with a new and experienced coach at a beginner level. When I reached out to Ute, she invited me out to watch a lesson and see the facility, right from the start it felt like it was a great fit and remains that way until current day. Ute matched me up with the perfect horse for my skill level, and my riding journey begun. I have taken private and group lessons before I decided to part-board a horse at Sonnenhof. Thanks to Ute, her barn manager and her staff I have gained a great wealth of knowledge over the past 12 months. Sonnenhof truly is a happy place for any horse lover. Everyone is friendly and helpful and to be completely honest, they have the patience of a Saint. If you're looking for a place to take riding lessons or board your horse, you will not be disappointed when you join the Sonnenhof family. Great environment for any skill level and any age.

I have known Ute Busse at Sonnenhof Stables for ten years as a rider, boarder and client. Ute Busse is an exceptional coach, horseperson and dressage trainer. The fact that she rides and trains enables her to teach her students more effectively as she knows the horses well. She supports riders of all ages to succeed in their goals of pleasure and fun to international competitions for those desiring this challenge. I highly recommend Ute Busse at Sonnenhof Stables for beginners to advanced riders.