"Samson"
Hi! My name is Robyn Smith, and I’m the creator of Horse Habits. I own and operate Equine Life Solutions (ELS) in Bothell, Washingon. I care for multiple equine partners.
I am privileged to be entrusted with the care of many wonderful boarded horses, and each of them receives the individualized quality of care that I give to my own. I also run a very busy lesson program teaching balanced seat riding to beginners through advanced riders from all disciplines. I consult with future owners to help them find the best match for their personality and lifestyle, and teach new owners how to achieve the maximum, healthy relationship with their wonderful partners. My ultimate goal is to help teach as many humans as possible, how horses think, feel and learn.
Although ELS is not a horse rescue, many of my equine friends came from dire circumstances. Others came from wonderful human caregivers experiencing hard times, and a few through providence. Most of my horses are available to the right humans. Some people were meant to adopt and others, like me, were meant to foster until the right forever home is found… a few will never leave–I promised.
Prior to this remarkable life I now live, I spent many years as an RN. I have served my time in some of the most prestigious, yet most challenging hospitals in the greater Seattle area caring for the sick, weak and many times dying patients. But horses have always been a part of my life and I never quit pursuing my goal of being able to train my own horses and help others develop the relationship we all desire with our equine partners.
Zena struttin' her stuff!
So welcome! I hope you find this a satisfying place to share and interact with other humans that care for or share their lives with these magnificent creatures – our teachers. So come along for the ride…stable people always welcome…Of course, if you’re unstable, I hope this helps…and you’re welcome too…
Robyn Smith
"Zena" and "Jasmine" playing"
Yay! I’m so glad I found Horse Haven…Robyn is great!!!
Robyn, I come across this website and had to say hi.
Thanks for introducing me to Nancy Kittleson, I’ve been working with her for the last few years now with my new buddy, Grande. Unfortunately, I said my final good bye to Rio this morning. That little Paso was the best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks for the great trail rides we shared at Serenity and I’m glad to see you’re finally working as an instructor, an amazing one at that, I’m sure.
Judy
Every lesson, every visit, with Robyn, the Barn Buddies, Michelle, Jennifer and of course, Nate, I am more impressed.
Most recently, in addition to watch Robyn work/play, with one of the horses… always a beautiful thing to witness.
A young rider, 9 year old girl, in for a lesson, had a bit of trouble.
Robyn sat with her, talked and complimented her on how well she handled the situation. Acknowledged her every emotion then proceeded to infuse this young girl with the confidence to get back up on the horse and continue her riding. The girl did a great job. She was happy and smiling at the end of her lesson.
Robyn was amazing!!!! Again, I am more impressed than ever with Robyn’s endless knowledge, compassion and structure when dealing with the horses AND people.
This is an incredibly rare set of skills to find in one person.
Because of all the talking I’ve been doing about Robyn, her style, and the horses, my brother and sister-in-law are going to start their own ‘equine experience’!
I’ve been horseback riding for about 11 years now, and have had 8 to 9 different trainers in that amount of time. And I’m only 16. Robyn is by far the best I’ve had yet.
When I first met Robyn, I didn’t know anything about her style of riding whatsoever- though I had been using a slightly similar style at the time. Working with her, has taught me not only patience, responsibility, work ethic, and time management, but also a new view of looking at things. She’s taught me how to read a horse’s body language, and how each particular horses personality needs different methods to have them become a respectful, trusting partner with you.
All in all, Robyn and her horses have given me the best life experience I’ve had so far. And I hope it will continue for years to come.
Robyn, I came across this website to say hi!I love riding at your barn.I had many great times on Angel (bony pony) and Hollie.Every Saturday i think about my riding lesson on Sunday because i always can’t wait to start!So…I can’t wait for my riding lesson tomorrow!!! -Daria