John von Haas
At the age of seventeen, John began his equine career at the end of a lunge line. He had to post bareback, which helped create an unshakeable seat and an outstanding sense of balance. In barns around the PNW, John started by cleaning stalls, assisting trainers and grooms, exercise riding and working his way up through the barn hierarchy and even managed a herd of 64 head of riding horses. Over the years, he knew he wanted to pursue a career with equines and still loves the smell of morning alleyways, the horses and doing the usual duties of feeding, grooming, riding and managing, that comes with the lifestyle.
Teaching by example and being mounted during lessons, John demonstrates the theory and mechanics of riding, proper hand/leg cues and getting a connection with our equine partners . His students leave their lessons with a better understanding of those theories and their practical application.
Although he is considered a Thoroughbred expert and off-track rehabilitator, John is also known for his work with Oldenburgs, Dutch Warmbloods, Hanoverians and other warmblood breeds. He trains everything from baby greens, on the flat and starting over fences to seasoned horses that need a tune up or finishing work and, of course, everything in between.