Trainer Andy Amsden

Herbst Farms Training Services

Andy Amsden offers a limited number of training spots to outside clients. Horses are evaluated for level of training and intensity needed. Training horses are given personal care and training each day and are constantly being evaluated to ensure that proper training is provided with attention given to the total welfare of the horse. Owners are encouraged to play an active part in the decision making process of their horse’s training. Lessons with owners are included in most training fees.

Training fees start at $350.00 per month. It is the owner’s responsibility to pay boarding fees, shoeing, and any vet expenses incurred while at Herbst Farms. Owners will be contacted before such services are performed with the exception of emergency vet services should the need arise.

There are opportunities made available to clients to show their horses if they wish. All show fees and expenses incurred by the horse at shows will be the owners’ responsibility, along with hauling, and a portion of trainer’s expenses while at shows depending on how many horses are at the event with Andy. Horse shows can be a fun and rewarding experience for horse owners but it is challenging to prepare horse for any level of competition for a trainer, so in many cases a show fee may also be charged. Owners are encouraged to assist and help with grooming and care of horses at shows to keep costs as reasonable as possible for all.

Due to the unpredictability of horses, Herbst Farms is not responsible for any accident or death to a horse while in training or in boarding. Every attempt will be made to always keep horses in a safe and caring environment while they are at Herbst Farms.

Herbst Farms Trainer - Andy Amsden
Andy grew up on a large beef cattle farm in Farmington, Missouri with 8 brothers and 1 sister. Horses were an integral part of his family’s livelihood and recreation. Like others in his family, Andy chose to make horses his livelihood. After graduating from Farmington High School and finishing 2 years of college, Andy was able to apprentice with well known and capable trainers including Peter Witte of the famous Tom Chauncey Arabians in Scottsdale. As home to hundreds of Arabian horses, Chauncey’s afforded Andy a wealth of new experiences.
Andy then worked with Jackie Johnston where he gained experience showing Arabians in many disciplines and working with Jackie’s great horses and clients.
Later, as the trainer for Impressive Arabians in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he garnered numerous national titles, primarily in the saddle seat division. It was at Impressive Arabians that Andy trained the famous Dancing Slippers, winner of numerous national titles.
After Impressive, Andy enjoyed 10 years as trainer and farm manager of SMJ Arabians in Don County, Wisconsin where Andy also took up a new hobby of gardening. The garden on the farm became a beautiful show case for its lovely horses. Also at SMJ, Andy was drawn to learn more about dressage and began to compete in the dressage division, adding numerous regional and national dressage titles to his career. He has found this division personally very rewarding. It truly is the fastest growing division in the Arabian marketplace.
Andy believes he has found his calling at Herbst Farms in his hometown of Farmington. Andy is able to give the horses and his clients his personal attention, and he is surrounded by his family, great friends and clients. In the short time he has been at Herbst Farms, Andy as already helped many clients win their first national and regional titles with their horses in dressage, driving, hunter pleasure, and junior horse.