“Loal is an amazing horseman and teacher. He has wonderful relationships with his horses and is a beautiful rider. He is also one of the best teachers I’ve ever worked with. He’s helped me find a connection and lightness with my horse that I’ve been searching for over many, many years. He’s quiet and compassionate with both horses and riders and I highly recommend him as a trainer or instructor. He’s got that horse magic we all dream about and he’s willing to share it with his clients! ”
— Clare Hertel, Clare Hertel Communications
“I have been taking riding lessons with Loal for several years. He is by far the best instructor with whom I have worked. He intuits what both the student and the horse need on a given day and is unfailingly patient and polite with students, regardless of their skill level and limitations. Loal’s lesson horses are exceptionally well trained and beautifully cared for. I can recommend Loal Tucker Horsemanship without hesitation.”
— Maureen VanderMay, Retired Attorney at Law-Former Law Professor
“As a retired east coast greenhorn I was determined to become a true cowgirl when I moved to Eldorado in 2016. I tried several trainers to teach me how to ride and left them all deflated. I contacted my vet’s office and they suggested Loal Tucker in Lamy. He returned my call immediately and I went to his beautiful ranch to meet him and his horses. Just riding into the ranch gave me an immediate peaceful feeling. His big indoor and outdoor rings along with gorgeous trails made my heart sing. Watching Loal’s groundwork with the horses I might ride showed me he’s a Master at his craft. My confidence was boosted seeing how he could control the horses with a gesture, a turn of his body. The horses were eager to work for him without a bit in their mouths and nothing but gentility to guide them. I scheduled my lessons 1x a week immediately.
Never being around horses I admit to being frightened atop a 1200 lb. animal I never met before. My goals were paramount to Loal and the first one he addressed was confidence. His innate calm transferred to my horse and then to me. His paramount concern is that the horses are never harmed by a rider. No pulling or yanking on reins is tolerated. I learned to move my horse, Cowboy, with my new found skills of how MY body needs to act in order for my horse to respond appropriately, naturally. I could turn Cowboy right and left by just pressing with my legs, thighs and barely use the reins. It felt magical.
Watching Loal work with seasoned horse owners was just as amazing. Riders of all calibers learned to work their horses without any force and have them perform tasks they never thought possible. Loal understands client communication with him is critical. There were times when talking didn’t do the trick for me, I asked for visual cues at times and I always received them so that I could have an “aha” moment within moments. I increased my lessons to two times a week after my first year because consistency was imperative for me and Cowboy to progress as quickly as I wanted. A wild thrill came when Loal had about 10 cows for his riders to work with and I actually got to turn them and herd them while he was outside the ring. I astounded myself. How cool is that as a senior citizen???
With 40 acres and horses being longer than 6 ft. it’s been a God send go to Loal Tucker’s school of Horsemanship and safely distance with true freedom during these stressful and confining times. It’s been a 5 star experience from day one and every one I’ve met there has felt the same. Rider Up!!!!!”
— Michele Norman, Financial Advisor
“Loal is the real deal! He brings amazing depth and knowledge to both rider and horse. He’s able to break things down into the most basic steps so you can help your horse understand what you’re asking with a soft feel. He always meets both horse and rider where they are on a given day and builds from there. Loal generously shares his knowledge and communicates instruction and information making it easy to understand and implement. His clinics are fun and you’re guaranteed to learn a lot. Both you and your horse will benefit from the time you spend with him, we sure have!”
— Dave Mead, Real Estate Business Owner
“I came to Loal after being away from riding horses for several decades, hoping to regain the riding ability that I used to have.
Thanks to Loal’s patience and ability to fit his lessons to the individual, I’m now a much better rider than I ever was before. Loal doesn’t just teach horseback riding, he teaches horsemanship; from grooming and tack to ground work, to riding with quiet hands and much more.
His lessons and clinics are always fun as well as instructional and his lesson horses are wonderful.
I’m enjoying the challenges and the personal growth that comes with them.”
— Thomas Rockwell, Entrepreneur
“There’s no question that Loal is a master horseman, but proof, they say, is in the pudding. After my gelding was injured this past fall, Loal graciously allowed me to ride two of his young horses. He bred, raised and trained these horses, and I had the extreme pleasure of riding them for days through arroyos and over mountains.
I’ve ridden a lot of horses in my life, but none compared with Beau and Whiskey, and they were only four and five years old. They gave me the kind of ride that puts a smile on your face and makes you remember why you ride in the first place. A horse will tell you everything you need to know about the person who made them. Beau and Whiskey told me plenty about Loal.”
— Steve Young, MD, Evergreen, Colorado
“Loal has a gift... and it shines when you see him working. I had many riding lessons as well as ground work lessons with Loal. Loal has a great way of explaining lessons and he works in steps. He is a wonderful teacher with both his students and their horses. Loal has the ability to see the smallest areas of concern and relay how to correct them in an appropriate manner. I feel that this quality is rarely found in one individual. Loal is kind, and gentle and he knows how to make a big positive impact!
Also my horses stayed on his property, for months in training and received wonderful care, clean stalls and beautiful quality hay. On many accounts I was nervous to ride and Loal was very good at making me feel confidant on my young horse and around cattle!!! I felt like he was part of “my team” and wanted my horses and I to succeed. Loal is a true professional and gift to the horse world.”
— Emily J. Alexis, Owner, Upper Crust Pizza, Eldorado, NM
“The thing that makes Loal a standout among other horse trainers is his ability to adjust his training technique according to the need of the rider. I have witnessed him instructing timid riders and adventurous riders. He knows immediately what the rider needs to be successful with his/her horse.
Also, Loal is a very skilled outdoorsman, hunter and packer. He knows how to improve a horse’s ability to move quietly and confidently down the trail. I would recommend him to anyone wanting to have a more enjoyable experience with their horse.”
— Cecilia Kayano, Editor & Publisher, Horse Around New Mexico Magazine
“It is because of Loal Tucker that I am able to live my dream. I was close to joining the ranks of the many ex-horse enthusiasts who take lessons, buy a horse, get hurt, lose confidence and eventually quit. Instead, I now own a very cool horse that is perfect for me and I am having the time of my life – trail riding adventures, fun horse shows, clinics and hanging out with really supportive horse people.
I started riding later in life having no knowledge of horses– only my passion for these magnificent animals and an uncontrollable urge to ride. I made plenty of mistakes when I started, but the biggest mistake was picking the wrong horse. He was a fine gelding, but required a more experienced rider. I was not about to let that get in my way! It took a few broken bones before I would consider looking for another horse. I finally came to realize that although I started riding to have fun I wasn’t having much fun. It became more like another high stress job. I was ready to give up. This was almost two years ago. Fortunately I was introduced to Loal Tucker and his wonderful barn around that time.
Loal found the perfect horse for me and I entered his horsemanship program. I have worked with other trainers but none that has Loal’s gift for understanding the horse’s perspective and communicating that to the rider. My confidence (and my riding skills) have improved dramatically while building a more trusting respectful relationship with my horse. Best of all – I am having fun!!”
— Cheryl Young, CEO, Securities Compliance Advisors Santa Fe/New York
“I met Loal many years ago thru his involvement in New Mexico Mounted Search and Rescue, of which my husband is also a member. I was looking for a chance to get into reined cow horse work, and needed both instruction and access to cattle. I also had a brand-new horse, who was more horse than I was used to owning. I wanted to feel comfortable on him out on the trail. He is very quick, and I knew I needed guidance to have a fun and safe relationship with him.
Loal was the perfect find. He was knowledgeable, patient, and had a facility that allowed for both private instruction and clinic work, both of which I was looking for. I can’t say enough about what a help he was to me, both in learning to read cattle, and my learning to put my horse on cattle with confidence. I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in getting started with cows, or just to ride better in general. He got my horse used to going out on the trails. My horse is a safe and reliable mount now. That’s priceless to me.”
“I am one of those people that has ridden horses all of my life, covered thousands of mile doing about everything you can do on a horse in the west but I never learned or understood foundational horsemanship.
After reading a lot on the subject of horsemanship I ask Loal if he could work with me and a young horse to improve my horsemanship and get the young horse going in the right direction. Loal has been great to work with! He has always started me with the basics and at my level and the horse’s level to built a solid foundation one step at a time. Loal is easy to work with, encouraging, take the time to listen to my questions and explains horsemanship in a very understandable way.
His horsemanship tool box is full of great horsemanship techniques that are backed up by years of experience. Working with Loal has empowered me in moving forward with my goal of improved horsemanship and has given me the confidence to do so. My horse has also become more confident, softer and gentler.
If your goal is to improve your horsemanship and improve your horse I could not recommend a better horseman to work with than Loal Tucker.”
— Steve Carson, VP, Rangeland Hands, Inc.
“I went to Loal Tucker Horsemanship lacking confidence and a little fearful of my horse. Through Loal’s skilled guidance, my horse and I made great gains. Loal gave us many lessons, never the same and always challenging. He was respectful, of my fear, but he knew when to push me through it. He was always supportive and kind. I am forever grateful for Loal and his expertise.
He helped me be able to safely enjoy my wonderful horse. I would highly recommend Loal to anyone wanting to improve their horsemanship skills from beginners to advanced. He has something very special to teach! ”
— Jennie Dunn, Santa Fe, NM
“I have been riding since childhood, teaching and training Hunter/Jumpers for the last 30 years. When I turned 50, I wanted a change from a big hot thoroughbred to a trail horse. This meant changing to Western tack and learning a new type of riding. I met Loal Tucker in October 2012. I took a 2-day confidence clinic with him. I rode a lesson horse, rode western, had a great clinic and was hooked! Loal was a wonderful teacher. I’ve taken numerous clinics with other prominent trainers, but I learned so much more from Loal. He has a wonderful teaching style that builds confidence. He is a natural horseman.
In January 2013, I leased Ranger from Loal (a five-year old quarter horse, Arabian gelding, who Loal raised, broke & finished). We enrolled in a 3-month Horsemanship Academy. Loal continued to ride/train Ranger, during this time. In April 2013, I bought Ranger. I have started green horses in the past, but I learned new insights into this process from Loal and Ranger.
Ranger and I continue to ride with and learn from Loal. I’ve taken clinics with cattle and participated on great day-long group trail rides organized and led by Loal. All my previous riding experience had been in a controlled arena environment, and I had developed a fear of trail riding.
Loal helped me through this and now, Ranger & I are enjoying miles of trails. I recommend Loal Tucker for all of your riding and horse training needs.”
— Suzanne Anderson, Registered Nurse
“I’ve always enjoyed riding with Loal and attending his horsemanship clinics. Probably the most fun clinics for me are Loal’s cattle working clinics, but all his clinics have been enjoyable, low-stress, informative and productive. Loal has a great ability to see what specific issues the individual horse and rider need to work on for improvement, and the clinics seem to easily accommodate a wide range of riders’ ability. As my partner Jo has said, Loal has a particular talent for helping unconfident riders find the confidence to attempt, and then succeed with, things that at first might seem too intimidating. I certainly hope to attend more clinics with Loal in near the future.
A friend of mine, who was interested in getting back into horse activities after many years, had tried a few different instructors with varying degrees of success. I suggested she give Loal a try, and sure enough, lessons with Loal seem to have worked out quite well for her.”
— Robert (Bo) Olcott, Santa Fe, NM
“My lessons with Loal have given me confidence and a trust in myself in working with horses. Lessons with Loal are never “one size fits all”, but are tailored to my specific needs. Loal listens thoughtfully to whatever question or challenges I have. He teaches me to understand the mind of the horse, and how I can be a better leader/partner with the horse.
When I needed help keeping my horse out of my space, Loal helped me understand why this was happening and taught me specific approaches that I was able to implement immediately with 100% success. Loal’s lessons include all aspects of horsemanship, from advice on caring for my horse, building a partnership with the horse on the ground, and continuing that connection with the horse while in the saddle. Loal’s feedback is honest and direct, while being encouraging and positive. I always leave Loal’s lessons feeling successful, having learned many aspects of wisdom and having had a lot of fun!”
— Marcy Loy, Education, New Mexico
“I have found Loal Tucker to be the real deal and a true horseman here in Santa Fe. These are qualities that are hard to find in many “horse trainers”. There is none of this “a good horse is a tired horse” or bullying your horse into submission. His goal with each 4-legged student and 2-legged student, is to teach the horse to be a calm and willing partner, and for the 2-legged partner to have fun in this partnership. Loal teaches horses and people to be partners in whatever their goals are. Loal takes the time to teach quietly and calmly as a true horseman will do, he has your horse’s best interest at heart. Your goals are presented in a way your horse understands. Finding Loal Tucker Horsemanship has been a gift for both my horses, Smoke and Cherry, and myself. They are my forever horses, and now I look forward to many, many years of truly having fun and enjoying my horses, as much as I did as a horse crazy kid so many years ago.”
— Carol Marthens, Luminary Llamas
“Loal is one of the few (if any) Western trainers in New Mexico that understands English riders. He understands that our style is different and can work with you to transition to Western. However, his understanding of the horse is universal.”
