I have been a student of Alex’s since May 2006. I have learned and progressed more in that time than in the 10+ years of lessons I had taken previously. I came to Alex after a 6 year break from riding wanting to improve my flat work and just be around horses again. I instantly felt comfortable and confident with Alex’s instruction and the whole atmosphere of the barn.

Wow, the things I have learned in the past months!!! Not only the physical aspects of riding, but the confidence it has instilled makes me eager to take my new skills in riding and put them to the test in the show ring. Gus and I will be doing some jumping this year and we both can't wait!!

Laurie Hunt, Rio Linda

I returned to horses as a middle-aged+ rider. When I first met Alex through one of her horsemanship classes, I was immediately drawn to her enthusiastic approach to everything she taught, from the proper way to clean a stall and wrap a horse's leg to how to navigate a jump course at a horse show.

When she facilitated the purchase of my horse Murphy--something I would not have contemplated doing on my own--it was a childhood dream come true for me. Alex taught me to trust myself with him, to push past my fears, and to reach new levels of personal and equestrian accomplishment. She is dedicated to the welfare of her clients and the horses under her care, and is a teacher in the very best sense of the word.

Sadly, I have lost my Murphy, but I continue to take instruction in riding and horsemanship from Alex, biding my time until another equine companion comes along to grace my life as Murphy did.

Ellen Picht, Sacramento

Alexandra Williams has been my Instructor/Trainer for several years. I came to her looking to get reacquainted with horses after a 25 year plus absence. What impressed me about Alex is her dedication to your safety. I would not have been able to progress as rapidly as I have with out the basics that I learned from Alex about horses on the ground, tacking up and in the saddle. This gave me the confidence and skills to progress rapidl.

Alex has the instinctive ability to know on an individual basis what is needed to breakthrough any barriers you may bring to the arena. With her skill and patience she will move you forward EVEN when you have lost your own confidence.

I am now the proud owner of a well-trained Thoroughbred named Latte. Alex was instrumental in finding him and matching our personalities to perfection. She knew my skills, abilities and what my future goals were. She put together a fantastic match. This year was the first year Latte and I showed and we were the 2006 English Pleasure Reserve Champion. I could not have even dreamed of accomplishing such a goal without Alex's professional expertise.

Alex keeps Latte on a regular program and is the first to spot any medical issues, etc and immediately notifies me if there is a problem. Her dedication and passion for horses comes through on a daily basis. She gives me peace of mind as a horse owner. Alex helped me realize my dream. She is truly one of a kind.

Stephanie "Sam" Moore, Antelope

I have been riding with Alex for nine years. She is, without a doubt, the best riding instructor/trainer I have ever encountered. I particularly like the way she handles the horses. She uses a system of kindness and compassion, yet always maintains the upper hand. She's an incredible rider and I've never seen a horse she couldn't handle. She has an eagle eye for catching mistakes that I make and corrects them instantly, explains why, and then makes sure I understand and feel the difference which makes riding and handling the horses a lot easier to comprehend.

Mary Porter, Carmichael

I was lucky enough to become one of Alexandra Williams's students in March of 04 and she has helped me take my riding to higher levels. I have been riding and working with horses, particularly Hunter/Jumpers, off and on since the age of 6, at locations spread across the country, under the tutelage of good instructors. Well after an 8 year hiatus I signed up for a 4 week English riding class through a local Adult Education Program to get my 'riding legs' back, so to speak. I knew nothing at all about Alex, I just showed up and after the 4 short weeks ended I was convinced she was going to be the instructor for me.

I am finally being taught more clearly about the connection between hand and leg and horse. It is exhilarating when you get it right! Alex and her horses help you get there.

Lisa Hayes, Lodi

After years of riding, Alex has markedly improved my equestrian skills. She is able to help students at any level, beginners to advanced riders, enhance their abilities and increase their understanding of horses.

Nancy Lewis, Sacramento

A teacher who knows how to teach! If you want to learn to ride, then this is where you need to be. Alex is a teacher who excels in taking the time to ensure her students are taught how to ride safely and skillfully with pure enjoyment. Students also learn grooming and caring for the horse and tack; 'the whole package

Gail Lincoln, Sacramento

I started riding with Alexandra Williams in 1986. I started with three lessons a week and I did this for about two years. In that two years I learned the proper way to take care of a horse. I was very excited when I was asked to give my testimonial about my riding experiences with M. Alexandra Williams Training Stables. As I search for words to express my gratitude to Alex, I would like to thank her for her patience and her sharing of training techniques that will last me a lifetime. As kid I always had a "backyard" horse--nothing spectacular, but it did not matter to Alex. A horse was a horse, and she taught us there was a proper way a horse should be cared for whether it was a "backyard" horse or a show horse.

I did not have a horse when I started riding with Alex but she always had great lesson horses that doubled as show horses when needed. Alex has a wonderful ability to match a rider with the perfect horse. She helped me to pick out my perfect show horse, Fraya, who I still have today. I have not ridden with Alex in nine years, but the training techniques she instilled in me led Fraya and me to California State Horsemen's Association championships two years in a row. I now have children of my own who like horses. Because Alex taught me the proper safety and riding techniques, I am now able to pass these on to my kids. Thank you, Alex. You know how much I appreciate you and everything you have taught me.

Paige Schaller, Redding

I learned to ride with Alex when I was just 8 years old. At 26 I can look back and think of all the great things I have learned from her and the great times we have spent together. I rode with Alex from 8 till I was 10 and then again from 13 to 15. Throughout my training with Alex I learned about horsemanship and how to be a good horsewoman. I owe many years of winning in the Equitation, Hunters and Jumpers to Alex and her way of training. Not only has Alex been a great teacher but also a loving and caring best friend, we have bonded through the years and remained close. So I write this about her from the bottom of my heart and hope for those of you who are interested in riding, give Alex the chance to help you like she's helped me!! I love ya Alex!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shannan Baynum *Philpot*, Galt

Alexandra Williams has been training me for a year now. I have been riding for a total of fourteen years, but I'm finally finding myself improving like I had never done before. I've gone from a fearless rider, to a fearless and knowledgeable rider.

My jumping has improved dramatically since I've been riding with her. She pushes me hard both mentally and physically to turn me into a better rider. It constantly amazes me that she can pick up on things that I don't know how she sees. Something as small as not sitting down deep enough in the saddle. How can someone be that intuitive?

Although my past instructors were also very talented riders, they weren't able to communicate as well as Alex can. There is no question of what she wants out of you, because she can tell you and explain why. It is amazing that she can communicate and teach young children through adults so easily.

She also has great communication skills with horses. Although they'll often try to get her to back down, it's never because they don't know what she wants out of them.

Kendra Campbell, Stockton

I met Alex when a 6-month old Arabian colt found its way into our pasture, previously used to grow hay and cows! I was 40 years old and had almost no experience with horses. I was afraid to deal with the "Wild Beast." I began by taking lessons once a week, where I learned all about the horse, grooming, handling, gear, safety and proper riding. I was a typical adult beginner with a mixture of horse love and fear. Alex took me as I was, and lesson by lesson improved all of these skills and, most importantly, raised my level of confidence. Seven years later, always under Alex's guidance, I have owned and ridden several horses.

I ride as often as I can with a lot of horse love and more confidence than fear. I have experienced many disciplines, and have successfully participated in horse shows. Under the structure of her individual and group lessons, I have made some life-long friends.

My son rode under her direction while participating in 4-H and C.G.A. My husband takes some horses to her, including that Arabian colt, to school and train while he rides them. The 'Wild Beast" became his favorite colt to ride. Alex is also our Vet on call for the horses we have at home. She truly cares. Alexandra Williams-Horse Woman Extraordinaire!!

Laura Bauer, Elk Grove

Alexandra Williams has been my riding instructor for nearly two years. I have had many instructors over the past several years, and I can attest that they do have varying levels of expertise. I can say without a doubt that Alexandra is the very best instructor I have ever had. Though there are many other instructors to choose from closer to my home, I nevertheless elect to drive 2.5 hours each way in order to have my lessons with Alexandra, because it is so worth it!

I am an "older student." I rode as a teenager, and then stopped for many years while my children were very young, and because I just could not find the time to fit in a lesson. When I began riding again, it was overwhelming at first, and I had a lot to relearn. Alexandra has a very holistic approach to dressage-she shows her students exactly what to do and how to do it properly each time. It is very important that I have a trusting relationship with my instructor, and I do with Alexandra. I know that she has my best interest in mind during the lesson.

As we all know, learning to ride a horse isn't just about riding a horse. Learning to ride and handle a horse is about challenging yourself both physically and mentally. Alexandra seems to be able to skillfully tap into the entire equestrian experience. She has a wonderful mix of knowledge, skill and talent that she is more than willing to share with her students. She is able to "meet you where you're at," yet at the same time encourage you to do the best you can and rise to the next level.

Alexandra is a perfectionist and an expert at what she does. She keeps safety uppermost in mind and insists that procedures are followed precisely, which I'm discovering is vitally important if you want to learn how to ride well. Alexandra also explains why she is having you perform certain techniques or movements--this has really helped me understand the entire process.

I consider Alexandra to be a top professional in her field, and a woman who is committed to her students, exhibits integrity, and importantly, is an enjoyable person to be around. Finally, Alexandra demonstrates respect for not only her students, but for each one of her horses as well. I would highly recommend Alexandra as a riding instructor.

Susan Moranda, Merced

I have trained with Alexandra Williams on and off for seven years and am constantly amazed by her energy and dedication to her clients. She is intuitive and extremely conscientious toward both horse and rider.

Rina Venturini, Sacramento

I found Alex through The Learning Exchange and signed up for English riding lessons. I was very excited about the prospect of riding again since I had been away from it for several years. Alex quickly assessed my skill level and taught me accordingly. She is very professional and an excellent instructor. She demonstrates and explains things in a clear, easy to understand manner. The facility and riding areas are first class all the way. I recommend Alex to anyone who wants to learn about horses and ride-at any level of experience.

Jane Grossman, Sacramento