Charles and Michele truly are masters of horsemanship, molding both the mental and physical aspects of the horse in a way that is envied by all.

 John Andriulli, New Jersey

I just want to let everyone know what a wonderful job Charles and Michele did with my mare Isabella "Bella".  She was a late 2 year old at the time.  Charles immediately started with her.  He was very patient with her.  It seemed like he could almost read her mind.  I know that he could read her body movements.  The first time I went back for a lesson, she was blossoming into a wonderful little mare.  I learned so much (I have been riding for over 20 years).  Both Charles and Michele were always willing to help me and answer all my questions.  Thanks to Cornerstone Horsemanship for all their knowledge and skills.  They will start all of my horses from now on.

Kim Stricklen

We would highly recommend Cornerstone Horsemanship to anyone who would like to have their horse trained;  having issues with their horse; or simply looking to buy a horse for their specific needs.  We have known Charles and Michele for several years.  They are both gifted trainers and very knowledge about horses.  Through their teachings, they helped us to better communicate as riders with our horses.   Thank you for all that you have done for us.  We have three great horses that give us so much pleasure!  

Julie and Lee Crenshaw

Orange, Virginia or Richmond, VA

If you go looking for a horse trainer you'll find tons of people telling you how great this one or that one is, but not really able to tell you what that trainer has done. That isn't true with Charles and Michele Pellham of Cornerstone Horsemanship.  At the recent Equine Extravaganza expo in Richmond, Michele took the stallion that they have been training for me into the demo ring and showed the entire crowd there exactly how good they are as trainers and what they can do. We had watched a number of other stallions come through in the Stallion Showcase up to that point and you could see the people sitting in the stands falling asleep. When Michele brought Chic into the ring and started working him loose, she had the crowd cheering within seconds and drew people in to watch from every booth in the building!  Their performance together was the hands down hit of the Showcase that afternoon. When it was over many people came by saying how impressed they were and asking about bringing horses in for training based on what they saw in those few minutes. There were also a number of people that inquired about breeding to Chic because they wanted an animal with the abilities they just saw.

 Ben Baldwin

We are pleased to have gotten to know Michele and Charles Pellham as trainers and friends.  My husband has taken cutting clinics and lessons from the Pellhams, and has gained much confidence and ability in his riding.  Charles even found a cutting horse for my husband and this mare has been terrific. 

My 13-yr.-old daughter has worked with Cornerstone Horsemanship for several weeks over summer break.  She was able to learn horsemanship skills that have carried over to her everyday riding.  She rode several stallions for the Pellhams during warm-up, cool-down, and trail activities, which is a testimony to our trust in them as trainers.  I would not normally put my young daughter on a stallion—yet these horses are so well-trained that we had no doubt about her safety.  What an amazing experience this was for her.

We have purchased 2 young horses from Cornerstone Horsemanship; one trained by them and the other owned by them since he was born (that's Maggie in the picture on 2 1/2 year old Rev in a parade).  These two geldings have had excellent manners, and our family has been enjoying them as trail and show horses.  Our entire family has benefited from learning Cornerstone Horsemanship horse-handling techniques, and this has greatly helped our relationships with our 6 horses.

We appreciate the time that Charles takes, as a trainer, to explain his methods and demonstrate his techniques. He thoroughly understands the mind of the horse.   He and Michelle are positive, warm, and very knowledgeable and experienced. They truly care about the horses they work with, and incorporate natural and humane methods of training.  We once saw Michele free lunge two stallions at a time, and this breathtaking performance rivaled anything one would see at a national event.  Charles and Michele are both extremely talented as horse trainers and instructors. I would not hesitate to recommend them as trainers, and in fact, have done so with the 4-H club that I lead. 

Robin Lanham

I  brought you an unbroken, spoiled and sometimes dangerous brat.  I got back a well-mannered young horse that I could ride on my own.  After some time with my regular (English) riding instructor, Tony is now constantly in the ribbons in hunters and dressage.  We would not be where we are without the solid foundation that Charles put on this horse.  Cornerstone’s practice of working with both the horse and the owner is the only approach that works in the long term.  Too many horses return from trainers and fall back into old patterns because this piece is missing.  I know that Tony needed the firm but gentle direction he got from you or he would not have had enough respect for anyone to learn much.  I know where we started. . . and I am thankful for your help all the time.

Karen G. DeLong, President

kdMarketing Services, LLC

Another summer of trail riding has ended and I wanted to thank you forthe endless hours of enjoyment you have provided for me by training  my horse Jubilee.  I sent Jubilee to you as a green horse that was starting to cause me problems on the trail.  Your expert training not only corrected to problems but gave my horse a new attitude and gave me a trustworthy and reliable trail horse.  Fellow trail riders constantly comment on what a well trained horse Jubilee is and I take every opportunity to brag on my trainer at Cornerstone Horsemanship.  Thank you.

JoAnne Russell & Jubilee

Charles is doing an exceptional job with my three-year-old spoiled brat gelding, Sunny.  Charles’ techniques are fair but firm and consistent.  Sunny had already been started when I took him to Charles, but manners were something he was not yet familiar with.  Since Charles has been working with him, Sunny is more aware of and respects my “personal space”; he is increasingly more alert and responsive to my commands both on the ground and in the saddle.  I cannot say enough complimentary things about Charles’ style, patience, and determination in his training methods.  In addition to his successful training techniques, his sense of humor is endless – Lord knows he needs one working with Sunny. 

Susan Lester

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Karen Rees