03/06/08

   We have spent 40 years of studying under many trainers and breeders such as: Monty Foreman, Monty Roberts, Eitan Beth-Halachmy, Lee Smith, Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson, Chris Cox, Lynn Palm, Al Downing, Craig Johnson, Robert Miller, Richard Winners, Bob Avila, Richard Shrake, Johnny Johnston, Sheila Varian, Tom McNair, Merle Lacey, and more. We have pulled from the knowledge of all these Equines Masters and have taken the parts of their teachings that we have found to work the best for us and give us the results in which we have desired. Our desire is to have universal horses, able to do all disciplines, all tasks that you would ask out of a horse, and for all ages. We also have experience in saddle fitting and manufacturing. We believe the saddle that you use on your horse should fit your horse like your shoes should fit your feet.

   On more of a personal note these passions are now developed into the third-generation starting with my father, Bob Williams, then myself, Teresa Thompson and now my daughter Jamie Thompson.

   My dad's love for horses began at a very young age. The closest he got to it was a pair of draft horses loaned to them by their neighbor to work the fields. Dad would get caught by his father riding the draft horses and an end was put to his dreams for a while. In his 20’s, Dad’s dream awoke with an undying passion and in no time he was boarding eight horses. Several were stallions and to this day they are still his favorite to work with. A priest came to visit one-day and watched my Dad give a demonstration with three stallions together in the arena. Afterwards, he remarked that if mankind would respond and respect God as much as those studs did my father the world would be a totally different place. Dad is known for the respect and honor that his horses show him.

   My name is Teresa Thompson and I am the second generation of Chestnut Acres. I also have a thing for stallions. They are what I have chosen to ride the most as my personal horse. I love the elegance along with high spirit in them. My family has some American Indian blood in us, of which I am exceptionally proud of. I displayed it through much of my childhood, with my braided hair, headdress, Tomahawk and hatchet. I began training “Midget” my first pony, with fervency. They called me “Little Beaver” and “The Great White Trainer”. I trained every animal I could get my hands on such as ponies, raccoons, coyotes, goats and I prefer to have pairs of everything. This experience has made me a very strong leader for my horses and those I teach. I have found a nice balance in love, language and leadership in my training. It is my passion to be one with my horse and to teach others to do the same.

   Our daughter Jamie Thompson, age 12, came into this world with the divine gift of horsemanship. At age 5, she started riding a black stallion and he is still her favorite to this day. Jamie can read horse much like a horse whisper. I believe as time goes on and she sharpens that gift, that this is what she will be called (a horse whisper). Jamie is already teaching adults and other children about horsemanship. One thing is for sure, she is a great companion at the barn and on the trails for her grandfather and me.