Jenn Cassidy/Knock on Wood Farm in Collegeville, PA

[Alterwithatwist]

Super interested in checking out her farm as she 5 minutes away from my work. I just moved back to the area and am not familiar with her farm/program. I have a younger OTTB that needs a lot of flat work but want to aim him towards the hunters. I’m on a older AO that isn’t the bravest. My mare needs a lot of turnout to stay sane. I have a lot of experience but haven’t ridden a ton in the past 5 years or so.

Would love to know more about her program from those with experience there. Feel free to send a private message. Thanks.

[mrs_beasley]

[QUOTE=Alterwithatwist;9025025]
Super interested in checking out her farm as she 5 minutes away from my work. I just moved back to the area and am not familiar with her farm/program. I have a younger OTTB that needs a lot of flat work but want to aim him towards the hunters. I’m on a older AO that isn’t the bravest. My mare needs a lot of turnout to stay sane. I have a lot of experience but haven’t ridden a ton in the past 5 years or so.

Would love to know more about her program from those with experience there. Feel free to send a private message. Thanks.[/QUOTE]

I know Jenn and have for a long time. She is an excellent horsewoman that works HARD. I have seen her bring several nice young horses along and have also seen her teaching style, which is firm, but fair and friendly. She has worked for great people, has a great formal education in Equine Studies, and keeps herself current by attending clinics, taking lessons, and competing regularly.

I have not personally been to her farm but know of it and know that she pays close attention to her horses, and takes great pride in her work.

She is very approachable, so I would recommend reaching out to her directly for a tour or to sit in on a lesson or two to see if her teaching style will work for you and your horse.

[kelsie.jett]

I came to Jenn in late 2015 with confidence and panic attack issues. She made me feel completely at ease and in control of where I wanted each lesson to go as I progressed back into the sport. Within months she had me on an ex-grand Prix horse and confidently competing in the 2’9" jumpers.

I have watched jenn teach all levels of riders, and each has grown in a multitude of ways. She has a masters degree in counseling which helps her further relate to her clients. She goes above and beyond for her clients, and is always offering help and advice wherever needed. She’s great with problem horses and Unconfident riders, as well as starting and furthering green horses.

[NicksonB]

I started riding with Jenn last August. She currently is helping me bring along an OTTB that I’d eventually like to make into a jumper. She is incredibly knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun to work with. In a few short months both me and my horse have made so much progress in a safe and enjoyable environment. I’m also a veterinarian, who has practiced equine medicine for a few years for both performance and pleasure horses and I have been extremely impressed by her knowledge and dedication to the care of horses on her farm.

[Alterwithatwist]

Thank you everyone!

[kbm93]

I can’t say enough great things about Jenn and the entire family at knock on wood farm. I came to Jenn with significant confidence issues after having a few bad injuries and experiences. She was able to find me an amazing match with a horse who has helped my confidence and get back in to show ring. Jenn knows exactly when I need a push. I have ridden at several show barns when I was younger, and I absolutely love the care and environment she provides for all the horses. She is meticulous and dedicated to the love and care that she provides. She also tries to find her riders opportunities other opportunities to broaden experience such as clinics and shows. I have seen so many riders and horses hit incredible milestones.

[skydy]

Does this thread seem like an poorly disguised advert or is it just me?

One first time poster asking about a trainer, one member who has not actually been to the farm and 3 first time posters on the same thread with glowing recommendations that read like advertising speak.

Could be I’m just old, suspicious, and crotchety. I’m sure the trainer being asked about is probably a good egg. I don’t know. The thread strikes me as contrived. Good luck OP.

[Pennywell_Bay]

Skydy- definitely.

You beat me to it.

[mrs_beasley]

[QUOTE=skydy;9026674]
Does this thread seem like an poorly disguised advert or is it just me?

One first time poster asking about a trainer, one member who has not actually been to the farm and 3 first time posters on the same thread with glowing recommendations that read like advertising speak.

Could be I’m just old, suspicious, and crotchety. I’m sure the trainer being asked about is probably a good egg. I don’t know. The thread strikes me as contrived. Good luck OP.[/QUOTE]

So because I know her very well from YEARS spent watching her as a rider and fellow trainer, but haven’t ever had the chance to swing by her barn which is 45 minutes from mine in an area I don’t usually find myself in, I am fake?!

as a professional, I have experienced some rather haterful posts on these forums (mostly posted by those whom have never ridden with me, horse shopped with me, or spoken to me in person), so I feel that we must “have eachother’s backs”, so to speak, and give people a good review when they deserve it.

The OP asked for reviews from people who know her, so PEOPLE WHO KNOW HER replied. If they happen to be current boarders who are HAPPY with the services, so be it. People who have had negative experiences could post if they choose to, but so far have not. Maybe they don’t know about this thread, or maybe there aren’t many dissatisfied customers. All I know is what MY experiences have been with her at horse shows as a trainer and coach, clinics, and as a fellow competitor.

If that makes it “suspicious”, I feel sorry for you and for what may have happened in your life to make you such a cynical person focused on the negatives.

As far as “advertising”, she does a minimal amount on Social Media and is way less of a “self promoter” than many other trainers out there, which might work for them, but I would assume is not Jenn’s style, so I highly doubt that she would make a random, anonomous thread on this forum.

Consider this: if she were to start this thread, what if all of the replies to her post were negative and full of commentary from dissatisfied customers? That seems like a bad marketing scheme that could go badly on her very quickly, as ANYONE can post here. Nobody with a brain in their head would try that brand of advertising…too much could go wrong too quickly.

[StormyDay]

Mrs beasley: it’s not the glowing reviews, there are plenty of great trainers out there. It’s the fact that none of you have more than 10 posts to your name.
On top of that the writing styles of the posts are very similar, too similar IMO.
I have a feeling this isn’t Jenn but a well meaning friend or working student who didn’t really think this one through.

[TatteredDaydreamer]

It wouldn’t be a COTH thread without the negative Nancy types chiming in, now would it?;).

The OP posted under an alter, it seems, so that’s probably why it’s their first post. I’ve known Jenn for years, am not a first time poster, and have nothing but good things to say about her. Her farm is gorgeous, she takes wonderful care of all her animals and she’s a great instructor. I would not hesitate to reccomend her services to anyone. I’m very much looking forward to riding with her again in the near future!

[mrs_beasley]

[QUOTE=StormyDay;9026781]
Mrs beasley: it’s not the glowing reviews, there are plenty of great trainers out there. It’s the fact that none of you have more than 10 posts to your name.
On top of that the writing styles of the posts are very similar, too similar IMO.
I have a feeling this isn’t Jenn but a well meaning friend or working student who didn’t really think this one through.[/QUOTE]

Sorry that I have a real job, and thus, no time to be a real keyboard warrior or troll on the internet with dozens of posts about things that don’t affect me or mine.

My name, for the record, is Lindsay Langan. You may look me up if you please, and even message me on Facebook to confirm that I am not an anonomous troll going to bat for my trainer. In all honesty, Jenn and I could compete for the same client base, and I probably shouldn’t go out of my way to promote other businesses, but this girl is a legitimately hard worker and good person. She deserves great reviews from whoever the hell chooses to write them. Maybe some of the “first time posters” have read the threads on here for a while but never felt the need to post before this particular one.

This thread is to REVIEW Jenn’s training program. If you don’t know anything about it, good or bad, hold your tongue and go bother people on OTTB Connect or something.

[Xctrygirl]

Ok hopefully my post will put an end to this crap. You all DO know me. 6000+ posts makes me at least established. I never ask people to agree with me, only to allow all their opinions, so here’s mine.

Jenn is fabulous for all the reasons stayed above. A dear friend of mine boards with her and while I haven’t been lucky enough to go to the farm myself I have competed against and seen lots of Jenn, her horses and students.

You may confirm that I, Emily Daignault-Salvaggio, am saying all this by emailing me at emily.daignault@gmail.com or by calling me at 301-455-1649.

Hopefully it’s enough good reviews for the OP to consider giving business to a qualified and talented horseman

Emily

[Chezzie]

Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever, in all my years on COTH, seen a thread with this many posters I know in real life.

Jenn is one of the hardest working, most driven horsewomen I have ever known. I hope the OP will go talk to her and see the barn for herself.

You can find me and my opinions at https://www.facebook.com/ChestnutHollowFarmPA/

[kelsie.jett]

[QUOTE=StormyDay;9026781]
Mrs beasley: it’s not the glowing reviews, there are plenty of great trainers out there. It’s the fact that none of you have more than 10 posts to your name.
On top of that the writing styles of the posts are very similar, too similar IMO.
I have a feeling this isn’t Jenn but a well meaning friend or working student who didn’t really think this one through.[/QUOTE]

Yes, I am a working student for Jenn, and I have never posted on the chronicle until me and some of my barn mates (kbm93 and Nickson) came across this thread, hence our “greenie” statuses. But we whole heartedly stand by our trainer.

If you are interested in checking out the facility, feel free to give her a call. You can find more info and contact info on Facebook or at knockonwoodfarmllc.com

[Calling_Duck]

Let us go out on a limb here and guess that the reason why we have the flurry of first time posters on a barn in this geographic area this weekend…could be because a large lesson barn just 5 miles from Knock on Wood…just lost their hunter instructor / trainer. There are now a variety of clients, boarders, and lesson students left up in the air.

Carry on.

[TatteredDaydreamer]

Hmmmm…I’m pretty sure we were just trying to be helpful to the OP.

Bless your heart, carry on.

[skydy]

[QUOTE=mrs_beasley;9026749]
So because I know her very well from YEARS spent watching her as a rider and fellow trainer, but haven’t ever had the chance to swing by her barn which is 45 minutes from mine in an area I don’t usually find myself in, I am fake?!

as a professional, I have experienced some rather haterful posts on these forums (mostly posted by those whom have never ridden with me, horse shopped with me, or spoken to me in person), so I feel that we must “have eachother’s backs”, so to speak, and give people a good review when they deserve it.

The OP asked for reviews from people who know her, so PEOPLE WHO KNOW HER replied. If they happen to be current boarders who are HAPPY with the services, so be it. People who have had negative experiences could post if they choose to, but so far have not. Maybe they don’t know about this thread, or maybe there aren’t many dissatisfied customers. All I know is what MY experiences have been with her at horse shows as a trainer and coach, clinics, and as a fellow competitor.

If that makes it “suspicious”, I feel sorry for you and for what may have happened in your life to make you such a cynical person focused on the negatives.

As far as “advertising”, she does a minimal amount on Social Media and is way less of a “self promoter” than many other trainers out there, which might work for them, but I would assume is not Jenn’s style, so I highly doubt that she would make a random, anonomous thread on this forum.

Consider this: if she were to start this thread, what if all of the replies to her post were negative and full of commentary from dissatisfied customers? That seems like a bad marketing scheme that could go badly on her very quickly, as ANYONE can post here. Nobody with a brain in their head would try that brand of advertising…too much could go wrong too quickly.[/QUOTE]

Please re-read. I did not accuse you of being “fake”. I am glad all is well. The thread seemed like a poorly disguised advert. Why people were posting with alters I don’t understand.

I’m not a bad person. Really. It seemed like a strange thread and I said so. Ease up.

[mrs_beasley]

[QUOTE=skydy;9027433]
Please re-read. I did not accuse you of being “fake”. I am glad all is well. The thread seemed like a poorly disguised advert. Why people were posting with alters I don’t understand.

I’m not a bad person. Really. It seemed like a strange thread and I said so. Ease up.[/QUOTE]

This was not intended to be a witch hunt or a fight.

Plenty of people on this forum ask for insight on specific trainers from all different parts of the country. This post was no different. That is one of the purposes of this board. Just as people ask about specific brands of saddles. Is that advertising too, if someone asks specifically about a custom brand of saddle and the forum responds with mostly positive reviews?

As far as “alters” go, do you mean the user names that we choose? Most people don’t choose to use their real names, which is perfectly fine. You have one too, Skydy, and I doubt it is close to your actual name. Each poster pretty much explained their exact relationships and who they are in relation to Jenn in their comments. Kelsie even used her actual name in her detailed post. I chose to divulge my true indentity because I try to be an open book, and I don’t write things I would be embarrassed to sign my name to.

As far as advertising, advertising would be a random post from a new user like “OMG I just took a lesson at the BEST. PLACE. EVER. Let me tell you all of the amazing things randomly just because. She turned my cross rail hunter into a High Junior Jumper in ONE LESSON. Everyone, come ride here!” And even if she was attempting to advertise, who cares?! Does it affect your day-to-day?

I think that this post has done it’s job as far as giving the OP enough information to form her own decision.

Please keep in mind that we all have to be a “first time poster” at some point in our life, and usually it is a post that grabs our attention on a personal level that inspires us to contribute. For many of the above posters, it was this post.

I cannot form an opinion about you as a person, good or bad, because I do not know you. You are a “alter ego” on a message board. Perhaps I do know you in real life, but perhaps not. But I do like most people and I try to be likeable. You have to try a little harder than participating in a minor internet disagreement to be a “bad person” in my book…there is too much of that going on these days in regards to disagreements on the web (see: politics on Facebook).

Have a great evening and if you ever encounter me in person, don’t be a stranger!

[skydy]

OK, of course I’ll never be a stranger.

The “alter” I was referring to was the OP. It seemed weird and I said so, and did not realize that my comment wouldn’t be taken for what I thought it clearly meant.

Skydy is actually quite close to my “real” name. Not new here.
I really had no intention of freaking anyone out though it seems I have done so.