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The future of Horsemanship

West U Horsemanship

Built on a foundation of passion, expertise, and unwavering support

Our mission is simple but powerful: to strengthen our community and give back in meaningful ways. While horse training and coaching will remain at the core of what we do, the heart of West U Horsemanship has always been about the bond between people and their horses. It’s about building trust, confidence, and harmony in every partnership we help create

 

More Than Just Training

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Proven Mehtods, Lasting Results

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Feareless, Effective Training

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Limited Spots, Maximum Attention

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Your Horse, Your Journey

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A True Community, Not just a Program

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Personalized Care

Experience the Change, Build the Bond!

Why Choose West U Horsmanship

Our Method

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At West U Horsemanship, we take a fearless approach, confidently addressing challenges head-on to build trust, respect, and lasting partnerships with every horse we work with. By meeting horses exactly where they are, we establish clear communication and consistency, allowing us to create deep connections built on mutual respect. This fearless, authentic approach doesn’t just solve problems—it ensures lasting transformation. With each horse and rider, our goal is the same: empowering both to thrive confidently together, creating relationships that last a lifetime.

Meet our
Team

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With a lifelong passion for horses and years of hands-on experience, Chad Menard is dedicated to helping horses and riders build confident, respectful partnerships. As the founder of West U Horsemanship and a Certified Steady Horse Coach, Chad specializes in colt starting, behavioral problem-solving, and coaching riders of all levels. His training philosophy prioritizes clarity, connection, and communication, ensuring that horses respond to leadership with trust rather than fear.

 

Beyond training, Chad is committed to strengthening the equestrian community by helping riders—whether beginners or seasoned horse owners—develop their skills and understanding. Through personalized training, coaching, and clinics, he empowers both horse and rider to succeed.

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Born in the saddle, David Freeman is a fearless and dedicated horseman with a reputation for solving even the toughest training challenges. With years of experience working with horses of all backgrounds, David specializes in colt starting, behavior correction, and advanced horsemanship. His deep understanding of equine behavior and no-nonsense approach allow him to build trust and respect between horse and rider.

 

Known for his ability to turn around disrespectful or problem horses, David’s expertise ensures that every horse he works with gains the confidence and skills needed to perform at their best. Whether starting young horses or refining seasoned mounts, his mastery in the saddle is unmatched.

Katlyn Smipson

I highly recommend West U Horsemanship! David took in my palomino gelding that had a fear of men. In 30 days he took him from untrusting and fearful of men to trusting men. I have gotten constant updates on how my boy has been progressing. I couldn’t thank David enough for taking the chance to work with my gelding. I would recommend him to anyone for colt starting, or problem solving with horses.

Shannon Turek

Chad at West U has been the ultimate coach. I can’t say enough good things, truthfully. The instructions clear and concise making each exercise easy to put into practice. Not only that, but the feedback and support during and in between sessions are incredible. If you’re looking for a place to just get your feet wet in the horse world or are needing help with your horse, these are the guys to go to. You’ll be set on the success train in no time!! They’re honest, and all around good people.

Holly Schuttenberg

I highly recommend West U Horsemanship… they are an amazing team of gentlemen that go above and beyond just training your horse. They also look out and care for their clients. They are working with 3 of our worse horses we have and are gentle training with them. They have already made amazing strides. They keep me updated with videos and pictures. Besides that I’m laid up with surgery and Cancer and they have came to my barn and helped with task here. They truly care about their clients.pic of my coming 2 year old currently there getting ground manners and trailer training

Inspired by
Real Results

Ready to Start your Journey?

Reach out and let’s get started

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  • Where are you located?
    We have 2 locations that we work out of. They are both located in Missouri. Troy and Montgomery City
  • What makes West U Horsmanship different than other trainers?
    At West U Horsemanship, we don’t just train horses—we build lifelong partnerships between horse and rider. What sets us apart is our commitment to lasting results, trust-based methods, and a true connection with every horse and owner we work with. ✔ Not Just a Transaction—A Relationship – Our work doesn’t stop when your horse goes home. We are invested in your long-term success and provide ongoing support, guidance, and coaching to ensure the training sticks. Whether it’s answering questions, offering follow-up lessons, or providing video feedback, we’re here for you beyond the training program. ✔ Your Horse is Part of Our Family – Unlike large commercial barns, we own our facilities and personally oversee every horse in our care. That means your horse isn’t just another stall number—they are treated like family. We monitor their health, behavior, and well-being daily, ensuring they are not only progressing in training but thriving physically and mentally. ✔ Clarity Over Conflict – We don’t believe in fear-based methods or quick fixes. Instead, we focus on clear, effective communication that builds a horse’s confidence and willingness to work with their rider. ✔ Tailored Training, Not One-Size-Fits-All – Every horse and owner have unique goals, and we take the time to customize our approach so that your horse understands, trusts, and performs consistently. ✔ A Thinking Horse is a Safe Horse – Our training methods don’t just teach obedience; they teach your horse to think through challenges, making them safer, more reliable, and more enjoyable to ride. ✔ A Focus on Quality, Not Quantity – We limit the number of horses in training to ensure each one gets the time, attention, and personalized approach they deserve. At West U Horsemanship, you’re not just another client, and your horse isn’t just another project. We are igniting your passion, building confidence, and delivering real results—because your success is our success.
  • What training methods do you use?
    At West U Horsemanship, we use clear, results-driven training methods based on trust, communication, and building a willing, confident horse. Our approach is designed to create a soft, responsive, and engaged partner—not just a horse that obeys out of fear or repetition. ✔ Clarity Over Conflict – We focus on clear and effective communication so your horse understands what’s being asked, rather than relying on pressure, force, or excessive repetition. ✔ Developing a Thinking Horse – Instead of just teaching obedience, we train horses to think through challenges, making them safer, more reliable, and more confident in new situations. ✔ Trust-Based & Non-Fear Methods – We do not use fear, intimidation, or excessive pressure to get results. Instead, we establish respect and responsiveness through consistency, leadership, and fairness. ✔ Building Softness & Responsiveness – Whether in groundwork or under saddle, we focus on softness, meaning your horse moves off light cues, stays engaged, and willingly responds. ✔ Customized for Each Horse & Rider – No two horses learn the same way. We adjust our approach based on the horse’s temperament, experience, and the owner’s goals, ensuring long-term success. ✔ Groundwork as a Foundation – Every horse in training learns to respect space, respond to light pressure, and move with balance and confidence on the ground before those skills are reinforced under saddle. ✔ Transition Support for Owners – Training doesn’t stop when your horse leaves our facility. We ensure you understand the techniques used and provide coaching so that you can confidently continue your horse’s progress at home. Our goal is simple: a confident, responsive horse that looks to its rider for guidance and a rider that feels empowered to lead.
  • How do I book a training program for my horse?
    Booking training with West U Horsemanship is simple and personalized to ensure the best fit for you and your horse. 1️⃣ Fill Out Our Training Inquiry Form or Contact Us – Start by filling out our online form or reaching out via phone, email, or social media to let us know you’re interested. 2️⃣ Schedule a Consultation Call – Once we receive your inquiry, we’ll set up a call to discuss your horse’s history, training level, challenges, and your long- and short-term goals. This helps us determine the most beneficial program for your needs. 3️⃣ Select a Training Program – Based on our conversation, we’ll recommend a program that best fits your horse’s needs and your desired outcome. 4️⃣ Secure Your Spot – Once you decide to move forward, we’ll finalize the details, confirm availability, and go over everything you need to know before your horse arrives. 📅 Spots are limited, so early booking is recommended! Fill out our Training Inquiry Form today, and let’s start building a plan for you and your horse.
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