Before I met Joan I did the all-around show horse for about six years and all that is, is a whole lot of slow and steady movement. But then I decided to get into a little faster moving sport with horses. So my mom got in touch with Joan and told her about the kind of rider I was and the kind of horse I wanted. About a week later we went out to Joan's place to ride a barrel horse that she had found for us, his name was Cash. My Mom was very nervous about buying the first horse we rode but Joan was sure he was the one , boy was she right!! I got on him and he was amazing, we just fit perfectly (even though I was a terrible barrel racing rider), I could not believe that the first barrel horse I had ever ridden in my life was the perfect fit for my riding skills. Joan did an awesome job fitting me with him. After we bought Cash I continued to go out to Joan's place to get lessons, and every time I got a little bit better. A few months later I went to my first barrel racing and ended up getting a check in the youth. Joan was there the entire time coaching me and preparing me for my run. I would have never have gotten there without her. After my first barrel race I continued to go to small barrel racings and Joan was there every time with me in the ring. After only running and owning Cash for about 1 year I was ready to attend the Las Vegas super show. Me and cash did so great, and after every run Joan would be in the alley way congratulating me on my run. After every run even if it was'nt my best she always made me feel like it was, and she helped me keep my confidence up. But not only did she help find a great horse she also trained our little Frenchmans mare, and even after 2 months in training, I have never seen a horse have such nice turns in such little time of training. I am really happy that we found Joan she is an amazing rider, trainer, coach, and friend. She did a great job finding my first horse,and training a horse of mine that had no experience. So thank you Joan for helping me become a better rider, and thank you for finding one of the greatest horses I have ever ridden, I truly feel like I am a success story, and I could not be happier with my horses and my progrees I look forward to every ride with Cash, Thank you Joan your the best!!  Love Alix.  

 My name is Pamela Smith and I live in Nevada, I talked to Joan
  on the phone about a   year or so ago and told her I wanted to  barrel race and that I needed to find the right   horse partner. I  told her what it was I wanted and she said if I could be patient
  and not   in hurry she could help me find the right horse. I told  her my price range and allot about me . I still looked other places  but I must say its not everyday you get the   opportunity to deal
  with a honest person that knows what Joan knows about horses   and   people. She called me one day out of the blue and told me about Zanadee, who I   nowcall Z, and I also nicknamed her Nike. This horse could not have fit me more   perfectly, I  am so happy with her, she and I are riding all the time and I have already   learned so   much and none of this would have been possible if it wasn't for Joan. I will   recommend   her to all the good people I can. I will also protect her from any I think are   bad. This   horse is trained so well she is teaching me all  she can. If you need anything   to do with   horses or barrel racing it will benefit you to get in touch with Joan Usher....  

  When I met Joan I was immediately impressed with her professionalism and knowledge. When I began looking for a barrel horse I called Joan and she took the time to question me about what my goals were, what my expectations were and what were my priorities regarding a horse. She also took time and rode with me so that she could find a horse that was suitable for my riding ability. She took time in locating a horse that was a good fit. That is what people do that care about their reputations and their business. They match horses to owners. They don’t just sell horses.  Joan successfully matched me with the horse that I have now had for a year and I have had no “Buyers Remorse”. He is exactly what Joan said he was.

I have know Joan for 4 years now.  Barrel racing is a desire that I have had all my life.  I was 35 years old when I decided to take barrel racing to the next level.  Even though I started barrel racing late in life and took a different approach I bought a horse (from a friend) that was as green as I was. Joan taught me from the ground up literally. She instilled confidence and faith that I would be able to compete on a mare that knew just about as much as did, zero.

My mare past away in 2007 and I was really upset. I relied on Joan to find another horse for me within my budget (which was not much).  She came through for me and found a wonderful (trained) barrel horse, not only for me but for my family. She knew it was very important to me that the horse was great around kids. In just a couple of months I was off again. We were placing in the 4D consistently. I was happy, my family was happy and  I was bringing home some cash which made my husband even happier.
 
My horse and I had some difficulties last fall and Joan took the time to help me through them, even though we were not training with her at the time she still held my hand giving me advice and encouragement that it will be ok. 
It took us a while to get back into the groove of competing again, but without the belief and self-confidence Joan has given me, I (we) would have given up.
 
We continue to train with Joan. Joan's techniques are geared towards the rider and the horse. She teaches with calmness and enthusiasm. She allows me and my horse to go at our own pace, yet knows when to push us to work harder. Her saying to me is "You can go faster." in one breath and in the next she will say it will come in due time. She answers all my questions and continues to grow me on my current skill level. She has expanded my horsemanship skills and I continue to learn from her everyday, whether I am taking a lesson or at a barrel race. Joan will take you in the direction you want to go and to what level you want to succeed at. She is a wonderful teacher and I would recommend her to anyone.
 
Now, I have enough courage to go to Las Vegas, were she will hold my hand (I hope) through my next venture in barrel racing.
 
I owe Joan and her husband a lot. Without them I wouldn't be doing what I am doing and my horse would be standing in the stall doing nothing.

Thanks for everything Joan. I appreciate you and Clel for all your hard work and effort that you have put into me and my horse.