Desert Sage Ranch

I never thought I’d love living in the desert, but here I am. I still want to be a snowbird, but for now I’ll settle on being a desert rat.

Chelli

Desert Sage Ranch is my home, where I carefully breed and raise Gypsy Vanner horses with strong bone, generous feather, and kind, willing dispositions — offering them thoughtfully when the circumstances are right.

DSR is also home to horses Krea, Yogi, Bit, Charis and Tyche; dog companions Apollo and Finn; and cat companion Jack. You’ll also get to know some of the previous residents, and extended family along the way. I hope you enjoy your visit here in our virtual world. If you’re ever in the area, please stop by for coffee (or a cold one), bbq and some great conversation!

How I Train

I use thoughtful, progressive tools that challenge each horse to think, engage, and participate in their own learning. Curiosity and confidence don’t always appear immediately, and when they don’t, I meet the horse where they are. Growth happens on their timeline.

Through gentle, structured challenges, I create opportunities for understanding rather than pressure. I prioritize comfort and clarity so each horse feels safe enough to try, process, and improve.

Every new skill is intentionally built on a solid, known foundation — because lasting progress comes from confidence, not force.

As an amateur competitor working exclusively with my own horses, my program is rooted in partnership, long-term development, and shared progress. I am not a professional trainer for hire. I am a lifelong student of the horse — committed to learning, refining, and improving alongside them every day.