Firefly Acres Bringing People and Their Dreams Together 304 Tandy Lane Sparta, TN 38583 931-946-7383 Fireflyacres@blomand.net Owned and Operated by: Pete and Bambi Dillingham   Home About Us Cabin Rentals Equine Programs    - Clinics    - Lessons    - Seminars    - Stable Design    - Training Horses for Sale Pete's Articles Special Events    - Catering    - Pavilion    - Weddings We're on Facebook! Training Our "starter" training curriculum for the average horses begins with a 25 lesson package that develops a horse on the ground and in the saddle. Using passive techniques we help each horse discover confidence and manners that define a good trail riding experience. Exercises like "respect my space", ground tying, standing still during mounting, emergency stops, a soft backup and stop, side passing and many other tools are the foundation to safe and enjoyable rides. Each owner of a horse is encouraged to participate in any or all of these lessons. After each session a journal is recorded to give its reader insight into the personality and development of their horse. The final ride is a three to four hour journey through wooded trails, streams, mud, and a variety of terrain. When a horse leaves Firefly Acres, it has all the rules in place and just needs the "seasoning" of miles of trails. Follow up training packages address more exposures to the "real world", desensitization to "horse-eating" threats and more sensitive communication in the saddle. Photos and Testimonials Hi Pete, We went out with the boys and I wanted to let you know how it went. Tobey was unbelievable! He stood while I put on his tack and he DID NOT RESIST his bridle! I could not believe how easy it was to collect him. When I ask him to be a "statue" he did really good. I had to back him once...but I could not believe how soft he was. Our ride was very short so I did not practice disengaging his hips..but we are going to set up some tires and work on this later in the week. I am so excited about the tools you have given me to communicate with Tobey. I had no idea I was responsible for so much of his bad behavior. He already seems like a different horse. I want you to know I have remembered to give him lots of love because he really did try hard today! Thank you for a very special weekend! We are definitely coming back in the fall!!!!! Blessings to you and Bambi, Deborah Georgia It is an awesome responsibility to bring along a young horse to become a good citizen. Pete accomplished this with Ozzie, my 4y/o SE Arab, who although already under saddle, was sassy and willful. I knew I needed someone to further Ozzie's training who would be both firm and sensitive. Pete had been brought to my attention by a good friend. As I asked around about him, everyone I spoke to had only good things to say about Pete's training. Turns out he also has a "soft spot" for Arabians -- another PLUS!! It was absolutely worth the time and effort to get Ozzie to Pete. Also, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the great cabin accommodations and Bambi's "world famous" chicken pot pie to warm you after a day of intensive training with Pete. Betty Altman Ball Ground, Georgia Dear Pete, I wanted to give you an update on my progress with Sunny. Every day I feel as if Sunny and I are more "bonded" since we worked with you. I am also applying those same lessons to Charlie (my other horse) with great success! The farrier came out on Monday and I wanted to see how Sunny would do without being cross-tied. Sunny usually gets antsy after the first 20-30 minutes. He will also shift back and forth, and try to pull his leg away while being shod. Sunny stood calmly, offering little or no resistance! His was relaxed, did some licking/chewing, and even sought attention (on his head where you loved on him!). The farrier was extremely impressed with Sunny's behavioral changes! I feel so fortunate to have Sunny in my life, and for the support you give us. Sincerely, Julee South Carolina Morning Pete. Thanks for all your experience and encouragement in our training sessions with "Trouble" and "Trooper" yesterday. I loved watching what you can "teach" horses. I truly was amazed we got Trouble to walk through your "wall of barrels, and Trooper to stand in tires he once was afraid of. Too cool! Jan Jamestown, TN Pete I really enjoyed the lesson I had with "Tango today. Thank you so much for being patient and understanding and of course…. always complimentary. Positive reinforcement goes a long way! Looking forward to seeing you next week! -Meg Swann Cookeville TN Dear Pete, I want to thank you for all the work you have put into Hot Shot. I have ridden him several times since he's been home and I am more pleased each time I ride him. Recently we rode in the mountains with several friends. I rode out front and way behind. Our farrier (who rode with us) had nothing but praise for Hot Shot's headset and attitude. I also appreciate the way you taught me to work with Hot Shot. I have thoroughly enjoyed putting into practice things I've learned and hope I'm doing everything right! I must be, because Hot Shot is better each time I ride. Thanks again Pete. Carol Ewing Alpharetta, GA A good relationship between horse and its' owner is hard to describe. For two years (since he was a colt) I have worked with my young gelding, Paco, building that bond. RFD, reading, "trial and error" and friends have been my tutors. However, I needed to further my education and started a search for someone to help. That's when I found Pete's card on a local business bulletin board. When I called, Pete invited me to Firefly Acres to observe his approach to training and his techniques. I left that day knowing I found a trainer who understood horses, people and the importance of an owner's involvement in the training process. During every hour of Paco's lessons, I was there…training my horse with Pete coaching and monitoring our growth. I have gained so much knowledge about how horses think, how eager they are to learn, and how to deal with challenges. Too many other trainers "know it all" and can make an owner feel inadequate. Not Pete, he's a teacher of a horse and man….and I highly recommend his training program, fully endorse his methods and encourage you to do the same. A good relationship between a horse and its' owner is hard to describe…..but wonderful when achieved. Mike Griggs Sparta, TN When I rescued Phoenix last year, he was headed to the "market". He was a 7 year old Arabian stallion with no name or a trace of human kindness. However, it was very obvious that he wanted to please and be loved. I have had Arabians for 25 years and knew he was special. I had Phoenix gelded, started his training, ran into several problems (including having to tranquilize him for farrier) and realized I needed help. In my search for a good trainer, Pete's name kept surfacing so I took Phoenix to Tennessee. In the first session Pete was picking up all four of his feet. I was sold. Since then, Pete has worked wonders with Phoenix. His love, hugs and patience with Phoenix paid off. In the beginning Pete asked what my goals for Phoenix were. I said I wanted a safe and trusting trail horse and I got it! Thank you Pete for all you did for Phoenix and me. Cindy Young Kennesaw, Ga. As an adult, I finally realized a childhood dream. My family and I fell in love with and bought our neighbor's new foal. Like many non-experienced horse lovers do, we purchased "Lillie" with our hearts and had no idea where to start. As she continued to grow, we realized we needed help. After a few failed attempts to find the "perfect trainer", we found Pete. Within a short time, Lillie was a new horse. She was ground tying, respecting my space, circling, standing still for saddling and riding. Most importantly, using Pete's horse psychology, she and I started to established a friendship. The amazing thing was the Lillie wasn't the only one being taught. In Lillie's training, I've learned some very important "life lessons" about assertiveness, confidence, relationship building, problem solving, communication and leadership skills. You could say that I had some unexpected "Equine Assisted Therapy." These are lessons that I will carry with me in and out of the saddle for life. Pete always says, "You get what you expect, so set your expectations high." If you have high expectations in a horse trainer, you will not be disappointed with Pete. You might just learn something about your horse…and yourself. Sincerely, Amy and Lillie Pikeville, TN Pete- I want to thank you for the work you have done with our horses. The training techniques that you use give positive results. The horses return home with good ground manners and looks forward to each ride. I particularly like the fact that all of our horses use the same cues when we are either doing ground work or are in the saddle. It sure makes life easier when all the horses respond the same. The journal that you provide during the training is very important as it keeps me informed on how the horse is progressing and includes me in the training process. I keep the journals on all the horses that you have trained and refer to them when needed- they are also wonderful to have when selling a horse as the journal can be given to the new owner who then understands what training the horse has had. I know people who have sent their horse off for training for a month or two and when I ask them how the horse is progressing they don't know which tells me the person training the horse is not communicating with the owner as you do. For the most part they don't go ride their horse while it is training so the horse is trained but not the rider- a big mistake in my book. It sure helps not only the rider but the trainer when he/she can see the owner ride the horse they are training. After all, the problem may not be the horse. I cannot thank you enough for working with our horses -- it is easy for us when we have a visitor to explain and show them the cues the horses know while in the saddle side by side. This makes the ride not only more enjoyable for the rider but for our horse as well. Thanks again- John Brandreth Brandreth Farms Talking Rock, Georgia Pete, I just wanted to take the time to thank you for what you have done with my girls. Rachel and her horse Misty are amazing! Misty absolutely LOVES Rachel and genuinely wants to try to please her. we owe a huge amount of this to your help starting Misty (and Rachel, too!). We would love to have you back out maybe next summer to help them both continue to grow together. Love and best wishes, The Kinser Family, Sparta, TN Having a horse with trailer loading issues (wouldn't get on), I asked other horse folks for someone to help me. I received a lot of negative remarks like, "not an Arabian Horse"! After chatting via email with someone who has Arabian Horses, Pete Dillingham's name came up. Pete worked with me and my horse, "Winddancer". Now my Arabian and I are loading up, traveling down the road and having wonderful trail rides. Pete's patience, knowledge and love for horses has changed my relationship with my horse. For that I am forever blessed. Sharon Gibson and Winddancer Ringgold, Georgia This letter introduces riding instructor and horse trainer Pete Dillingham. My wife and I recently became caretakers of three horses: a mare, a stud and a foal. We've previously had little experience handling horses and sought Pete's assistance. Mr. Dillingham's patience, knowledge and teaching skills have given us the competence and confidence to safely enjoy our new family on the ground and in the saddle. We would highly recommend Pete to anyone wanting an instructor who knows horses, knows people and knows how to put them together. Sincerely Stephen J. Grella Stonecreek Development LLC 11728 State Road 111 Spencer Tennessee 38585 Hi Fellow Horse Lover: If you want a top of the line trainer, who can do it all: Pete Dillingham is the best. I have 7 young straight Egyptian Arabians and Pete gave them ground training, grooming, farrier manners, broke in 2 to saddle and taught me a bunch about horses. I like Pete’s style of training and his patience with the energetic Arabians. I only wish Pete had stayed longer in Georgia, so that I could have learned more about the finer points of riding and training. The other aspects of Pete are his good character and reliable, steady trustworthiness. If you have any specific questions I would be happy to answer. You will not be sorry if you hook up with Pete. Sincerely, David Debra Sahalee Farm Sahaleefarm.com More recommendations available upon request.