From Emily Spurgeon;

Tina Spangler has been my trainer for almost two years and I speak the truth by

saying I recommend her to EVERYONE. I couldn't think of a better trainer than

her. She works with you and your horse and most of all she lets you train them.

If your horse needs more experienced hands then she will help you out by keeping

your horse at her barn. I have not ever seen Tina not be able to answer a

question that I may have, and I ask a lot of questions.

So many people recommended her to us so we looked a little bit into her and we

saw the price and we said let's go!

Without any doubt we will refer her to anybody now.

I've had a nasty habit of having very heavy hands and not using my legs. My

horse "Riata" is not so good on her right turns so in the beginning I could not

push her to 1st barrel. We ran and at first barrel she blew up and at my next

lesson with Tina she knew exactly why Riata did what she did and how to correct

it. The problem was, I was too heavy in my hands and being that Riata and I

were a new team Riata didn't have confidence to be able to push her to the 1st

barrel. Today Riata and I are an awesome team and She walks in the gate calmly

and I can push her to the first barrrel. Riata has very fluid and efficient

circles around the barrels...no wasted time there. We call those circles around

the barrels "Spangler circles" because all of Team TLC has those pretty

"Spangler cirlces".

Tina has made me feel like this is a business rather than a hobby even though

I'm only 13 years old. She is honest, patient, does not put you down and always

speaks positvely and with encouragement.

I am proud to be part of Team TLC!

From Kara Hurst:
Tina,

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all you have helped me to accomplish with my horse Renegade Rabbit AKA Bunny.

I purchased her a little under a year ago and we were constantly hitting barrels and loping 3D times. Now, just a year later, we are rarely hitting barrels, and I consistently win 2D money on her at high levels of competition. The biggest challenge for me were small indoor pens, but I am happy to say that at TOC Ocala we made two clean pretty 2D runs both days. I could not have done this without your help.

You taught me great exercises to work on during the week away from the barrels and you video taped my runs to tell me what to work on. I know that Bunny and I would not be where we are without you.

I admire your horsemanship but most of all I admire the way you treat your horses, your clients, and their horses. There are several trainers out there winning that are cruel to their horses, and their horses end up blowing up because they are pushed too hard too soon. Your horses and clients are winning because they enjoy working for you, and you teach them to love their job. It is never a forced job for them.

I am proud of the teacher and person you are. You are not only a great mentor, but a great friend and you have a heart of gold. I am so proud that Bunny and I are part of team TLC!

Kara Hurst & Bunny

From:  Amanda Ortega
I cant say enough about my barrel horse trainer Mrs. Tina Spangler, before I started working with her we would shoulder barrels all the time. I started takeing lessons with Tina and she was able to pinpoint our mistakes, she helped me to improve my horsemanship which allowed me to communicate with my horse. Since I have been working with her I now make consistant runs and are now no longer hitting barrels!

photo below Emily Begovich & Maddi

Hi Tina,  I'm writing today because I would like for you to know how much we appreciate the training you have given our daughter, Emily. She would not be where she is without your love for training and knowledge.  About five years ago when Emily decided to dedicate her riding to barrel racing Jeff and I were completely lost, no idea where to start!!!  When we found your advertisement in a magazine for lessons that's when our world changed!!  We came to you with our Tennessee Walking Horse, Buddy, you were great!!! You gave Emily, then five years old, a couple of lessons and then told us if this is what Emily wants to do, which then you could see it in Emily that this kid is really serious, then we should really think about getting a horse that is designed to do this job well. I was very nervous because we only owned gaited horses, knew nothing about any other breed.  Posting?? Good Lord that's too hard!!!!  Well we took your advice and started looking for a Quarter horse or Paint. For Emily's eighth birthday we surprised her with a Paint mare, Maddi. She was great,but needed a lot of work. After one month of you training and tuning on her and five months of lessons Emily and Maddi won 7 buckles and 1 saddle. Sadly, before the banquets and Emily actually receiving her year end saddle Maddi coliced and had to have colic surgery.  Emily was devastated! Luckily, Maddi recovered and was able to return to racing again, but not before having a bad abscess.  During her recovery, we went and bought Emily another horse, a reg. Quarter Horse named Princess. After two months of you training this mare, we immediately started weekly lessons on this mare.  We thought Maddi didn't need to come to lessons anymore because we thought she knew everything, boy were we wrong. When she was ready to show again, Maddi would buck Emily and refuse to go in the alley, totally being disrespectful!!! I was so upset I was ready to sell her. When I finally told you what she was doing we had a real problem. I'm so glad I listened to you and didn't sell her. We started bringing her to lessons again and I think it was only two rides by you on her and now weekly lessons again and we have our MADDI BACK!!!  Emily and Maddi are placing at NBHA, Tour Of Champions in 2D youth and this past weekend they got a 1D check at River Ranch Rodeo. Sorry this is sooo long but again I would like to express how grateful we are to have you in our lives as our trainer and friend.

months of you training this mare, we immediately started weekly lessons on this mare.  We thought Maddi didn't need to come to lessons anymore because we thought she knew everything, boy were we wrong. When she was ready to show again, Maddi would buck Emily and refuse to go in the alley, totally being disrespectful!!! I was so upset I was ready to sell her. When I finally told you what she was doing we had a real problem. I'm so glad I listened to you and didn't sell her. We started bringing her to lessons again and I think it was only two rides by you on her and now weekly lessons again and we have our MADDI BACK!!!  Emily and Maddi are placing at NBHA, Tour Of Champions in 2D youth and this past weekend they got a 1D check at River Ranch Rodeo. Sorry this is sooo long but again I would like to express how grateful we are to have you in our lives as our trainer and friend.

Jenny Moseley
"Thank you Tina(TLC Training) for the amazing transformation with my filly Bindi.  You taught her to trust & gave her a "chance" when I gave up on her.  Your training techniques speak volumes & I could not be more pleased with the job you have done.  She is a different horse in repsect to trust, manners and confidence, basic training and she is HAPPY!  I have rode her the last five days at the pen, the trails, in two arena and at home.  It's like day & night from when I brought her to your facility.  You poured your heart & soul into this little mare with "positive" reinforcement and your training style shines!! Bindi and I thank you, job well done Tina :)"   

Carley Frost (Gator & Skippy) Lakeland, FL
Tina has helped me so much with my horse Gator. I bought Gator at the end of May and we immediately started competing. Shortly after that we went to NBHA State and had a disaster. Gator started rearing up in the alley way and when he got to first barrel; it was extremely scary. I was terrified and had no idea what to do. Tina had been my trainer for the last year, and told me the one and only thing we could do before we got hurt, and that  was take Gator to her and let her have him for a while. She had him for two months and let me tell you it wasn’t easy. Tina taught me how to have confidence once again in him and how to ride him to ensure that he won’t go backwards. Within the first week or two I started going for lessons on him at her place and immediately I noticed a difference. She had already put bend and flex in him. In the beginning we couldn’t even try to vertically flex him or he would rear up. Now he will hold his vertical flex position at a walk, trot, and a lope. I was so pleased with his improvement. Our first show back together I was scared to death, but Tina kept me calm and showed me exactly what I needed to do. She stayed by our side the whole time which was extremely reassuring. We used to run 4-D or so but our first show back together we got 1^st place in the 3-D!!! Our run was perfect. His entrance into the arena was the calmest I’ve ever seen and his turns were quiet and snappy. Tina did such an amazing job; she truly has a God-given ability to work with horses and their riders. She has also helped me so much with my riding. She gets right at the level I need her at; she doesn’t talk over me or under me. I also love the way Tina treats her horses and her clients horses; with respect and dignity. She is a wonderful person with a heart full of love for people and animals and I would recommend her to anyone who is having horse problems.

Julie Byers, (Lil'Man) Kissimmee, Florida, (photo Tina on  Lil Man)
Tina is one of the most amazing people I have encountered in the barrel racing world. I had met her a few times at NBHA’s over the years, but after I completed high school and began college and work, a huge chunk of my time for riding was cut out of my schedule. My horse, Little Mann, began to get increasingly nervous compared to his normal laid-back nature, and he began to blow around the first barrel. I tried everything I could think of to fix it and it just wasn’t working. I began to research some places for training and was just confused on what to do. My Mom mentioned Tina’s name and within a week I was dropping my boy off. I love, love, LOVE Tina’s positive attitude and excellent demeanor. She is so good at explaining even the littlest things so that they make sense for me. I also chose her because of how quiet and attentive her horses always seem to be. She truly does take a TLC approach to her training and I knew that with my horse, that was what he needed. She figured out his problem and began working on fixing it. She gave me some great exercises and tips to continue on at home with him. He is calmer, more attentive, and turning the first barrel as I hoped he would. She also stresses that the rider and the horse work well together and become a better team. She doesn’t just "fix" your horse, she adjusts her riding style to meet one that won’t be a drastic change for yourself so that when you begin competing on your horse again its almost like second nature instead of a totally new experience. The thing that surprises me the most about Tina is she has this vast accumulation of knowledge that she is willing to share with anybody whom asks. She truly wants to see everyone succeed and if she can help she is more than happy too. It’s so refreshing when you see a lot of people that only what themselves to succeed and are not willing to offer advice when asked. Even after I have gotten him back from training she still communicates with me on a weekly basis to check in on him and offer some tips that she thinks would be helpful. She is very good with communicating the smallest details and really kept me up-to-date on my horses’ progress while he was at training. She is an amazing women and an excellent role model in the barrel racing industry. If I had to rate my experience with Tina on a 5 star scale, I would definitely give her a ten!


Renee & Maddie Hanners, Ft Myers, Florida-  First let me start by saying you are an amazing woman!  Maddy and I have taken 2 of your all day clinics and love your training techniques.  The clinics show the importance of slow work and perfect basics throughout the week.  Maddy's favorite part about the clinics was learning the perfect spots to look at each barrel.  The most important tip I took home from the clinics were BASICS.  If they are not there you have nothing.  I can't stress that enough after learning just how impotant they are.  With Tina's help Maddy has been riding my horse and consistantly placing and winning in the 1D Open shows and Rodeo's.  Biscuit, my 5 year old gelding is placing and winning in the 2D.  I would suggest everyone take a clinic no matter how experienced you are.  You can never learn to much. 

Martyne Holfe (Beamer)- Ocala, Florida,  update 9/10 What's makes a good trainer?  How about solid basics, slow progression to barrels, tons of heart and want too...all of this was accomplished by Tina Spangler! I have made 6 runs on a horse named Luke that Tina trained since my Beamer boy got hurt and have not hit a single barrel, have been competitive in the 2D/3D and ended up in the last spot in 2D avg at tough TOC competition.  This is what you get when you do things the right way.  Thank you Tina!

 I met Tina probably about 1 1/2 years ago after about 9 months of head butting frustration with a horse I had bought that was trained for barrels.  I was really thinking of sellling Beamer( Now I can't even imagine the concept of not having him). He was giving me trouble loading in the trailer, going in the arena, and our runs had gone from 2-3D to horribly inconsistent barrel hitting fiascos.  My mom suggested that before I throw in the towel, I should  seek professional help. So I did, and boy am I glad I did!! I had read about Tina on Florida Barrel horse.com and had seen her around at shows and really felt like she could help me.  I took a couple of private lessons and have since attended a day clinic and in a very short amount of time Tina completely altered my relationship with Beamer and made us a team that could work together.  I have never been the whip,beat, spur kind of rider and I very much feel Tina's training methods are disciplined and effective but based on trust and compassion.  If time, money , and location weren't a factor I would be at her house for lessons every day.  What impressed me the most was Tina being able to watch me run, ride Beamer for a little bit and come up with the right cues to give him during a run. I can honestly say that something as easy as picking up the reins on the backside of the barrel has made my 2nd and 3rd barrels stay up and stay tight without hanging on his face.  If I cue correctly Beamer will respond every time.  I can hear Tina's voice and picture her as I make my runs and it helps so  much.  Not only is Tina a great trainer and mentor, but I consider her a good friend!! She emits positivity and optimism wherever she is and no matter what kind of run she has. She treats her animals with respect and ensures that their physical and mental health is at it's best.  One of the neatest things I have experienced is that Tina gave me my 15 minutes of fame (sort of). I sent her a video of my run at state last year and she put it on her video critique column and so many of my friends and even the person I bought Beamer from watched it. The best part was the critique that was so right on....as I was reading the play by play analysis,i was reliving the run. I can't say enough about Tina and I hope to continue to  be able to benefit from her instruction and friendship.

Rob and I would make 1 clean run out of 10.  The money I spent making sure he was sound, bit changes, and lessons from other trainers would occasionally afford me a clean run...but I still was very inconsistent.  Tina gave me the one clue that I think has resonated in my mind that absolutely did not make sense, but it stuck with me.  Rob has A LOT of rate...Tina said, "you have to teach a ratey horse, rate".  She demonstrated numerous different types of exercises and made riding instructions crystal clear to me.  Tina had Rob for 4 weeks and only had an opportunity to run him 3 times.  In that brief amount of time she understood my horse.  I'm not saying every run I make now will be picture perfect....but there is "treasure in this trial".  I have a whole new positive confidence in myself and in my horse "TheMoneyRobber" and I can't say enough of great things about Tina Spangler as a rider who understands horses with different styles of running, as a horse trainer who can teach a horse at all levels of riding, and now a new friend.  Keep up the good work!   


Candice Johnson, (Shorty & Sierra) Brooksville, FL-  I met Tina through a friend about 3 years ago.  It was the greatest thing that ever happened to me.  After taking one lesson with Tina, it changed my whole world.  She believed in my horse and I even when no one else would.  She taught my horse and I how to be a better team.  She put Sierra on the road to becoming an amazing barrel and pole horse.  I love Tina's techniques and how kind she with horses.  Sometimes I think my horse loves Tina more then me.  I will recommend Tina to everyone, even if your not into barrels.  She teaches great horsemanship and helps you create a stronger bond with your horse.  Without Tina my horse and I would not be where we are today.  I continue to send my horses to Tina and plan to keep it that way.  Thank you Tina for everything you have taught Sierra and I, but more importantly thanks for always believing in us.


Emily Begovich, (Maddie & Princess) Mont Verde, FL-  I have known Mrs. Tina for about 4 years.  I only just got my first barrel and pole horse 6/14/07 on my eighth birthday, Mrs. Tina was there for that .  Maddi and I have been shaving off seconds every time we run.  My fastest time so far is a 15.9 at My Jestic in Eustis.  I had to compete in 5 shows and won the buckle for the series.  When I won the buckle Mrs. Tina was there to and so proud of me.  Mrs. Tina always says to me that Maddi and I are a great team.  I wouldn't be such a good barrel racer without Mrs. Tina.



Tina Seabaugh-(Blaire) Brooksville, FL-Since moving to Florida and meeting Tina at an NBHAFL06 show I started taking lessons with her.  She has helped us move into the 1D.  She has taught us the vaule of improving your basics and practicing perfect slow work during the week.  We have since removed my tie down for competition.  I train in a snaffle, my horse is calm, willing and enjoys her job.  In competition, I can be very aggressive and both of us maintain our muscle memory reflex at top speeds thanks to all our slow work.  I have helped Tina with her clinics and I enjoy working with her.
  

Ashley Fisher-(Girly) West Melborne, FL- I've always wanted horses and I got my first at 12 years old and fell in love with them.  I am deaf but have always lived in the hearing world, so I jumped into many horse events.  I bought a horse named Judah that use to barrel race and found Tina on the internet and decided to go see her just for fun!  She really taught me alot about training and improved me as a competitor.  It's just they way she works with the horse.  It's amazing to see how focused they are on her.  I felt really limited with horses and Tina has opened the gate for me.  I sent my 4 year old mare, Girly,  to Tina for two months training last year and this year is our novice year together.  She has already placed 4th at Kissimmee Sports Arena in Novice Rider all because of Tina.  I want to thank her for taking us there and also let you know you have become a part of our family, my son Noah loves coming to your barn.

 
Morgan Sellers, (Leggs) Fruitland Park, FL- I have been with Ms. Tina for about 1 year now, taking lessons.  She has helped me in so many ways.  Ms. Tina has helped me understand what kind of style my horse is.  She has taught me many warm up exercises to get my horse ready.  She is always there for me when I need medical information and suggested vets and medicine that may help her.  Last but not least, she has helped me and my horse shave 2 seconds off our time from when we first started one year ago!
 


Lesa Roe, (Cool) Mascotte, FL- Barrel racing had always intreagued me, but I had never had the opportunity to be an active participant until 2003, when I was given a chance to purchase a 6 year old qtr. horse mare, named Rosie.  Rosie was patterned but still needed finishing.  She was ridden with a severe bit and a wire tie down.  I was told that was the way she needed to be ridden.  Not knowing any better, I just took it for what it was worth.  I sought advice from friends and did a lot of backyard practicing, but found I wasn't getting anywhere.  Rosie didn't seem too happy about particpating either.  I was referred to Tina by my shoer, we met and hit it off right away.  Tina began assessing Rosie and was quite concerned about the wire tie down, and bit I was using.  She felt Rosie could continue her training with much less and in doing so would come to like her job better.  She asked me about flexing and bending exercises, I thought I knew what she was talking about, but soon found out otherwise.  I'm not sure who learned more from those lessons, me or Rosie.  With much time and patience from Tina, I learned how to use my legs and body with Rosie.  She learned how to move off my leg and respond in such a way that we were soon using a lighter bit and no tie down and Rosie was now enjoying her job.  Tina took us from being a hit-n-miss 4D team to a solid placing 3D team.  Because of our success and my personal progress made with Tina, I have now taken on a new horse with greater potential.  Tina is in the process of making us into a winning team.  Thanks Tina!
        
Danielle Cosgrove, (Ginny) Altoona FL- When I bought Guiness he was scared of everything, would buck, did not back up, was cinchy and did not know the barrels or poles.  After one year of lessons with Tina and one serious month of training at her house, he has become a different horse.  I love this horse so much and we have gone on to qualify for NBHA Youth World Finals 4D, to finish 4th overall at My Jestic buckle series sr. youth class, to place 3rd in the 4D youth for NBHA FL09 year end and I am so proud of where we are today.  I would not have sent Ginny to anyone not Charmayne, Martha Josey, I only trusted Tina with him.  She has been a God sent to me, she is one of the most personable, impressvie and honest trainers I have ever met.




Rachel Chun, (Luke & Missy) Lady Lake, FL-I started taking lessons with Tina three years ago, she sold us a horse she trained.  Luke and I have become a consistent team, when I have time to practice a lot, we have placed in the 2D.  Tina has taught me so much about horsemanship, not just in barrels and poles but things I could use in any discipline.  As well as trailer loading and safely hauling down the road.  She has been beside me when I won my first check, clocked my best time ever, she hauls me to shows and I am so thankful she is my trainer and friend.  Currently, I bought a new barrel/pole horse and Tina is helping learn to ride two horses that have completely different styles of turning.  I have since won my first buckle at a rodeo in poles, also winning several polebending events.  I have learned how to tune a pole horse to prepare for the weekend events.  

 
Sheri Gonzales, (Freckles) Louisiana- I sent Freckles to Tina for 90 days of basics and barrel training.  He became a consistent 4D horse for me and went on to be quiet enough for my daughter to compete on and they qualified for NBHA Youth World in the 4D the next year.  I have since moved on to teaching my own horses and I am running in the 1D and 2D now.  I use the techniques and style Tina taught Freckles on all of my horses.  She makes it fun for them and they love what they do.

Nicki and Danielle Clement, Paisley, FL-We want to thank you for all the knowledge and patience you have given me and my sister.  In the beginning, we did not know too much.  We got the wrong horses, believed too many people.  After getting hurt bad by one of the horses, my mother emailed you at floridabarrelhorses.com and told you about our bad experience.  You took the time out to write her and your readers about buying horses.  My Mom was so happy that you cared, we kept up with you.  We came to a clinic at your ranch and then you started teaching weekly at a ranch nearby.  My Mom jumped on that and we started our journey together.  You always have been so kind and so loving to us.  You told us forget about winning and start from the beginning.  So we learned how to handle a horse from the ground up.  You never got mad when we did something wrong, no matter how long it took us to get it right.  Your love for horses and the sport shows in everything you do.  We think of all the things you taught us and we do it.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and will always remember.  It's the journey that counts, everything else will follow.  God bless you always.  We hope to come to more of your clinics.

          
Kara Hurst, (Danzig & Rock) Eustis, FL-I have been running barrels for 10 years now and never have I been more pleased with my horses then when I sent them to Tina.  I have a 2D horse, Rockets Last Blast, who I would constantly hit barrels on.  Tina took him for 30 days and he came back to me more supple and
loose and really ready to work.  I had also bought a horse, Danzig Te, who had no barrel training.  Tina took him for 60 days and had him patterned really well.  I ran him for about 3 months and he was running 1/2 second to one second out at big races.  He really enjoyed running and you could tell that Tina had made learning fun for him.  Tina has also "babysat" my horses several times when I have been out of town and I would not trust anyone with them but her.  She is a very knowledgeable horse person, but also a great all around friend.  I have been not running for about a year now ( I have gotten married and have a baby due anyday now), but I am looking forward to being back out there, and for Tina to help me get my horses back tuned up. I would recommend her to anyone! 


Kayla Johnson, San Antonio, FL- Update 9/10 Tina, I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate all you have done for my mare, Kelly.  She has come such a long way from when we dropped her off at the TLC Ranch in February.  You really taught her patience and how to stay collected.  She has really turned into a hard core barrel racing horse that is just a blast to ride.  Thanks for all your hard work and most of all patience for her hot headedness!  You really have a true talent for what you do.  I look forward to seeing how she turns out once she realizes she has jet burners LOL :)  Thanks again for everything.

I found Tina through FBH.com and started lessons with her almost 4 years ago.  She was able to take my gelding to a level I didn't think was obtainable.  We could not even walk a straight line!  After 60 days of prof essional training , lessons and hauling we were able to run a nice pattern and even win some money!   She has a way with horses that I respect immensely.  She is able to communicate with them and the rider in a way that is simple yet extremely effective.  I have now moved up with a new mare and I am looking forward to the tips that Tina has and winning with the help of the horsemanship she has taught me.  

Crystal Tebbe, (Toby, Tucker, Jakcson) Davie, FL-I have sent all 4 of my horses to Tina in the past year and I am extremely pleased with the outcome of each.  Tina has the patience of a Saint and is one of the most pleasant, positive persons I have ever met.  She will always take the time to answer any question, solve any problem and assist you anytime.  Thank you Tina, you are the best!    

FROM TINA:
When I look at every one of these photos above I know each horse and each rider;  their personality, heart, joys, frustrations and try.  So even if I only met them briefly for a clinic or many times in lessons or daily in training, it was MY HONOR to have gotten to know them!  Thank you for letting me be apart of your lives.