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 1st 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.
Alexa Howell
My name is Alexa Howell. As of 2010, I am 16 and I attend Umatilla High School. I am a 2 time Pole Bending National Qualifier and the 2009-2010 Florida High School Rodeo Pole Bending Champion. There are many people that have helped me achieve my goals. Mrs. Tina Spangler helped me when I first started running poles. She taught me all the basics to a horse like flexing, bending at the poles, roll backs, side passing and so on. Those basics that she taught me are something that I use EVERYDAY when I get on my horse!
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, 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.
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.
Jen Conner, (Cashier, Sally, Dolly, Luke) Lithia, FL-I met Tina in 2003, she helped me train a bay gelding (Luke) for barrels, then later when I was ready to move up on speed, she helped me find a perfect home for him. Since then I have seeked Tina's advice over the years in my progress with other horses. Recently, attending one of her all day clinics on my new horse, No Firewater Here, she gave us the tips and confidence we needed to win our first PRO rodeo check. Tina truly has a gift for teaching people and sees things that can improve your riding in training and in competition. We have been friends for many years and I respect her opinion.
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, (Magic & Amber) San Antonio, FL- 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.
