New York trainer Dodie Howard said it’s not always easy to tell people what they don’t want to hear but if it’s truthful and comes from the heart most will understand.

Howard’s parents always instilled in her the message that honesty is the best policy and as a professional horse trainer that advice has always served her well.

“I have a super steady clientele; some have been with me since the beginning,” Howard said. “I think being a straight shooter is of utmost importance.”

Howard grew up in Ava, New York, with her parents, Skip and Cindy Howard; a brother, Bob; and her twin sister, Jodie. She earned an AAS degree in Equine Science from Morrisville State College and interned with Spike Holmes. She worked for a time at Sanctuary Stables LLC, in Cazenovia New York.

“They had recently purchased a stallion by the name of Coosa Lad and were going out and buying some of the  best pleasure horse mares in the industry,” Howard explained.

“They brought home mares such as Don’t Skip Zips Lady and Miss Gabolena among others. When these mares came back to the farm I had an opportunity to ride and show them, thus learning from them.”

After Sanctuary Stables Howard moved to Elmer, New Jersey and worked for Walt Downer when he owned and stood Principle Investment.

“Walt had some great show horses as well and had multiple trainers working for him,” she explained. “They were all always willing to help.”

In 1999 Howard left New Jersey and established her own training operation in New York.

At the 2012 Quarter Horse Congress, a friend introduced her to Ryan McKillips. In December McKillips moved to New York and the following May they became engaged.

“Ryan has been a great addition to the business,” Howard said. “He has numerous accomplishments and titles  himself, with some exceptional horses he has trained and shown. Ryan has one of the best eyes for movement and conformation than anyone I have been around.”

Now Howard and McKillips operate out of Cazabu Farms in Erieville, New York. The facility includes an 80-by- 200-foot heated indoor arena; a 100-by 200-foot fenced outdoor arena; 5 acres-plus with complete with run-in sheds; and three heated barns with 45 total stalls. There is also a separate broodmare facility with its own heated six-stall barn situated on over 300 acres.

Howard and McKillips specialize in the preparation of all-around horses.

“We do a bit of everything,” Howard said, “Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Halter and Hunter Hack. We coach Non-Pros in Showmanship, Horsemanship and Equitation. I have also trained and shown some National Reining Horse Association contenders, earning a High-Point Rookie Pro title in 2012. One of our favorite parts of training is starting the young horses and bringing them along to their show careers.”

Over the years Howard has had the opportunity to train and/or show such decorated horses as: Two Eyed Hunter, 2005 ApHC 3-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle World Champion; LastDetailsModernMac, 2002 National Snaffle Bit Association Breeders Championship Futurity 2-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle Reserve Champion; and Cools My Daddy, 2009 Palomino Horse Breeders of America Reserve Junior Hunter Hack Reserve World Champion, just to name a few.

Howard said she has been fortunate enough to achieve numerous milestones over the duration of her career and she is proud of each and every one.

“Ive had so many proud moments over the years but the most recent being Top 10 at the 2015 Congress in the Green Hunter Under Saddle with Too Sleepy To Drink,” she said. “That would be right up there. He was a super neat all-around horse. He came to me early in 2015 after not getting along in the program he was previously in and he definitely tested me for a bit. But when it clicked he and I were inseparable. He was sold just before I showed him, and is now being shown by a select competitor in Trail and Western Pleasure.”

Howard said the cornerstone of her program is patience.

“We believe in taking things slow,” she said. “We try not to put deadlines on any individual. If they are prepared, we go. If not, we stay home. Plus we have an ask, not tell theory. If you ask, usually your response is better than telling.”

As much as Howard loves training and showing she also gets a great deal of enjoyment watching their clients achieve their goals.

“Plus I love matching people up with the right horse,” she said. “I love seeing new teams succeed.”

Howard is a member of the AQHA, NSBA, PHBA and PtHA. When she is not training or at a horse show she enjoys snowmobile racing, motorcycles and skiing.

“Recently Ryan and I have acquired a boat and we have some great boating stories being newbies,” she said.

When asked to describe perfect happiness, Howard said:

“Ryan and I pretty much have that. We have great clients, nice horses, and each of us has the very best family you can ask for. Of course that Powerball a few weeks back would have been nice!”

For additional information on Howard/McKillips Show Horses you can call Howard at (315) 380-3244 or McKillips at (315) 269-5676. You can also contact them through the Howard/McKillips Show Horses Facebook page.