Crystal (Christy) Puckett
Gate City
Summary
Dynamic horse trainer with extensive experience at Singing Wood Stables, specializing in positive reinforcement and tailored training programs. Proven ability to enhance equine performance and client satisfaction through effective communication and groundwork training. Skilled in equine health care and fostering strong relationships, ensuring optimal horse well-being and development.. Have used Sam Clark DVM as my personal vet for over 35 years in which I was privileged enough to get to perform guided procedures hands-on on my own animals and gained a great deal of both large and small animal veterinary medicine experience. I am also BQA certified through Va Tech.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Horse Trainer
Singing Wood Stables
- Trained horses using positive reinforcement techniques to enhance behavioral responses.
- Developed individualized training plans based on horse temperament and performance goals.
- Monitored horse health and well-being, ensuring adherence to safety standards during training sessions.
- Collaborated with riders to refine riding skills and improve communication between horse and rider.
- Conducted assessments of horse progress, adjusting training strategies for optimal development.
- Implemented daily exercise routines to promote physical fitness and stamina in horses.
- Organized training clinics and workshops to educate clients on effective horsemanship techniques.
- Inspected, prepared, cleaned, disinfected, and maintained comfortable horse stable and enclosures.
- Coached and trained students in basic care and maintenance of horses and stables in addition to riding technique, form, and skills.
- Instilled basics of horsemanship and riding in beginners, first-time or occasional riders, refining knowledge, and skills of more advanced riders.
- Prepared horses for specific competitions or tasks.
- Maintained animal health records, treating minor injuries, and reporting serious injuries to owners for consultation with veterinarians.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable environment for horses, ensuring proper care and attention to their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
- Instructed students in horsemanship and specific riding skills in both English and Western riding styles.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, providing regular updates on their horses'' progress and overall condition.
- Assisted owners in addressing specific behavioral issues through targeted training techniques, fostering better communication between horse and rider.
- Increased clients'' satisfaction with tailored training programs for individual horses based on their unique needs.
- Fit gear for horses and specific riders.
- Managed feeding, rugging and general stable procedures, communicating issues, or significant maintenance requirements to management when necessary.
Horse Trainer
Shadowwood Stables
- Managed daily operations of cattle ranch, ensuring efficient workflow and resource management.
- Implemented sustainable farming practices to enhance livestock health and productivity.
- Developed training programs for new staff on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Streamlined inventory management processes for feed and equipment supplies, reducing waste.
- Led marketing initiatives to promote products at local farmers' markets, increasing customer engagement.
Farrier
Self Employed
Abingdon, VA
01.1990 - 01.2026
- Evaluated hoof health and conformation to develop tailored shoeing plans.
- Executed precise trimming and shoeing techniques to enhance equine performance.
- Maintained comprehensive records of client horses and services provided.
- Collaborated with veterinarians to address hoof-related medical issues effectively.
- Implemented innovative techniques to improve efficiency in shoeing processes.
Owner/Operator
Big Bear Cattle Company
Chilhowie, VA
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Managed daily operations of cattle ranch, ensuring efficient workflow and resource management.
- Implemented sustainable farming practices to enhance livestock health and productivity.
- Developed training programs for new staff on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Streamlined inventory management processes for feed and equipment supplies, reducing waste.
- Led marketing initiatives to promote products at local farmers' markets, increasing customer engagement.
Education
High School Diploma - Horticulture And Agriculture
Holston High School
Damascus Va05-1990
Skills
- Groundwork training
- Client relationship building
- Horse grooming
- Patience and persistence
- Stable management
- Horse handling techniques
- Equine nutrition expertise
- Horse health care
- Show preparation
- Groundwork
- Breeding
- Western-style riding
- Equine first aid
- Saddle maintenance
- Training program development
- Horse selection
- Records management
- Foal training
- Trauma recovery
- Race training
- Teaching
- Equine behavior
- Equestrian equipment maintenance
- Equine safety
- Training preparation
- Barrel racing
- Equine care
- Breeding management
- Conditioning programs
- Open-range riding
- English style riding
- Horse classification
- Creative problem solving
- Obedience training
- Animal training
- Medication administration
- Positive reinforcement methods
- Behavior modification techniques
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Big Bear Cattle Company
01.2019 - 01.2024
Farrier
Self Employed
01.1990 - 01.2026
Horse Trainer
Singing Wood Stables
Horse Trainer
Shadowwood Stables
High School Diploma - Horticulture And Agriculture
Holston High School