In the heart of Louisiana, where the equestrian tradition runs deep, one name resonates with experience, integrity, and an almost intuitive understanding of horses: Rachel Bertrand. For horse owners seeking more than just a trainer, but a true partner in their horse’s journey, Bertrand represents a pinnacle of horsemanship. She is not just a horse trainer; she is a creator of lasting bonds, a problem-solver for the most challenging equine puzzles, and a mentor to the humans who love them. Her approach, honed over decades of hands-on work, transforms difficult or untrained horses into willing, disciplined, and valued partners.
Who is Rachel Bertrand? 35+ Years of Real-World Horsemanship
Rachel Bertrand is a professional horse trainer with a lifetime of experience, operating out of her farm in Crowley, Louisiana. With over 35 years in the industry, her expertise is both deep and broad, built not in classrooms but in the saddle and on the ground, working with horses day in and day out. Born on a ranch, her life with horses began almost at birth. As she puts it, her father “needed a cowhand, so he threw me on a horse and said, ‘it’s going, don’t fall off.'” This early immersion forged a fundamental understanding of equine behavior and a work ethic that defines her career today.
Clients and peers describe Bertrand as a “one woman show,” a testament to her dedication. She personally handles every aspect of the horses’ care, from feeding and mucking stalls to the intricate daily work of training, riding, and bathing. This comprehensive involvement ensures a consistent, high-quality standard of care and allows her to build a unique relationship with each animal that enters her program. Her guiding principle is simple yet profound: “Well Disciplined horses have lasting value in any market.” This philosophy underscores her commitment to producing horses that are not only successful in a specific discipline but are also safe, reliable, and enjoyable partners for their owners.
Rachel Bertrand horse trainer stands confidently with a majestic quarter horse in a sunlit pasture, showcasing a strong human-animal bond.
A Versatile Training Approach for Every Horse
One of the hallmarks of a great trainer is versatility, and Rachel Bertrand’s skill set is remarkably diverse. She doesn’t subscribe to a single, rigid methodology but instead adapts her approach to the individual needs of each horse, regardless of breed or background. Her program breaks horses of all breeds, from Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds to Friesians and Welsh Ponies. Her expertise covers a vast spectrum of disciplines, ensuring she can meet the goals of nearly any owner.
Her specialties include:
- Western Disciplines: She trains horses from start to finish in Western riding, ranch work, and Western pleasure, creating a solid foundation for any path.
- Performance Events: Bertrand has extensive experience in performance sports like Reining and speed events, including barrel racing and pole bending.
- General Horsemanship: For those who simply want a dependable partner, she focuses on trail riding, endurance, and creating an all-around using horse.
Perhaps most notably, Bertrand has earned a stellar reputation for her ability to work with “problem horses.” She tackles behavioral issues at any level, from groundwork defiance to under-saddle vices, using her deep well of experience to understand the root cause of the problem and rebuild the horse’s confidence and trust in humans. For Bertrand, the first and most crucial step is always to make a genuine connection with the animal, an unseen bond that becomes the foundation for all future training.
More Than a Trainer: A Mentor and a Friend
Entrusting your horse to a trainer can be a daunting experience, but clients of Rachel Bertrand often find they gain more than just a well-trained horse—they gain a lifelong friend and mentor. Her commitment extends far beyond the arena. She is known for being consistently available to her clients, always ready to answer a call, offer advice on riding, or provide guidance on a horse’s continued progress long after the formal training period has ended. This level of service and personal investment is rare and speaks to her integrity and passion for her work.
This dedication has not gone unnoticed. Bertrand was nominated for the prestigious 2018 Greatmats National Horse Trainer of the Year award. This nomination recognizes professionals who not only excel in their craft but also demonstrate exceptional service to their community and unwavering integrity. Being nominated was, for Bertrand, a pleasing acknowledgment that her quiet, dedicated work had made a significant impact. She sees it as a way to bring awareness to the many honest and passionate people within the horse training industry.
The Bertrand Philosophy: It Starts with Connection
What truly sets Rachel Bertrand apart is her core philosophy, which is less about technical mechanics and more about heart and intuition. She humbly attributes her profound understanding of horses to a higher power and to the animals themselves. “That’s honestly how I learned to train is from the horses and from the Lord,” she has stated. This belief system fosters a training environment built on respect, patience, and a willingness to listen to what the horse is communicating.
This approach means that before any ropes are thrown or cues are given, a connection is established. It’s about seeing the horse as an individual spirit, not just a project. This philosophy allows her to succeed where others might fail, especially with sensitive or troubled horses. It’s a partnership model of training, where she guides the animal toward the desired behavior rather than forcing it. This deep, spiritual connection is the secret ingredient in her decades of success, creating horses that are not just obedient, but truly willing partners.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rachel Bertrand
What disciplines does Rachel Bertrand specialize in?
Rachel Bertrand is a highly versatile trainer specializing in a wide range of disciplines. Her primary areas of expertise include breaking young horses, Western riding, ranch work, Western pleasure, reining, trail riding, endurance racing, and speed events like barrel racing and pole bending. She is also renowned for her success with fixing problem horses.
Where is Rachel Bertrand located?
Rachel Bertrand’s horse training facility is located in Crowley, Louisiana. She is a well-respected figure within the local and regional equestrian community.
What is Rachel Bertrand’s experience level?
She has over 35 years of professional, hands-on experience in the horse industry. Her knowledge comes from a lifetime of working directly with horses, having been born and raised on a ranch.
Does Rachel Bertrand work with problem horses?
Yes, this is one of her key specialties. She has a strong reputation for successfully rehabilitating and retraining horses with behavioral issues at all levels, transforming them into safe and reliable partners.
The Final Word on a Horsewoman’s Legacy
In a world of fleeting trends and complex training systems, Rachel Bertrand stands as a beacon of timeless horsemanship. Her legacy is not built on flashy marketing but on the quiet, consistent results she delivers horse after horse, year after year. She embodies the idea that true training is a dialogue between human and horse—one built on connection, trust, and mutual respect. For anyone in the equestrian world looking to foster a genuine partnership with their horse, the philosophy and life’s work of Rachel Bertrand offer an inspiring and powerful example. She doesn’t just train horses; she nurtures the profound and lasting bond that every rider dreams of.
