SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Sunday, February 07 2016 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Marti Hohmann: Loving Dogs and Dressage

By Lauren R. Giannini

Marti, Fizz and Lark

Marti, Fizz and Lark

Marti Hohman had it all: a Ph.D. in English and American literature, a good job developing web content and riding at a barn just outside New York City. After four years, however, she let her life go to the dogs and followed her heart’s desire to be a trainer of canines and humans.

“I started over, literally,” said Marti. “I spent about three years in Texas animal shelters where I worked as a vet tech and surgical assistant. We evaluated the behavior and potential of each animal as an adoptable dog. It gave me the opportunity of hands-on experience with many dogs of different breeds and diverse backgrounds.”

After five years in Austin, Texas, Marti went to her first Winter Equestrian Festival, which inspired another major change. She went home, sold her house, packed her bags and, in 2008, moved to Florida.

Marti and Lark walking in City Place in West Palm Beach, Florida, working on their Canine Good Citizen.

Marti and Lark walking in City Place in West Palm Beach, Florida, working on their Canine Good Citizen.

Life in Palm Beach

“I love so many things about the horse culture in Palm Beach: It’s dog friendly, and we have access to the best professionals, vets, chiropractors,” said Marti. “I think the non-stop show season is exactly what I was looking for. I love how horse people love their dogs, but horses and dogs are two distinct species and very different to train. I love that I can be of some service to the horse people and their dogs.”

Marti rides and competes in dressage. She also competes in AKC obedience events with her dogs: Fizz, a standard poodle; Lark, a border collie and first dog in the country to earn the new AKC title “Urban Canine Good Citizen”; and Prue, a rat terrier. They deserve a stand-alone story.

“My dogs have learned to hang out at the barn when I’m riding,” said Marti. “Dogs need to learn to be safe around horses and, until they’re trained for being at the barn, they need to be on a leash or confined. If they go to shows, they must learn not to bark and to be unobtrusive. My primary concern is everybody’s safety — dogs, humans and horses.”

Marti makes house and barn calls. She’s the training director at the Obedience Training Club of Palm Beach County. In addition to the Harvard Ph.D., her credentials include graduation from San Francisco SPCA Academy for Professional Dog Trainers, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), AKC Canine Good Citizen Examiner (since 2004), and Therapy Dogs International Examiner.

In March 2015, the AKC honored Marti by asking her to serve as the first-ever Urban Canine Good Citizen Examiner. She gathered together a team of colleagues and supervised putting their dogs through the Urban CGC test of 10 elements, which she documented with a video for AKC to distribute to other examiners. Of course, Marti’s Lark was the first to undergo the challenge and passed every test with flying colors.

Marti working with Lark.

Marti working with Lark.

Dream Versus Reality

Marti keeps training simple. Her goal is for clients to have the nicest dogs in their neighborhoods. People often ask her to cure a specific problem, such as not pulling on the leash, which takes two or three sessions. Marti takes some dogs into her home for a week to work consistently in short sessions; after that, she recommends a few private lessons to train the owner.

Basic “learned behaviors” include training a dog to come when you call, walking on a leash without pulling, greeting visitors without jumping, and sit, down and stay. More advanced skills include walking on a leash through crowds without reacting to distraction. Marti’s website includes a complete list of what dogs need to know for the Canine Good Citizen test and/or Therapy Dogs International Exam.

“The first key to dog training is good management,” said Marti. “Before you fix your dog’s bad habits, you have to manage your dog better. Horse people like to keep their dogs at liberty. I ask new clients: Where’s your leash? They point to a lead rope. I say: Get the right equipment to manage your dog so they can’t practice bad behaviors, like chasing horses. The first step is the dog gets to be shown what to do and second, gets tested under different conditions in such a way that he gets it right nine out of 10 times. A good recall takes about 90 days to establish.”

Marti’s totally attuned to the way dogs think and what motivates them. She’s adept with their humans, too, who can be very indulgent when it comes to their darlings. Yet, even relatively well-behaved dogs can and will push boundaries.

“Sometimes I educate the owner on how to use food in order to reinforce training,” she said. “I want people to understand that they can use what they put in the dog’s bowl as a training tool. And short sessions are better than long ones, especially when you’re working with puppies and rescues. You can do so much in 10 minutes if you know what you’re doing.”

Marti and Cassidy

Marti and Cassidy

Horses & Dogs

Marti’s passion for horses started young, encouraged by her non-horsey parents who gave her riding lessons for her 7th birthday. They lived in Tidewater, a semi-rural area about 62 miles northeast of Richmond on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

“We had access to backyard ponies, 4-H and hunter lessons in a sandy ring,” said Marti. “The ponies raised us — we rode bareback, gave them Mountain Dew and took them swimming. I mucked stalls to pay for lessons. I had responsibility for one school pony after another and later, when I grew taller, horses. We rode every day after school until I graduated from high school.”

She took a long break from horses during college and graduate school. When she started working in New York City, she found a place to ride about an hour away by train on Long Island. “I discovered the discipline of dressage as an adult. I still remember the day I rode a dressage canter for the first time — it changed my life,” said Marti. “I couldn’t believe how perfect the world felt, even if only for a few seconds.”

Marti had trained with John Zopatti when she had Don Bellissimo, Prix St. George schoolmaster, and Supeman, the 18-plus-hand Dutch horse who encouraged high hopes until he needed early retirement. “When John relocated for part of the year to North Carolina, he referred me to Bent Jensen,” said Marti. “Bent had a competitive schoolmaster named Cassidy (Blue Hors Cavan–Red Rose) who needed a mom. Cassidy challenges me to ride with less leg and more finesse. I’m lucky to have him.”

As for training with Bent, Marti said, “He’s quiet and kind. During a lesson, he only speaks when he has something important to say. The one thing he mentions is the very thing that saves you. He sees the big picture, so I trust him to move me forward, in spite of my mistakes. I got my USDF silver medal this year with Cassidy — Bent would say that I’m working on my gold medal now. I’m so excited about that — it’s a dream come true.”

 

Photos by Sara Hellner

Share this page:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
Tagged under: akc, american kennel club, marti hohman, obediance training club of palm beach county

What you can read next

The Legend of George Morris
Hallie Rush: Stepping Up With Auburn Equestrian
Loyal Sweet Briar Community Fights to Save College

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
HELLO OCTOBER!!! Kicking off the month with Intern HELLO OCTOBER!!! Kicking off the month with International-level dressage rider Amelia Newcomb. Who is committed to making dressage accessible to anyone who wants to learn and improve in the sport. With a mantra of “Dressage for All,” Amelia, her husband, Germán Schneider, and the rest of her team at Amelia Newcomb Dressage believe that anyone and everyone can learn to love their ride. 
With over 100,000 YouTube subscribers around the globe, Amelia is able to share her joy and 
enthusiasm for the sport with more equestrians than she ever dreamed of through her online training 
platform. Amelia’s curriculum breaks riding down into a simple, proven system that anyone can follow 
and get results, regardless of age, discipline or location.“My goal is to make good dressage training accessible to everyone who is interested in learning. One way I do that is by producing quality videos to educate and encourage dressage students along their dressage journey,” Amelia said. “The transformations that my students get are insane and my business is changing the entire sport of dressage and the way people learn to ride.”
While Amelia is a talented USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist today, she knows the struggles 
associated with trying to make your way in the sport without abundant educational resources. “I grew up in Colorado, where there weren’t that many dressage resources available. I was so hungry for knowledge, I would go to big shows just to watch the big-named trainers work,” Amelia said. “That’s why, when given the opportunity to share what I’ve learned along the way, I decided to go for it and start my YouTube channel.” 
➡️Catch the full story at the link in our bio!! 
⬇️For more information, visit amelianewcombdressage.com and on Instagram 
amelicanewcombdressage

📸Photos by Lindsey Long, lindseylong.com
#Sidelines #sidelines2023 #sidelinesmagazine #magazine #forhorsepeople #abouthorsepeople
The WPCSA American National Welsh Pony and Cob Sho The WPCSA American National Welsh Pony and Cob Show is happening now! Don’t miss another second by streaming it live! 🐴

📹👀HOW TO VIEW THE LIVE STREAM
The WPCSA will again be streaming footage live from the ring at the American National Show next week. You will need two free passes to get to the feed this year.

1️⃣�The first is a USEF fan membership which you can get through this site:
Join or Renew | US Equestrian (usef.org)

2️⃣ Once you become a fan member, you will need to log in to the USEF Network on ClipMyHorse. A video demonstrating how to do this can be found here:
Existing USEF Fan - Watch the USEF Network - YouTube 

📸Pictured- Grand Champion Section B under UK judge. 
Owner-Barbara Chappell
Handler-Paul Maye /Maye Show Ponies Fairfield, VA
A note from our editor. It's here!! The October is A note from our editor.
It's here!! The October issue of Sidelines Magazine! So happy to have the fabulous Amelia Newcomb  on our cover. Amelia is a dressage rider with over 100,000 students! You read that right! Amelia has a very popular YouTube Channel where riders from around the word can learn and improve on their dressage - and it's not just dressage riders who are benefitting from Amelia Newcombe Dressage on Your Tube but riders of all disciplines - don't miss her story! Thanks to Sidelines photographer Lindsey Long for the beautiful photos. This issue has so many great stories! Catch up with eventer Zachary Brandt Equestrian (make sure to see how much he loves his dogs), and meet show jumper Katherine Anne Brewer and her horse Super Bunny, artist Samantha Dawn, equestrian Megan Smith who teaches Pilates 4 Equestrians; and Ela Ladwig a dressage rider and trainer who's multi talented because she's also a talented artist also. We have an amazing story on hunter-jumper rider Lisa Mooney who has a story you don't want to miss!! We also have a story on Tyler Held who's passion for eventing has taken her on quite the journey, and we catch up with Jimmy Toon in our Unbridled column. This issue also features our Save The Date section where you can check out show dates for this year and next from horse shows around the country! So get out your calendar!! And don't miss our great columnists, hunter-jumper with Rob R.L. Jacobs, eventing with Liz Halliday Eventing and sports psychology with Margie Sugarman. And check out the photos of riders at the 2023 The Hampton Classic Horse Show also! It's another great issue! Make sure to subscribe to Sidelines also - one year for $14.95 and the magazine is delivered right to your house or barn!! 
Enjoy the October issue: https://sidelinesmagazine.com/app/#/reader/50029/1767167

Link in Bio!!!
Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capita Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capital Challenge Horse Show has officially begun! 

Not able to attend the 2023 Capital Challenge Horse Show? 🏆 No problem! Watch all 11 days of competition for free with the live stream, sponsored by C. Jarvis Insurance Agency Inc., on capitalchallenge.org or usefnetwork.com. 🎥
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • Simplee Focused Photography
    Commercial • Lifestyle • Portraits • Branding • Studs simpleefocused.com | 661.717.9590 | @simplee.focused

    [Read more]

  • STARR VAUGHN EQUESTRIAN HOME OF DONARWEISS
    Fresh & Frozen Semen Dressage training, Clinics, Sales Foal & Field Board, Lay Overs Michele & Genay Vaughn 916-869-7942 • Elk Grove, CA www.svequestrian.com Starr Vaughn Equestrian
    Svequestrian GenayVaughn

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Woodside Recognizes the Best in the West
  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Conor Swail Was the Best Bet in $15,000 CSI2* Markel Insurance Welcome at San Juan Capistrano International
  • Lillie Keenan Leads in CHF68,000 South Coast Plaza Welcome Speed at San Juan Capistrano International CSIO5*
  • McLain Ward Wins CSIO5* Longines Grand Prix at San Juan Capistrano International

Category

Recent Posts

  • October 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Zayna Rizvi: Horses from Family to Finals

    By Laura Scaletti Portraits by Melissa Fuller &...
  • Samantha Wolfram: Finding Success in America and Overseas

    By Juliana Chapman Portraits by Kirsten Hannah ...
  • Cedar Potts-Warner: At Liberty and Beyond

    Story and Portraits by Jennifer DeMaro   P...
  • Jordan Melfi: Turning a Secret Horse Life Into a Career

    By Veronica Green-Gott Portraits by Shelly Cart...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!