When the concept of Spirit Horse Center moved from casual conversation to serious consideration, a unique philosophy surfaced:
We believe in the powerful connection between a horse and human.
We believe horses teach us as much as we teach them.
Spirit Horse Center became a reality when owners Staci Grattan and Brion Fornshell worked together with professional trainer and instructor Toni Wasilensky to develop a special facility. Spirit Horse Center opened for business November 2008 on 17-plus acres south of Brainerd just off Highway 371 about 1 mile south of the Highway 371 Bypass on the east side of the road.
For riders, Spirit Horse Center goes well beyond riding instruction. We also offer a social element , where customers enjoy "hanging out" with fellow horse enthusiasts in our comfortable clubroom overlooking our indoor arena.
For horses, Spirit Horse Center offers boarding and training in addition to our Special Services, spa treatments and rehabilitation. Horses at Spirit Horse Center receive a very personal level of care and attention.
Toni Wasilensky is the Spirit Horse Center professional trainer and on-site manager. She has an extensive background in the classical dressage method of horsemanship and multiple years experience in stable management. Toni studied classical dressage with George Bernatsky for over 25 years, trained with Ulrich and Dori Schmitz at the Central Arizona Riding Academy, is a certified instructor with the North American Riding for the Handicapped and has attended multiple United States Dressage Federation Instructor workshops. Toni is currently riding with Wim Foekema of Pas De Deux Stable.
