Hummingbird Stables

Hummingbird Stables is a horse training and riding instruction business based in Rochester, Illinois, led by trainer Amy Nelson. With more than 33 years of riding and showing experience and 23 years in training, Nelson works across Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and Eventing disciplines. The stable offers lessons for beginners through experienced competitors, using clients’ horses or lesson horses, as well as training, horse sales, and judging for Dressage, Hunter, and fun shows. Instruction is available at the facility and through visits to farms in Central Illinois and the St. Louis area.

A particular focus is retraining off-track Thoroughbreds and helping horses described as challenging develop new skills. Nelson also has experience preparing young Thoroughbreds for racing and retraining them for new careers afterward. Her approach is tailored to each horse, with attention to horse-and-rider biomechanics and patient, clear communication. Hummingbird Stables’ horses receive diets suited to active sport horses and train on safe jumping footing. Appointments are required; walk-ins are not accepted. The stable also promotes Thoroughbred adoption through Hummingbird Stables.