Testimonials

  • I have known Connie for several years. She is the only person I trust to look after my horses when I travel. Connie is extremely knowledgable about horses and puts their care above all else. If I had a horse that needed rescuing I would take it to Connie and she would give it the most care and love possible. Connie is an exceptional person and the world needs people like Connie and places like Epona Equine Rescue and Rehab. With our help she will save a lot of horses.

    John Rounds, boarder

  • Connie and her expertise were a God-send to me and my horse, Rocky last year. He had, what could have been, a life-ending injury last spring in while playing in his pasture. I brought him to Epona to rehab his injury. Connie worked with my vets to set up a program for Rocky's PT. Rocky remained at Epona for 5 months while he recovered enough to go back to his pasture and 8 months after his devastating injury, he has made a full recovery. Rocky may not be here today if it wasn't for Connie and her wealth of knowledge and heart for horses. Thank you!!!

    Karli Reinemer, boarder

  • We brought my beloved Uno to Epona following a colic surgery. He needed help rehabilitating and I was in over my head with Uno’s strong personality. Connie was a godsend who knew what Uno and I needed to move forward together. Uno lived the rest of his life in Connie’s care. She was there for every up and down as his health became more complicated. I don’t know what we would have done without Connie and the supportive community at Epona.

    Molly Arrandale, former boarder

  • Connie Sparks and Epona changed my life for the better. I began riding with Connie when I was 6 years old and remained with her for almost a decade and a half. In that time, she not only rescued an incredible number of horses (and several humans) for terrible fates but found me my heart horse, Aspen. Along the way, Connie taught me what true horsemanship was and successfully helped rehabilitate Aspen following a series of severe leg injuries. I have, and would, trust Connie with mine, Aspen’s, and any other horse’s wellbeing without a second thought. Connie is a wealth of knowledge and experience that is virtually impossible to find anywhere else.

    Jackie Olexa, former border

  • I came to Epona when I was in 6th or 7th grade. I was tiny, shy, and loved horses. Connie made me a home out at Epona immediately, having me work a few other girls my age. My first riding lessons were filled with lessons. Connie never told me anything less than the truth, and that proved to be so valuable as I got older. I learned to ride a variety of different horses, to do stable chores, and to be a good friend to the other girls and the horses. Connie also found me my best friend and heart horse, Clark. When I first saw him, I didn’t feel that excited, but Connie insisted he was a good one. And she was so right. Clark and I spent 12 years with Connie at Epona, learning to work together as a team and grow in a fabulous pair. She helped me with so much, and when needed, stepped in to help train Clark where it was needed. I never felt like I would be put in a dangerous situation, because Connie knew my capabilities and believed in me. She would push for new things, but not outside of what she knew I could accomplish successfully. Even when I moved Clark to my college town, we kept in contact and I always had questions to ask her, which she happily answered. When my dear Clark passed away in Fall of 2024, she was one of the first people I called. We cried and laughed together about the wonderful years. Connie Sparks has been a huge mentor and supporter in my life. Her toughness, kind heart, and amazing connection to animals has been beneficial to so many people and was essential for me growing into the woman I am today.

    Isabelle Pearson, former border

  • I am a fellow equine instructor, trainer and founding member of the Montana Hunter Jumper Association. I have known and worked with Connie Sparks since 1997. She has an impeccable work ethic and is self reliant. Connie has a magical way with animals, they are magnetized by her. Her ability to read them and know their needs is a gift from God. Always willing to be educated if she does not know the what and how. I have witnessed her work firsthand with children and watching her make real horsemen not just riders, that can be challenging, her patience, guidance and skills to share her information are endless. I have put my personal horses in her care multiple times and always knew that they were getting the best care. I will always highly recommend Epona Equine and Connie.

    Cindy Gidlewski

  • I knew Connie for a couple of years outside of the horse world before I started to work part-time at her ranch. Over the next couple years, I just took lessons and learned all I could from Connie. Not all who are knowledgeable are suitable or willing to teach, but fortunately she has not only a vast wealth of knowledge but is also incredibly passionate about horses and teaching. God bless her patience as she always answered ALL of my questions and gave me opportunities to have experiences with horses that would not have been possible before. And when I had the crazy idea to adopt a burro from the BLM to train, she not only encouraged me but helped me whenever I needed it. She went out of her way to teach me how to care for him and train him, which without Connie’s support and knowledge would not have been successful. She is an invaluable asset to those inside and out of the horse community, as well as those who are looking for the opportunity to become a part of it even if they can not yet have their own horse. The dream I had was achieved because of Connie who gave me the confidence, knowledge, and a lot of times she lent me her patience and belief. I will always be grateful to her for it. She always took exceptional care of my burro Boaz while he was boarded with her, which always gave me great peace of mind when I couldn’t be out all the time. I highly recommend her.

    Cayman Fabian, former student and boarder

  • I first met Connie 18 years ago when she was an instructor and judge for my daughter’s 4H Horse Club and 4H Horse Shows. Connie became one of my daughter’s instructors and eventually we moved our horses to her boarding facility when my daughter moved to Bozeman for college. Our horses were in her care from 2013 until June of 2024 when she had to leave the facility. Connie was the best caregiver for our horses, always concerned and watchful for our horses wellbeing. She communicated immediately if there were issues we needed to address. She continued to instruct both my daughter and I over the years and we both learned so much from her. She has always been very direct and honest and did everything in her power to help us help our horses. I would recommend Connie to anyone at anytime to care for their horses.

    Carrie Kraus, former boarder