About
As a life-long horsewoman, Ginny Plancke-Mealing began riding at age 6 in her native home of Long Island, New York. She readily moved up through the pony ranks to the juniors, and right into professional status while graduating from Long Island University. In her early professional career, she worked for George Morris, world renowned horseman and former Chef d’Equipe of the U.S. Olympic Team. During this time she acquired the skills and knowledge to care for, manage, and train show horses in all disciplines, as well as developing young horses for winning careers.
Ginny’s talent was sought out by Bill Cooney and Frank Madden at Beacon Hill where during her time there, clients won 25 major equitation finals.
Ginny also spent time in Europe with George Lindemann at his European operation and at many of the major European shows. This experience gave her the skills to combine the European warmbloods with the American system of riding and showing.
Using that system in her training, Ginny mastered teaching and coaching skills that allowed her to bring riders from lead line to the major East Coast medal finals.
With my vast years of experience I’ve never had two days the same. Horses are all trained differently and clients all learn differently. The individual attention given to horse and rider and finding out what works is the best part of my day!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First, I evaluate their riding abilities in a casual meeting prior to our first lesson. We discussed their goals, both short and long term and how we are able to fulfill their needs.
Following that, we’ll get onto the horse and put it all in practice.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a bachelor degree in communication and a minor in business from Long Island University in N.Y.
I started riding at the age of 9 and began my professional career 43 years ago alongside some of the top equestrian coach including George Morris former chef d’equipe of the U.S. Olympic team as well as Joe Fargis, Conrad Homfeld and Peter Leone all Olympic riders for the U.S.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
We offer an introductory package of 3 lessons for $150.00 for new students.
Following that, our single lesson on our school horse is $100.00, our package of 5 lessons is $475.00 and our package of 10 lessons is $900.00
If taking lesson on your own horse, single lesson is $85.00, our package of 5 lessons is $400.00 and our 10 lessons package is $750.00
How did you get started teaching?
As part of my career’s evolution, I started teaching independently to subsidize my passion and continue my own training with the best coach’s available which evolved into assistant coach positions at the best facilities and the ability to ride some of the best horses in the country while under the tutelage of the most prominent mentors this sport has produced.
What types of students have you worked with?
I’ve trained students from the age of 5 that had never sat on a horse prior, I’ve trained students to National ribbons at 9 years old, I’ve trained teenagers to National ribbons, I’ve trained adults to regional championships, I’ve trained seniors that wanted to complete their bucket list.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Go to the stable you’re interested in, observe a lesson, if you can follow along, if you enjoy and learn something, then get to the next step and schedule a lesson.
Otherwise, move to the next barn on your list and repeat the process until you find a trainer that is able to motivate you and teach you from basics to advanced skills to become a confident and proficient rider.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What riding style do you teach ?
How many times a week should I or can I ride ?
What attire and equipment is required ?
What are the days and times available ?
What are the costs ?
Questions about competing.