About
Hi I'm Sean. I am an FEI level trainer with 25 years experience competing 50 different horses nearly 700 times down centerline. I operate out of a quiet, private facility in the heart of Moorpark where the focus is on the horse.
Whether you're a new rider or an advanced rider already competing FEI levels, we can tailor a program to suit your needs. While I specialize in high-performance dressage, I am an avid believer in the fact, and have proven numerous times, that ANY horse can be successful and competitive in the dressage ring with proper riding and training.
There's a great group of clients here who travel together to shows, support each other, and have fun while learning to ride and care for their horses better.
Feel free to check out my website and various social media pages below!
www.stcdressage.com
www.facebook.com/STCDressage
www.facebook.com/STCDressageInc
www.instagram.com/stc_dressage
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Typically we'll just jump right in. I'll spend a few minutes chatting with a new student at the start of the lesson to get an idea of where they're at and what they feel they need help with. Then I'll just watch for a few minutes to get a feel for the normal warm up routine and see how horse and rider are working together, and then we'll get to it!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 25 years experience in dressage, having worked for some of the top trainers and farms in the country including Tempel Farms, Lendon Gray, Iron Spring Farm, Horses Unlimited, and Hilda Gurney being the most noteworthy. I am currently working with David Hunt as my coach, and am always looking for opportunities to continue my own education moving forward.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons are $80 for 45 minutes, on my property or yours. There is no trailer-in fee for you to come to me.
How did you get started teaching?
It was a natural extension of my own education in riding/training. As I learned more, I wanted to share that knowledge with others farther down the line to help them along their own path.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with everyone from beginners to FEI riders.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
As much as I love competing myself, I also love helping my students to be successful. So there's not necessarily one specific event for me. If my student can look back 6 months ago and say "I'm way ahead of where I was then," then I'm thrilled and I've done my job.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who fits your learning style. Many of us are all saying basically the same thing, but perhaps wording it slightly differently, or have a different level of intensity or style in communicating that information. If you can, observe a lesson and make sure the instructor's style will mesh with yours. You want someone who will push you the right way to progress, not just a cheerleader who may be very positive but will never improve your riding, or a drill seargent who will just make you cry and want to give up.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I don't think there are necessarily specific questions to ask, but I would say just be 100% honest about where you are in your riding. It may feel embarassing if you are not as far as you'd like to be, but your instructor will be able to help you much more quickly and effectively if they have an accurate picture of where they need to start with you.