Animus Equi Performance Training
About
We offer English and Western riding lessons and specialized horse training. There is an emphasis on horsemanship, rather than just learning how to sit on a horse and make it go forward. Our horses are quiet enough for first time beginners but advanced enough for skilled riders to progress with.
I find it very rewarding both when a rider is able to meet one of their goals or when a horse is able to learn something new. I love teaching and being able to create understanding between horse and rider.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First I ask them questions about their experience while introducing them to how we take care of a horse and tack it up to ride. Then the lesson is a series of small tasks where I determine the skill sets of the rider and what their current level is. If the rider is already familiar with the basics, the process moves much quicker and I see what their comfort level is through both asking questions and observing their riding.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have personally been taking lessons from and working with nationally and internationally ranked riders since I first started riding. And as a professional I still constantly work with other professionals in the industry to improve my own knowledge and expand my skill set to always help my students.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, lessons can either be purchased individually or as packages. Packages offer a discounted rate for committed students.
How did you get started teaching?
It started as part of work I did for other barns and trainers, in addition to the training work I did.
What types of students have you worked with?
All types! I have worked with students of all ages and skill levels, various athletic abilities, and different goals.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The industry is flooded with trainers of wide ranges of experiences. They're all going to sound knowledgeable and they all may seem fun at first. Really think about what parts of the lesson you enjoy and what you don't. Some trainers are really tough and strict, while others are relaxed and fun. You should always be advancing and improving, but it is a slow process and you should be enjoying every step of the way. If you want to ensure that an instructor is a good fit for you, ask them a lot of questions with anything you might be unsure about. Get to know not just how they train, but why they use the techniques they do.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Really think about what your goals are for riding, and how serious you are about it. Depending on what you are looking for, some trainers may not be a good fit. Someone who wants to go on trail rides all the time may not enjoy a dressage trainer very much, and someone who wants to compete in upper level jumping would not succeed with a western pleasure trainer. If you have your own horse, think about their needs, too. Horses have their own likes and dislikes which will affect your performance.