Equi-librium With Dorothy Crosby

New students learn how to groom and tack up the horse after a short tour of the barn and the opportunity to meet the horses.  They will have a riding lesson, including awareness of how the horse moves and moves their body, learning to stop, go, and steer, and experience both walk and trot. We will also untack the horse together and learn about taking care of the horse afterwards.....all things covered in any lesson are at the student's own pace and comfort level, but students are challenged as appropriate.  As students become more self-sufficient they are approved for coming early to catch and groom their own horse; as they become more fit and capable, riding time also increases and they become independent!

I have studied teaching in general as well as teaching horseback riding since High School and College.  I have tutored, home-schooled, and worked in a classroom in various capacities and subjects.  I feel strongly that every student is an individual and learns in their own way; lessons should be geared to helping them learn and succeed, but also challenge them to do their best. There is no such thing as a dumb question and many times with horses there are many levels of knowledge that go into an answer.

I began teaching horseback riding as a Junior Instructor in High School and was co-captain of my college equestrian team.  I have been involved with both 4-H as a leader and Pony Club as an instructor. 

As an adult, I hold certifications in English and Western riding as an Instructor with the Certified Horsemanship Association and as a Level lll Instructor/Clinician with Centered Riding. I am qualified to hold Open Centered Riding Clinics and workshops, both mounted and unmounted.  I continue to train in my riding and participate in a variety of activities which earn me recognition to meet continuing education requirements, as well as many self-study topics and techniques.

On the farm: (Note: I no longer teach in Stoddard, though that remains my business "base"; on farm lessons are at Southmowing Stables in Guilford VT.  Check out their website or call me (same home phone) for more info! Thanks)

New students receive approximately 1 1/4- 1 1/2 hrs of instruction and supervision while they learn the tasks involved in riding. Some of that time is spent unmounted while they learn to groom, tack-up, and put the horse away, but they always ride, too.

Self-sufficient, independent students may have an hour of riding instruction for $65; they get ready themselves, or with minimal assistance, and most of that time is spent on the horse.

Options for a half hour lesson ($55) or a semi-private ($55) or group lesson ($40) are for those who can ride and/or get ready fairly independently; we sometimes will hire another instructor to teach simultaneously if that will make it possible (For example: siblings, friends, whoever wants to ride together) if neither is capable on their own yet).

Off the farm lessons are also available and cost slightly more to allow for travel time and expenses.

Clinics, workshops, and other events are planned to meet the needs of the group; pricing is available, but is easiest to calculate in person.

As a young girl I loved horses and began taking lessons.  I also had a strong interest in learning and helping others learn; when the opportunity arose I "tried it out" and discovered I loved AND I was good at it....many years later I continue to learn myself and absolutely love imparting knowledge that will help others and their horses grow together!   

I have worked with students of all ages and disciplines, horse owners and non-owners, male and female, beginners and experienced.  I love the sense of confidence and accomplishment that working with horses imparts to people, especially women and children. I focus on success, recognizing that the challenges need to be met; I will find as many different ways to teach a concept or explain a procedure or technique as I can, and draw heavily from the imagery that Sally Swift created in Centered Riding, as well as creating my own.  Every student learns in a unique way, so as teachers we need unique ways to express the ideas we teach.

I recently taught a clinic in another state.  It included both mounted and unmounted instruction and the opportunity for some personal discoveries about communication and body awareness. In both segments, the horses and riders responded to what they were feeling, and it was so much fun watching the discoveries take place....it led to lots of questions, discussion, and attempts to try things out, as well as more riding and new things learned.  I loved meeting the new riders and their horses as well as providing some techniques to help them progress in their goals.  Perfect scenario to me!

There are lots of great barns and teachers out there, but there are also many less than desirable places.  Be sure that you find someone who respects you as a student and is willing to gear their instruction to the types of things you wish to learn.  If you don't know what those are, that's ok; experimenting with different things is an excellent way to learn what you do like while being exposed to a broader range of possibilities, and having the positive support of the teachers and staff is important.  Also, be sure that they are primarily concerned with safety - not just having you sign a liability waiver, but actually teaching and enforcing the practices that will keep humans and equines safe, while still allowing for fun in your learning experience.  Do they have horses for different levels of riders?  Do you need any special equipment or clothing? Will there be opportunities to ride/lease/show/learn/train/work etc outside of lessons if you want them? Check out their Barn Rules and how the horses are treated and live.  Use your common sense and don't be afraid to ask questions.  See if you can visit or observe a lesson prior to taking one, or if you need an appointment to stop in.  You will have some of your own questions, too. All of these things combined will help you find the place that is right for you.  And please, please, please keep in mind the welfare of the animals and the treatment of horses and humans as you look. Then - enjoy!

How often do I hope to ride?  Do I have schedule needs (particular days/times that I need to have)?

Do I have any preferences or goals (English/Western, jumping, dressage, trail riding, barrel racing, owning a horse, teaching someday.......?????).

What's my budget and how realistic is this? 

What opportunities are there for me to further my education (some barns have working students or volunteer  opportunities for those who want to work around - and learn more about - horses)? 

Is there something about my own learning style/needs that would be helpful for the instructor to know? And, perhaps make it easier for me to learn?

How much horse experience have I honestly had?