About
I teach all levels of English riding and specialize in teaching beginners and bringing them up through to the advanced stages of riding. I focus on English riding lessons believing that if you can ride English, there is no equine sport in which you can't participate.
I love watching students progress over time. I have three main objectives in teaching, which are that students are as safe as possible, they learn new things, and that they have fun.
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Michael B.
Autumn H.
Tiffiany
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Horses have inherent risks, like most sports. My main focus is to keep the riders as safe as possible to mitigate risks. I focus on helping riders understand, not just how to ride a horse, but how to handle a horse safely. Horse management is part of the curriculum. If the student has never been on a horse before, the first few rides a student is on a lunge line. Students are taught how to do an emergency one-rein stop, how to dismount in an emergency, and horse psychology as it pertains to predation. For experienced students, I evaluate their current abilities and get an understanding of the student's goals. Above all, I believe in being kind. All too often, and it has happened to me, students have been in lessons where an instructor is yelling at them bringing them to tears. I loath that behavior. If a student is crying, they aren't safe and are likely afraid, they aren't learning, and most definitely they are not having fun. I am here to be a supportive coach and trainer for both rider and horse. I believe it is better for both rider and horse to remain positive and focused and help students and horses reach realistic goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started giving riding lessons at 15 years old. I taught at summer camps, riding lesson farms, and independently. I was one of the main instructors of our local chapter of Pony Club for two years. I'm a certified equine appraiser and have been in the horse industry most of my life. I've worked with some of the finest trainers in the country for dressage, jumping, and horse training in natural horsemanship.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students of all ages from as young as 3 years old all the way up through nearly every age group.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should ask what kind of horse they will be riding if they are not using their own. They should ask about the style of riding they will be learning about, the experience and expertise of their instructor, and where they will be taking lessons (in an inside arena or an outside arena). Ask if you can come and observe a lesson before taking one and take a tour of the farm. It's also a good idea to ask for references from other students.