About
Old Oak Farm is not your typical show barn. We are a training barn with an emphasis on teaching our students, not only how to ride better, but how to correctly train and school their horses. This is a very different skill set that is hard to find today. That doesn't mean that we never show. We do. It's just not the first priority. Ask yourself: Do you want to learn better communication skills with your horse? Do you want quality riding instruction on your own horse or one of our schoolmasters? Do you want to learn how to really work with young or green horses? Do you want a better understanding of your aids and the biomechanics of horse and rider? Do you have good groundwork techniques (many under saddle problems stem from improper groundwork)? We feel that riding is more fun when you can build a solid foundation with your horse based on good communication skills and trust. We can show you how!
We enjoy helping people get the most enjoyment from their horses. While our focus is the hunter/jumper market, we are equally happy to work with eventers, dressage riders and equitation focused riders at all levels.
Specialties
Riding styles interested in
Have a horse
Student's interests and goals
Experience level
How often
Student's age
Reviews
Cheryl S.
Laia G.
Daniella V.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We have a very refined process for working with both students and horses. But the first step is getting to know each other. And that is the focus of the first few lessons. As an instructor and coach I feel students get the most value if we can develop a good working vocabulary. An often overlooked part of "riding lessons" is the lack of underlying general horsemanship knowledge and the basic ability of the rider to say what they "feel" back to the instructor. Learning to ride is a 3-way communication between the horse, the rider, and the instructor.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
40 plus years of riding. 30 plus years of teaching.
Numerous awards for my horses and students.
Happy students and happy horses! 😊 🐎
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private lessons 75$
Practice rides 35$
Horse leases are also available.
How did you get started teaching?
Honestly, I can't even remember. I'm old! I have a background in education and I just love teaching and coaching.
What types of students have you worked with?
All types! I love figuring out how to work best with each student. With riding it's a double whammy... I need to figure out what's best for each rider and each horse. It's really exciting when you get that combination right and it all comes together!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my intermediate students had been struggling with getting a feel for riding their horse forward into the contact (using a stationary rein/NOT pulling). I feel this is something a lot of people have a hard time with because it can feel very different on different horses. When this student finally "got it", she was able to really "feel" the improvement in her horse, she could articulate back to me how it felt, she had better balance in her own position without the dreaded "hanging", and she had a huge smile on her face! Mission accomplished.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure it's a good fit personally. Take an introductory private lesson. Make sure you can ride good quality horses. Really talk to your potential new coach. Be honest about your goals and where you are at now. Everyone starts somewhere and sometimes we need to start over. Once you find a good coach/instructor, stick with it. Good riders don't get good over night. This is a hard and frustrating sport. But it's also the best sport in the world. Find a trainer that will push you but still keep it fun.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Be honest with yourself about your short, medium, and long term goals. Depending where you are in your equestrian journey, ask yourself what other aspects of your life may need work so that you can be the best for your equine partner. Do you have fear? Lack confidence? Do you have fitness or mobility issues? Do you struggle with anxiety or have trouble concentrating? Are you super critical of yourself? Can you financially handle what you desire to achieve? I believe instructing and coaching go hand in hand. Many times we are our own worst enemies and can't get out of our own heads. Good coaching and creative problem solving can go a long way in getting the most from your riding lessons.