Dark Horse Dressage
About
Suzanne Whitman is a lifelong equestrian who sat on her first horse before she could walk. Growing up on primarily Arabians and Thoroughbreds, she developed a soft, quiet approach to riding, and a deep appreciation for sensitive and intelligent horses. While she acquired skills in Eventing, Hunter Jumper, and even some of the western disciplines, Suzanne discovered her true passion when she began training in Dressage. Through diligent training with classical instructors, she has ridden extensively up to and including Grand Prix.
Suzanne has worked extensively with green horses, including re-starting off the track Thoroughbreds; and has trained her own OTTB through 4th level with many competition wins, before retiring him to be a schoolmaster for her students to learn from. She is currently training her own Grand Prix prospect, a lovely Dutch Warmblood gelding.
Suzanne takes a kind, positive approach to training and teaching that combines classical Dressage principles with classical horsemanship methods to produce skilled riders, confident horses, and a happy partnership between the two. She believes in continuing her own education to better serve her horses and students; and enjoys working with horses and riders of all levels, disciplines, and backgrounds. Suzanne's students have had great success with achieving their goals both in and out of the show ring.
Suzanne has been fortunate to train with some of the industry's best, such as Carol and Rich Schmickwrath, Lurena Bell, Tara Stegen, Michael Vermaas, Peter Campbell, and more. She believes in continuing her education earnestly, not only for her own betterment, but for her students'.
Suzanne stays very involved with the Dressage community, and serves on the Board of Directors of her local USDF GMO. When she's not riding and teaching, Suzanne enjoys her career as a Radiation Oncology Veterinary Technician.
Suzanne enjoys sharing her knowledge with her students, as well as the love of horses. The best part of the work is watching students achieve goals and grow as riders, all while having fun.
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Information about new students is gathered over e-mail or phone before the first lesson. This helps the instructor create an individualized plan ahead of time and make the most of the first lesson. Lesson plans will be further personalized after each lesson.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
We have very competitive prices! Pricing is personalized based off of individual factors (length of lesson, location, etc.). Discounts are offered to those who purchase lesson packages (the more lessons pre-purchased, the greater the discount).
What types of students have you worked with?
Suzanne has worked with students of many discliplines (Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Eventing, Trail Riders, Western Pleasure, etc.) and with a varied level of experience from beginner to advanced. All are welcome!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone you are comfortable with, who is patient and kind. This is someone you will be spending a lot of time with, and someone you need to be able to trust and relax around to better learn and still have fun!