Blackwater Farm Eventing

My name is Eleanor Phillips and I am an event rider who is looking for students. I am currently at Black Water Farm in Zuni, Va. Here are my stats:

Event rider who has competed through Advanced level.

Started riding nearly 40 years ago with Phil Stafford, then the master of James River Hunt.

Fox hunted with James River Hunt until college.

Attended Sweet Briar College where I rode under Director of Riding, Paul D. Cronin, “R” rated hunter and hunt seat equitation judge.

While at Sweet Briar, hunted extensively with Northern Virginia hunts such as Bedford, Farmington, Keswick, Loudon, and Orange County. Was a member of the Sweet Briar riding Councel and was certified as one of their TA's (Teaching Assistant). During the summers while in college I rode with Hunter trainers Peg Seals and Nardine Henderson.

After college moved to Southern Pines to focus on Eventing, and lived there for 25 years.

For 17 years owned and ran Fair Oak Farm, a top quality full care boarding facility where I managed the care of horses ranging from retirees and youngsters to upper level Event horses and Grand Prix Dressage horses. Grand Prix competitor Jim Koford boarded his horses with me for six years.

For more than 20 years I have trained extensively with 'r' Dressage and Eventing judge Nanci Lindroth. Nanci was a member if the 1987 Pan American 3 Day Gold Medal winning Team and a Level 3 ICP Certified Instructor.

Trained for two years with Grand Prix jumper rider Maryann Steiert Charles.

Ridden clinics with former USEA coach Captain Mark Phillips and Australian Team coach Heath Ryan.

Have also ridden with/been coached by Ralph Hill, Beth Perkins, Hillary Irwin, and of course, Jim Kofford.

While with Nanci Lindroth, I not only learned the in and outs of Eventing, but I also gained experience with breaking youngsters and handling and caring for foals.

I have competed through Advanced Level Eventing with a horse I broke, trained, and exclusively competed myself. My current competition horse is one I rebroke myself, and I am now in the process of breaking her two year old daughter. *Edit: daughter is now coming four and is turning out to be a great Event prospect!

Since moving to Virginia I have been riding with former USEA team member Mark Combs of Charlottesville, Va., while continuing to ride with Nanci Lindroth when I go to Southern Pines. I have also been training with British Eventer Simon Eades when I'm in Aiken.

I'm a great believer in continuing education in riding no matter what level. And I am glad to pass on my knowledge to those who are already eventing and want some help polishing their skills, those just getting into eventing, or even those who just want to start jumping a bit or teach a young horse the ropes. I've even recently tried my hand at Icelandic horses! So I'll try a bit of everything.

You can come to my farm or I can come to you, depending on how far you are from me. I am located in Zuni, but am also currently teaching in Smithfield and Suffolk. I would be willing to work with Pony Club or 4H students. We are in the process of trying to build some XC jumps at my place for future schooling. I can also give limited lessons on my retired event horse Bailey, depending on size/level of rider.

Please feel free to contact me on Facebook, email at [email protected], or call/text at 910-690-1886.

Thank you, Eleanor Phillips.

https://www.facebook.com/147384569286561/posts/147393225952362?s=1446769716&sfns=mo

Probably the best thing is when a student or horse gets a little breakthrough and the student’s face lights up or you can feel the horse “get it.” Sometimes these seem like very small things at the time, but they make a great overall impact for the long term.