I offer a number of classical dressage training programs for skills development of horse and rider.  Each program is tailored to your unique needs. My process begins with a discussion of your near- and long-term goals, and contains ongoing dialogue as you progress.

Learning takes place through positive reinforcement methods. As an L judge program graduate, I provide exceptional support for students choosing to compete. My pricing is competitive for high-quality training in the New England area.

Full training services for horse and rider

Horses in training:  In addition to horses bred for dressage, I enjoy working with horses of many other breeds: draft crosses, thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Arabs, and more.

Horse/client teams: I assist horse/rider pairs progress up the levels through individually-tailored combinations of lessons and training sessions.

Dressage lessons: With the help of my quiet, trained school horses, I coach new riders, riders currently without their own horses, timid riders, or those returning to riding.  When you are ready, I can help you progress to horse leasing or ownership.

Coaching at shows: If you choose to compete, I provide active coaching and support at many recognized and schooling shows. I help new competitors prepare with schooling sessions off-property or at shows.  At the beginning of the show season, I work out a plan with each student competing.

Clinics: I travel frequently around the US for judging and seminars and am available to conduct clinics in many locations.  In addition to traditional dressage clinics, and ride-review-ride sessions, I also offer special longe-lesson seat clinics.  Please contact me directly to  discuss your needs.

Classical dressage through positive reinforcement

As a twenty-year student of Joy Congdon and Kathy Connelly (Kathy was a student of the legendary Herbert Reibein), my approach to dressage is consistent with the classical school.  As an L judge program graduate, I help those who choose to compete succeed in the show ring.

First and foremost, I work with the rider to ensure her/his position is as correct as possible, to support, not inhibit, the horse’s efforts.   I employ many classical exercises to help each horse develop and move up the training scale.

The approach I take to all that I do can best be described as “instilling confidence.”  I help clients develop their own mastery of the exercise, movement, or test, using positive reinforcement.

Because every student is different, I tailor from a broad range of instruction styles, visualization techniques, and exercises from other disciplines, especially vaulting.