Rachel Markels Webber in Groton MA -- Dressage, Vaulting, Longe Seatwork

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2009-12-03T18:19:00.000-08:00

Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.

I offer dressage training for horse and rider through fourth level, European-style longe lessons, and vaulting coaching for the award-winning New England Valkyries. I am a USDF Silver and Bronze medalist, a USDF L judge program graduate, and an active FEI competitor. I am located in Groton MA.

I invite you to use my site to learn more about:
My education and background: My approach is classical, stemming from my 20 years’ study with Joy Congdon and Kathy Connelly. More about me

Dressage training, lessons, and judging: I am a resident trainer at Puritan Hill Farm in Groton MA, convenient to Boston and suburbs north and west. More about dressage programs

Longe lessons: I offer specialized European-style longe lessons. More

Vaulting: For the past 21 years I have also coached vaulting. I’ve held a number of leadership positions in the sport. More

My wonderful clients: They include dedicated amateurs, professionals, and young riders, as well as people specializing in vaulting.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss how we might work together to help achieve your equestrian goals. You may contact me by email or on 978.772.4908.

Rachel Markels Webber

Clients

2009-10-01T17:54:00.000-07:00

I am extremely proud to celebrate the successes of my wonderful clients. “Success” means something different to each of my students. All are equally valuable.

Robin Sachs is an adult amateur who has been riding for over twenty years. "I recently came to Rachel seeking help in riding my young horse more effectively. I had never received a score above 60% at a recognized show, but all my scores were in the 60s at my last show. My horse Victory is also in training with Rachel, and is becoming easier to ride. I am very impressed with Rachel's integrity."

Marcia Bernd: "Rachel solidified the flying changes with my 3rd level Hannovarian/Canadian WB gelding [shown at left with Rachel up], and made him much more rideable for me as an amateur. She helped me develop my confidence as a rider. Rachel is a very motivational teacher."

Ellen Zanino came to me after an 18 month break from riding after the birth of her daughter. "I had previously shown third level with my horse Jeeves (now retired), but I needed to regain riding fitness and sharpen my skills. Even though I can ride only one day per week, Rachel has helped me ride better than I ever have. I'm now leasing Pavarotti, a Grand Prix schoolmaster, and working on fun things like passage and tempi changes."

Kathy Schimmoler is an adult amateur who has been riding for over twenty years. "I had ridden my whole life in various disciplines, but still felt I lacked a strong seat. Working with Rachel the past three years, I've found a balanced position, and I really understand now how position influences the horse. I'm looking forward to showing at First Level in 2010."

Albion Marble is a wonderful Oldenberg gelding owned by Jan and Bob Weber [shown at right with Rachel up]. He recently earned his USDF Performance Certificate at Training Level.

Joan Noel has been riding with me since 2004 on my Second Level school horse Devon. "Working with Rachel and Devon, I've been able to find my state of calm and develop new skills. I so enjoy the close relationship I have with Devon, and the warm, supportive atmosphere among Rachel’s students."

Longe Lessons

2009-08-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to offer longe-lessons in the European tradition, on your horse or on my quiet trained mare. They may be scheduled in 1 hour or ½ hour sessions. Longe-lessons are a proven method of dressage seat development, and one of my areas of specialization. You may also schedule longe-lessons as a clinic at your farm.

Longe-lessons are proven: For over 250 years, longe-lessons have been the foundation of rider training at the Spanish Riding School (SRS). Eleves must take daily longe lessons for three years, and “even advanced riders longe…to ensure no bad habits have cropped up,” according to SRS rider Andreas Hausberger.

Longe-lessons let you focus on you: Longe-lessons are effective for two primary reasons, according to Jane Savoie. “When you are being longed, you don’t have to multi-task. You can focus on your body and your position.” Also, she adds,”it puts you in a position in which you have to find your balance. You have no other way of not falling off.”

Longe-lessons work for riders of all levels: Some American riders can be in a rush to move on to the higher level movements, and think longe work is tedious. Jane Savoie points out that “if people took the time… they would realize that it makes the ‘fun stuff’ that much more fun.”

What my clients have to say about their experiences:

As a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, I am impressed at he way Rachel’s longe lessons address balance, poise, and flexibility in a holistic way. She has a keen eye for the rider’s seat and its influence on the horse. - -Mary Derbyshire M.AmSAT

“Working with Rachel on the longe has made the difference entirely in my riding. I finally ‘get it’ and it’s wonderful.” – Kathy Schimmoler

Dressage

2009-08-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

I offer a number of classical dressage training programs for skills development of horse and rider through fourth level. 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 through fourth level: 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.

About Rachel Markels Webber

2009-08-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

I am a resident dressage trainer at Puritan Hill Farm in Groton MA, a specialist in the European art of longe lessons, and a veteran vaulting coach. My education in classical dressage centers around twenty years of study with Joy Congdon and Kathy Connelly. I have worked with vaulting gold medalists Jen Williams and Eva Breyer in the sport of vaulting.

I continually study educational methods to help my clients learn faster and more effectively. I use only positive reinforcement methods in my training of horse and rider.

I invite you to learn more about me through the information below, and to contact me for further discussion.

My Education: Correct, Classical Dressage

I have worked closely for twenty years with both FEI trainer Joy Congdon and noted international trainer and judge Kathy Connelly. Joy and Kathy employ only correct classical methods, in the tradition of Kathy’s own personal mentor Herbert Reibein.

With Joy and Kathy I’ve learned while mounted, and also through observing hundreds of lessons with trainers and top competitors. My clients benefit from my ongoing partnership with Joy and Kathy; I continue to work closely with them with my training horses, as well as my own.

I’ve cliniced frequently with Susanne Winslade, developer of the SeatWorks(TM) system. To fine-tune my longing skills, I have worked with top German longe trainers Petra Kirchner and Reiner Heibolt, and international dressage judge J. Ashton (Jeff) Moore.

A Passion for Teaching:

I truly enjoy working with people – not just horses. I am passionate about being a good teacher. I have participated in all the USDF instructor workshops, and will test at the next opportunity in 2010. I have participated in numerous teaching workshops, including those with Lendon Gray and Lilo Fore, and regularly attend NEDA symposia.

My vaulting education has taken place over the past 25 years. I have been fortunate enough to study with Stephanie Siemans, and Nancy Stevens-Brown, both past Presidents of the American Vaulting Association (AVA), and vaulting gold medalists Jen Williams and Eva Breyer.

I have served in a number of leadership positions in vaulting, including the AVA Board of Directors (2002-2005) and as the AVA liaison to the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. I chaired the first ever East Coast National Championships at Mt. Holyoke in South Hadley.

Approach: Instilling confidence in horse and rider

The approach I take to all that I do, training horses, riders, and vaulters, can best be described as “instilling confidence.” I help clients develop their own mastery of the exercise, movement, or test. Because every student is different, I tailor from a broad range of instruction styles, visualization techniques, and exercises from other disciplines, especially vaulting.

Often the largest hindrance to progress can be a horse or rider’s lack of belief in her- or himself. Part of my method includes helping my clients to see where and how they are successful, in order to build successively greater self-confidence.

Through a system of positive reinforcement, I hold my clients and their horses to the highest international standards, focusing on goals and results. The most rewarding moments in my career are those in which a client or horse achieves true independence in a movement or exercise.

Vaulting

2009-08-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

I offer vaulting instruction through the New England Valkyries (NEV) club, based in Harvard MA. I also mentor other clubs in New England; contact me for further information.

Vaulting teaches life skills
Vaulting is a unique and growing sport that combines gymnastics and dance on a moving horse. It's a wonderful way to develop coordination, balance, strength, and creativity while working in harmony with an equine partner. It was introduced to the US from Europe by two dressage trainers, Elizabeth Searle and Jeff Moore.

Vaulting develops:

Teamwork: Work together with both the horse and coach; and in team competition, with each other as well.

Responsibility: Perform horse duties each lesson: brushing, feeding and watering the horse, putting the equipment on the horse, walking the horse to cool it down, and cleaning out the horse's stall.

Trust: In their coach, their horse, and, most importantly, each other.

Self confidence: How does one not have self confidence when you can stand on the back of a moving horse!

It’s easy to get started

Vaulting instruction is available year round. Vaulting generally runs for six- or eight-week sessions from September through June.

For most of the year, vaulting takes place at beautiful Apple Valley Farm in Harvard, MA. For six or eight weeks in January/February, during the coldest part of the year, vaulting practice takes place indoors. The winter session is a great time to develop a freestyle routine and strong compulsories.

Classes usually include vaulters at different levels and run for 75 minutes, sometimes longer.

For complete information on vaulting with us, please visit our team website at www.newenglandvalkyries.org.

Contact

2009-08-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in dressage, longe-lessons, vaulting, or just learning more about how I can help you with your equestrian goals, I’d love to hear from you.

rachelmarkelswebber@yahoo.com

Phone: 978-772-4908

Rachel Markels Webber
P.O. Box 404

Littleton MA 01460

Directions to my farm:

Shepley Hill Farm at Puritan Hill
122 Old Ayer Road, Groton MA

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From Boston and points East:
Take Route 2 West to Route 495 North
Take exit 31 for Route 119 toward Groton
Turn right onto Route 119 West
Travel 6.2 miles, then turn left at Old Ayer Road
Shepley Hill Farm at Puritan Hill will be on your right

From Wellesley and points South:
Take Route 95 (formerly 128) North to Route 2 West
Travel 16 miles to Route 495 North
Take exit 31 for Route 119 toward Groton
Turn right onto Route 119 West
Travel 6.2 miles, then turn left at Old Ayer Road
Shepley Hill Farm at Puritan Hill will be on your right

From Nashua NH and points North:
Travel approximately 13 miles on Route 111 South

Turn left at Route 119/Route 111/Main Street
Travel 2.7 miles, then take a slight right at Old Ayer Road
Shepley Hill Farm at Puritan Hill will be on your right

From Framingham and points West:
Travel approximately 20 miles on Route 495 North to exit 31

Turn right onto Route 119 West
Travel 6.2 miles, then turn left at Old Ayer Road
Shepley Hill Farm at Puritan Hill will be on your right

Dressage Lessons

2008-03-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

I offer classical dressage lessons through fourth level, on your horse or my quiet trained schoolmasters. I am conveniently located at the intersection of Routes 495 and 2 in Harvard MA. Quiet indoor and outdoor dressage arenas with excellent footing are available for year-round riding.

Lessons are available from 8:30AM-4:00PM, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. My rates are competitive with high-quality instruction in the New England area.

Lesson types available:

1-hour private lesson (either ship-in or on one of my schoolmasters)
1/2 hour private lesson
Semi-private lesson with another student
European-style longe lesson for the development of an effective dressage seat

To inquire further, contact me on 978-772-4908 or rachelmarkelswebber@yahoo.com.

I look forward to hearing from you!

About Me:

Rachel Markels Webber is a USDF Silver and Bronze medalist, USDF L judge graduate, and 2009 NEDA scholarship recipient. For over 20 years she has helped adult amateurs, young riders, and their horses achieve success from Training through Fourth Level. Additionally, Rachel is an expert in European-style longe lessons and is a certified Ride Right^TM sports psychology specialist. Rachel has studied with Joy Congdon and Kathy Connelly for two decades. She holds a B.A. in English from Mt. Holyoke College.
• “Rachel is a wonderful instructor and is so loved by her students.” Kathy Connelly

“Rachel helped inspire confidence in me.” – student Marcia Bernd

• “Rachel has an incredible way of communicating what you as the rider need to do in order to influence the horse.” – student Joan Noel

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