Young Apprentice: Horse Training; Beginning Dressage Lessons

I started riding when my parents bought my first horse just as I turned eight years old. The next three years were the best three years of my life. During this time I learned riding skills by trial and error, balance by bareback (not tall enough to put the tack on), and the love of companionship with my horse as we learned by trotting and cantering in the open cornfields. We were a team, my mare and I! Sadly, we had to sell her due to a move. She sold to a jumper lady in New York where I was able to stay and train with her for a couple of months before moving overseas. There I was introduced to the professional world of horses and started taking jumper lessons before getting the opportunity to try dressage. I loved the challenge dressage brought and went on to be a working student at a dressage barn in New York for three years. In the Spring of 2010 I heard about Dancing Horse Farm (DHF) through a friend and was then introduced to Mary Wanless’ biomechanic techniques, which opened up a whole different approach to riding. Skeptical at first, I wasn’t so sure about the ‘new techniques’ until my core strength and body awareness begin improving. Now, I am a firm believer in the biomechanics style of riding and believe it makes a difference not only in improved riding skills, but also in learning to effectively communicate and partner with your horse. My horse and I are a testimony to that.

My goals are to continue to develop as a rider and trainer, increasing my knowledge of biomechanic techniques. I am currently working on bringing my young horse along and eventually hope to compete with him at FEI level.

My philosophy is that any student willing to learn can become an effective rider by focusing on developing the correct biomechanics along with a good foundation of quality horsemanship.

You can contact Sami at Sami@myDHF.com or 937.727.9239

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