“Learn well, O human, if you wish to become as wise – and as canny – as your horse. Learn well, too, if you wish to live the love that lies in your heart, to transcend the crude inter-action that so many perceive as a battle, and to say it in the resistance-free language of ‘horse’. If you do, you will gain so much, and riding skills are only part of that prize.”

– Mary Wanless, 2001

DHF is one of the largest multi-disciplinary riding schools in the Mid-West.

Vision Statement  
To grow our students into accomplished well-rounded equestrians in addition to excellent riders. Through DHF’s Riding School, horse lovers will experience the full array of wonderful life lessons that horses can teach us.  We want our students to learn that horses are a lifestyle choice, not just another activity in their busy schedules. 

Teaching Methodology  
DHF instructors are unified in their teaching methodology focusing on developing correct biomechanics of both the rider and horse. The biomechanics principles taught at DHF are based on years of scientific research by internationally acclaimed equine researchers like Dr. Hilary Clayton and physiotherapist Dr. Narelle Stubbs; decades of research in learning theory and development of the world-renowned Ride With Your Mind methodology by Mary Wanless; and the competition success and experience of 2011 US Pan Am Team Gold and Individual Silver Medalist, Heather Blitz.. Jen considers herself fortunate to have the amazing team of Mary as her biomechanics coach and mentor and Heather as her training/competition coach and mentor. Under Jen's guidance, all DHF instructors specialize in turning Principles into Practice by teaching students how to successfully take biomechanics principles into the competition arena.

Biomechanics/RWYM-based education teaches riders to:

• Communicate more effectively with horses using the language of “horse”
• Reduce reaction time lags so that learning moments aren’t missed
• Develop a vocabulary to describe what they are feeling in both their and their horse’s bodies while riding
• Understand the responsibilities of both the rider and horse
• Improve physical and mental control and coordination
• Increase body awareness, core strength, and multitasking capabilities
• Develop the ability to focus on, and simultaneously process, both internal and external stimuli while riding

In a nutshell, RWYM methodology teaches riders to "notice" what is going on and use a learned skill set to make positive changes their body and the horses in the same way that "talented" riders do unconsciously. DHF specializes in teaching our young teachers how to teach effectively and riders how to learn in a positive, calm, supportive environment. This top-down learning environment has created an amazingly supportive, team-like atmosphere at DHF that is totally different than almost any other large riding facility. Our clients support each other and cheer for each other's successes, instead of the common environment of competition and always trying to outdo each other.

Skills Development
DHF students are very successful in the show arena, but that’s not the only objective of our program. We are most interested in growing our young riders into adults who have a positive impact on society from strong morals and ethics, and through their good example, influence others to do the same. We are committed to developing maturity, responsibility, teamwork, patience, kindness, understanding, self motivation, and self confidence in our students while helping them achieve their goals.


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