philsophy
Elizabeth offers dressage training programs tailored
to the needs of each horse and rider in a positive, fun, supportive and
professional environment. Athletes, horses and riders alike, require individual
training programs and solutions to build effectively upon their talent,
scope and desire.
There is no discrimination between breed, level of
experience or discipline. Elizabeth works with clients in all stages of
the dressage training experience, from identifying prospective mounts
for clients, to introducing youngster’s first steps under saddle, to fine
tuning the final steps before entering the ring.
In lessons, she communicates to the rider not only
what to do, but also the whys and hows of dressage training. Elizabeth
will explain equestrian biomechanics; how a horse can be encouraged to
move properly by a rider who is sitting correctly.
Students are taught with a combined focus on developing
a good seat and position, learning horse training skills and increasing
their theoretical knowledge so they can optimize their ability to ride
effectively thus improving their performance.
She aims to have each horse happy in his work while
expressing correct basic training. She wants to help riders achieve their
goals whether or not this includes competition. Developing an enjoyable,
harmonious, and fulfilling relationship between horse and rider is the
ultimate result.
Dressage education of the horse is the foundation
of all other training. The beginnings of dressage training require establishing
consistent rhythm at all three gaits, relaxation and a swinging back,
suppleness both laterally (side to side) and longitudinally (flexion)
and obedience to the rider. The horse must be round, it must be taught
to engage deeply from behind and push its back up under the rider. Only
then the horse is truly balanced and able to accept the riders commands
without tension or resistance. Elizabeth encourages development of the
horse’s top line over time and through gymnastic exercises.
experience
•co- authored “the relationship that reins”, (cover story) usdf ‘your
dressage’, electronic publication, december 2016
•grainger dressage clinic, alcatraz ranch, churubusco, in, october
and november 2016
•dressage judge, midwest dressage schooling show, valparaiso, in, september
2016
•co- authored “the dressage connection”, path intl ‘strides’ magazine,
vol. 22 no. 3 (2016) pp. 34-36, summer 2016
• grainger dressage clinic at corrymela farm horse
boarding, kendallville, in, april 2016
• dressage scribe training workshop, reins of life therapeutic horseback
riding, inc., april 2016
• usdf 2015 region 2 local circuit champion intro level, open, professional
division
• co-presentor, "incorporating dressage into
therapeutic riding programs" at the 2015 PATH International Conference,
cleveland oh, november 2015
• michiana dressage club, 2015, overall reserve champion
high percentage and high point, intro level high percentage and high point
professional champion
• selected to participate in the retired racehorse
project, kentucky horse park, lexington, ky, october 2015
• instructing "dressage 101" clinic at st
joe farm equestrian center, south bend, in and lakeside equestrian center,
syracuse, in,march 2015
• michiana dressage club, 2014 third level high percentage
and high point professional champion
• michiana dressage club, 2014 third level high percentage
and high point professional champion
• june 2014 lendon gray clinic participant
• april 2014 selected rider for the 2014 usdf region
2 adult clinic with hilda gurney
• 2012 National Ranking of Fourth Place from the USDF
Adequan All Breeds Award, AQHA, Second Level, Professional Division
• 2008, 2007 National Ranking of Ninth Place from
the USDF Adequan All Breeds Award, AQHA, First Level, Professional Division
• USDF Rider Performance Award First Level
• USDF Horse Performance Award First Level
• USEF, USDF, AQHA, ARHA, Michiana Dressage Club (GMO
of the USDF), Ranch Horse Association of Michigan Professional memberships
o MDC President 11/14 – 11/16, 12/11 – 11/12, 11/08 – 11/09, MDC Newsletter
2006- 2017
• Continuing Dressage education with Maryal Barnett
(2014 USDF Lifetime Acheivement Award Winner, FEI “C” judge, USEF “S”
judge, USDF Certified Examiner)
• Horsemanship instruction from Steve Lantvit
• Previous Eventing instruction from Bill Hunt
• Indiana 4-H Horse and Pony Leader 01/05 - 09/10
• Past member of the University of Notre Dame Equestrian
Team
• 20 years State of Indiana certified educator
• 35 years of horsemanship experience
• Successfully competed at Dressage, Hunter/Jumper,
Eventing and Pleasure riding
