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Training and Instruction
 The goal of dressage training at Braeburn Farm is to develop each horse’s
physical and mental abilities so that the horse is strong, healthy, trusting,
safe, and expressive. The level of training attained depends on the horse,
but all sound horses are trainable to Third level if given the appropriate
time. Many are capable of Prix St Georges and Intermediaire. A few can
master the Grand Prix. Our horses range from training level to the international
levels.
Care and Lifestyle of the Horse
We believe in horses living in an enhanced natural environment. This
means the horses are out together in large, safe pastures many hours a
day.
 Usually, they are brought in from the
20-acre pasture in the morning,
fed, groomed, and ridden. Then they are groomed or bathed, fed again,
and turned back out to be horses. In nearly twenty-five years there have
been no serious colics or injuries. We keep about ten to fifteen horses.
The barn has nine 12 by 12 foot straw-bedded, bright, airy stalls, where
the horses are very comfortable if they have to be kept in due to lameness
or extreme weather.
Approach to Teaching
The ultimate goal of good instruction is to foster independent, very
skillful, very knowledgeable, sensitive, horse-loving trainers for the
next generation. First, the rider learns about the care and handling of
horses in and around the farm and stable. Then the rider learns to sit
correctly by being lunged on a safe horse at the walk, trot, and canter.
The rider then gradually rides schooled horses to learn the basics with
an instructor and properly trained horses. From this stage the rider can
eventually be in a position to start maintaining the training in schooled
horses and begin training horses from the beginning.
From the lunge line to the training ability stage takes years, and students
need to learn to be patient and not attempt short cuts.
We offer individualized horse training and rider instruction programs.
We take horses in full or partial training monthly. Occasionally it is
appropriate to teach the owner on his or her horse once a week. Sometimes
it is better to wait a few months before doing this, and in the meantime
the owner can have lunge lessons on one of our schooled horses. Various
plans can be arranged.
 Judging
Cindy is a USA Equestrian “R” dressage judge and is in the
“S” promotion program.
Past and Present Students
Cindy has had the honor of helping teach many good riders. Among the
most recognized names are Jane Savoie, Kathy Connelly, Tad Coffin, Mark
Weissbecker, Bobby Costello, and Sarah Geikie. From students riding regularly
at Braeburn Farm and participating in clinics in several places in the
U.S., Cindy has taught hundreds of students. Several students from North
and South Carolina, Virginia, and New England have ridden with Cindy for
over fifteen years.
Click HERE for pictures of other students.
Prices
Times are definitely tougher for
everyone.
For those of us with dressage horses, hay,
grain, bedding—everything has gone up.
Incomes are smaller.
But our dreams are still there.
We want to see ourselves and our horses
continue to learn and improve.
It’s what we live for.
Here’s what I’d like to offer to help keep those
dreams evolving:
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Private lessons are
reduced from $85 to $75.
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I would be happy to travel
reasonable distances for 2-3 riders. The cost of these will be the
same with a small fee for gas.
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Weekend Group Lessons
(Saturday or Sunday), either here at Braeburn Farm or at your farm,
with 2-4 riders.
The “Group” lesson is not as popular in
the US
as it has been in Europe, but I bet
you’d love it, and the horses will too.
The price per rider would be $40.
If I drive to another farm, I’ll charge
$40 per rider plus gas only.
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My board and training here
at the farm will now be reduced from $500 + $750 = $1250 to a total
of $1,000. Farrier
and vet need to be paid by owner.
I have room and time for two horses.
Please
email Cindy with your
questions.
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