I no longer offer riding lessons.
I am working to become a center of excellence for carriage driving. My focus is training competitive carriage ponies and horses. I currently offer intro to driving lessons. Or safe driving basics for novice drivers (make sure there are no holes in your learning, if you learned to drive from a friend of a friend). I continue to offer instruction in ground handling and training, and problem solving.
OUR LESSONS are 60, 90, 120 minutes. The 90 minute lesson includes 30 minutes of ground training and round-penning, 45 minutes of driving lesson, and 15 minutes to practice on your own (I’m there to answer questions but I find being able to develop the habit of the process on your own.) We require at least one 90 minute lesson for new students. I strongly believe that if you cannot handle the horse on the ground you shouldn’t expect to under saddle or between the shafts. I also offer 60 minute lessons once students are self-sufficient with grooming, harnessing, and warming up. I offer 120 min (2 hour) lessons for folks hauling in from a distance.
Lessons are $75/hour
Rate increase thanks to this needless war with Iran.
Whips can lesson on our horses or their own. Personal horses MUST be up-to-date on vaccinations. They must have your horse groomed before their lesson. This maximizes schooling time. We require boots (with heels, if riding) and helmet for all whips/riders regardless of age or skill level. (I don’t work with children.) I’m the trainer to get you going safely. Understanding harness and vehicle fit and maintenance. Safety and best practices for driving a horse or pony. I’m NOT the trainer to help you improve your dressage score or to perfect your rein and whip handling. If you’re looking for that level trainer, reach out and I can make referrals, depending on your location.
All horses and riders/whips at Wyndover Farm develop a strong foundation based upon classical dressage and natural horsemanship principles while having the ability to continue specializing in their desired discipline. I follow the Carriage Association of America (CAA) Driver Proficiency Program syllabus when teaching beginners to drive.
I have a strong foundation and experience with the safety and basics of driving. I am refining my skills by training with driving instructors and clinicians to develop as a driver. I also work closely with a driving and training mentor. My personal focus is in-hand & driven dressage and Combined Driving (CDE). I own five driving (and riding) horses who I’ve trained from the ground up. Two are currently lesson horses and two are being developed with that end in mind.
I believe in see one-do one-teach one. I believe that the best way to reinforce the basics is to teach what you know. I am happy to teach and share what I know. I have a lot of experience with a few horses in a few harnesses and a few vehicles. The breadth of my driving experience is narrow, but I am strong with experience, knowledge, and understanding I do have. I’m happily and ferociously learning and experiencing as much as I can, about the world of carriage driving…but Combined Driving is my passion! I’m happy to have you along for the drive!
My goal for any student or intern is to help them develop a strong, safe foundation for care, handling, and riding/driving of horses while maximizing the enjoyment of the equine and equestrian.
