We are located in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains in East San Diego County. We are a mother / daughter team offering lessons and training locally and will travel for clinics. Our dressage philosophy integrates harmonious understanding between the horse and rider while fostering the skills needed to excel in the competitive world. We always try to keep the training and competition experience a positive one. Elizabeth holds her USDF Bronze and Silver medals and has been active in the dressage community for over 30 years working with many top trainers from the US and Europe. Her understanding of the amateur and junior rider’s needs has been heavily influenced by the experience of coaching Katie through FEI, ultimately winning the NAJYRC 2008 Team and Individual Gold Medals. Katie holds her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals as well and is home from a year of training and competing in Europe. She started teaching at the age of 16 and has a keen eye and super feel. While in Germany this past year, Katie not only excelled on the upper level horses but has recieved fabulous experience with the young horses in the show ring and schooling. Our training influences most recently include Debbie McDonald and Shannon Peters. Debbie McDonald has played a prominent role in our philosophies and techniques as Katie was a full time working student in 2009 and part time for 2 years prior. We welcome students of all ages and skill levels and will travel for clinics.
In 2010 I officially returned to the show ring on Artisan competing 2nd level, placing 5th in CDS Horse of the Year and 5th USDF region7 finals. I have really enjoyed bringing along some amatuers and junior riders from our barn. They have made me proud with 4 Championship wins and 1 Reserve!!!
Obviously Katie’s and my big stories are Katie’s accomplishments at the 2008 NAJYRC (Individual and Team Gold Medals) and also winning the CDS S. Calif. Young Rider Championships held in August, 2008. In 2009 Katie and Milo were invited to and competed at the USEF Festival of Champions (top 12 in the US) in Gladstone New Jersey. After a very soggy week they ended up in 7th!
The combination of what I have learned as being Katie’s teacher and coach has been invaluable to my teaching skills. After so many years of focusing on my kids and on the young rider goal, this last year it has been an extension of that passion. It has been a pleasure to work with others in the competitive setting and have such success while simply having fun! Having Katie home is completing the team once again!!