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Our Philosophy
At Dark Horse Farm we believe in nurturing a rider and starting them
off correctly from the very beginning. Most instructors and training programs rush through the basics of riding in order
to give their customer a quick, and therefore what most would consider, satisfactory result. That is not the way it
should work! Without building a steady foundation of good basics and confidence in all areas (including care, grooming,
ground work, balance and trust in the horse) riders can never improve beyond a mediocre level.
Our teaching methods are taylored to each individual student according to their needs. Some students may have been in
negative situations involving horses and therefore come to fear riding or the horse itself. We work to encourage trust between
horse and rider through a good foundation of knowledge and partnership. Our students are encouraged to ask questions
and are NEVER asked to do something outside of their comfort level. We want to build a good and fearless knowledge of
our equine sport.
Our lesson horses have been used extensively in lesson programs and
are seasoned 'professionals' at building confidence and helping students gain knowledge of riding while feeling at ease.
Before any horse can be used in our lesson program they are checked for physical, as well as mental, soundness. The
horses we choose for our lesson program have not only been used in lessons prior to arriving at our facility but have been
owned by children and successfully shown in junior and adult competition. When a horse arrives for our lesson program
they are put in a two month training program to ensure that they are ready to take the best care possible of our students.
We also offer lessons to students who have their own horses and would rather train on them, our lesson program is mobile.
Nicole's
approach to teaching is a very unique one. Incorporating techniques from many different disciplines of riding and she
forms a complete view of, and balance within, each discipline she teaches.
A student of the 'classical seat' method
of dressage, Nicole uses many of those principles to improve balance, straightness, leg position and the rapport between horse
and rider in English, Dressage and Western students. She draws on riding techniques and methods from greats such as
Reiner Klimke and Isabelle Werth.
Drawing from her ample experience in the Hunter ring and with jumpers, Nicole teaches
students to ride with a 'light hand' , to develop a 'deep seat' and be able to 'feel' the horses gaits more accurately.
In this area Nicole draws on methods from Anne Kursinski, Mark Leone, George Morris, Margie Goldstein-Engle and Leslie Burr-Howard.
Nicole's western pleasure training brings to students the sense of 'pleasure riding' and the lessons that horses can
have little or no rein contact and still be fully collected and under control. Riding methods in this area come from
Cleve Wells and Richard Shrake.
We offer hour and half-hour lessons to all students and also offer group lessons upon
request.
Prices for lessons are as follows:
Half-Hour: $25.00
Hour: $40.00
For more information or
to schedule a lesson please contact Nicole by phone or e-mail.
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