Best trainers / instructors in Hampton Roads, Virginia area

[Julesandmel]

I am inspired after watching George Morris clinic to learn classical riding with a view to pursuing jumping and perhaps novice eventing.

Looking for excellent, top-notch instruction. I actually live closest to Suffolk, Virginia. But could haul to Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, etc.

[Satin_Filly]

Chris Wynne at Breckenridge Manor. Located in VB.
http://www.breckenridgemanor.net/chriswynne.html

[Jumper_girl221]

For eventing? Check with pony club. Either Sali Gear or Tina Bodnar. Epps farm supply in Suffolk has an eventing program…this area isn’t as big for eventing more H/J.

[Julesandmel]

Thanks, I’m at an excellent barn with great former eventer. Particularly interested in the “classic riding” foundation a la George Morris. I guess that would be beginner dressage . . . maybe I should post there?

[QUOTE=Jumper_girl221;7354269]
For eventing? Check with pony club. Either Sali Gear or Tina Bodnar. Epps farm supply in Suffolk has an eventing program…this area isn’t as big for eventing more H/J.[/QUOTE]

[Julesandmel]

Have you taken lessons from Chris? What is his teaching style? What do you recommend about Breckenridge?

[QUOTE=Satin Filly;7354034]
Chris Wynne at Breckenridge Manor. Located in VB.
http://www.breckenridgemanor.net/chriswynne.html[/QUOTE]

[tricolor]

[QUOTE=Julesandmel;7354321]
Have you taken lessons from Chris? What is his teaching style? What do you recommend about Breckenridge?[/QUOTE]
Great for hunters, not for classical dressage or high level flatwork. Have known him for decades and ridden with him at different times. He will give you confidence and great instruction for the hunter ring if that is what you want to do.

[Julesandmel]

I should add that I’m an adult-learner, now 41. As you guys pointed out, eventing is not big in this area. The focus at my barn is 4H, and my trainer is a selfless lady pulled in 800 directions by her kids.

I have a pretty good seat and reasonable talent and am at a point where I’d like to enrich myself, my equitation, my training by exposing myself and my horses to other great instructors.

[Jumper_girl221]

Debra Maddoxx is a pretty good classical dressage trainer.

http://legendhillhanoverians.com/about_us

I’ve taken a few lessons from her and always came away with a ton of homework!

[baker_blanket]

[QUOTE=Julesandmel;7354318]
Thanks, I’m at an excellent barn with great former eventer. Particularly interested in the “classic riding” foundation a la George Morris. I guess that would be beginner dressage . . . maybe I should post there?[/QUOTE]

Look up Janice Mumford. She is in Suffolk and travels to barns in the area for lessons. I am an advanced adult amateur 3’ hunter rider, but my hunter trainer and horse are out of state. I took many dressage lessons from Janice a year or two ago on a project horse and thought she was really wonderful. She gave me many new tools for my stash and really pointed me in the right direction with my project. Loved her, and now feeling like I might need to give her a call when the cold snap is over to get on her schedule again.

[CadieEstes]

Coastline Farm, Virginia beach 757-818-5726 We offer hunter and basic dressage training/lessons, reasonable prices, might be a good start before moving up to a high level trainer. We emphasize a lot on equitation, collection, consistency etc.

[lovemybays]

Jennifer smith is a local event trainer as is Kate mason. I do not know if either are taking new students but it never hurts to ask.

I just took a dressage lesson with Janice and she was WONDERFUL.

[anmoro]

Do your research on “trainers”

If you want proper classical instruction do your research. I recommend Kathleen Renfro at Heron Creek in Virginia Beach. If you want GM style lessons you will get them! She is accepting new students (per Facebook). Chris Wynne is great but good luck getting in with him. I’ve heard Peg Seals at Freedom Farms in Carrollton is amazing as well, however I personally have never lessened with her.

As much as it pains me to say this, there are more “trainers” in this area that should not be training. If eventing is your preference Kate Mason, Jen Smith and Tina Bodnar are your best bets (in my opinion).

I don’t know many dressage trainers but I’ve heard Anne Aloi is top notch.

FWIW- a real hunter/eq trainer will use dressage fundamentals. :lol:

[bjd2013]

I would agree with the poster before. There aren’t really any trainers in your area that focus on flatwork. I’ve ridden at almost every barn in the Va Beach area and learned more of what not to do than what to do. If you would travel to Hampton, my SO has a small private farm and good lesson horses broke on the flat. He takes dressage lessons frequently and also rides and works for Peg Seals. PM me for questions on different people in the area or for information.

[BaysofourLives]

Another recommendation for Kate Mason! She is a very knowledgable and talented rider, horses love her! She will travel to you as well I believe. Look her up on facebook, farm name is darkhorse eventing. she even writes a blog, you can read it to get a better handle on the way she rides and teaches.

[LoveJubal]

I second anyone at Silverleaf Dressage, including Janice Mumford! She has done hunters, so she knows jumping as well. She will get you going right with your flat work!