Hey all: Looking for suggestions. Have a solid one star horse who is prepping for eventual 2**. Am wintering in Ocala but affiliated with hits due to job. Who is the best value to do some lessons with this level of horse/rider? Can be event or dress. Thanks much.
Jon Holling is great.
Jon Holling is terrific; Karen & David O’Connor are in Ocala for large chunks of the winter; I believe Leslie Law is down there as well.
All of the above mentioned are quite good. Also for straight dressage, former eventer Pat Deasy (aka Quietgirl on this forum) is terrific.
Missy Ransehousen again. Coaches straight and para dressage as well as eventing.
I don’t know if he’s set up for ship ins yet, but my dressage guru (for nearly 30 years!) just relocated to Ocala. You all are so lucky :yes:.
His name is Barend Heilbron and he has flown way below the radar for too long. He’s been brilliant with the crazy OTTBs I’ve thrown at him over the years. He just has a way of finding the best in a horse and helping it become a better athlete through dressage and he has a phenomenal eye. He’s also the straightest, most honest and moral person I’ve ever met. He will never BS you. If what you want is someone to tell you you’re wonderful when you’re not, don’t consider him. If you’re willing to try hard and be openminded, you’ll learn sooooo much. I just can’t say enough good things about him.
PM me if you want contact info, please.
And good luck no matter your choice.
Another vote for Pat Deasy. Former Intermediate level event rider, and former leading rider for Area III. Certified instructor for the USEA. And finally Gold Medalist for the USDF (I.e., USDF Grand Prix rider).
Frugalannie, I agree that Barend is excellent. I watched him give a few lessons to a Prelim and a ** rider. He is pleasant and low key, but seems very good at giving the rider effective techniques.
Thanks, AKB. I’m glad you had a chance to watch. And the changes he makes over time can be so gratifying for the horse and rider. I loved watching him teach almost as much as I enjoyed riding in front of him. The former was much less tiring, however! (Remember I’m an old cow!)
Alex Robertson - he is a dressage trainer in Ocala and very good. My wife is there now training with him. You’ll thank me 
