Can anyone recommend a barn that specializes in dressage instruction in the NoVA area? There seems to be nothing but Hunter/Jumper barns here, I’m having a really hard time finding anything.
Thanks.
NoVA is a very big area. Can you be more specific, geographically? Do you need someone who teaches evenings/after work, or could you come for a lesson in the middle of the day? Do you have a big, ambitious show agenda, or just looking for fun, light lessons? Are you a lower level or upper level rider?
Following this thread. I’m looking as well:). Facility preferably with a covered 25 mile radius from Leesburg. Lesson time flexible but prefer morning to early afternoon weekdays. Showing mid 60s second level, schooling third on an “off breed”. Serious student.
Please PM me. We have a great facility in Millwood.
There are LOTS of dressage instructors in No VA.
The ones that come immediately to mind are Britta Johnston, Lauren Sprieser, Shannon Pedlar, Stephanie Millham, Donna Gatchel, but there are lots of others.
There are also Eventing instructors with a very strong dressage side, such as Yvonne Lucas and Barbara Lawrence.
There are two USDF GMOs on No VA, VADA NoVA (Virginia Dressage Association, Northern Virginia branch) and CDCTA (Commonwealth Dressage and Combined Training Association). They both have web sites. I would check there, both for ads/listings, and to contact someone on the board for recommendations.
Hello, I am a FEI dressage trainer in Millwood, Va. I am located at the beautiful Fairview Dressage Center. Please visit my website www.prestigeperformancehorses.com for more information. You can reach me at 609.602.6346 or prestigeperformancehorses@gmail.com. Best of luck!
Lauren Sprieser is terrific. Fabulous facility in Marshall and a great teacher. She has trained horses from green to GP and has no problem with my 1/2 Arab and my welsh cob. She wrote a great blog for COTH a few years ago about a purebred Arab that she really enjoyed, so off-breeds are no issue.
Speaking for myself, she helped me go from bad Training level rider to training my own horse to third level and getting my Bronze in about 4 years. And that’s without keeping my horse in full training.
My apologies for asking a question and then disappearing for so long. Many thanks to those who answered.
I’m in McLean, VA. I’m not terribly geographically familiar with most areas outside the Beltway. I do know Leesburg a bit, which is a doable if long drive. I understand that most stables and trainers are now much further out than they were years ago (not much left in Great Falls?), so Leesburg area might be best?
Thanks again!
Also, I’m a reformed eventer–I suspect that if I get too close to an eventing barn I may relapse. 
If you are willing to go to Lovettsville, there are 2 good trainers in that area. Tiffany Hattler and Brandi Benedict.
Holly Wilmoth at Kingland Farm www.Kinglandfarm.com in Lovettsville, Virginia is an outstanding option!
Not only does she have a really nice facility, indoor arena, turn-out, staff, footing, etc. She is an accomplished FEI rider, having developed numerous horses over the years. In years past Holly has boarded at my facility in Wellington, Florida to compete during the winter months and my stallions were stationed at her facility prior to Devon in 2008 and I could not have been happier with the care.
Unless you wish to be a “professional” trainer/rider/show person, Ms. Johnston is good but she is curt and not worth your time. If your an older adult wanting to enhance your riding and improve your seat, find someone who doesn’t mind what you wish to do, so many nicer instructor’s out there who don’t make you feel inadequate due to age or what you want to do. This is just my humble opinion and observation
If you are looking for a simple back-yard facility, let me know. I am just a small private barn near Leesburg; no indoor, just happy horses and training of rider/horse combination available.
I cannot highly enough recommend Allison Spivey!!! She will be back from FL in April and is moving to a facility in Marshall. Here is her website:
http://www.allisonspiveydressage.com/
I ride an OTTB who Allison loves and she has students who have Arabians, Saddlebred crosses, etc- you name it! She is phenomenal and very down to earth and encouraging.
