Dressage Trainer near Spokane WA

[katmarcra]

Hi! I am moving to Pullman, WA to go to grad school at WSU in the fall and considering moving my horse with me. There aren’t any recent posts on this that I can see, so I’m hoping this finds the right people. What is the dressage scene like near Spokane? Are there any trainers you particularly recommend?

I am hoping to find a trainer to take occasional lessons with or to bring my horse to for a tune-up as needed. Ideally, this would be someone educated in classical dressage and with some experience with Iberian horses. Any recommendations? I’d be happy to drive to Spokane, Pullman, Walla Walla, etc. in Washington and Moscow in Idaho (though generally the closer to Pullman, the better).

[Mondo]

You can’t go wrong with Spokane Sport Horse Farm. https://spokanesporthorse.com/ I understand that Jaclyn Humphrey recently moved back to the area. Not sure if she’s teaching though.

There’s also Nadine Schwarzman in Boise, but that might be too far for you.

[Knights_Mom]

Paula Kierkegaard is in Seattle. Well worth any travel.

[Mondo]

I’ve known Paula for years. It’s a good recommendation, but Spokane is an 8 hour drive to Seattle. Not that close.

[katmarcra]

My understanding was Spokane Sport Horse Farm was more of a showing facility - do they also have resident trainers?

Boise would be a little far, yeah. I’m definitely looking for something a bit closer by.

I’ll check out Jaclyn!

[katmarcra]

Thanks! I’m looking for something a bit closer by than Seattle though - there are lots of options over there, but it’s too much of a drive to be convenient for any kind of regular lessons.

[Mondo]

I think you’re addressing KnightsMom.

[Knights_Mom]

I caught it

[Aussie_2020]

Maybe check with the vet school in Pullman.

[mbv]

If you are going to board in/around Pullman but still want to lesson regularly, my suggestion would be to see if Marina Parris Woodhead still travels to Moscow/Pullman barns to give lessons. She is based in eastern Oregon. For years she came up weekly but I’m not sure if that is still the case.

[rcy]

not sure your level of riding, but christophe theallet is in spokane. not sure if he does local teaching at all though or just clinicing. highly rec.

[ilovetheadd27]

Welcome to the Spokane/CDA/Pullman horse scene! We have a bustling schedule of HJ and eventing shows and clinics and dressage if you look real hard too :). Spokane Sport Horse hosts multiple regional eventing and dressage shows each year, and we have several awesome schooling show/outreach rated showing opportunities.

Check out Grace Safranksi at Mystical Rose Farm, she’s a bit East of Spokane proper. Also Alexandra Brooks comes to town regularly for clientele. Unfortunately one of our regions best dressage trainers recently passed away, but Spokane Sport Horse does offer many clinics and sometimes they do have resident trainers (I know they have H/J and eventing right now but not sure about dressage).

There are plenty of us HJ and eventing people who pretend to play dressage also (me me!). Would also be happy to share who to steer clear of in a PM as well, ha! Feel free to PM me if you have any more Spokane horse related questions