I have a young horse and am looking for a trainer in NJ to help bring him up through the levels. I want someone that uses correct basics , classical dressage and no gadgets. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
My boyfriend was a working student for the Armondos a few years ago. He says Gabrielle is a good guy, and he is a pretty good trainer for classical stuff. For example, he teaches with long lines and (at least at the time that my boyfriend worked for them) he never used draw reins or any aids like that. Suzie is really helpful for the rider in terms of position, but she is also hard to get along with. That’s about all I heard about her. But, they were German-trained, so if you want true classical dressage in Ringoes, you might want to check out Maria Katsamanis. I worked for her for a while, and she trained under some French classical riders. She is the most basic, gadget free trainer around. And she is EXCELLENT with young horses. I’ve seen her start some really difficult young horses, including horses that other successful trainers in the area have refused to work with. The only thing is that because she is so dedicated to classical dressage, she doesn’t base success on progressing “through the levels” and her pace is a little too slow for some people with competitive aspirations. But, like I said, I can’t recommend her enough for starting young horses in correct, classical, dressage training. The Armondos are good option too though, especially if your main goal is to be competitive.
OP, I know the area well. Send me a PM if you would like some additional suggestions.
Thank you I will check both of your suggestions out. I appreciate any input.
Thank you for your suggestions. I really appreciate them and will Che k them out.
[QUOTE=mvspencer;8112816]
My boyfriend was a working student for the Armondos a few years ago. He says Gabrielle is a good guy, and he is a pretty good trainer for classical stuff. For example, he teaches with long lines and (at least at the time that my boyfriend worked for them) he never used draw reins or any aids like that. Suzie is really helpful for the rider in terms of position, but she is also hard to get along with. That’s about all I heard about her. But, they were German-trained, so if you want true classical dressage in Ringoes, you might want to check out Maria Katsamanis. I worked for her for a while, and she trained under some French classical riders. She is the most basic, gadget free trainer around. And she is EXCELLENT with young horses. I’ve seen her start some really difficult young horses, including horses that other successful trainers in the area have refused to work with. The only thing is that because she is so dedicated to classical dressage, she doesn’t base success on progressing “through the levels” and her pace is a little too slow for some people with competitive aspirations. But, like I said, I can’t recommend her enough for starting young horses in correct, classical, dressage training. The Armondos are good option too though, especially if your main goal is to be competitive.[/QUOTE]
Thank you for your suggestions I will check them both out.
I’ve taken many lessons with Gabriel. He is a wonderful trainer and teacher. Was able to help me with my very difficult, hot gelding. Never used gadgets or anything. Just solid training. My horse never felt so good. Also took lessons with him on both my mares and had great success moving up the levels. Also nice because he is an international judge so you can get a trainer and judge’s perspective on things.
Thank you!
I have aslo cliniced with Gabriel Armando. The clinic was very useful, dressage training from the eye of the judge. I will attend another. That said i have not seen him ride himself, just teach at a clinic
[QUOTE=mvspencer;8112816]
My boyfriend was a working student for the Armondos a few years ago. He says Gabrielle is a good guy, and he is a pretty good trainer for classical stuff. For example, he teaches with long lines and (at least at the time that my boyfriend worked for them) he never used draw reins or any aids like that. Suzie is really helpful for the rider in terms of position, but she is also hard to get along with. That’s about all I heard about her. But, they were German-trained […] The Armondos are good option too though, especially if your main goal is to be competitive.[/QUOTE]
I never worked for them, but I was a working student with another trainer at the same barn they were a few years ago. I agree with this. I watched lots of lessons with both of them, and they do know their stuff. Suzie is a lot more blunt than Gabriel.
There’s a trainer in Blairstown, which may be out of your way. I see that she trains with Armando as well.
Amy Howard bought a farm of her own in Ringoes and moved her program there (the Crosswinds Farm on Rileyville Road) at the beginning of this year. I talked to her at the last NJHP show and she just got a new Dutch 4 year old in her barn and has two 5 year olds coming over later this summer. She takes a very holistic approach and has a great team around her. She trained under Nancy Polozker (spelling) for many years and trains more now with Heather Blitz. She’s probably the best option you have in that area for someone who is well grounded in the basics and classic dressage, and very active as both a competitor and trainer, and will really invest in you and your horse.
[QUOTE=pleasepiaffe;8183017]
Amy Howard bought a farm of her own in Ringoes and moved her program there (the Crosswinds Farm on Rileyville Road) at the beginning of this year. I talked to her at the last NJHP show and she just got a new Dutch 4 year old in her barn and has two 5 year olds coming over later this summer. She takes a very holistic approach and has a great team around her. She trained under Nancy Polozker (spelling) for many years and trains more now with Heather Blitz. She’s probably the best option you have in that area for someone who is well grounded in the basics and classic dressage, and very active as both a competitor and trainer, and will really invest in you and your horse.[/QUOTE]
That place has changed hands a number of times over the last several years. Beautiful indoor, but the most recent owner didn’t do a good job keeping the place up. It’s nice to see a professional buy it so it won’t fall apart.
I couldn’t agree more SnicklefritzG (love the name). I had a chance to see it while it was for sale and it made me want to cry to see what the previous owner did to it in just one short year. It is a beautiful property in a beautiful surrounding. I think the indoor might be the only PSG sized indoor in the area. From what Amy’s clients told me what she’s done to improve the place in just 4 months is nothing short of a miracle. I love riding by it on the trails now. It’s so nice to have a professional like Amy in our valley!
[QUOTE=pleasepiaffe;8183599]
I couldn’t agree more SnicklefritzG (love the name). I had a chance to see it while it was for sale and it made me want to cry to see what the previous owner did to it in just one short year. It is a beautiful property in a beautiful surrounding. I think the indoor might be the only PSG sized indoor in the area. From what Amy’s clients told me what she’s done to improve the place in just 4 months is nothing short of a miracle. I love riding by it on the trails now. It’s so nice to have a professional like Amy in our valley![/QUOTE] Well, this thread has gone off course a bit, so I’ll continue this trend.
There are some errors in the above post. First, the indoor (according to all records I find) is only 168x76. That is not nearly long enough for a standard dressage court. There are several local indoors that are 200x80. Mine is one of them.
As far as the property going downhill, I can’t say for sure. I used to ride there when Chris Freeman owned it. The house/pool was in immaculate condition then. The barn was never very nice, imo.
During the periods this farm was for sale, the photos on the real estate pages showed that the interior of the home was lovely, and decorated very beautifully. I didn’t see anything rundown in those photos.
In any case, it was a hard property to sell because township restrictions are such that there was limits on what else could be built or expanded on the property. Everything is really close together there and no place to park.
The photos of it being for sale were the photos from the previous sale to the last owner–and yes the house and facilities were in great shape at that time. The last owner only had it one year and it was a tough year let me tell you!!
Sorry to send this thread in the wrong direction.
Wow! I stumbled upon this post and had to respond as mvspencer has quite a few inaccuracies in what she wrote.
First, I’d like to say that I’ve know the Armandos for quite some time and have never known them to have a male working student, not ever, so I’m not sure who your boyfriend worked for, but it wasn’t them. Your confussion about the use of long lines being classical is amusing at best and just goes to show how little you know to make a comment like that. It always amazes me how people who know so little feel they can say so much. Yes, Gabriel is a very good trainer, rider and judge and I’ve personally seen him start (You know, like the first to get on) several young horses. He also rides upper level and problematic horses as well.
As for Suzy, the other half of the team, I think your description of her being difficult to get along with is really sad. You clearly don’t know her. If “all you know about her” is that she’s “good for teaching position” then boy did you miss the boat! I’ve been in this industry for over 40 years and there aren’t enough people like her- she really knows her stuff and I’ve seen her transform riders and their horses. My friend, who is a big judge in this sport says that if you get a chance to work with Suzy, you do it.
Its a pity that you or your boyfriend didn’t really get who these people are or what they can offer.
