Hello–looking to relocate to New Jersey and looking for a solid dressage trainer to bring me and my two horses up the levels. Can anyone recommend a trainer who is a stickler for the basics, understands the development of the rider as well as the horse, and could be generally considered a master at his or her craft? All the while producing one good/great rider after another? Also need someone who will themselves (or have an assistant) get on my horses from time to time to keep them progressing, as needed. Interested in central Jersey but will consider other parts of the state. Any guidance is appreciated.
LOL…watch SnicklefritzG post “PM me”.
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You need to be more specific as to where in NJ…can you give 1 or 2 counties at least. It makes a difference for recommendations!
Sure! Thanks … Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington counties.
Catherine Haddad-Staller, hands down. I’ve ridden with her for 5 years, since she came back from Germany. I’ve been USDF horse of the year at PSG and Int1 in my divisions for the past two years, and gone to the National Championships at Gladstone this year. She bred and trained the 2017 Developing PSG Champion, and trained the rider. I’ve watched her take one of her assistants from a dressage beginner to a good PSG, schooling GP rider in that time. I’ve seen her turn around anyone’s riding who is willing to put in the time, sweat, and major $$$ to do it. She is not for those on a tight budget. She is in Califon, Hunterdon County.
For a very different experience, I would recommend checking out Lauren Chumley. I don’t know her well, but she rides all different kinds of breeds, and trains for people I know. She seems nice, and I’ve never heard anything bad about her. She would be MUCH less expensive.
It depends on what you want. CHS is world class, LC is a good local trainer, with no USET experience.
Almost all good NJ trainers will be found in FL for the winter…
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Other options: Sara Schmitt, Heather Mason, Michael Barisone, Marcus Orlob/Shannon Stevens, Kim Herslow.
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I second Lauren Chumley. She is fabulous and can truly get the best out of everything, from the fjords to the OTTBs to the Dutch WBs. She does travel to Florida December to April, but she comes back for clinics in the winter.
Lauren Chumley. Catherine Haddad-Staller is not for everyone.
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Well, no trainer is for everyone. The OP didn’t say that she wanted a trainer who is free of any controversy, she said she wanted one who gets results. You can’t argue with C’s results.
She also said that she wants someone who is considered “a master of their craft”, that knocks out a lot of professionals, who, although they are good, would not be considered masters. They would be considered good local, or good national level trainers.
I think, of joie’s list, that Heather is the only one who is in NJ for the winter. Only Catherine, Michael and Kim are internationally recognized.
Ding ding ding!!!
Ive taken lessons or clinics with many of the people mentioned here. For those I haven’t, I know people who are clients. Can tell you the + and -
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is Silke Rembacz still around? I enjoyed the lessons I watched her teach.
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Silke is in Ringoes, NJ in the summer, Wellington, FL in the winter.
What is considered ‘internationally recognized’? Heather Mason has
a good CDI Record.
https://data.fei.org/Person/Performance.aspx?p=6E2616BBDCDA61140579C59D3DE2C02C
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I think dressagegirl123 only recognizes European experience. I don’t think that is necessarily a requirement for someone who is asking for references here. One would think if they had European goals they would be well connected enough to not need our measly advice, JS.
I currently train out of a very small, private dressage barn in Howell.
I don’t know Lauren Chumley personally but I’ve interacted with her over social media and she seems delightful and knowledgeable. The Chronicle did a write-up on her about her work with one of her Morgans.
Bridget Hay has a stellar record and I know a number of friends who train with her and love it. They are serious dressage riders but also want to enjoy the experience.
I’ve seen videos of both Lauren and Bridget riding and was favorably impressed.
A friend of mine trained with Heidi Lemack and gave her high praise. Heidi was a judge at a schooling show I attended and gave great, constructive, yet positive feedback.
As well as checking out websites, if you’re on Facebook, many of these trainers have videos and photos posted of their work, horses, and students. That might give you a starting point.
Good luck! And welcome to New Jersey! It’s a fun state! 
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Sorry, ToN, I should clarify. By internationally recognized, I did mean that people outside of the US would know who they are. You can do US CDI’s all your life and still be unknown in the rest of the world. (As Heather, and I have, I might add. I’m a nobody internationally.) Good point. And, workinonit (love that name!), I agree, that if you are really that ambitious, you would probably know who all the top trainers are. It was just the OP’s use of the term “master of their craft” that makes recommendations harder. There just aren’t that many in this country, let alone NJ!
I forgot Amy Howard, she’s a nice rider, and a lovely person.
Anyway, OP, NJ is a great horse state. Enjoy!
I second Bridget Hay. I ride and board with her and her mother, who is a BHS certified instructor and a national Pony Club examiner. Having both together is a huge plus because they each have their strengths. Bridget usually goes to Florida for a couple of months (less than other local trainers) but her mother stays here. Also, we have Friday night wine and cheese Happy Hour when all of us adult amateurs have our lessons and cheer each other on.
Heidi is on the other end of the state. I know her but have never trained with her. She’s very nice and President of the ESDCTA.
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FYI, the difference between Hunterdon and Burlington counties can be as much as 2 hours, so you may want to be more specific. Hunterdon/Mercer/Somerset/Middlesex would be one grouping (and even that can be split depending on where you live. Monmouth/Ocean another and Burlington is more west.
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PM’d
I’ve trained with Lauren Chumley and highly recommend her. 
