recommendations please: older rider seeking instruction with a trainer who is patient and ok with working with low level rider. I’m looking for someone who is good with older riders getting back into it all. Who is a good contact? Will be in Ocala starting the beginning of Jan 2020. Thanks!
I’d recommend Stephanie Cauffman; she is Jennie Brannigan’s assistant rider and definitely teaches some lessons here and there. She’ll be in Ocala starting November I think. I would reach out to her via FB to see if there’s a match between you and her. Very patient, very knowledgable, excellent at explaining things and also a really meticulous horseman. She also is likely to have a bit more time to train a re-rider than a lot of the pros who are there in the winter and focused more on getting their own string legged up.
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Another idea is Charlie Campbell. He is based with Clayton Fredericks and has just started his own lesson/training business there. He has worked/trained with several very big names, ridden up to the old 2* now 3* level, and is now starting up a promising new horse. Very personable, patient and more than happy to work with lower level riders. He can be found on FB at Charles Campbell Eventing.
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Denise Rath, Grey Fox Farm in Ocala, is excellent with older adults.
There are a lot of Event Riders/trainers who will relocate for winter to Ocala…You don t have to look for a FL resident…Emily Holmes (on FB) is a Ocala Residents and does a lot w/ FL Horse Park Events…friend her she knows who is coming or staying…
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Stephen Bradley will be in Ocala again this weekend and is WONDERFUL with adult amateurs! You can learn more about him here: http://stephensbradley.com/services/.
I second Charlie Campbell, and also recommend Rebecca Simmons at Kingsfield Farm- both are permanent Ocala residents, not snowbirds. Both have excellent riding and instructor skills. Also recommend friending them on Facebook. Zach Brandt is also very good. Try a few and see who you like the best. You have many to choose from In Ocala! Florida Horse Trials Association is the local eventing organization- check out their website and if you want to join, it’s a great way to meet lots of amatuer eventers!
Marcea Funk (aka Market Street Eventing) slightly further south in Altoona has a predominately more mature clientele. A huge advantage is that you have the run of Rocking Horse’s all weather arenas & beautiful cross country.
I second Marcea Funk, however you will need your own horse. Not sure if the OP needs a lesson horse or has her own.
While my baby OTTB is maturing, I went up to Peter Atkins and took a lesson on one of his school masters. Worth the drive, a slightly different approach, coming from an Aussie!
I highly recommend Lisa Barry! https://lisabarryequestrian.com/
My friend and I worked with her last winter while she was in Kentucky. We are the smurfiest smurfs that ever smurfed and she was just incredible. Her depth of knowledge is really strong. She explains things very well, is incredibly positive, knows when to push and when to simply support and seemingly enjoyed working with our semi-feral foxhunting/eventing beasts.
Can’t recommend her enough!!
In addition to the ones above - Jon Holling, Jennie Jarnstrom (outside of Ocala but not too far), Zach is great. There are TONS of people that are here in the winter, take your pick of who you want to lesson with, clinic with (or audit) LOL. And welcome!!! I moved here a year ago and LOVE LOVE LOVE it
Andrea Davidson! She is Buck’s wife and assistant trainer. She is the nicest person and so great with amateurs and is a lot of fun but also extremely talented. They just got to Ocala for the winter months.
