I live in Eastern NC and am looking for a reputable dressage trainer to take lessons with - either traveling trainer to come to the farm, or one that is in the E/SE Raleigh vacinity.
Anyone come to mind? PM me.
Thanks!
Try posting this on the NCDCTA message board-there certainly are trainers out there on the eastern side. You might have to pull up to the triangle occassionally.
Jim Koford is in Fuquay Varina. I think the only dressage thread in the history of the universe with no dissension was the one a year or so ago singing his praises. 
We’ll all agree he can be a challenge to get ahold of, but once you’ve found your magic route, life is good.
I think Karyn Beccera might be on your side of the universe too. I've not watched her teach, but have heard good things, and she's certainly nice.
Ditto for Susie Weidman, in Sanford. OK, so that's not east of Raleigh, but...Ditto on both of those suggestions. Jim K. is awesome and so is Karyn. They both teach with specifics telling you what to DO, not what NOT to do. Such a difference when compared to trainers who are stressing what you are doing incorrectly which only makes it stick in your mind.
Karyn travels to Wilson area once a week to give clinics. You might want to contact her and see if she has room for one more, or just audit a lesson or two at her farm or in Wilson.
I have her contact info if you want to PM me.
Tricia Hooten is in Ayden (near you I think) and she’s very good. Certainly a more realistic drive than Raleigh if you’re still in Greenville.
If you are serious pm me and I will give you my trainers info.She is brilliant and won’t waste your time or money.
If you are like me you want the focus of your lessons to be on equitation and building a sound relationship with your horse. For that I recommend Gayle Dauverd (eqtrainer). I really like Claudia Coombs. She’s not as well known. Doesn’t emphasize the equitation as much as Gayle, but she’s very good at building a step by step training plan and helping with confidence. She’s very good with adults and those that need added confidence. Located outside of Wilson in Fremont. Claudia rides regularly with Susie Weidman and Susie usually comes to Claudia’s barn once a month. PM me if you’d like more info. I have many friends who ride with Karyn Becerra. She is coming to Washington once a month. Again drop me a PM if you want more info. Tricia Hooten is another very nice instructor. She’s just recently moved to Ayden. PM me for any contact info.
Just wanted to sing the praises of Karyn Becerra! What a wonderful person and instructor! I had the pleasure of training with her before I moved back to the Midwest.
Here’s a link to Karyn’s website:
http://www.ironhorsefarmnc.com/
I didn’t realize that she is going to Little Washington weekly, that’s fantastic! Heck, from Greenville you could do Little Washington OR Wilson without much trouble…
Jenine Malone has room for a few more students. She is a well qualified judge, and instructor. She is in Zebulon. Anyone who has been around the CDI raleigh and Labour of Love horse shows (among others) knows she is a hard worker, and does this for the love of the horse.
everyequine:
I agree wholeheartedly. I just saw her recently and she nailed every single thing rider/horse did. Good or otherwise. She is a sharp, very educated lady—wish there were more of her caliber in the Carolina’s.
Is North Carolina a good place for dressage or is it mostly eventing? What area would be good for dressage?
North Carolina has everything, it just sort of depends on the area you live in as to which discipline is more heavily favored/populated.
Not to hijack - but how is the dressage Scene in western NC, winston-salem area, I’m contemplating moving there…
Thanks Apache
Yes I am in Ayden - Really almost Greenville on County Home Rd. Feel free to PM or Call me. 746-1103. I don’t get on the internet much these days, so calling is best.
Dressage in western NC
Carol Lavell and Jennifer Baumert live in western NC. Jenn has Conrad Schumacher coming in for clinics. Axel Steiner coming in August for a clinic.
hsheffield:
Where are they located in Western, NC? Thanks
I thought Carol Lavell summered up near Asheville somewhere, but I could be wrong.
Carol is only in NC half the year, she winters in Loxahatchee. She’s in the Fairview area in NC but not sure where she boards exactly.
Winston-Salem isn’t too bad. It’s pretty close to Greensboro, which has a good mix of dressage, eventers, and h/jers in the area.
You are correct: Carol lives near Asheville (in Fairview) and her horses move around a little but mostly she boards at a barn in Fletcher.
Jennifer is living/training in Tryon, NC about 45 minutes south of Asheville. She’s planning on having Schumacher come on a recurring basis.
Both Carol and Jenn have been wintering in Florida and spending their summers in the Asheville area.
If you are looking in western n.c., my coach, Joe Sandven, www.tantalusfarm.com is in fletcher, nc and is super. He has a fabulous 10 yr old that he trained up through the young horse program (selected for and went to germany as a 5 year old for the world championships) and is now competing grand prix with good placings at CDI’s despite being green to gp competition. He found my young horse and has coached me in training him (competed at the 6 yr old natl championships and will be ready to show psg at 7) and I can’t sing his praises loudly enough.
carovet
pm me for more info if needed
