I am seeking a place in New England (possibly eastern New York) that does beginner driving lessons. I have a longtime client (who trains with me (H/J)) who’s repeatedly expressed an interest in learning to drive “some day”. I am looking to give her a series of lessons as a gift. Hoping someone here can offer some recommendations?
A couple of ideas, though I don’t drive so don’t really know anything about it… You could try calling Green Mountain Horse Association in Woodstock, VT and asking them for contacts. You could try calling Ginny Halfpenny of Highland Hill Farm in Berlin, MA and asking her for suggestions.
Katie- Jeff Morse is probably training at a higher level than your friend needs at this moment (although the learning curve for experienced horse people is very steep) but if he’s not teaching beginner lessons- I’m sure he can suggest someone who is.
I’ve heard of this place, but never been. They advertise driving lessons. Springfield, VT. Their page hasn’t been updated in a while, though.
Rainbow’s end is Vivian Creig’s place, I would give my arm to lesson with her. And she grew up doing H/J.
Vivian has tons of experience and is a good solid teacher.
There are several driving instructors in NE, but it sounds like you are in Western MA? Jeff Morse is out there and while he’s very accomplished, if he doesn’t take beginners, he may have an assistant or recommendations, but there’s nothing wrong with starting out with a really good instructor.
Larry Poulin is near Worcester. He’s now doing ridden dressage, and yes, probably more than your friend needs as an introduction, but hey, I’d love to have a lesson with him!
In VT near Woodstock, there is Sue Rogers, Robin & Wilson Groves, the Fallons have a carriage business. In eastern MA, there’s Andy Marcoux and Keith Angstadt.
The barn where I board I believe gives beginner driving instructions using a mini. Double A Arabians in Somers, CT. Ask for Lynne. She’s a great instructor.
Thank you everyone for the replies! I am currently working on contacting those you’ve suggested. I’m hopeful one of them will work out!
[QUOTE=Hilary;7732927]
There are several driving instructors in NE, but it sounds like you are in Western MA? Jeff Morse is out there and while he’s very accomplished, if he doesn’t take beginners, he may have an assistant or recommendations, but there’s nothing wrong with starting out with a really good instructor.
Larry Poulin is near Worcester. He’s now doing ridden dressage, and yes, probably more than your friend needs as an introduction, but hey, I’d love to have a lesson with him!
In VT near Woodstock, there is Sue Rogers, Robin & Wilson Groves, the Fallons have a carriage business. In eastern MA, there’s Andy Marcoux and Keith Angstadt.[/QUOTE]
No, I’m not in Western Massachusetts; I’m actually on the eastern end of the state. I’m thinking my mention of eastern NY as a possible option may have lead you to think that. Staying in New England would be my first preference, but if I cannot find someone within that, I could stretch it to be some where in eastern NY.
Jeff Morse in Richmond, MA is really really good with beginners! He’s good with all skill levels. Very patient and excellent at explaining the how & why of everything!
He helped me when I was teaching my mare to drive. You know…the perfect combo of newbie driver and untrained horse!!!
Andy is in Medway and Keith is in Bradford.
Jon Bennet - his place is in northeast CT (Putnum), but he is also at UCONN in Storrs.
He is a fantastic horseman & excellent teacher. I can’t recommend him enough.
Yes - Keith Angstadt or Larry Poulin
