Speak to me of hunter trainers in Ashburn/Sterling/Leesburg Virginia

[DarkBayUnicorn]

As I sit in my hotel room waiting to fly home from an amazing set of job interviews, I realize I should probably know something about the scene here before I decide on taking the role!

I have two lovely hunters.

My mare is a champion 3’ horse on the A circuit in Ontario. She is small but mighty, sensitive and has no need or want to move up. She is with me forever and once her showing days are done, will give me more beautiful babies.

My gelding is out of the mare above. Coming five years old, he’s lovely. Soft, super clever, quiet, brave and honest. Jumps a 10 and moves a 9. He has a HUGE future ahead of him. He is ready to do Baby Greens in 2018.

I would need a trainer who can handle a somewhat nervous ammy, who really needs to be hands on with her horses when she is around (put myself through school as an FEI groom), but also needs to know everything is perfect when she’s away for work for weeks at a time. And someone who will help develop my youngster both as a high-performance hunter, and as one I can enjoy for myself. I will not tolerate any shenanigans or short-cuts in the way of over lunging, drugging, etc.

I am in the absolute perfect situation for me at home, but this job is my role of a lifetime! If I can replicate my horsey situation here, I’ll sign!

For budget, tell me what I need to spend to get what I want and I’ll factor that into salary negotiations!

Aaaaaand GO!

[ohmylivia]

I would highly recommend reaching out to Terri Young at Clairvaux in Leesburg (website with contact info is cveq.com). She has a fantastic community of ammies, shows regularly at a variety of venues throughout the year, and works with her owners to create straightforward and effective training programs for whatever their goals may be- no shenanigans. I’ve been with her for quite some time and have only high praise for how she’s brought along me and my gelding.
In terms of budget, this can be a pretty expensive area, and another plug for Clairvaux is that the amenities, shows, and training that we get for the price is extremely competitive for the region. I’m happy to answer any questions as a boarder who is a very happy owner!

[blondewithchrome]

Search any of the “NOVA” threads and you’ll get some good recommendations. I haven’t been out in VA for a few years, but I know there’s quite a few solid HJ, competitive programs in the area. Try Stone Gate, or Ed Lanes place in Lovettsville. Katie Petronelli is also nearby, I think - Shades of Bay Farm. Ginia Wilbrant also is nearby. My memory is foggy but I can remember it is a GREAT horsey area!

[DarkBayUnicorn]

Sent her an email! Thank you.

[BABYGREENTB]

There are about a zillion options here. For a real A circuit program, you are looking at $1500-2000 for board and training.

Some options for programs that have a good reputation and track record on the A circuit:

Jonelle Mullen at Tudane Farm (great group of ladies who ride there, stays home for the winter, large facility that is conveniently located)
Ginny Edwards at Hidden Hollow (goes to WEF and on the higher end of the spectrum for this area, does an excellent job)
Catherine Thompson at Haven Hill Farm (does a lot of young horses, starting to do more amateur clients, excellent care, stays home for the winter)
Peter Foley at Woodhall Farm (lovely person, does a great job with adult clients, goes to Ocala for the winter)

Best of luck!

[Taza]

Like BabyGreenTB said, you can’t swing a cat in this area without hitting a h/j trainer. In addition to those mentioned you could also contact Denise DeRisio Perry at Skyland Farm or Snowden Clarke at Orange Hill Farm.

[gottagrey]

Agree with the above recommendations; though I believe Ed Lane is slowing down a bit- I believe his lovely farm is on the market; I would also check out Sonya Crampton - she’s Canadian, was/is an event rider but is mostly doing hunters and jumpers now; has a nice group of adult amateurs

[DarkBayUnicorn]

Thanks everyone! I’ll be googling my fingers off to check all of these out.

[M_O_Connor]

Great options abound.

Sonya Crampton-North Slope
Guy and Tiffany Cambria-Code 4
Dorna Taintor- Bel Mont

[Anne]

Catherine Thompson is Catherine Ellis now, for ease of research.

[fourfillies]

Another vote for Catherine Ellis. Wonderful with the young ones.

[Montanas_Girl]

I have a friend in that area who rides with Erin O’Neil-Shephard and is very pleased. My friend is a nervous ammy with a “special snowflake” gelding, and they’ve made huge strides together. She is also a very hands-on owner, even keeping her show horse at home for large portions of the year.

[TatteredDaydreamer]

Sonya Crampton is wonderful and has a gorgeous facility. I just saw on FB that she’s opening up a second location as well. If I were in the area again she’d be the one I’d pick.