Heather Hays at Grand Central Farm/Buxton Farm
I ride with Emil and his ATs (I had 4 horses with him as a junior and now that I’ve aged out, he lets me play working student when I’m home from college)
I have nothing but good things to say about him and his program, it isn’t at all like a machine (I liked having the chance to make a lot of my own training decisions, but he/ everyone is very invested in my success) He made sure that I got as many opportunities as he could give me and was in general very committed to my success in a way I hadn’t really experienced before.
If you have any questions about him/ redfield feel free to ask me!
Another plug for Val. I worked for her last year during WEF and she is awesome. Her students definitely get a lot of personal attention and all her riders really consistently progress.
I agree with those who recommend Val (http://findlaysridge.com/about.html) especially if you want a more individualized program - and very good care.
I think Val and kate Oliver are great choices. I understand Kate (being a disciple of Andre) runs a very tight ship and her program is not for everyone. Personally I think she is a great gal, excellent trainer and has a sense of humor to boot. On that note, I Couldn’t agree with you more regarding Heritage and Frank Madden.
There is also T Whitehead’s farm in North Salem, Eight Fences. If looking for the top trainer with regards to hunters in this area, I would suggest you speak with him. Holly Orlando rides and shows many of the horses there and both are phenomenal with young horses and helping develop riders. I have a friend who boards her horse with him currently and (knock wood) have heard only good things regarding how much she is learning and progressing in her riding. The program seems very individualized. From what I understand it is a great group of healthy, well trained horses and friendly borders. My friend is a stickler when it comes to quality of care (really a stickler), and quite frankly I’m surprised at how pleased she is with the care her horse is receiving. It seems like a warm and friendly though professional and business like atmosphere.
Jimmy Toon is in North Salem as well, and also Cynthia Williams. I don’t know much about Jimmy’s program (never really interested me). Cynthia is great; has a nice group of boarders, though correct me if I am wrong, but it seems her clientele-at least right now- is mostly adults-if that’s worth noting.
As nobody has offered advice as from whom you should “run from hell”, I will restrain myself as well. Identifying the positives is more productive anyhow.
Good luck! Keep us “posted”
Wow. I had not previously seen Val’s website. If it is good as it sounds, run don’t walk in that direction!
Any thoughts on Lionshare/Peter Leone?
Val, Cynthia and Kate would be good choices. I’m not sure if T has many (if any!) juniors. You could also try Heather at West Lane Farm in North Salem. I know she does the big shows, though I don’t know if she does WEF - but could definitely set you up with someone who does. My DD rode with her when she was AT with another farm and had a good experience, I believe her program is primarily children and juniors.
Linda Langmeier is excellent also, but she might be too far a drvie
