I’ve been looking for hunter/jumper barns to take lessons at for awhile…I found two I like! Teresa Leahy at The Back Forte and Sue Hubbell Hunters and Jumpers are those two. 
Have any of you trained with them or heard of them?
Both have very good reputations, and produce quality students and horses it seems.
I worked for and trained with Teresa a few years ago, and only left because I moved across the state. She has a fabulous program and always has wonderful horses. She is a great teacher and has a lot to offer for a wide variety of students. If I moved back there’s no doubt she’s the one I would train with in a heartbeat! Feel free to PM me with any questions 
Okay!! Thanks! And do you know Teresa’s lesson pricing?
I just found out a friend happens to train with Rachel Koehler there…she LOVES The Back Forte. I, of course, would be interested in Teresa Leahy, but does anyone know Teresa’s pricing?! It’s not on her website- I’m just interested in lessons, and has anyone ever taken one of her horsemanship classes? And FINAL question: what shows does she go to? :D:lol:
[QUOTE=HunterJumper<3;7593492]
I just found out a friend happens to train with Rachel Koehler there…she LOVES The Back Forte. I, of course, would be interested in Teresa Leahy, but does anyone know Teresa’s pricing?! It’s not on her website- I’m just interested in lessons, and has anyone ever taken one of her horsemanship classes? And FINAL question: what shows does she go to? :D:lol:[/QUOTE]
Been with Sue for 13 years. Highly recommend her.
Go to shhuntersandjumpers.com for her website. Very laid back atmosphere with solid instruction. Does have school horses. Do all the shows if people want to come.
Thank you! Does Sue offer any sort of working student programs for reduced lesson prices?
I knew Tersea when she was still in NY, she was the best!
Teresa Leahy is by far one of the best trainers in the area. Not only are her horses happy and healthy (I braid for her and know most of them pretty well), her clients are happy and healthy too! She is talented and excels at bringing out the best in both horse and rider, and her students have won medals and done well in some of the Talent Searches. She also has dressage students who have ridden in medals and done well for that as well. I also have a friend who is getting back into riding who is lessoning there, she has her horse as well as rides the school horses, I am more than happy to put you into contact with her One of the biggest things about Teresa that impresses me is her business sense and attention to detail. She bills accurately and on time. She is running a business and you will never have any of that hinky money stuff that you hear about at other barns. She is also very well educated and you can tell from her professional and knowledgeable demeanor. She is also fun!
Oh, Teresa goes to all the As and AAs (Spring National & Inaugural, Jumpers, PNW H/J, Emerald, Evergreen, the Cle Elum shows, Oktoberfest, etc). I think they do some smaller type stuff but no braids so not sure :lol: Emerald Classic is cancelled this year so maybe she will also go to Oregon as well.
[QUOTE=HunterJumper<3;7594537]
Thank you! Does Sue offer any sort of working student programs for reduced lesson prices?[/QUOTE]
You would have to ask her that question yourself
At facilities where there is paid staff to handle most of the feeding, mucking, and turn-out, a working student needs to be able to do things that are valuable to the trainer: grooming, tacking, untacking, wrapping, possibly bathing, warming up, and cooling down if not actually riding. These are typically not tasks well suited to students just starting out.
Unless you come with prior experience or a recommendation from someone they know and trust, most trainers are going to want to get to know you before taking you on in any kind of working student capacity. Even then, opportunities may be limited as first dibs often go to students who have been part of the trainer’s program for a while.
[QUOTE=Groom&Taxi;7594857]
At facilities where there is paid staff to handle most of the feeding, mucking, and turn-out, a working student needs to be able to do things that are valuable to the trainer: grooming, tacking, untacking, wrapping, possibly bathing, warming up, and cooling down if not actually riding. These are typically not tasks well suited to students just starting out.
Unless you come with prior experience or a recommendation from someone they know and trust, most trainers are going to want to get to know you before taking you on in any kind of working student capacity. Even then, opportunities may be limited as first dibs often go to students who have been part of the trainer’s program for a while.[/QUOTE]
Best way to make up your mind is talk to both trainers, watch a lesson, take a tour, ask questions, look at the horses, the property.
