Testimonials
I keep two horses with Debby: a two year old gelding who is getting his early training, and a 12 year old mare, for some remedial work. Acquiring these horses a year ago was a somewhat unexpected turn of events. I hadn't ridden regularly for about 30 years and had never had any formal training, so I decided to take some remedial instruction as well. I have found that Debby's lifelong experience with horses, her extensive education in equine management and riding instruction, and her native observational skills make her an exceptional trainer and teacher. She works hard to understand both horse and rider, and to maximize their teamwork through Connected Riding concepts. She individualizes her approach, adapting her teaching technique to the best learning styles of both horse and rider. She is attentive to seemingly peripheral issues that can make a significant difference in performance, such as choice of tack that fits both horse and rider properly. I feel that my mare has made enormous progress, my two year old is doing his groundwork beautifully, and I have learned a great deal about my horses and my riding. Debby's farm is an hour's drive each way from my house, but I feel that my horses (and I) have landed in the right place. -Meg
My daughter, Hannah, loves her riding lessons with Debby. Debby is teaching her to communicate with the pony using her mind, voice and body. Hannah is learning to ride safely with her body in sync with the pony. Debby is a fabulous riding instructor. - Laura
Yesterday my daughter rode at a different stable. They had her ride their most green lesson pony who the older kids have a lot of difficulty with. . . he takes off and ducks fences. Within 5 minutes Lindsay was riding him beuatifully. When she came out of her lesson, she rode over to me and said, "Mom, that Centered Riding stuff really works!" - pleased mom
Old Dominion was Great! Cray and I were so "connected" is was like you, Donna Snyder Smith and Sally Swift were right there with me. . . .At the vet check Cary's heart rate was 52 and the vets asked me if I'd actually ridden Cray or had just trailered there. It was just a beautiful relaxing ride. -Clara
My dear horse got on the trailer after 10 minutes with your method last week!!! We use it all the time. Thanks so much. - Dawn
I have continued to take lessons from an exceptional local instructor, Debby, on my own horse. Brass is teaching me a great deal, with help from Debby, since I don't always understand Brass. I found Debby through Centered Riding. - Ellen