[AvantGarde]

I have a 3-year-old mare who needs 30-45 days professional training just to get backed and started quietly. I'm getting back into "riding shape" but don't feel 100% confident in my abilities to correctly handle any potential greenie fireworks.

She's currently boarded in Berryville and will eventually be moved to Charlottesville, where I am living. So I am open to suggestions for a trainer either in the Loudoun/Clarke County area or the Charlottesville area. I plan to show her as a hunter, but I'm less concerned about finding specifically a hunter trainer to put on the initial training.

Any good experiences with trainers in the area backing the young ones?

Also wanted to add - I'm working with limited finances as a recent college grad with a liberal arts degree. $1200/month is likely the max I can do.

Thanks!

[sar2008]

PM Sent..

[sanctuaryfarm]

I have a 3-year-old mare who needs 30-45 days professional training just to get backed and started quietly. I'm getting back into "riding shape" but don't feel 100% confident in my abilities to correctly handle any potential greenie fireworks.

She's currently boarded in Berryville and will eventually be moved to Charlottesville, where I am living. So I am open to suggestions for a trainer either in the Loudoun/Clarke County area or the Charlottesville area. I plan to show her as a hunter, but I'm less concerned about finding specifically a hunter trainer to put on the initial training.

Any good experiences with trainers in the area backing the young ones?

Also wanted to add - I'm working with limited finances as a recent college grad with a liberal arts degree. $1200/month is likely the max I can do.

Thanks!

Erin Sweeney is a very good choice in Gordonsville, VA

[Samantha37]

Definitely WestWind Farms- www.westwindequine.com

They are FANTASTIC with young horses. Very calm and quiet and the horses are started correctly. The owner's username is Ishi on COTH.

MTA: Ishi did the hunters/jumpers/eq before she started eventing, so she has a background in HJ as well.

[GPjumper]

Dog Patch Farm in Warrenton is fabulous. They mostly do race horses but the guy who works there also has an extensive hunter/jumper background and has a few horses there already who didn't cut it at the track. He broke and started my mare and he did an amazing job. He is like a magician!If you are interested, send me a PM and I can give you phone numbers/more info. (he's worked for and with some very impressive people)

[chunky munky]

ClemClements in Richmond.

[BABYGREENTB]

Catherine Thompson in Warrenton

[jse]

Sent you a PM!

[TooManyChickens]

A second for Clem. He has a fantastic way with horses, especially TBs, making calm and confident mounts. I had him ride my tense gelding recently, and I was incredibly thrilled with him.

[VirginiaBred]

Catherine Thompson in Warrenton

I completely agree.

Catherine starts lots of youngsters. Experienced, quiet rider!!!

[BelladonnaLily]

PM sent

[M. O'Connor]

I have a feeling your PM box is going to be full. I just sent you one and have a couple other suggestions as well.

[REH]

Catherine Thompson started my filly and I was very happy with her work.

I caution for any "cowboy" types. I sent one off and he came back a cribber (after not cribbing the first year I owned him)...i think those learn fast and learn well programs can be very stress inducing.

[vanilla]

OLIN ARMSTRONG!!!

He and Sally are wonderful on putting a good foundation on youngsters. I had a great experience with them!!!!

[HunterRider992]

I third Clem. He does a fabulous job with youngsters. He starts Junior Johnson's young ones.

[LTLFLDF]

Clem Clements. He is Virginia's Horse Whisperer. I sent you his phone number in a PM

[VirginiaBred]

OLIN ARMSTRONG!!!

He's recovering from a broken leg.

[llltf3]

Hello

I just wanted to put my two cents in. I have two horses down in the charlotsville area with a trainer. Her name is Mattie Ferrera and she is amazing and very resonable on pricing. She is in Waynesboro and is perfect for starting the young ones. Her farm name is river rock equestrian. She has done an amazing job with my two!!! Good luck with your search and if you would like her contact info, pm me and I will give it to you!!!

[twhs]

Jon Sorkin and Katie Davis in Purcellville, VA.
http://www.jasstables.com/JAS_Stables/Home.html

(Sorry couldn't figure out how to make the link. You'll have to cut and paste in your browser.)

I've seen them start horses and train greenies AND help the rider with their green horse. What Katie has done with two of my horses (and continues to do with mine) is nothing short of amazing. They'll ride your horse both on and off their property and expose him to different situations -- always building confidence. Very kind, very reasonable, and most importantly every horse is treated as an individual.