[happyhacker]

Is it possible to find a board and train situation where the professional actually rides the horse, rather than turning it over to a working student? Who do you recommend? East coast is preferable. Please tell me about people who have a good reputation and will actually do the riding themselves.

[Phaxxton]

Eliza Shuford does all the riding herself, 5 days per week, and does a darn good job of it at an amazing price. I was incredibly happy with her and the work she did with my young horse.

A note if you do contact her, though - Better to call than email. She is excellent about returning calls and text messages, but doesn't check email every day. She will, however, respond to any emails as soon as she does read them, though.

There are also plenty of lesser-name trainers who do all the riding themselves, but you need to get more of a local recommendation for that from a particular area.

[alittlegray]

www.hvfinternational.com - tell them you want the pro to do all the riding and no one else.


Oh, Meg Graham also does all her own, she doesn't use working students at all. Deer Meadow Farm in Catlett, VA.

[horserider12]

www.devinryan.com

[fordtraktor]

Any preference about where on the East Coast -- New England, Virginia, Florida?

[LTLFLDF]

Jason Berry
http://jasonberrystables.com/
Jason's Cell Phone: 540-223-0055

[happyhacker]

Really no preference where. Just want the benefit of a real professional. Don't mind paying. Can haul myself, to most anywhere.

[myalter1]

maybe if you were a little bit more specific about whether you are looking for a hunter rider/jumper rider/good with greenies, etc. you might get more responses?

[bjd2013]

Winn Alden from Hillcrest Farms is one, and Bob Crandall is another one in the Virginia Area.

[happyhacker]

Ok, I am looking for hunter training for a 5 yo Hanoverian gelding. My daughter (adult) and I are partners in him. Hoping he will one day be an A/O horse. He is jumping small jumps and he has had LOTS of flat work. He is willing, and we are not looking to solve anything dangerous or nasty. He is a BIG horse (17 hh) and we like the potential we see in him. Nice mover, but not so careful over the smaller stuff. Can free jump in amazing form. We think he is worth investing in.
Just anxious to give him, and us, every advantage. Hope this helps.

[Parrotnutz]

My trainer, Brandon Clinton, also rides all the horses.
www.bclintonsporthorses.com
Not only does he ride and train, but he sold my mare for me in 2 months and the check was made out to me.....no tacking on :-)
He also gives a heck of a lesson

[Phaxxton]

Just as an FYI, even though Eliza is best known as a grand prix jumper, she also has an extensive hunter background. The greenie I sent to her (as a late 4 / early 5 year old) really flourished under her.

The big advantage with Eliza is that she is not traveling to a ton of big shows right now. If you want the horse shown at lots of big A shows all over right now, then you may want to look at someone else. The huge advantage to that, though, is that she is on the farm at least 5 days a week, riding herself. Many of the other big name pros may be traveling a lot. Unless you want the horse to go with them, they won't be riding while on the road. If, however, you want the horse on a big show schedule, then obviously that will work for you. Really depends on what you're looking for! Oh, and my comments aren't directed at any of the pros mentioned here, though, as I have not a clue what their show schedules are.

ETA -- There is also ample turnout on her farm, and she is a big believer in turnout. This time of year, they are out at least all night in nice paddocks. In winter, they go out at least all day. If you wanted even more turnout (e.g. 24/7 in mild weather), they would work that out for you I'm sure.

[westcoasteventer]

Let's set some expectations here. Are you willing to send the horse on the road with this professional every week?

Top pros are rarely home, and sending your horse with them is the only way you are going to get them riding, instead of the stay-at-home assistant, or whatever ammie/working student the trainer deems capable of hacking the horse.

There are some good suggestions above, but I guarantee you they are gone more than they are home.

[Parrotnutz]

My Trainer, Brandon, also will not be away this winter....he just started a new barn and plans on being around.
As to jumping low jumps....he is awesome at bringing out form. He had one very much like yours and I saw how he works them ....made a world of difference in this particular horse who was very sloppy. And he did it with good training, not "gimmicks"
He Loves hunters also. Does jumpers but is a sucker for the hunters!

[TrottingHills]

You should contact Jenn Tirrell -
http://www.JennTirrell.com - her website says she's in NJ, but she recently re-located to Middleburg, VA. She's an amazing trainer who understands horses and what they need to thrive. I've seen her work with green horses to help them meet their fullest potential. The one thing I can say is that she is extremely patient and understands horses more than anyone I've ever met. She does all the riding. Not only that, she will develop a program that's right for you AND your horse. It's truly a customized plan to help you meet your goals. She's also very professional and a real pleasure to work with and be around. If you are in horse country VA, contact Jenn - you won't be disappointed.

[happyhacker]

Not looking for an extensive show schedule. Just want my horse to learn and feel confident. I am researching every suggestion. Oh, and the horse is used to twelve hours of turn out every day. He likes that and so do I!

[SOTB]

I couldn't agree more - Jenn is a beautiful rider and when I rode with her I watched her bring along several horses (and riders). She is honest, hard working and a VERY talented rider. She is also a big believer in turnout which I love! Good luck in your search.

You should contact Jenn Tirrell -
http://www.JennTirrell.com - her website says she's in NJ, but she recently re-located to Middleburg, VA. She's an amazing trainer who understands horses and what they need to thrive. I've seen her work with green horses to help them meet their fullest potential. The one thing I can say is that she is extremely patient and understands horses more than anyone I've ever met. She does all the riding. Not only that, she will develop a program that's right for you AND your horse. It's truly a customized plan to help you meet your goals. She's also very professional and a real pleasure to work with and be around. If you are in horse country VA, contact Jenn - you won't be disappointed.

[JOBEAN]

I ride with Jenn Terrill. She a great trainer. She's had my young horse in training since April. Im thrilled with the progress he's made. Take a look at her Bio on her website. I haven'tmet a better trainer! If you have anyquestions about her program please pm me or give Jenn a call or email.

[steiny07977]

I also vote for Jenn Tirrell. I rode with her for several years when she was located in new jersey and all of the horses I had with her progressed enormously in the years I trained with her. Most trainers just hop on your horse and do a pro ride, but Jenn always gives you feed back with explanations as to why the horse might be having a certain issue. I honestly don't think any other pro would be able to help being along a horse as well as jenn. Jenn grew up riding with the best trainers, and I know for a fact that she took away all the best aspects of training when she branched off into her own business.

[happyhacker]

Thanks to all who replied and PMd me. I truly appreciate all of the suggestions and I can honestly say, I researched them all. Think I have narrowed it down to two people.
I love this board because it gives the benefit of so many opinions and experiences. Will post pics of this big ole greenie, soon!