[nikelodeon79]

Hi! I was referred here to learn more about dressage... I'm looking into adopting a mare from a nearby rescue that has a bit of dressage training. I'm basically just looking to get started in the lower levels and then see where to go from there.

At any rate, the barn I really wanted to board at is full with a waiting list (which I am now on). I have been searching around the area for some good barns with a dressage background. I do have plenty of riding experience but it's been all in Western riding, so I would need a lot of guidance to get started in dressage.

I live in South Range, Wisconsin, USA. I'd like something not terribly far away (within 30-45 minutes or so). An indoor riding arena is really a requirement because we have cold/ice/snow around here most of the year. A place with nice pasture available would be great.

Any input/recommendations would be appreciated!

[Sail Away]

My cousin, who also lives near South Range, knows a lady who teaches dressage. I don't know much else, just briefly met her once. I could ask the name if you want.

I googled and found Artesian Farms in Iron River. Apparently it has an FEI instructor, unless that is the barn who has a waiting list.

[nikelodeon79]

Thank you! I was actually looking at Artesian Farms just this moment. It's a bit more than I wanted to spend... but looks like a really nice place. I just wish these places all had websites... I'm a bit "people shy" so I prefer to do initial contacts via email.

ETA: just did a bit more searching, and Artesian Farms is actually located in Ashland, WI, which is over an hour away. I'm not sure why they have it listed as Iron River, WI... It's still an option though. It's a really nice place!

[pheasantknoll]

Deb la Fleur, west amity stables, is a very good dressage rider. I have not seen her teach.

Good luck,
PKN

[nikelodeon79]

Deb la Fleur, west amity stables, is a very good dressage rider. I have not seen her teach.

Good luck,
PKN

Fantastic! I've sent her an email. Thank you!

[SendenHorse]

Kateri Farms in Superior, WI??? Don't know about them but they came up in a search. I am in Minneapolis so I'm not much help. Hope you find what you are looking for!

[nikelodeon79]

Kateri Farms in Superior, WI??? Don't know about them but they came up in a search. I am in Minneapolis so I'm not much help. Hope you find what you are looking for!

That's actually my first choice barn, the one I'm on the waiting list for. :-)

It's less than 20 minutes from me so it would be great to get in there. Of course, I work in Duluth so the Duluth barn would be great, too.

[nikelodeon79]

Update: I heard back from Deb La Fleur. (I really have to stop being so nervous and call people outright, because not everybody checks their email daily like me, LOL). Anyway, had a very nice chat with her and I'm going to start lessons there soon.

The best part? She works directly with a vet who does OTTB rescue. She's getting a new mare in on Monday for rehab/retraining and I will have the opportunity to work with her. If we hit it off... I may end up adopting her.

[lovey1121]

What great news!

[pheasantknoll]

Great to hear and thanks for the update.

PKN

[2Below]

I'm in Ashland, but grew up in Duluth and know the barns and trainers in the area. PM me with any questions I'd be happy to help you. I'm also an OTTB person so I fully support your efforts to give a fabulous horse a great home!

[Spectrum]

Hi there,

I've ridden in the Duluth/Superior area for years, and Deb is really good. She's FABULOUS with beginner riders and has had some students progress throught the levels in both dressage and lower level hunters. You'll like Deb a lot- she's very easy to get along with and an excellent instructor.

Kateri Farm is very nice. Kathy Sutton (the owner) is a vet tech and I understand the care there is quite good.

There is also another farm on the Stone Road (off county C) in South Range that is supposed to be decent, but I don't have any idea who owns it, what it is called these days, or anything other than someone from California bought it and supposedly there is either dressage or hunter/jumper riding there.

Spectrum.

[nikelodeon79]

I've ridden in the Duluth/Superior area for years, and Deb is really good. She's FABULOUS with beginner riders and has had some students progress throught the levels in both dressage and lower level hunters. You'll like Deb a lot- she's very easy to get along with and an excellent instructor.

I haven't met her in person yet but she seems super nice over the phone. I'm really looking forward to meeting her and starting lessons!

Kateri Farm is very nice. Kathy Sutton (the owner) is a vet tech and I understand the care there is quite good.

I actually know Kathy quite well (her husband is on the fire department with my cousin's husband) so getting in there would be really ideal for me. I'm on her list!

There is also another farm on the Stone Road (off county C) in South Range that is supposed to be decent, but I don't have any idea who owns it, what it is called these days, or anything other than someone from California bought it and supposedly there is either dressage or hunter/jumper riding there.

I've only ever seen it called "Stone Road Farm" and was told it was kind of a "co-op" where the boarders take care of their own horses (or each take turns taking care of all the horses??). This makes me a bit nervous and honestly I'm looking for more of a "full service" facility so unless my information is mistaken, I'll probably steer clear of that one.