Training PhilosophyOver years of helping people and horses, Erika has seen the same story play out over and over: person wants a horse, person knows nothing about horses, person buys a horse, person is stuck with inappropriate horse and has a bad experience. The training system she has developed over years of experience is based on starting with an appropriate horse (one that willingly and safely wants to do the job that its rider wants to do) coupled with a regular program of lessons and training rides to help keep both horse and rider on the right track. Whether you just want to trail ride or are a serious competitor, child or adult, Erika can develop a program to help you have fun and be confident.
Approach
Erika's clients benefit from her close relationship with their horses. In most situations, with one lesson and one training ride per week, Erika is able to keep tabs on how both partners are doing. Other training plans can be adapted to meet an individual's particular needs. In addition, Erika employs natural horsemanship techniques and works with natural horsemanship experts to reinforce on the ground all the work done in the saddle.
DisciplinesErika works with eventers through training level and dressage riders through 2nd level. Her own current goals include taking her young horse to a CCI* and earning her bronze medal in dressage.
Client ExpectationsErika enjoys working with people who are serious about their riding, whatever their level. She helps clients set goals and work toward achieving those goals. Some of her clients have serious competitive aspirations while others simply wish to become better riders. She encourages clients to learn natural horsemanship, learn to lunge their horses and to develop consistent work schedules for their equine partners. Whatever your goals, Erika can help you achieve them.
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I have consistently given Erika dressage instruction on warmbloods, crosses and TB types of horses. Erika has proven to be a sensitive yet effective rider on all of these horses. She is diligent and capable in her work so I can easily recommendher as a trainer. My daughter and I met Erika when we brought her pony to Course Brook in February 2013. We had no idea what we were doing but my daughter wanted to be an eventer. It's hard to believe how far we have come with Erika's help. She has not only built Elizabeth's confidence, assisted us in finding an appropriate pony and later a phenomenal horse to take Elizabeth up the levels in eventing and Pony Club; she has taught us how to trailer a horse, how to pull a mane, and so many other essentials of horse care I can't name them all. Erika is a true horse person and takes their care very seriously. She is a phenomenal role model for my daughter. On a practical level she is punctual, well spoken and communicative. I could not ask for a better personal guide on our horse journey. |
Location
Erika is currently a visiting instructor at Course Brook Farm in Sherborn, Massachusetts. Course Brook is a full service boarding and training facility located on over 60 acres a convenient 20 miles from Boston. For more information please click on the logo to the left to visit the farm's website. She also teaches clients at Apple Knoll Farm in Millis, MA as well as at Palmer River Equestrian Center in Rehoboth, MA.
Shopping for Horses
Since Erika's philosophy centers around having the right horse to ride, she works with clients to find an appropriate mount. If you are new to horses and thinking about working with Erika, give her a call before you buy the wrong horse.
Pricing60 Minute Private Lesson $75.00
30 Minute Lunge Lesson $55.00 Lunging/Exercise Ride $45.00 Training Ride $55.00 Training packages available. Coaching price based on individual need. Horse Shopping price based on individual need. |
Contact Erika |
The Role of Pony Club
Erika encourages kids in her program to join the United States Pony Club. A Pony Club B Graduate, Erika believes success in eventing begins with the good horsemanship skills Pony Club emphasizes. Her students in Sherborn belong to the Norfolk Hunt Pony Club.
Founded in 1954, the US Pony Club provides education, leadership and competition opportunities to its members. Pony Club has a certification program which recognizes levels of proficiency in horse management, riding on the flat and over fences in a number of disciplines. The Norfolk Hunt Pony Club offers its members twice monthly mounted meetings during the outdoor riding season, unmounted meetings in the winter,
an annual week long day camp in August, an opportunity to compete in rallies - team based competitions in a number of disciplines including dressage, eventing and show jumping - and the opportunity to qualify for and attend national championships which are essentially large scale rallies. Entirely parent run, Pony Club brings together kids and families dedicated to having a safe and positive experience with horses.
Founded in 1954, the US Pony Club provides education, leadership and competition opportunities to its members. Pony Club has a certification program which recognizes levels of proficiency in horse management, riding on the flat and over fences in a number of disciplines. The Norfolk Hunt Pony Club offers its members twice monthly mounted meetings during the outdoor riding season, unmounted meetings in the winter,
an annual week long day camp in August, an opportunity to compete in rallies - team based competitions in a number of disciplines including dressage, eventing and show jumping - and the opportunity to qualify for and attend national championships which are essentially large scale rallies. Entirely parent run, Pony Club brings together kids and families dedicated to having a safe and positive experience with horses.
