Trainer Appreciation Week

5/26/2017

Hallmark doesn't know about it, and I don't see it on my calendar, but it's a thing. I am declaring next week Trainer Appreciation Week. I've even got a sponsor. That's right, Riding Warehouse has stepped up and offered a $30 gift card for one lucky trainer.

Unless this is your first time here, you already know that I had a less-than -fantastic experience at a recent clinic. Unfortunately, I let that experience really dampen my enthusiasm for dressage and riding in general. Thankfully MANY people reminded me how much fun riding is and that I do it for the love of the horse. My enthusiasm has returned!

An oldie, but a goodie!

My own trainer posted a comment on Facebook reminding other trainers that they have a responsibility to build up their students rather than tear them down. So here is what I'd like to do. I want us all to stop and take a moment to thank our coaches and trainers for all the ways that they support and help us. If you have that kind of trainer, I am giving you a space to publicly acknowledge their awesomeness.

Simply leave a comment describing how fabulous that person is. You can give them a shout out by writing their full name or simply use their initials. Write as much or as little as you'd like. You can also comment on my Facebook page or private message me. Email me directly if you'd prefer. No matter how you acknowledge your awesome trainer, just make sure you leave your name and email so I know how to contact you.

My own trainer, Chemaine Hurtado.

Leave your comments by next Friday. I'll write everyone's name on a slip of paper and do a hat drawing over the weekend. On Monday, June 5th, I'll announce the lucky winner and email you the gift card code. You can present the $30 e-gift code to your trainer, or, you can buy a gift for them. Your choice!

I am going first by SHOUTING out to the world how AWESOME my own trainer is: Chemaine Hurtado, you are simply the world's best trainer!!!!!

Indi

5/26/2017 05:51:34 am

I ride with Leeanne Lloyd. As a 40-something rider who has been riding green OTTB'S for a decade or so I picked up a lot of defensive riding habbits. Leanne always builds up her riders and horses, instilling confidence in ourselves and each other. She encourages us to work hard and have fun. Love that woman!

Addie link

5/26/2017 08:21:50 am

I have to shout it from the rooftops: MINE is the best trainer!

Amber Luce is a one-in-a-million. She is always building people up rather than tearing them down; she really works on teaching people to RIDE, not just "sit there pretty" (like previous trainers have actually told me); she's concerned with the entire process of keeping horses (saddle fit, grazing habits, hoof care, horse mentality, body language, etc) not just riding.

My personal favorite part of her training style is all of the science she brings into it. Amber is fascinated with the biomechanics / physics of horses' movements. I'm a PhD student in science... I approach everything from that angle; to have a riding instructor who not only encourages a scientific viewpoint, but is incredibly knowledgeable about it is the most perfect thing in the world for me!

In addition to being an amazing trainer, she's also an amazing person. I came out to her as trans a little over a year ago, and she immediately switched to my correct pronouns and has continued to make her barn a safe and welcoming place for me. There are so many stressors out in the world: it's amazing to be able to show up at the barn and having nothing but kind and friendly faces. It really is my "happy place." She has cultivated an amazing community.

I can't imagine ever working with anyone else; I truly have found my perfect fit. :)

Sarah link

5/26/2017 09:56:20 am

You DO have a great trainer, one I respect and admire though I ride with another =D

I am so grateful for my trainer, Laurie Canty, who is unendingly patient yet also continually increases expectations to help her students improve. I am proud to not only be her student, but her assistant.

Karen Burch

5/26/2017 03:31:18 pm

Ashke and I have been taking weekly lessons since last September with Amanda Moore. She has trained her own horse and is showing at Intermaire I. She is kind, gentle and always positive. She is encouraging to both of us and Ashke seeks her out for her affirmation that he's done well. She has helped us so much that I don't have any words. She is a great trainer and a great friend.

Bonnie

5/26/2017 05:42:55 pm

Maloree Hanks is absolutely the best trainer. My horse Patron and I have been taking weekly lessons with her for the past year. Patron is a young OTTB, and I am an adult re-rider who came back to riding several years ago after nearly 3 decades (!) of not riding. Maloree is patient and thoughtful with us both. She is always upbeat and positive and likes to end our sessions on a high note when Patron and I have done something good! She makes us both look and feel like superstars! I don't know what I would do without her. I have learned so much in the last year and look forward to continuing to grow and develop with Patron under her guidance.

Kelly McNamara

5/26/2017 07:50:30 pm

I love my trainer, Lisa Scebbi! She is taking me from traumatized (by my last horse who performed a random equine-assisted gravity check that put me off riding for almost 6 years) to confident, little by little. She knows when to push me beyond my fears in a safe way so that I don't regress, and with her help, I found a wonderful mare who is my perfect partner! Hope she wins!!

Kim Watts

5/26/2017 10:37:26 pm

I have ridden with the talented Amy Miller. She is a wonderful horsewoman as well as person. She helped me get my previous youngster successfully to I1. Then helped me when it was time to make the decision to sell her and start over. Even though it would mean losing money while I started my new filly at home.

Stephanie Wilson

5/27/2017 06:37:24 am

What can I say, but I agree with you. Chemaine Hurtado. She is the BEST. Always makes you feel great, even after an awful ride. Never a word to make you feel like it's not worth riding.

Val

5/27/2017 12:07:07 pm

What a great idea!

My trainer is Diane Sept. She is among the most amazing horse people whom I have ever met. Diane considers the whole horse in everything she does. From biomechanics to saddle fit to dentistry and hoofcare, I cannot believe how much I have learned (and unlearned) while working with her.

Deborah

5/27/2017 07:32:04 pm

I want to nominate Anne Quinn, who is not specifically a dressage trainer but an all-around trainer I have been working with for over 20 years now. She does an incredible job finishing a horse, and they never forget what she teaches them. She is also really good at helping riders with the little things, and to learn to ride with just the amount of aid that is needed at the time. She has helped me through a lot of issues with a lot of horses and I want to thank her very much for all she has done.

SarahO link

5/29/2017 11:54:31 am

I am loving my first even regular dressage trainer, Sandra Oxtoby! She is a beautiful rider but even more importantly excels at explaining things so I can understand them and see what to work on and how to progress between clinics. I only wish she lived closer, lessons every 3 months is not enough!

Valerie Gabriel link

5/29/2017 07:22:57 pm

Shout out to my trainer Sean Cunningham. Through all the trial and tribulations of a pony and a client that gets injured, has surgery, and will take 12-18 months to rehab. Trying to keep the pony up to date and helping the client get back in the saddle so they can compete the next year. Not too many trainers want to take that on.

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage