Schoolmaster Program

 
 

A schoolmaster is a special horse. They have a personality that is patient with humans, the kind of horse that will let a rider make 10 mistakes in a row, then still respond correctly when the 11th aid is correct. We look for that personality first.  Then we work with these horses to teach them to do whatever the rider asks, and nothing more. If they are a little bit on the stingy side, all the better for the rider’s education.

All of our Schoolmasters are regularly ridden by skilled riders, to ensure that students have the best opportunity to learn.

See below for rates.

With that introduction, here are the stars of our Schoolmaster program:  

  • Mo is a Percheron cross with a long resume – he has evented through Training level and shown dressage through Fourth level. In addition to his Schoolmaster duties, Mo and Zoe are qualified for Regionals and will soon make their PSG debut. He has a patient nature, swingy gaits, and that best of all qualities in a schoolmaster – he does whatever you ask him to do, even if that’s not what you meant to ask him! His favorite FEI movements are piaffe and passage, both of which he will willingly let rider’s feel.

  • Lilt is a Dutch Warmblood mare by Olympic Ferro trained and competed Lilt through 4th level who enjoys helping students learn lateral work. She has a very correct feel in her half passes. She is also our go-to horse for anyone wanting to learn flying changes. In addition to her Schoolmaster duties, Lilt is also Ange’s mount for the DVCTA Quad Squad – see her perform at Dressage at Devon in September.

  • Dulce is a Friesian cross mare with a very kind disposition, particularly with riders who struggle with fear. She also has very easy canter departs. She is trained through first level and has a background is in medieval mounted games in the Kingdom of Altantia. For more info on Dulce’s games experiences, check out https://cavalry.atlantia.sca.org/index.php.

  • Pete is a German Riding Pony who, in addition to teaching riders in the Schoolmaster program, competes 2nd and 3rd level with Ange. He is super patient with the smaller, younger riders. He is our choice for students ready to learn to connect a horse from back-to-front, as he gives a fantastic feel of the balance shift and increased mobility created by uphill balance.

  • Max is a Clydesdale cross with skills through 2nd level. He is the perfect horse for someone new to dressage as he will do whatever it takes to help the rider get it right. He’s probably the most generous of our schoolmasters. He is fantastic for a seat lesson, where riders work to create the balance and stability needed for the sitting trot.

Schoolmaster session Rates

Fee includes instructional time and use of the horse and equipment.

**Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be billed **

Lessons with Zoe

  • $115 Individual lesson (if a horse is available)

    • $110 Cash/Venmo discount

  • $420 Monthly package

    • $400 Cash/Venmo discount

Lessons with Riley

  • $105 Individual lesson (if a horse is available)

    • $100 Cash/Venmo discount

  • $395 Monthly package

    • $360 Cash/Venmo discount

Returned Check Fee - $50 (plus applicable late fees)

Invoices sent around the 23rd of each month

Please give us 30 days notice if you choose to not continue your lesson package.