Training and Services

Training Philosophy

" The horse learns by Repetition, Reward, Association, Clarity, and Persistent Consistency." - Beth Baumert

With a mother that is also a trainer, I have spent my entire lifetime riding, studying with master horsemen/women, immersing myself in theory, and starting, training, and showing dozens of horses of every breed and disposition. From this experience, I have developed a Systematic and Patient Classical Dressage approach designed to develop each horse into a confident, capable athlete.

I take great pride in my craft, dedicating the time necessary to restart, retrain, or build a correct foundation in every horse — always guided by the principles of the Training Scale.

The Scales of Training are:

1. Rhythm

2. Suppleness

3. Contact

4. Impulsion

5. Straightness

6. Collection

Before requesting the horse to become an athlete, we must first make sure she is comfortable in her body to do the work we are requesting with correct farriery, dentistry, vet care, chiropractic, body work, saddle/bridle fit, and of course quality feed/hay.

A large part of my program, is taking the time to teach horses correct groundwork of lunging to work over their back. Teaching the horse to truly stretch and bend in the cavesson without any auxillary equipmment. This allows me to see how the horse naturally carries itself and where its imbalances lie, this helps me further curate my program. Once I see that the horse stretches properly, I then begin teaching it to come into contact to develop connection on the lunge. I also teach In-Hand Work of the Basics which develops into Piaffe with time.

I am a Brave Rider and Trainer, but time has taught me to be thorough and patient, this not only protects my body, but it also allows the horse time to gain confidence and see me as their leader.

Part of my program is also taking TIME with my horses. I take my training horses out to different venues to school, allotting enough time to practice trailer-loading, to hand-walk, lunge and in-hand work (if necessary), and then ride until I start to feel the Relaxation and Suppleness of the swinging back. These are parts of the program that are often overlooked.

Although some horses may do well going straight into a show, I like this approach because I get to know how the horses respond and feel in different environments and then I can curate their program without the pressure of performing, so they associate new environments with relaxation.

Many people expect their horses to automatically settle or that there is a mystical approach, but what it really comes down to is exposure, consistency, reward, and repetition until it is just part of their normal routine and becomes just another day to them.

“Go Slowly in the Right Direction, instead of Quickly in the Wrong Direction”

If all goes well, training a horse takes time. There are no quick fixes, shortcuts, or magical formulas. Thoughtfully developing a Grand Prix horse requires patience — often a minimum of eight years, and it is truly all about the Basics of a strong foundation. This takes a realistic approach and commitment to enjoying the journey.

I am deeply passionate about the training process. Each horse presents a new puzzle, and I love uncovering the unique talent and potential within every individual. It takes tact and intuition, earned through experience, to know how much to ask, how far to push, and when to pause, so the horse is strengthened and suppled without being over-faced physically or mentally.

Dressage theory provides the framework, but it becomes art in the application, in knowing precisely when and how to use gymnasticizing exercises to enhance the horse’s strength, balance, and with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of gaits. That refinement of feel and timing is what truly drives me.

Training and Board at my Personal Farm in Windsor, SC

• Full and Partial Training Board Stalls Available - 3-5 training rides per week

Expertise Includes:

• Young Horse Training, from starting under saddle, instilling a solid Dressage foundation to taking to their first shows and building confidence under saddle

• Developing, Campaigning and Showing horses through the upper levels and FEI, within a competition-based program

• Taking on Horses for Retraining a Correct Foundation and Basics - those that hold tension and teaching them to properly stretch and work over their back

• Training your horse up the levels, so that he can become a schoolmaster for you to learn on

What sets my program apart?

The beauty of Aiken - I spend half of my days on the road teaching/training at personal farms and half at my personal farm. My program is intentionally small and highly individualized. I have a maximum of four horses in training at my farm at a time, ensuring that I am part of every aspect of the horses training experience from grooming, handling, care, and riding.

Unlike large facilities where horses rotate through multiple riders and handlers, my program prioritizes consistency and horsemanship. My mother (also a trainer) and I operate all aspects of our facility, ,and we remain personally involved in every aspect of feeding, care, and training. I do all of my own groundwork and riding.

My goal is to develop horses progressively through the levels of Dressage while shaping them into well-rounded partners, confident and mannerly both on the ground and under saddle.

My focus extends beyond progressing a horse through the levels of Dressage. I am committed to developing well rounded equine partners, horses educated both on the ground and under saddle. Foundational Horsemanship is often overlooked and is part of performance. From daily handling, grooming, blanketing, standing for farrier, trailer-loading, and groundwork to gymnastic development under saddle, each interaction reinforces clarity, respect, and athletic progression.

By maintaining a boutique program, I know every horse intimately. This consistency creates confident, rideable athletes whose training is cohesive across all environments — at home, in the arena, and in competition.

Full Care Board

• Limited Availability - please inquire

• Individual Stall and Paddock

• Individualized Feeding and Hay Options

Travel - Training Rides / “Nachreiten”

In order to best help both student and horse, I believe it is essential for a trainer to ride the student’s horse. How else can a trainer truly understand what the student is feeling and experiencing? I am happy to provide tune-up or training rides. Once the horse better understands what is being asked, the student , who is also learning, can experience the horse’s responses and more effectively apply the aids themselves.

In German, this is called ‘Nachreiten’ — the trainer tunes up the horse, and the student rides afterward to feel what has been “installed.” So much of riding is based on feel, and without this critical step, a student cannot fully progress. This is why schoolmaster horses are the ultimate way to learn.

• Available to Travel to Personal Farms local to Aiken

• Partial or Full Training = 3 - 4 Sessions/Week

Lessons and Instruction

I am a passionate teacher and coach, dedicated to developing riders of all ages, disciplines, and levels. I focus on building correct rider position, clarity and effectiveness of aids, and, importantly, teaching riders how to feel, how to sense the horse’s balance, movement, and response to create harmony and subtle communication. I enjoy guiding riders progressively through the levels, helping them gain confidence, skill, and understanding at every stage.

I have also had the privilege of helping numerous riders achieve their USDF Bronze Medals and supporting others as they work toward their Silver Medals, combining classical principles with individualized coaching to maximize both horse and rider potential.

My teaching emphasizes empowering owners to become true advocates for their horses. By learning to ride in proper balance over the horse’s back, riders help their horses develop correct musculature, move freely and happily, and enjoy a longer, healthier career. The kindest thing you can do for your horse is learn how to ride well.

• Available to Travel to Your Farm in the Aiken/Surrounding Areas (Travel Fee for more than 20 minutes)

• Trailer-In Lessons at her Farm in Windsor, SC - Irrigated, Regulation Size Dressage Arena with Mirrors

• Covered Arenas available for Rainy Days

Boutique Sales

I am happy to help market your horse for you, and your horse find the perfect, loving home. This includes:

• Training

• Sale Videos and Professional Photos

• Advertising

• Competitions to Build Show Records to not only improve Confidence, but Improve Marketability

• Handling of Sales Appointments, Sales Contracts, and PPE

By maintaining a boutique program, I am able to devote my full attention to each sale horse - every detail, from daily care and training to sales presentation and marketing,