Empirical Equestrian- Issy Cless

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Sherborn, MA
Empirical Equestrian- Issy Cless

Using science-based training & horse care to create fulfilling partnerships between horse and rider She draws from 3 areas of expertise:

1.

Issy’s training approach treats every horse and rider as an individual, and combines elements of classical dressage, centered riding, natural horsemanship, and positive reinforcement/clicker training. She has years of experience working with horses needing either physical or mental rehabilitation including OTTBs and rescue horses. In addition to working with many privately owned horses, she has worked for New Vocations thoroughbred adoption program, the MSPCA’s equine program, and currently New England Equine Rescue North. She enjoys sharing this background with her lesson students and teaching them how to be horse trainers and physical therapists, not just riders.

2. She has a classical education with upper level eventing, dressage, and jumper trainers, and has achieved multiple regional and national awards in eventing through Training level for top placings, and has competed successfully through the Preliminary level. She has trained multiple horses from the ground up through Novice level eventing and 2nd level dressage movements, and is comfortable schooling 3rd level dressage. She enjoys coaching her advanced students in lower level eventing and dressage.

3. She has a Master’s degree in Biology specializing in animal behavior and welfare, so her training philosophy is based in science and not just hear-say. She is a continuing student of equine behavior and animal learning, and shares this background with her lesson students.

10/07/2026

Tack sale in Sherborn, MA -- lots of human apparel, horse gear, saddle pads... bring a friend! Plus, an assortment of FREE items.

Visit us this Sunday from 11am-1pm.
190 Maple Street, Sherborn, MA

10/04/2026

Tilly is a lovely, athletic, and exceptionally sweet 6-year-old warmblood cross looking for her next partner. Approximately 15.1hh but wide-barreled, barefoot, easy keeper, and has a clean PPE on file with x-rays from just a year ago.

This mare has been thoughtfully started and has dressage training through First Level, with three quality gaits and plenty of potential to be trained up the levels. She is also a confident, willing jumper with good form, currently schooling 2'3" courses in and out of the ring and showing the scope and athleticism to progress considerably higher.

She is still young and is not a push-button beginner's horse, and has the sensitivity, intelligence, and forward-thinking nature that make her an excellent sporthorse prospect for someone to bring up the levels. She is not dangerous or naughty, but looks to her rider for confidence in new environments, so she is best suited at this point in her career to a competent adult amateur working with a trainer, or possibly a suitably experienced older teen, to continue showing her the ropes and increasing her confidence and strength under-saddle.

She is the type of horse everyone wants in their barn: solid ground manners, great with other horses, loves attention and grooming, can live in or out, and is an easy keeper. She also loads and trailers well. She has all the basics to excel in the direction of someone's choice. A lovely opportunity for someone looking for a beautiful, kind young horse with a strong foundation and lots of talent, but without the price tag of a registered warmblood.

Located in Massachusetts. Currently asking 19000, subject to change with increased miles. Videos and additional information available to serious inquiries.

09/29/2026

We have some amazing on-farm partial leases available!

Partial leasing is a great way to get some extra ride time, form a bond with one horse, and learn more about horse care, without the commitment or cost of a full lease or owning. Here’s a little about our eligible bachelors and bachelorette:

🐴Wynston:
16.3hh Percheron x QH
Training 2nd-3rd level dressage. Happy on trails and can jump in the arena, but no XC for this guy. His second favorite thing besides eating is getting a good grooming session and falling asleep on the cross ties.

🐴Ollie:
14.2hh Fjord x Paint
The perfect all arounder for the rider who wants to do a little bit of everything. What Ollie lacks in height he makes up for in willingness. Ollie is schooling 1st level dressage, happy on trails, jumping 2’3” in the arena or XC, and will go hunter pacing.

🐴Laddie:
16.1hh TB
Laddie is training 1st-2nd level dressage and is happy on trails. He is flat only, and prefers a more low key ride and soft hands. Laddie is great for the beginner and advanced rider alike.

🐴Frankie:
15.3hh TB x Oldenburg
Our matriarch Frankie has done everything under the sun but is now flat-only. She has 2nd level dressage buttons, is happy on trails, and loves a good grooming session. Frankie is safe as can be but has a motor so we recommend an intermediate or advanced rider.

Please read the FAQs above and message us with serious inquiries!

09/14/2026

Congratulations to Sara on her purchase of our beloved Captain! Sara has been working with Captain developing his training for months and we’re so happy he found a permanent family with Sara, Jake, and siblings Annie and Zach 😍 Now she has three toddlers! Best of luck, Sara and Cap. Excited to see how your relationship develops.

Oh, and did we mention he gets to stay here with us at Empirical Equestrian? 😏🎉p

📸 Mackenzie Brown kenzieshoofprints

08/25/2026

Lessons, leases, and board, oh my! Available at Empirical Equestrian in Sherborn, MA

Lessons:
We have a small adult lesson program with high-quality horses and individualized instruction, even in group settings. Riders must be able to walk and trot independently to join. Next semester starts September 8th! Don't miss out!
🗓️Tuesday evenings
🗓️Wednesday afternoons

Leases:
Partial on-farm leases available for the right fit. One lesson per month required if not taking part in the above lesson program. All the available horses are schooling through at least 1st level dressage but are looking for lighter work outside of lessons.
🐴 Large pony, suitable for dressage, trails, low jumps (2')
🦄 16hh TB cross, suitable for dressage and trails
🐎 16.2hh TB suitable for light dressage and trails

Board:
1-2 co-op board stalls open immediately. Co-op board requires 4-8 barn shifts worked per month. We have an idyllic property with tons of forage, turn out, and buddies for your horse. See our page for more details on co-op!

Please PM to learn more. We look forward to growing our community!

07/28/2026

Working boarder opening in Sherborn, MA at Empirical Equestrian🔍

Co-op board requires 4-8 shifts per month (approx. 3 hours each)
- Full co-op: starts at $810/month
- Half co-op: starts at $1,250/month
- Opportunity to further work off board if desired
- At this time, we do not have full board openings

Empirical Equestrian at Green Acres Farm is a 14-horse, 23-acre property managed specifically to support natural horse behavior. Horses enjoy 24/7 turnout in large fields when weather allows, with guaranteed daily turnout even throughout the winter. All horse care is provided by a dedicated co-op of boarders, leasers, and students.

Our philosophy is guided by head trainer Issy, who holds a master's degree in animal welfare, has over 15 years of experience, has evented through prelim, and has worked extensively with rescue horses. Our approach isn't just about giving horses a happier life--it's rooted in scientific evidence that meeting their behavioral and physical needs leads to healthier, sounder, and more relaxed horses under saddle.

We're looking for someone who shares this mindset--someone who values horse welfare first and understands that our priority is creating an environment where horses can thrive, rather than maintaining a perfectly polished facility or minimizing manual labor.

Beyond the barn, we have a welcoming community that loves hacking out together, organizing photoshoots and potlucks, and sharing funny horse moments in the group chat.

With us so far? More details below ⬇️

🐴 Forage • Friends • Freedom
- Daily turnout, with overnight turnout whenever conditions allow
- Horses rotate through large fields and paddocks in small, compatible herds
- Horses can be separated for meals, though we cannot accommodate all-day solo turnout
- Free-choice tested first-cut orchard grass hay (second cut when available) or pasture
- Poulin ration balancer fed twice daily (owner-provided supplements welcome, or bring your own grain)
- 12' x 12' matted stalls
- Heated waters in all turnouts during winter

🏇 Amenities
- Lit sand/clay outdoor arena, regularly groomed
- Lit outdoor round pen
- Full-size grass dressage ring
- Jump field with full set of jumps
- Direct access to trails and conservation land
- Tack room with assigned saddle space, Wi-Fi, microwave, refrigerator, and pellet stove
- Outdoor wash stall
- Bathroom

(Worried about winter riding? While we don't have an indoor, we've consistently had areas to ride or do groundwork throughout the winter. You can also trailer just 5 minutes away to reserve indoor riding time at a neighboring farm.)

🛠 Services
- Daily stall and small paddock cleaning
- Basic blanketing and fly mask changes (additional blanketing available for a fee)
- Use your own vet, farrier, and/or insured trainer (small ring fee), or work with ours
- Lessons and training rides for additional fee
- Worker on-site until at least 6:30 p.m. (often until 8:00 p.m.)
- Manager stays overnight during severe weather
- Property-wide natural fly control

❤️ Community
- Supportive and judgment-free atmosphere
- Trail buddies galore!
- Casual group rides and social outings (always optional)
- Friendly dogs welcome

Please PM with serious inquiries.

06/27/2026

Scudder has his forever home! 🎉💜

Congratulations to Elizabeth, Jake, and Marla on their purchase of Scudder. Elizabeth saw how special he was as soon as he came to our farm and has put countless hours of love, care, and training into him. Scudder will join big brother Marshmallow🐴 just a few towns over where we’re confident he’ll have the best life a horse could ever ask for. (And where we can keep visiting him!)

Best of luck Elizabeth, Scudder, & family!

📸 Mackenzie Brown

05/13/2026

Lesson openings!

We have a few rare group lesson openings at Empirical Equestrian in Sherborn, MA suitable for intermediate beginners (W/T independently) to advanced riders.

We are a small adult & mature teen community that prioritizes our school horses’ health and individual needs alongside rider biomechanics & horsemanship.

We focus on dressage and eventing fundamentals with some lessons on groundwork, trail riding, and versatility challenges.

Lessons take place in:
- lit sand/clay outdoor arena
- big, flat jump field with complete set of jumps
- trails directly accessed from the property
- or, our full sized grass dressage arena

Tuesday at 6:00 or 7:00
Thursday at 7:00

PM to set up an introductory lesson 🐎

05/08/2026

On-farm partial lease available in Sherborn, MA to the perfect fit

“Power Ranger”
15.1 hh 6yo QH x draft x TWH

Ranger is the ultimate jack of all trades, training 1st-2nd level dressage, jumping 2’6” with room for more, goes cross country, fox hunting, hacks on the trail alone or with friends. Extensive groundwork including lunging, long lining, ground driving, and even skijouring.

Wins ribbons with his owner one day and totes around her daughter ba****ck and bitless the next. Consistent member of the “good boys club” at the barn 😇 beloved among our community.

Young and a little green, so looking for an advanced rider to keep his training consistent. But, extremely willing and SAFE, has never had a buck bolt rear or spin under saddle.

• The Catch: He has slight FOMO and does a little tap dance in the cross-ties or stall when left alone. Nothing dangerous, just a little annoying.

• About you: Advanced rider who wants a best friend to love. Owner is NOT interested in someone who wants to hop on and leave.

Starts at $400/mo for 2-3+ days/week in Sherborn. Can be flexible on lease agreement, but weekly lessons are required with his owner or our on-site trainer.

Former leaser can provide references!

Contact Jillian Kaplan for more info and to arrange a time to meet Ranger.

05/07/2026

☀️JUNE 1st CO-OP BOARD OPENING☀️
Sherborn, MA

Board requires 4-8 shifts worked per month (about 3 hours per shift) starting at $680

⭐Our philosophy⭐
Empirical Equestrian at Green Acres Farm is an idyllic 14-horse property with a horse-first philosophy. We’re not the fanciest, but we have some of the best turnout in the Boston area, extremely happy & healthy horses, beautiful surroundings, and an amazing co-op and lesson community.

All horse care is done by boarders, leasers, or students—people who care deeply about our horses' well-being—to ensure the best possible care and attention. There is plenty of opportunity to further work off board beyond the required shifts.

🐴 Forage, friends, freedom
- As close to 24/7 turnout as you'll find in MetroWest Boston: Turnout EVERY DAY, and overnight turnout whenever conditions allow
- Horses rotate between paddocks and large fields throughout the day in small herds
- Horses can have solo time for meals but we can’t accommodate all-day individual turnout
- Free-choice access to 1st cut tested orchard grass hay (2nd cut when available) or pasture
- Poulin balancer 2x daily with owner-provided supplements (or bring your own grain)
- 12x12 matted stalls
- Heated waters in all turnouts during winter

🏇🏼Amenities
- Tack room with dedicated saddle space, microwave, fridge, pellet stove, and Wi-Fi
- Bathroom
- Outdoor wash stall
- Lit outdoor sand/clay arena that’s frequently groomed
- Lit outdoor roundpen for groundwork
- Big, flat jump field with full set of jumps
- Direct access to trails and conservation land

🛠️ Services
- Small paddocks or stalls cleaned daily
- Basic blanketing/fly masking provided. Additional blanketing for a fee
- Bring your own vet, farrier, and/or insured trainer (for small ring fee), or use ours
- Lessons or training rides provided for additional fee
- Worker on-site until at least 6:30pm, often 8pm
- Manager stays overnight in inclement weather
- Property-wide natural fly control

🧑‍🧑‍🧒Community
- Supportive and non-judgmental environment
- Trail buddies galore
- Frequent casual outings together, but not required
- Friendly dogs welcome

PM with serious inquiries

Address

Sherborn, MA

Website

https://www.equinenow.com/farm/empirical-equestrian.htm

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