Classical Path Equestrian

09/05/2026

A pretty special couple of days showing my friend Karen’s wonderful Morgan gelding, Avanti, at Summer’s End at WEC in Ocala!

I had the opportunity to catch ride Avanti in Western Dressage on Wednesday and Thursday, and with only ONE ride on him beforehand, we walked into the show ring and came home with both scores in the 60s!

For a true catch-ride situation, I couldn’t be happier with how this guy stepped up and took care of me. And the best part? We are now qualified for Morgan Nationals in OKC this October!

Showing at Morgan Nationals has been a dream and a bucket-list goal of mine for a long time, so the possibility of finally getting to experience it means so much. Huge thank you to Karen for trusting me with her special boy. I can’t wait to see what October brings!

08/21/2026

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There comes a point in a rider's development where constantly correcting every little thing can actually start getting in the way of their progress. There comes a point that good riding eventually requires the ability to notice, assess, adjust, and problem solve without waiting for someone on the rail to provide the answer.

A beginner needs plenty of direction but as riders become more capable, part of our job as riding instructors is gradually shifting from telling them what to do to teaching them how to figure out what needs to be done and that is how independent riders are built.

1. Understand where your student actually is.
Independence develops in stages. A brand new beginner needs significant direct support to stay safe and develop basic competence. An intermediate rider should begin identifying some of their own mistakes. An advanced rider should increasingly be able to problem solve in real time, with their instructor providing refinement, perspective, and guidance. One of the hardest instructional skills is knowing when to step in and when to give the rider another few seconds to work something out.

2. Start asking before you start correcting.
Instead of immediately saying "More outside rein" try...
What do you feel?
What can you change?
What happened differently that time?

If the rider can identify the problem and come up with an appropriate correction, you have taught them far more than you would have by simply giving them the answer. If they cannot figure it out? That is when you step in and teach.

3. Let safe mistakes give them information.
Not every mistake needs to be prevented. A horse drifting off the track because the rider lost the outside aids can sometimes teach more than hearing "outside rein" for the tenth time. Let the rider experience the result and then ask...
What happened?
What could you change next time?

Safe, controlled mistakes give riders information they eventually need to recognize without an instructor standing beside them.

4. Make your praise specific.
"Good job" feels nice but "You corrected the bend before I said anything and he stayed balanced through the entire corner" teaches the rider exactly what worked. Specific praise helps riders develop their own internal feedback system.

Eventually you want riders thinking...
- That felt better
- He fell through his shoulder there
- I lost my rhythm
- I need to rebalance before the corner

That internal conversation is a huge part of becoming a capable rider.

5. Sometimes it is intentionally saying nothing.
Silence from an instructor does not always mean we missed something but sometimes it means we are giving the rider space to notice it first. You do not have to correct every crooked step, imperfect transition, missed bend, or momentary loss of rhythm the instant it happens. Give them a few seconds and see whether they recognize it. Then see whether they fix it and then decide whether your input is actually needed.

Our goal is to create riders who can ride without needing constant instruction. Riders who can think. Riders who can feel and riders who can make decisions. Riders who can recognize when something is not working and have enough tools in their toolbox to try something different.

One of the best things we can eventually hear from a student is "I felt that. I know what I did wrong. Let me try it again." That is not a student who needs you less, it is a student who has learned from you well.

How do you encourage your students to start thinking for themselves instead of waiting for the next instruction from the rail?

08/14/2026

Summer has come and gone, and now it's back-to-school time! Centrally located in Vero Beach, we are accepting new riders of every age and ability. Contact us for information to schedule an introductory lesson!

07/28/2026

Located centrally in Vero Beach, Classical Path Equestrian is now accepting new riders. Whether you're new to riding or an adult getting back into the equestrian world, I'd love to help you!

07/19/2026

One of my favorite parts of being a trainer is watching a horse and rider grow together.

Over the past three months, I’ve had the privilege of working with Heidi Coghill and her 11-year-old Friesian gelding, Quinn. When we began, Quinn had no right lead canter, struggled with his balance, and found much of the work physically difficult. Rather than rushing the process, we focused on building a correct foundation through patience, consistency, and classical training principles.

Today, Quinn is confidently picking up both canter leads, moving with greater balance and suppleness, and developing the strength and understanding to carry himself correctly. The transformation has been incredible, but what makes it even more special is Heidi’s unwavering dedication. She has put in the time, trusted the process, and never stopped believing in her horse.

Progress isn’t always about quick fixes—it’s about creating a willing, confident horse that understands his job and enjoys it. Quinn is proving that with the right training and a committed rider, amazing things can happen.

I’m so proud of both Heidi and Quinn and can’t wait to see what they accomplish together next.

07/17/2026

Sometimes you just have to take your best girl out of a ride and have some fun! I just love this little mare. Oreo is the backbone to my program and such a joy to have❤️❤️❤️

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

📣 Availability at Classical Path Equestrian 📣

Lesson spots available and 1 training stall open!

Offering top-quality instruction and training at an affordable price in a quiet, professional environment.

Specializing in:
• Dressage foundations
• Western dressage
• Correct basics for horse and rider
• Beginner-friendly lessons

Limited availability — message for details and pricing.

06/01/2026

Such a fun weekend with the bestest boy❤️❤️❤️

06/01/2026

Over the weekend, “Solo” and I had the opportunity to compete at the beautiful Grand Oaks Resort in Level 1 Western Dressage, and he certainly did not disappoint.

While Solo still has plenty to learn, those who know his story understand just how far he has come over the last two years. His journey has truly been a testament to the value of correct training, patience, consistency, and trust. Now, at 7 years old, Solo is really beginning to come into his own, and I could not be more proud of the horse he is becoming. ❤️

After a well-deserved rest, we’ll be gearing up for a very busy fall and winter show season.

I am also currently accepting students for Western Dressage lessons. Whether you are new to the discipline or looking to improve connection, balance, and fundamentals with your horse, I would love to help you and your horse progress together.