The Heels Down Riding School

Shenandoah River Farm Heels Down Riding School offers hunt seat under saddle, over fences and dressage lessons to children, age 3 through adults. Depending on age and skill level, instruction occurs in private or semi-private lessons (no more than 3 in a class). Riders learn on horses and ponies that  are very kind and safe who regularly go to shows in the ribbons. Correct position, softness, safety, and balance are consistently emphasized. Students may participate in 1 -3 lessons per week.

Each student's strengths, physical and emotional, are optimized as I seek to build an excellent partnership between the student and his or her mount. The students here are kind and supportive to one another, rather than being competitive. To learn more on how I combine hunt seat and dressage in lessons to produce amazing students, please see my recently published article under NEWS!

• 1 Hour Private - $40
• ½ Hour Private - $25
• 1 Hour Semi-Private - $30
• My rates are approximately $10 less than other comparable trainers and facilities

If a student enjoys competition, one can be a member of the Heels Down Equestrian Team and receive show coaching. We regularly compete in the VHSA Associate, Regulars, VPBA, and dressage shows in the state of Virginia. Students have consistently won year end awards in the local dressage schooling series in training through first level. At the VHSA Associate level, students have been honored with countless championships in everything from leadline to short-stirrup to pleasure to pony equitation and Medals! At the Regulars, one of my students age 5, took home leadline champ at Warrenton out of 12 last year!

Additionally, one of my students, only 13 years old, is currently 6th out of 60 riders in the  VHSA Medals Division for the state, and qualified to compete in the prestigious USEF Pony Medals Finals! At the state level, students have brought home top ribbons each year in many divisions, including a 3rd out of 52 in Small/Medium Pony Hunter at finals! Go Team! They work hard at home and it pays off in the show ring!

First Lesson - age 2.......... Three years later - age 5, in jumping position.... She has worked hard to become skilled in trotting, cantering and jumping a short stirrup course!

"The philosophy of Shenandoah River Farm is to build character and self-esteem in every rider for riding and for life! I want to create a respectful and lasting relationship between horse and rider as well as enable the horse or pony to be flexible, comfortable, and happy in its work! I see each student and horse or pony as a precious treasure, and thank God for all His blessings for this farm and the opportunities to touch lives in a positive way!"


Heels Down Riding School Registration Form

Heels Down - Sign in Form