About Anita

“Look for the best role models – those who are truly trained in the natural way of riding and who educate in accordance with these tried and true rules. Love the horse and try to understand his nature so that he can trust you. Be happy about little progresses in yourself and in your horse; then you will achieve great things playfully.”

E. von Neindorff

anita

I believe that the classical principles of horsemanship provide the means to discover the joy of your potential as a rider. I hold a Level III certification in dressage from the American Riding Instructors’ Association and have over 30 years of experience teaching students of all ages and abilities.

My life-long love of horses has blessed me with the opportunity to pursue a vocation of teaching others to ride and to share my passion. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Equine Studies and Equestrian Education from Park University in 1980, and pursued advanced studies in classical dressage at the Reitinstitut Egon von Neindorff in Karlsruhe, Germany completed in 1982.

Riding is an ongoing, dynamic journey. Long established theories undergo a continual development, and I have explored those theories with numerous mentors such as Karl Mikolka, Grant Schneidman, Kim Walnes. My teaching has been greatly influenced by my competition in combined training and dressage and by the work of Sally Swift with Centered Riding© and Peggy Cummings with Connected Riding©.

I believe that the purpose of our lives is to love and be loved. A rider’s initial attraction to horses, even if it evolves into a life-long pursuit of knowledge, is not an end in and of itself. Our relationships with the horses in our lives are meant to inform and transform our relationships with those around us as we aspire always to will the good of others.

Testimonials

“Anita’s patience and skill as an instructor took me from a novice to a confident rider. I bought my first horse with Anita’s help. Her encouragement inspired me to learn to hitch and haul a trailer and I now drive horses professionally. After nearly 14 years…the more I learn, the more I realize how much more there is to know about the relationship between horse and rider.”
Patricia Damiano

“As an adult beginner, I was looking for someone to teach me the essentials of riding and horsemanship. Anita emphasizes the importance of building a strong connection and willing partnership between horse and rider, and helps her students understand how to achieve that. Regular lessons give me the skills and confidence to fully enjoy my time in the saddle as well as the opportunity to be part of the horse community.”
Kristy Gingras

“Although I’ve had many instructors in the past, Anita is the one who has given me the tools to release my horse’s power and grace, and shown me how to stop riding him like a block of marble! I’ve gained better feel, understanding, and confidence in my riding in a short time, and I’ve delighted in my horse’s “aha” moments and increasing suppleness.”
Amy Blackstone

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