I began my riding career when I was 13 years old. It was a time when I thrilled
for the adventure and speed the Hunter/Jumper riding style provided. Fourteen years
and a child later, I’ve collected a few medical complications that eliminated jumping
from my riding repertoire. I was very distressed; did I have to give up riding?
Jumping was all I knew… I researched several barns in my area but I wasn’t comfortable.
The people I spoke with seemed rushed and not very attentive when I tried to explain
my unique situation. Some were downright dismissive.
Then I found Ellie! Before I was even medically cleared to ride again, I met with her. We emailed and then chatted in person. She was very attentive and asked pointed questions about what was going on with my issues. After a lovely meeting she declared resolutely “You can ride again. We’ll get you there. We will just take it slow.”
She’s my own personal hero. A potentially dramatic statement, but you need to understand. My passion is horses and riding. I felt very lost when I thought I wouldn’t be able to ride anymore. Ellie gave that back to me.
Riding with Ellie has been amazing. She trains using dressage techniques with a focus on building a solid foundation of riding skills. When I first came back to riding (after I obtained Doctor approval), Ellie took a very conservative approach to my lessons. We went slowly, however she never babied me (for which I am very grateful). She gently pushed me along, made accommodations where needed but she had a clear goal; get me back to top riding form!
Together, Ellie and I have reached that goal. Our lessons are no longer focused on building strength and stamina. I actively ride for full lessons, something I wasn’t sure I would be able to do again. Now we focus on improving my form, growing my confidence and building my general horsemanship knowledge. Ellie doesn’t just say “Do this.” It’s “Do this and here’s why.”
I’m pretty sure Ellie is the trainer I’ve been searching for most of my riding career. I used to think jumping was the best thing my sport could offer. I was wrong.
This dressage stuff rocks! Shari M. Mello, Coral Springs, FL