Lessons
At Serendipity Stables lessons are offered to dressage enthusiasts, first time riders, and those wishing to improve their general knowledge and horsemanship skills.
Classical Dressage with Emily McIntosh
With a decade of teaching young riders and adult amateurs, I can help you achieve that light bulb moment. I understand the importance of explaining the "how" and the "why" so that riders don't just achieve one great ride, but gain a thorough understanding so that they can continue to improve on their own. I love dressage theory, reading, and constantly improving. I'm often impressed how books (or instructors) can turn a relatively simple concept into a very complicated one. By using simple images and analogies, exercises can be clearly understood by children and adults alike.
Lessons (and horse training) adhere to the Classical Training Pyramid. The rider's position and understanding of horse's nature and biomechanics are strongly emphasized in lessons to create an empathetic and effective rider.
Often attention to small details lead to huge improvements. I have been privileged to work with trainers such as JT Burnley (successful international dressage trainer, student of the late Reiner Klimke), Ed Rothkranz (1980 Canadian Olympian), and Tami Crawford (short-listed for US Olympic Dressage Team) and rode in clinics with Axel Steiner (FEI O judge, has judged Olympics) and Conrad Schumacher (World renown dressage trainer, trained many students to Olympics). Because of them I have developed an eye for nuisances that can make a dramatic difference in the horse.
Six months in Europe was an eye opening experience. The norm was adult amateurs competing at Third level (not Training level) and my trainers, Jeannette Jenny and Jorge Sousa (FEI trainers), had half their horses in training schooling piaffe, passage, and pirouettes. Here, in Portugal, I learned the importance of correct basics. When the basics are truly correct the more demanding movements come easy.
A Note on Breeds:
Don't feel daunted if you don't have a fancy warmblood. All horses benefit and improve with correct dressage training. After bringing a variety of breeds up the levels of dressage (including Arabians, Quarter horses, Thoroughbreds, draft crosses, Morgans, Lusitanos, Friesians, and Spotted Saddle horses, along with warmboods), I understand how to customize exercises for maximum benefit to a specific horse.
- Emily McIntosh
Lessons (and horse training) adhere to the Classical Training Pyramid. The rider's position and understanding of horse's nature and biomechanics are strongly emphasized in lessons to create an empathetic and effective rider.
Often attention to small details lead to huge improvements. I have been privileged to work with trainers such as JT Burnley (successful international dressage trainer, student of the late Reiner Klimke), Ed Rothkranz (1980 Canadian Olympian), and Tami Crawford (short-listed for US Olympic Dressage Team) and rode in clinics with Axel Steiner (FEI O judge, has judged Olympics) and Conrad Schumacher (World renown dressage trainer, trained many students to Olympics). Because of them I have developed an eye for nuisances that can make a dramatic difference in the horse.
Six months in Europe was an eye opening experience. The norm was adult amateurs competing at Third level (not Training level) and my trainers, Jeannette Jenny and Jorge Sousa (FEI trainers), had half their horses in training schooling piaffe, passage, and pirouettes. Here, in Portugal, I learned the importance of correct basics. When the basics are truly correct the more demanding movements come easy.
A Note on Breeds:
Don't feel daunted if you don't have a fancy warmblood. All horses benefit and improve with correct dressage training. After bringing a variety of breeds up the levels of dressage (including Arabians, Quarter horses, Thoroughbreds, draft crosses, Morgans, Lusitanos, Friesians, and Spotted Saddle horses, along with warmboods), I understand how to customize exercises for maximum benefit to a specific horse.
- Emily McIntosh
Beginner Riding Lessons
Emphasis is placed on safety and developing correct horsemanship skills to create a well-rounded rider. Dressage concepts are used, but lessons are not strictly focused on dressage. Riders learn correct position, horse psychology, and how to ride safely out of the arena and over obstacles. Our lesson horses are forgiving and patient - fantastic confidence boosters.
Leasing a Horse
This is a great option if the rider has solid basics, is able to do focused practice without an instructor, and has a solid understanding of horse psychology. This way the rider can practice on their own what is taught during lessons.
Rates
DressagePrivate lesson: $40
Lesson horse fee (if not owned or leased): $5 Discounts: Multiple lessons per week: $35 per lesson Emily is available for a limited number of clinics. To schedule a clinic contact Emily at mciemily13@gmail.com. Leasing a horse2 practice rides per week (9-10 rides per month)
$225 per month (Lessons are separate from leasing) |
Beginner Riding LessonsPrivate lesson: $40
Lesson horse fee (if not owned or leased): $5 Discounts: Multiple 30 minute lessons per week: $35 per lesson |
Lesson Protocol
There are lesson horses available or the rider may bring their own.
Horses are expected to groomed, saddled, and warming-up by the time the lesson is scheduled.
Check out the Policies document below for information about rider responsibilities, payments, rescheduling, weather, etc.
Horses are expected to groomed, saddled, and warming-up by the time the lesson is scheduled.
Check out the Policies document below for information about rider responsibilities, payments, rescheduling, weather, etc.
| serendipity_stables_policies_2019.pdf |
| release_agreement.pdf |
I am more than happy to share my love and knowledge with other horse enthusiasts. Every horse-lover should feel what it is to be at unity with such a beautiful creature and experience the joy of dancing with them. - Emily McIntosh
Coaching at Horse Shows
If you'd like to show we have several options available.
Off site shows:
Often CTDA, Central TN Dressage Association schooling show or FRRIENDs FoxRunRiders Into Eventing & Dressage schooling shows
Great for intermediate riders
Coaching: $85-$140 based on number of students going
Includes riding instruction. It also includes details like making sure horses are tied properly, hay bags are at the correct height, horses are getting enough water, horses are not pawing the ground, any grooming touch ups, reading dressage tests, etc.
If rider does not own their own horse: $50 horse fee
If rider needs horse hauled: $1 per mile truck and trailer fee
If interested in competing in a show off site, check with Emily beforehand. The above fees are dependent upon number of participants, driving distance, and duration of show.
Off site shows:
Often CTDA, Central TN Dressage Association schooling show or FRRIENDs FoxRunRiders Into Eventing & Dressage schooling shows
Great for intermediate riders
Coaching: $85-$140 based on number of students going
Includes riding instruction. It also includes details like making sure horses are tied properly, hay bags are at the correct height, horses are getting enough water, horses are not pawing the ground, any grooming touch ups, reading dressage tests, etc.
If rider does not own their own horse: $50 horse fee
If rider needs horse hauled: $1 per mile truck and trailer fee
If interested in competing in a show off site, check with Emily beforehand. The above fees are dependent upon number of participants, driving distance, and duration of show.
