As a "reformed Hunter Jumper rider" determined to be more than competent at dressage, I have invested a lot of time and money into training and riding with some of the most accomplished FEI trainers in the Mid-Atlantic.  I received a lot of good instruction, some mediocre instruction, and some instruction that left me completely baffled. I contacted Yvonne, in September 2010, to help me and my Morgan horses, after moving to my farm in Boonsboro, Maryland.

Her approach to my position involved thoughtful and clear ways for me to understand and real "Ah Ha!" moments of seeing how it improved my horses' way of going.  She has a natural empathy for the horse and has made them enjoy their work in a way no trainer has ever been able to do before. 

 

Yvonne is humble and positive, always helpful.  She has an innate ability to think through "puzzles" and how to work through them to the betterment of horse and rider.   She pushes just to the point where both horse and rider extend themselves and understands the importance of ending on a positive note (particularly for the horse!)  She has made a tremendous difference with me and my very different horse types to make us all a more harmonious mix. 

 

Tonya Farina, owner of Matton Sport Morgans At Felicity Farms. www.mattonsportmorgans.com.

The challenge between riding well, and riding really well, is enormous.  Finding a teacher who can break down the “little nuances” that make “all the difference” is a teacher worth her weight in gold. 

Yvonne Atwood's approach to teaching is just that.  Riders and horses discover the important techniques that expert riders developed from riding over a lifetime. Yvonne is able to explain the “edge” that would, otherwise, take students ages to discover on their own.  In addition, she can offer horses and riders the benefit from cross training - getting out of the arena, and preparing horses and riders to trail ride and trailer easily, in addition to being prepared for competitions in dressage and eventing.

"The proof is in the horse.”  If you wish to compete and advance in dressage, or if you want your riding foundation to be the best it can be for you and your horse, I recommend attending Yvonne’s clinics to see the changes that riders and horses gain in just one session, or call for lessons to see what you and your horse have been missing.

Therese Spaulding, Riding Instructor.

Trained, Chris Cox Horsemanship 1 – IV, Dale Perkins, Wendy Warner, Yvonne Atwood.