Riding Lessons
Having a fun day riding in a western dressage clinic
Fun little clinic (2007)
Step into the refined world of classical dressage with Terrie Douglas, a distinguished trainer whose passion for equine harmony knows no bounds. With decades of experience, Terrie brings a wealth of knowledge and a nurturing touch to the timeless art of classical dressage. Discover how every horse, regardless of breed or background, can flourish under the guidance of this seasoned expert. Whether you're an experienced equestrian or just beginning your journey, Terrie's dedication to the partnership between horse and rider promises an enriching experience for all. Unlock the potential within your equine companion and embark on a journey of mutual understanding and grace with Terrie Douglas.
Terrie specializes in the foundation of riding, the seat, but works with riders of any level. If you just have not ridden in a long while and wish to begin again, or if you have never been on a horse before, or if you want to improve your riding, maybe finally get those changes, she can help you. The basics, the foundation of good riding is all the same. Whether you wish to learn to ride to go out on trails, just have fun or you have dreams of competing and jumping 2m, the basics are all the same. It's called a 'seat' and having a correct one makes you more secure and your horse will be happier too.
Terrie has ridden most of her life but began a serious study of Classical Dressage in 2000 under the training of Don Paulhus. Don is a Classical Dressage trainer, his mentor and trainer, Karl Mikolka, was a Head Rider (Oberbereiter) at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria. Don is one of a handful of his students that is certified to carry that training tradition forward. Terrie has also studied various forms of natural methods of working with horses, one of which she uses with her own horses as it has made a huge difference in them. In her teaching, she uses the classical training and teaching method she has learned, but will happily add in how to longe, general handling, even building a relationship, as desired. Terrie has also helped many 'back to riding' adults overcome their fears of riding as well. Even though what she teaches is based in dressage and biomechanics it is the very foundation of riding, so whether you slap on a western saddle to hit the trails, run some barels or move cows or a close contact to crest a 5 foot fence, a seat is a seat, is a seat. Terrie happily shares what she knows and helps those that want to learn or just work through fear. A correct seat is a more secure and more effective seat. It allows the horse to move freely and willingly. Less is SO much more! My trainer is glad I am sharing the information I have learned and continue to learn, from him.
Terrie has ridden most of her life but began a serious study of Classical Dressage in 2000 under the training of Don Paulhus. Don is a Classical Dressage trainer, his mentor and trainer, Karl Mikolka, was a Head Rider (Oberbereiter) at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria. Don is one of a handful of his students that is certified to carry that training tradition forward. Terrie has also studied various forms of natural methods of working with horses, one of which she uses with her own horses as it has made a huge difference in them. In her teaching, she uses the classical training and teaching method she has learned, but will happily add in how to longe, general handling, even building a relationship, as desired. Terrie has also helped many 'back to riding' adults overcome their fears of riding as well. Even though what she teaches is based in dressage and biomechanics it is the very foundation of riding, so whether you slap on a western saddle to hit the trails, run some barels or move cows or a close contact to crest a 5 foot fence, a seat is a seat, is a seat. Terrie happily shares what she knows and helps those that want to learn or just work through fear. A correct seat is a more secure and more effective seat. It allows the horse to move freely and willingly. Less is SO much more! My trainer is glad I am sharing the information I have learned and continue to learn, from him.
Private one on one lessons Longing instruction Liberty / groundwork Working Through Fear
Our clients say
" Terrie is a very patient & knowledgeable instructor. She's able to make new concepts easily understandable. She has an excellent eye for seeing even minute tension in horse or rider. If you're interested in improving your partnership with your horse through correct classical riding, Terrie is your girl! I've had about 5 lessons with Terrie so far & my knowledge of how a horse moves & how to influence his movement has expanded greatly. Coming from a hunter/jumper background & wanting to pursue eventing, this is my 1st real experience with dressage & it's been wonderful. My way of riding has improved greatly & so has my horses way of going. I look forward to what the future brings to us through Terrie's patient instruction. " -ReginaM
" I was fortunate enough to have Terrie as a friend and trainer for many years. Under her tutelage my riding skills were polished and my horse was moving in ways that made one doubt he wasn’t a fancy warmblood. A wonderful trainer and person, Terrie never failed to teach with love and compassion for not only the rider, but the horse as well. " - Seyda P
" Really like her teaching style and so much information is shared on theory. Not just do this or that, but explanation why. Loving my lessons. My horse has never been this relaxed and yet so forward in lessons as now. Highly recommend if you want good instruction. " -JaneJ
" Great lessons, especially for the beginner or someone who has fears. Would recommend to anyone wanting to improve on skills or learning more classical dressage riding. Really gets down to correct posture and not impeding the horses movements. " -LoriA
" I'm so GLAD/*happy dance!* -- that YOU are TEACHING! Your theories are some of the best around.. and if I had to send anyone for basics.. I'd send them to you.. because you truly know how to be a partner with your animal.. and there are no gimmicks about it.. just love love LOVE, and asoft feel.. and learning to ride in a balanced manner so you don't "interfere" with your horse! I can't stress enough how important transitions and lateral work are for a horse and rider... and YOU DO YOUR HOMEWork... OR IT WOULD NOT HAVE SHOWN IN THE PICS... " - Shaana R
" Terrie taught both of my girls riding for many years. Her teaching speaks for itself: From the compliments paid to my daughters from international trainers at schooling events to what is evident even to the non-professional. The riders who train with Terrie stand out far above the rest of the field. The way their horses move and the way the riders are attuned to their horses demonstrates Terrie's great love and sensitivity in her knowledgeable and intuitive teaching of the art of riding. " - Holly N