LAURA BLANTON
Rider & Instructor:
I began my education in 1993 in the art of classical dressage riding, taking multiple lessons per week on various types and breeds of horses. Over the past 26 years, I have had the privilege of training with several gifted instructors including, Heidi Chote, Linda Sellers, Nancy Stanley, Sabina Rijssenbeek, and 12 years of advanced instruction from, Sandy Savage. I have also ridden in clinics with International Instructors such as Steffen Peters, Guenter Bahlman, Kristina Harrison-Naness, Rachel Saavedra, Claus Bergener, as well as many others. After a few years of basic instruction, I began advancing through the levels at State and Nationally rated dressage shows, competing throughout California from Training through Grand Prix Levels, earning my USDF bronze and silver medals. I have competed in several regional USDF and CDS championships from second level through Intermediare on my Hungarian warmblood, Pikolo and my current dressage horse, Ryan. Ryan is an Oldenburg bred by Con Brio Farms, Inc. He was born in 2003, and I purchased him as a yearling. Ryan and I have competed through Grand Prix, and only need 1 more score at Grand Prix, to earn the USDF gold medal!
For the past 20 years, I have instructed over 100 students in dressage; from beginning student's through the levels up through Prix St. Georges. My students range in age from 9 to 75. I believe everyone and every horse can benefit from learning the correct, and classical elements of dressage.
My approach to instruction is simple... "People and horses learn best in a patient, nurturing environment". It is my goal to be thorough in instructing the principals of the training pyramid in classical dressage. I focus on the use of proper body position, and the correct use of good, clear aids to assist the horse in developing balance, strength, throughness, and suppleness, while developing a deep and trusting relationship between horse and rider. I want to be approachable, and for my students to feel comfortable asking questions. I work carefully and patiently with each horse and rider, to foster a relationship based on trust, compassion, and understanding. It is my conviction, that there is no place for tension, anger, or hostility in dressage training of either the horse or the rider. It is my goal for you and your horse to find mutual trust and understanding through positive experiences and ENJOYABLE rides.
Please contact me if you have any questions or wish to disucss any particular issues that you may have regarding dressage instruction for you and your horse.
Laura Blanton
916-607-4231
laura@cottonwoodfarmdressage.com
I began my education in 1993 in the art of classical dressage riding, taking multiple lessons per week on various types and breeds of horses. Over the past 26 years, I have had the privilege of training with several gifted instructors including, Heidi Chote, Linda Sellers, Nancy Stanley, Sabina Rijssenbeek, and 12 years of advanced instruction from, Sandy Savage. I have also ridden in clinics with International Instructors such as Steffen Peters, Guenter Bahlman, Kristina Harrison-Naness, Rachel Saavedra, Claus Bergener, as well as many others. After a few years of basic instruction, I began advancing through the levels at State and Nationally rated dressage shows, competing throughout California from Training through Grand Prix Levels, earning my USDF bronze and silver medals. I have competed in several regional USDF and CDS championships from second level through Intermediare on my Hungarian warmblood, Pikolo and my current dressage horse, Ryan. Ryan is an Oldenburg bred by Con Brio Farms, Inc. He was born in 2003, and I purchased him as a yearling. Ryan and I have competed through Grand Prix, and only need 1 more score at Grand Prix, to earn the USDF gold medal!
For the past 20 years, I have instructed over 100 students in dressage; from beginning student's through the levels up through Prix St. Georges. My students range in age from 9 to 75. I believe everyone and every horse can benefit from learning the correct, and classical elements of dressage.
My approach to instruction is simple... "People and horses learn best in a patient, nurturing environment". It is my goal to be thorough in instructing the principals of the training pyramid in classical dressage. I focus on the use of proper body position, and the correct use of good, clear aids to assist the horse in developing balance, strength, throughness, and suppleness, while developing a deep and trusting relationship between horse and rider. I want to be approachable, and for my students to feel comfortable asking questions. I work carefully and patiently with each horse and rider, to foster a relationship based on trust, compassion, and understanding. It is my conviction, that there is no place for tension, anger, or hostility in dressage training of either the horse or the rider. It is my goal for you and your horse to find mutual trust and understanding through positive experiences and ENJOYABLE rides.
Please contact me if you have any questions or wish to disucss any particular issues that you may have regarding dressage instruction for you and your horse.
Laura Blanton
916-607-4231
laura@cottonwoodfarmdressage.com
