Currently Sarah works as an aerospace engineer, but has started teaching lessons on the side.
Sarah has been riding since the age of 7, competing over the years in everything from hunters, english pleasure, 3 day event, show jumping and dressage, even once winning a bareback equitation class. She has won year end awards at the state and county levels.
She has taught her own 3 children to ride, trained horses from birth through 4th level dressage and also has experience with adult beginners. She also has lots of experience working with children from being a mom, a cub scout den leader, a school volunteer and a sunday school teacher. Contact Sarah if you are interested in ridng lessons.
Riding Instruction
Starting January 1, 2008, I, Sarah will be offering riding instruction on safe and sane Norwegian Fjord Horses. For little people (of any age who weigh under 100 pounds) Chili Pepper a welsh pony, is also available for lessons. Advanced riders may have the opportunity to ride an upper level show horse. Riding instruction is done in English saddles, either all purpose or dressage, depending on which style fits the rider better and what the rider's goals are. Instruction is based on classical dressage principles and is focused on a practical control of the horse and understanding of how the horse/rider relationship functions. Although body posture of the rider will be addressed (since form follows function) the goal is to develop a thinking, functional rider, not just a pretty looking rider.
IWhy Forth Downs is different:
Each horse in our lesson program was trained, and is still being trained, by me. I understand exactly what the horse can do and what the rider needs to do to perform a given exercise.
No group lessons. I will focus on you and your riding. I don't have a "program". We will work together to meet your riding goals. If showing is a goal of yours, we can work toward it, but I believe showing is a way to validate/demonstrate what you have learned, not an end in itself.
No going round and round in the ring. The horses have been trained by a series of exercises designed to gradually improve their balance, responsiveness, flexibility and althleticism. The rider will be trained in these same exercises and will learn not only to sit on a horse, but how to develop a horse. When riders have demonstrated to my satisfaction that they are in sufficient control of their mount, then trail riding in the open hills surrounding our property is an option. Advanced riders may also be given the opportunity to occasionally ride on their own to practice their skills.
Expenses
Beginners:
Beginners are those riders who need assistance to catch, groom, saddle and mount. They will also get frequent sessions on the lunge line to develop their balance. Beginners may go on the trail on lead line or with an attendant. Beginner lessons are $45 each. They will not necessarily go a full hour if the rider does not have sufficient endurance.
Novice:
Novice riders can catch, groom, saddle and mount on their own. They need occasional lunge sessions. They need a chaparone on the trail. Novice lessons are about 40 minute long starting when the rider is mounted and ready to take instruciton. Novice lessons cost $40.
Intermediate:
Intermediate riders can present themselves and their horse ready for instruction. Intermediate riders can walk trot and canter in the arena and go on short trail rides. Intermediate riders may be ready to show. Intermediate lessons cost $35.
Advanced:
Advanced riders have all the intermediate skills plus an added level of confidence which allows them them to occasionally work without a formal lesson. Advanced lessons are $35, but come with a "free" practice session (subject to horse availability.)
The eventual plan is to have an after school horsemanship program where children from the Jamul Intermediate School (grades 4&5) and Oak Grove 
Middel school (grades 6 through 8) can ride and also learn general horsemanship. We anticipate the Fjord horses to be key to this program. Fjord horses are gentle enough and kind enough to be safe for beginning riders, while still offering a satisfying ride as they advance in skills.Watch this space for future announcements as to when the riding club will begin to take applications.