“Anything forced or misunderstood can never be beautiful” Xenophon
Cassie Medynski
This is my motto
My passion is helping horse and rider relationships by eliminating miscommunication. I grew up riding and working in barns and started working with horses professionally when I graduated high school. I have had the opportunity to learn from and work under several great dressage trainers in NH as well as continuing my education through online research and books. Studying herd behavior and biomechanics of how the horse moves have been my main focus which has enabled me with the tools to help many eager riders achieve a happy and safe relationship with their equine partners.
Horses are individuals with different personalities and learning abilities, and for that reason I do not train with a cookie cutter mindset. I evaluate each horse or horse and rider individually, and base the training program around their personalities. With that being said, I believe horses learn best through pressure and release as well as consistency. They are extremely smart and observant animals, and my goal is to make learning interesting to them. I never drill things, but instead introduce new exercises (whether on the ground or under saddle) and go over them a few times before either taking a break or going back to something the horse already knows. This helps build the horse’s self esteem and interest in learning. With this mindset I’ve been able to help eliminate many behavior issues and create willing self-confident horses.
I have a strong background in dressage, and am currently working towards my bronze on my Hanoverian, Highland’s Gin, who I’ve trained myself. I also dabble in jumping and eventing. Whether you are a trail lover or an avid ring rider, flat or jumping, having an understanding of how to ride in a balanced way will help every horse and rider avoid injuries that can occur from long term incorrect riding.
Molly O’Hara
Horses have been a passion of mine since I sat on the back of an aged gray mare at three years old. I grew up riding in South Strafford, VT, taking lessons, trail riding, and heading out with whoever offered me an extra horse for the day. I have spent much of my adulthood in more formal training. I was a working student for and trained in eventing under a local instructor, and more recently, have been working with Cassie Medynski, improving my seat work, my understanding of human and horse biomechanics, and my dressage skills. I have also helped Cassie with the re-starting of several OTTBs and other horses.
My focus is on correct biomechanics, an independent seat, and balanced riding for all disciplines. Off the horse, I study yoga and pilates specifically for equestrians, as well as constantly researching and reading to further my knowledge about riding, teaching, and horses. As someone with chronic pain, I work very hard to make sure I ride in such a way as to protect my joints and teach my students how to do so as well.
I am available for beginner/advanced beginner lessons and seat work for all riders. I include horsemanship skills in my lessons, teaching everything from how to stretch your horse after riding, to first aid, to groundwork, and more. I learn as much from my students as I teach them and hearing their thoughtful questions or observations is one of the best parts of my job.
If I’m not teaching lessons at Wild Rose Farm, I can usually be found working with my own horse, Willow, training other horses, or hanging out with the dogs, cats, goats and chickens at home.
EMILY BROWN
I have been teaching and holding camps for over 15 years and am a former 4h leader so safety is very important to me. I have been riding for over 36 years, both western and English disciplines, and have taught both as well. As an instructor I help set achievable goals and promote harmony and balance between the horse and rider no matter the discipline, and cater to each individuals different learning style .
I have a background in education so teaching and building relationships with my students comes naturally. I believe my favorite part of teaching riding lessons is seeing progression and students achieve their goals with pride and confidence. I offer vacation mini clinics, summer camps and individual instruction in English and western disciplines, as well as horsemanship and safety on the ground.