Training
Valley Ridge Farm – Greater Morgantown Area, WV
Horse and Rider Training
Valley Ridge Farm is a competitive show barn offering riders the opportunity to improve their skills in form, style, ability, accuracy, proficiency, use of aids, and confidence in all aspects of horsemanship to become masterful athletes. Our students learn how to accurately and reliably control their horse’s direction, speed, gait, and performance with relaxed precision. Whether you ride your own horse or one of our many school horses, we will help you achieve your goals!
Do you have a difficult horse, or want to keep your horse tuned up and in shape between lessons? Maybe you’re hoping to jump start your show season, but lack the time or facilities to train by yourself. At Valley Ridge Farm, we’ll customize the perfect training program for your situation! Green or problem horses will learn good manners, pace, accuracy, steadiness, gait, and how to relax and listen to the legs as they work through the training with you, while more experienced horses are able to perfect their qualities. All training rates include full care board, and at least 3 training rides and one lesson with you on your horse per week. Please call for pricing- we’ll discuss your specific needs, and come up with a plan tailored to achieving your goals!
USHJA Hunter Jumper Certified Trainer — De Némethy Method
Our award-winning coach, Michele Koury, is a renowned United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Certified Trainer. She trained directly with Bertalan de Némethy, the Show Jumping Coach for the United States Equestrian Team, and is pleased to provide solid instruction in all principles of the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Rider System. Precision and elegance are hallmarks of this riding style that includes aspects of import to classic show jumping including the basic principles of classical equitation and horse training, longe line techniques, flatwork, jumps and competing over courses, modern cavalletti and gymnastic systems, muscle development and flexibility, and everything required to compete – and place – in local, regional, and national A-Circuit shows. Valley Ridge Farm is proud of our legacy of champions and we invite you to train with us.
Michele and the Valley Ridge Farm family of horsepersons have competed and placed in Jumper, Hunter, and Equitation classes at numerous regional, national, and zone reserve championships, as well as multiple local and intercollegiate horse shows, grands prix, and Professional Horsemen’s Association of America competitions in the Working Hunter Divisions. Our heritage is of champions. Our tradition is based on excellence.