Ben teaches riders of all levels and stages in their riding career from beginner to advanced. He has a great amount of teaching experience with a variety of riders in both jumping and dressage. He treats every student as an individual and sets up each lesson to meet his or her particular needs. Ben strongly believes in the building blocks of learning. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation to build upon. He believes that focusing on the basics and having consistency in training is the key to long-term success. His primary goal is to help his students safely meet their goals in a manner that makes sense to both the horse and rider. He wants his students to have knowledge and an understanding of their horse and what they are learning. His logical, step by step approach to teaching results in a happy and more confident horse and rider team.

*Trailer-in lessons welcome. No ring fee required.

Ben has trained many horses from starting out the amateur horse to training upper level event horses. Each horse’s training program is tailored to his or her individual temperament and ability as well as the task that they will be asked to do. They will never be pushed along faster than they can handle. Ben’s training philosophy focuses on training the horse’s mind first and then the body. A horse that is unhappy, tense, or in a bad state of mind doesn’t result in a good riding partner or competitor. His training regimen includes a lot of hacking outside the ring to give the horses a time to relax and take a break. His methodical, step-by-step approach leaves no room for “holes” in the horse’s training, which in turn creates a more confident, well-trained horse. By providing a strong foundation and making sure the horse is well prepared for its task at hand gives them the ability to move up the levels with ease.

Ben and Erin frequent many events and shows including recognized events up and down the east coast to local dressage and jumping schooling shows. Whatever level event we participate in, we always have fun! Our goal in showing is to gain experience, show what you have learned, and see what you need to work on at home. We usually have a number of students at each show so we always cheer each other on. Ben coaches his students in all three phases, which includes warming them up for each phase and walking the courses with them.  The course walks help the students better understand the questions being asked and Ben gives them a plan on how to ride each jump. Check out the schedule to see where Summit Hill will be this year.

Lessons:	$50
Training Ride:	$50
Training board:	$1125/month
(Includes 5 rides per week including hacking out)
Partial training board:	$975/month
(Includes 3 rides per week including hacking out)
Coaching (Recognized):	$25 (per phase)
Coaching (Unrecognized):	$75 (all phases and course walks)
SJ Course Walk:	$15
XC Course Walk:	$25
Riding @ Event:	$150
Trailering:	$0.50/Mile