Marcia Hopp / Riding Instructor in Waynesburg, Kentucky

Not many people can say that they learned from the best Professional Horse Woman in the nation. But I can! I spent 10+ years in her program. Her name is LYNN PALM No other clinician today can begin to match Lynn Palm's proven performance record as an all-around trainer, showman, exhibitor and entrepreneur with a first-class reputation. Lynn's accomplishments include:

34 AQHA World and Reserve World Championships
7 Western Dressage Association of America World Championships
4 "Superhorse" Championships (see more at lynnpalm.com)

I specialize in Private lessons, starting with lunge line lessons to improve riders balance, strength, coordination. For a beginner, this is the best way to start, because on a lunge line, the trainer controls the speed and direction of the horse. So that the rider can concentrate on the correct riding position instead of worrying about how to turn or stop their horse. It is the safest position for a beginner rider. It builds confidence early so the rider progresses to the next level quickly. This is how many of the top European Dressage riders start!

The "Elements of my Riding Instruction" include establishing harmony with your horse. I teach the rider so that they can learn and work with their own horse. I will teach you the "hows and whys" of aids communication, transitions, bending and lateral movement. Not"secret" training, that many trainers do, where you do not know how to ride your own horse! I like to establish a relationship with my students using positive reinforcement and interactive lessons. It is not "I teach, you listen". That is not productive learning.

So... it will not be a lesson where someone just says'' Heels Down”. Yes, heels down is a part of a correct rider’s position but proper alignment is so much more than that. My student will not just be “Riding on the Rail” either. Through the use of figures, cones, poles, obstacles or controlled trail riding, my students will learn to control their horse’s body position and gait. This in turn will improve accuracy for a dressage test, horsemanship or equitation pattern or jumping course. Creating a "Confident, Effective Rider" as well as a “Thinking and Feeling” Rider is the basis of my program. You will learn to feel your horse as a partner, not just sitting on top, being a passenger.

It is also a goal of my program that a student does not just become a “good rider” but also a good “horsemen”. The care of their horse is my utmost concern. So I will also be educating the student on Horse Care, Nutrition, Horse Health, Horse Anatomy, Stable Management, etc.

Thunder Road Stables is located 1 hour south of Lexington, KY and 2 hours South east of Louisville, KY. 22 miles south of Danville, KY. My riding instruction fee is $100 for an 1 1/2 hour lesson on my seasoned show horse. And $60 per hour if you bring your horse to my arena on my property. I do travel for lessons, clinics as well. Please contact me to discuss options. I would love to talk with you about your goals for riding horses and your specialized needs for you and your horse. Call or text at . or email Look forward to talking with you!!

Specialties

Confidence Building For Horse And Rider "Mom & Me" Classes For 3-6 Yr Olds 4-H 5 Years & Up Adult Riding Lessons Affordable All Ages "Happy Horses Is My Goal" All Disciplines Balance And Confidence For All Types Of Riders Balanced Seat Barrel Racing Lessons Beginner Riding Lessons for Adults Beginner to Advanced Riders Beginning Riders Welcome Breaking Certified Instructor Children's Horse/Pony Birthday Parties Children's Riding Lessons Classical Dressage Coaching Competing CONFIDENCE BUILDER~ Not Just In Your Riding Ability! Conquer Fears Dressage Schooling Shows Dressage Training English English Horseback Riding Lessons. English Riding Lessons Equitation Equitation All Seats Family Friendly Atmosphere Family-Friendly Rates Gift Certificates Available Girl Scout Ground Work Group Lessons Gymkhana Haul-Ins Horse Boarding Horse Leases Horse Lessons Horse Shows Horse Training Horseback Riding Horseback Riding Lessons Horsemanship Skills Horses Hunt Seat Hunter Jumper Training Hunters Intermediate Riders Jumper Lessons Leasing Lesson Horses Available Lunge Lessons Natural Horsemanship Training Pole Bending Private Lessons Problem Horses Reasonable Rates Reliable Schooling Horses Riding Lessons Saddle Fitting Sales Preparation & Representation Showing Starting Horses Timid Riders Trail Riding Lessons Trailer Loading Traveling Instructor Weekend Lessons Western Games Western Pleasure Western Riding Discipline Young Riders