Riding Lessons and Instruction
Vineyard Oak Dressage Training lessons are personally instructed by Stacy Sutton, from the novice rider wishing to learn correct basic riding skills to the competitive minded rider who strives to actively compete in shows.
Stacy takes into consideration that riders come in all builds, body types and abilities, and her instruction is tailored to each rider's capability and riding goals. Drawing from her years of experience with quality trainers and instructors, as well as human and equine physical therapists, she has a unique ability to address each horse and rider's individual conformation and body type. These skills provide students with personalized tools to develop a classical and effective seat, thus enhancing the communication between each horse and rider. Stacy provides an informative and systematic teaching style that breaks down in detail the mechanics of the rider's position in the saddle, and she can spot seemingly minor errors that can ultimately make a tremendous difference in the responsiveness of the horse.
Stacy also provides safe, hands-on lunge lessons so that each rider may concentrate on their body positioning in the saddle and not have to "worry about the horse". Many riders can use this experience to improve themselves and use these fundamentals to progress faster with the training and development of their horse. What she teaches applies to all forms of correct riding and equitation.
For Stacy, one of the most rewarding aspects about instructing is seeing her students grow through their love, respect, and commitment to the horses. This process creates more joy and confidence within the student and is reflected not only with the partnership of their equine friend, but in all areas of their lives.
Trailer-in students are always welcome.
Stacy takes into consideration that riders come in all builds, body types and abilities, and her instruction is tailored to each rider's capability and riding goals. Drawing from her years of experience with quality trainers and instructors, as well as human and equine physical therapists, she has a unique ability to address each horse and rider's individual conformation and body type. These skills provide students with personalized tools to develop a classical and effective seat, thus enhancing the communication between each horse and rider. Stacy provides an informative and systematic teaching style that breaks down in detail the mechanics of the rider's position in the saddle, and she can spot seemingly minor errors that can ultimately make a tremendous difference in the responsiveness of the horse.
Stacy also provides safe, hands-on lunge lessons so that each rider may concentrate on their body positioning in the saddle and not have to "worry about the horse". Many riders can use this experience to improve themselves and use these fundamentals to progress faster with the training and development of their horse. What she teaches applies to all forms of correct riding and equitation.
For Stacy, one of the most rewarding aspects about instructing is seeing her students grow through their love, respect, and commitment to the horses. This process creates more joy and confidence within the student and is reflected not only with the partnership of their equine friend, but in all areas of their lives.
Trailer-in students are always welcome.
“Thank you for the great lessons! I can tell that safety is something you have put a lot of thought into. Although I might have decent body awareness and flexibility from practicing yoga, it is thanks to your keen knack for describing the sensations I am feeling in the saddle that make learning with you such a valuable experience. You have a real talent for putting strange new sensations into words that make it "click" in my mind. You also have a sharp eye for subtle details of body positioning, and are able to guide me toward changes that make a tangible difference in how balanced I feel in the saddle. I feel very lucky to have found you as my riding instructor.” K. Yin, Sacramento, CA.
Competitive Riding Program
It's up to the individual whether the training focus is on competition or simply improving communication and riding skills. Either way, Stacy provides a safe, friendly, and motivating environment to help students achieve their goals. Stacy takes special care to school competitive riders and horses to feel comfortable and capable in the show setting and emphasizes enjoying the entire process.
"Although showing is not a requirement for my students, it does give incentive for them to benefit from judge's feedback.
Because of the correct, solid, and sound training techniques they learn from their day-to-day training, as a result, and to their delight, many of my students' achievements have exceed their original expectations. For me, this is one of the most joyful and rewarding things I could ask for as a teacher!"
Stacy has students who enjoy competing their own horses or have her personally campaign their horse for them. Not only does Stacy love supporting her students and clients competitively, but she also enjoys the camaraderie of going to shows. Stacy and her students enjoy working together, helping each other, celebrate successes, and have fun dinners at the end of a long day of showing. It is a fun part of the whole experience.
Throughout the season, riders enjoy attending many local Schooling and Rated Shows and there are shows to be offered at Williams Creek Ranch so that students may enjoy an at-home showing experience.
For the Gypsy Horse, Stacy and her students attend open shows and some Gypsy Breed Shows. We also sometimes attend fun promotional events and riding demonstrations with our Gypsies in order to showcase them and educate the public about the Gypsy Horse breed.
"Although showing is not a requirement for my students, it does give incentive for them to benefit from judge's feedback.
Because of the correct, solid, and sound training techniques they learn from their day-to-day training, as a result, and to their delight, many of my students' achievements have exceed their original expectations. For me, this is one of the most joyful and rewarding things I could ask for as a teacher!"
Stacy has students who enjoy competing their own horses or have her personally campaign their horse for them. Not only does Stacy love supporting her students and clients competitively, but she also enjoys the camaraderie of going to shows. Stacy and her students enjoy working together, helping each other, celebrate successes, and have fun dinners at the end of a long day of showing. It is a fun part of the whole experience.
Throughout the season, riders enjoy attending many local Schooling and Rated Shows and there are shows to be offered at Williams Creek Ranch so that students may enjoy an at-home showing experience.
For the Gypsy Horse, Stacy and her students attend open shows and some Gypsy Breed Shows. We also sometimes attend fun promotional events and riding demonstrations with our Gypsies in order to showcase them and educate the public about the Gypsy Horse breed.
