The American School of Riding was founded on a simple belief: great horsemanship is timeless, but great teaching must continue to evolve. Our program is built upon the principles of classical riding schools—the systematic development of horse and rider through balance, relaxation, straightness, collection, and harmony. These principles remain relevant because they are rooted in the horse's nature, biomechanics, and psychology rather than trends or competition fads.
At the same time, we recognize that today's riders and horses benefit from modern research in biomechanics, learning theory, sports science, and equine welfare. We believe these advancements should not replace classical principles, but rather help us apply them more effectively. The result is an educational system that honors tradition while remaining open to innovation and individualization.
Our mission is to develop thoughtful, educated equestrians who can create willing, athletic, and confident horses capable of long, successful careers.
Why We Are Different
Many programs today fall into one of two extremes: embracing modern trends while abandoning systematic principles, or becoming so attached to tradition that they reject new information that could improve horse welfare and performance.
The American School of Riding exists between those extremes. We are one of the few programs in the United States that combines a deep foundation in classical horsemanship with a modern understanding of equine behavior and rider development.
We do not believe in training by dogma; we believe in principles. Principles endure because they are rooted in truth, but methods must remain flexible to serve the individual horse. Every horse and rider brings unique strengths and challenges, and while our standards remain high, our approach remains adaptable. The horse guides the training.
Our Philosophy
We believe that:
- Soundness and performance are inseparable.
- Collection is built through relaxation and understanding, never force.
- True connection comes from balance and trust, not restraint.
- The rider's first responsibility is education, not control.
- Horses learn in moments of release, confidence, and clarity.
- Classical principles provide the framework, while modern science refines their application.
- The best trainers remain lifelong students.
We strive to create horses that are physically capable and mentally confident partners, and riders who understand both what to do and why they are doing it.
More Than Riding Lessons
The American School of Riding is an educational system, not simply a lesson program. Students learn the mechanics of riding alongside equine biomechanics, training theory, problem-solving, horse psychology, and stable management. Our goal is to create horsemen and horsewomen who can think critically and adapt intelligently long after the lesson is over.
Building the Future of Horsemanship
The future of horsemanship requires understanding both tradition and progress. At the American School of Riding, we are committed to preserving the wisdom of the classical masters while embracing the knowledge that improves the lives of horses and riders today.
By combining the best of both worlds, we develop educated equestrians and confident equine athletes prepared for a lifetime of success. True horsemanship is about understanding the horse.
At the same time, we recognize that today's riders and horses benefit from modern research in biomechanics, learning theory, sports science, and equine welfare. We believe these advancements should not replace classical principles, but rather help us apply them more effectively. The result is an educational system that honors tradition while remaining open to innovation and individualization.
Our mission is to develop thoughtful, educated equestrians who can create willing, athletic, and confident horses capable of long, successful careers.
Why We Are Different
Many programs today fall into one of two extremes: embracing modern trends while abandoning systematic principles, or becoming so attached to tradition that they reject new information that could improve horse welfare and performance.
The American School of Riding exists between those extremes. We are one of the few programs in the United States that combines a deep foundation in classical horsemanship with a modern understanding of equine behavior and rider development.
We do not believe in training by dogma; we believe in principles. Principles endure because they are rooted in truth, but methods must remain flexible to serve the individual horse. Every horse and rider brings unique strengths and challenges, and while our standards remain high, our approach remains adaptable. The horse guides the training.
Our Philosophy
We believe that:
- Soundness and performance are inseparable.
- Collection is built through relaxation and understanding, never force.
- True connection comes from balance and trust, not restraint.
- The rider's first responsibility is education, not control.
- Horses learn in moments of release, confidence, and clarity.
- Classical principles provide the framework, while modern science refines their application.
- The best trainers remain lifelong students.
We strive to create horses that are physically capable and mentally confident partners, and riders who understand both what to do and why they are doing it.
More Than Riding Lessons
The American School of Riding is an educational system, not simply a lesson program. Students learn the mechanics of riding alongside equine biomechanics, training theory, problem-solving, horse psychology, and stable management. Our goal is to create horsemen and horsewomen who can think critically and adapt intelligently long after the lesson is over.
Building the Future of Horsemanship
The future of horsemanship requires understanding both tradition and progress. At the American School of Riding, we are committed to preserving the wisdom of the classical masters while embracing the knowledge that improves the lives of horses and riders today.
By combining the best of both worlds, we develop educated equestrians and confident equine athletes prepared for a lifetime of success. True horsemanship is about understanding the horse.