Our priority at Willow Oak farm is the well being of the horse. Proper care, correct handling and training of the horse as well as utmost respect for our noble friends are our ultimate responsibility.
Through Vaquero Style horsemanship and French Classical Dressage, we provide a common sense approach to helping horses become responsive, relaxed, and centered bringing a finer communication between horse and rider.
We promote fitness and versatility for both the horse and the rider. With a strong emphasis on safety, we provide a fun working environment that blends all ages and goals. We work in a way that is mindful of the horse, allowing the rider to develop a feel for softness rather than riding through force or through the help of artificial aids.
WOF offers Classical Dressage for both the horse and rider as it teaches all the basic movements that a horse and rider need to know in order to pursue a discipline whatever this maybe, Western, jumping, endurance and pleasure riding. Classical dressage teaches balance and suppleness in both horse and rider.
We take pride in nurturing our young riders and watch them blossom into accomplished equestrian athletes. We have started many young children under saddle but also many older students. We have helped many older students regain their confidence and enjoy their horse. We welcome all breeds of horses, all disciplines, and all levels and ages of both horse and rider.
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“There are many forms of riding. The classical way, however, reaches back centuries and has proved to be the right one. When following it, one realizes that it is a very open way of schooling. It is a wide road that accommodates every horse.” |
Arthur Kottas-Heldenberg
Former Chief Rider at the Spanish Riding School |
"I have time" should be the guiding word especially of dressage riders during the entire course of training and remind him of the fact that the goal of the classical art of riding is to be attained only by the gradual increase of demands."
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Alois Podhajsky
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