Clinics, Shows & Seminars

"I have been a USDF/USEF member and competitor since 1989 and a full time Dressage Instructor/Trainer since 1992. I have broad-based competition experience, including USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals, many World Championships in Western Dressage, including Freestyle, and National Championships in Dressage, Show Hack, Hunter Under Saddle and Doma Vaquera Basico and Alta from the International Andalusian And Lusitano Horse Association, where I was twice named Horsewoman of the Year. I was one of the founding members of the Western Dressage Association of America, and, during a seminal 5-year period, I taught over 550 equine professionals the fundamentals of that young discipline through a series of seminars called Train the Trainer ™. Over my lifetime I have ridden with many Greats, including Charles De Kunffy, Hilda Gurney, Steffen Peters, Leslie Webb, Nuno Oliveira (yes, twice), Andreas Hausberger, Gerd Heuschmann, and Manuel Borba Veiga, and some Not-so-greats, enough to be able to discern and embrace the correct classical foundation of horsemanship. I lived 7 years in France in the 1970’s, have spent a lot of time in Europe at the great schools, and most recently 5 trips to Portugal, refreshing my connection to their impeccable horse culture. I have studied with Celeste Lazaris to learn her Balance Through Movement ™ method for restoring unsound horses. I have a well-documented passion for correct biomechanics and humane horsemanship. It is time to pass a lifetime of accumulated knowledge on." To learn more about Frances, friend her on her Facebook page 'Frances Carbonnel' or visit her website at 'www.ClassicalLegacyDressage.com'

SUE SHERRY
Suzanne Sherry has a Masters degree in education and has been a professional riding instructor since 1963, For 35 years she owned and operated Pentaur Farm in Milford, MI as a training and teaching facility. Sue has over 50 years riding experience in hunters and dressage, spending more than 40 of those years as a riding instructor. Sue is a respected international clinician and teaches from New York to Oregon and in Canada. Sue has ridden through Grand Prix level and trained through Prix St. Georges. She completed the British Horsemasters Course in 1964. Beginning in the 1970's, Sue served for 11 years on the committee which developed and ran the original USDF Violet Hopkins National Dressage Instructors Seminars. The main focus of Sue’s teaching is studying and developing the interaction between horse and rider, and examining the physical, psychological, emotional influence they have on each other. Her instruction focuses on developing correct self carriage through balance and proper application of the aids. A brilliant instructor, Sue gives credit to Violet Hopkins, Karl Milkolka, Maj. Anders Lindgren and Col. Albrecht von Zeigner as the most influential teachers in her career. Sue brought Col. Von Ziegner, a most highly respected and influential German master and classicist, Author of "Dressage Basics" and other texts, to her farm in Michigan for many years. Sue also worked directly with Sally Swift for years, attended Mary Wanless Instructor Seminars, USDF Instructors Workshops with Klimke and others, and continues to travel to USEF dressage shows here in the US with her students. In addition to her experience as a rider and instructor, Sue has an excellent background in body awareness techniques like the Alexander Technique and Feldenkreis. Sue continues to travel extensively in the US and Canada as a clinician, known for her expertise in equestrian kinesthetics, including unmounted and mounted work, imagery, exercise, and biomechanics.

Congratulations to Amanda, Ashley and Jennifer on completing their first RRA Intensives!
Jennifer says: "I recently went over to Spokane to do a multiple day intensive training session with Michelle. I have been riding with and learning from Michelle for the past year, working with her when she is in my area for monthly clinics. Though each ride teaches me something new, I must say that I learned more in those days than I ever have before! Having the opportunity to ride other, absolutely amazing, horses opened my eyes, body and mind to my way of riding. Her horses taught me to listen to them and not always my brain when I ride, as they are the best teachers. I am inspired and excited to now apply what I learned to my horse and training back home, and look forward to my next visit to Spokane. Thank you Michelle and your horses for all that you have taught me so far. It is a pleasure to work with you!" -JS, Maple Valley, WA