LESSONS & TRAINING

One of the most important things to me as an instructor, besides keeping it safe for rider & horse, is to be able to help build a bond between two very unlikely "creatures".

Only when the horse trusts the rider and the rider is not afraid of the horse can a true partnership begin. Through its basic principles dressage can help with this goal of a true partnership. Whether you are striving to compete at shows, go trail riding, jump or just want to improve your riding, dressage training will help you to communicate better, ride smoother and overall enjoy each other more.

For most of my students, horseback riding is a hobby which they incorporate into already very busy lives. It is my hope that dressage lessons and the knowledge acquired from the lessons will enhance their joy in riding their horses.

All lessons are approximately 45 minutes long. School horses are available on a very limited basis. Prices as of June 2009, possible changes will be advised.

Call for special pricing on lesson packages 513-884-3660.

 

 

Student Comments:

 

I started riding late in life and fell in love with all things equestrian. After riding lesson horses and leasing I purchased my first horse, Bodacious Knight. Bo and I struggled our first year, we couldn't even make a circle, but then we found Isi. From the first lesson I could tell she was right for us. Over the years, with her help, we progressed in our training but most of all we had fun. Bo retired this year due to ring bone and Isi was there to help me let go and do what was best for him. Isi's beautiful horses are helping me to continue my training as a rider. Thank you Isi! - (Debbie)

"Isi has a policy of using the proverbial carrot rather than the whip, and that applies both to riders and horses. The technique seems to be working wonders on all ages, sexes and species. Never once have I walked away from her lesson upset or discouraged, neither has my horse." - (Ekaterina)

"I first watched Isi teach two students at the barn where I was boarding. My attention quickly turned to her teaching as I saw the students and horses improve almost magically over a few months of lessons. I have taken hundreds of dressage lessons and clinics from a variety of trainers over the last 10 years, most of them on my wonderful horse who is not at all built for dressage. We never seemed to progress beyond a certain point. Now after several years of lessons with Isi, we are moving up to the best of our ability and having a wonderful time doing so. She is a talented teacher, a wonderful horsewoman, and a terrific friend." - (Mary Lynn)

 

"When I discovered Isi and began lessons with her in March 2008, my goal was to canter with Sunnie. During our first lesson, I fell off. A year later, thanks to Isi, I have confidence, Sunnie has a work ethic, and we’re both progressing in our training. Isi’s style is nurturing when I need it, and aggressive when she knows I can handle it. I think the most important lesson I’ve learned from Isi is how to handle Sunnie’s bad behavior. I admire Isi immensely for attaining the desired actions from my horse while showing respect to my horse and teaching me how to do the same. What’s not to like about someone who’s taken you from an unbalanced, insecure ball of nerves to a confident lady with a performance horse named Sunnie?" - (Pam)

"Isi Brown is a fun, positive instructor. I started riding at age 50, Western and never thought that I could learn ANY dressage. I originally started dressage classes with Isi so I could learn to control an untrained gaited pony who needed some discipline and structure. I needed to be more assertive on the trail with him.

My riding has really improved. She helped me find a used dressage saddle and now I’m riding English and learning to dressage on an Arab/Quarter Horse mix. Isi is always willing to get on your horse after the lesson and see what SHE can get the horse to do. I may never compete, but will continue to take lessons from Isi because she understands horses and their little quirks. My riding continues to improve. She is always firm, yet kind and respectful with all of the horses." - (Susan)

 

"A self-taught rider of more than 40 years before being introduced to dressage, I had been taking lessons from a woman with impressive credentials, but quit due to her nasty negative manner.

Under Isi’s warm, friendly and positive guidance my big bulky horse and I have made great gains in a fairly short time. Isi has a good sense of how much to push, when to ask for more and when to say stop. Riding is so much about learning about yourself and how your body works as much as anything about horses. Isi is a great guide and makes learning fun." - (Jen W.)

 

"I started taking lessons from Isi about a year ago when I was 8. From the first day I met Isi, I knew that she was the one for me! She's funny, and always enthusiastic to meet anyone or do anything that includes horses!

She has taught me my seat, how to sit the trot, leg yield, and almost everything else! She's also taught me some German, and I love to her her cute little German accent!" - (Hallie)

 

"Isi possesses that rare combination of talent and humility. Her unassuming, unpretentious, yet confident manner sets her apart in the dressage community. Isi's gentle approach, coupled her breadth of knowledge and real life experience, provide her students not only with a solid, foundational understanding of dressage, but also promotes confidence and a belief that they can 'do it.' Isi's a gem, and whether you're focused on moving up the levels, or just want to learn how to have a better, more centered seat, Isi's the instructor who'll get you where you want to go." - (Jennifer R.)

 

 

"As a western rider, I chose Isi as a coach to learn how to be a better, more centered rider. Isi’s teachings have enabled me to work correctly and efficiently with the horses I ride. I appreciate her ability to pick up on the errors I make quickly, teach me to recognize when I make them, and more importantly, how to fix them. Her fresh, enthusiastic demeanor makes it a pleasure to train under her tutelage." - (Jennifer B.)

 

"Isabelle quickly evaluates where you are and offers a variety of training and teaching exercises to improve your skills as a rider and trainer of your own horse. She’s positive and encouraging, and challenges me to continually make progress. In the five years I’ve ridden with Isabelle, I’ve become a stronger rider, a more effective trainer for my horse (and a few others!) and a more knowledgeable horsewoman overall." - (Betsie)

 

"Isi is my trainer and friend. She's made me the rider I am today. She always knows when you need help or are in trouble, even if you're too stuborn to ask. She's aklways doing what's best for the horses and riders. She's one of the kindest and nicest women I've met. I consider her family, sort of like an aunt. She does what a family membetr would do if you needed help or correction in something you didn't know you were doing wrong, but Isi's gentle about it. That's her winning quality and that's what makes her a great teacher." - (Sarah)

 

"Where do I begin? First off, she's fun to hang out with and the riding lessons are always a blast. Even the lunging ones! Isi knows what the heck she's doin'! She can teach you just about anything about dressage, in hand showing, and even the business end of it all. She's willing to take on anyone who wants to learn about horses, that's including a blond, A.D.D. teenage girl!!

Now, how can we not write about Farmer Brown! John Deere and Ford Trucks - grr! This is the guy who could probably fix anything. What would we do without him!" - (Courtnie)