Thank you for visiting our website
Please take a moment to explore our website fully and review some of the most common questions we get asked below.
What is Dressage?
The Olympic sport of dressage is derived from the French term meaning "training" and its purpose is to strengthen and supple the horse while maintaining a calm and attentive demeanor. Currently, competitive dressage involves progressively difficult levels incorporating multiple tests within each level. Each test is a series of movements that must be performed by the horse and rider. Each movement is scored by a judge on a scale of 0-10. Special tests are also written for musical freestyle, sport horse breeding and performances incorporating multiple horses and riders. Riders from all disciplines can improve their overall performance using the skills taught in dressage. (USDF.org)
Who are you?
Great question! Click on ABOUT and take a look.
Do you give Dressage lessons?
Yes. We offer lessons and coaching based on fundamentals of dressage to riders from all disciplines. Our onsite Head Trainer Maddie Piplico would be happy to discuss your needs. We train horses and coach riders through USDF/FEI levels and are open for trailer-in lessons. Lessons would be on your own horse as we do not have any horses available to ride here. Please contact us for more details.
Do you teach children or beginners?
No. But we can recommend other local providers who specialize in this service.
Can I ride your horses in lessons or on trail rides?
No. All horses here are privately owned and in a training program specific to their level of competition, therefore not available for lessons or trail rides.
Do you have horses for full or partial lease?
Yes. Please contact us for more information on current availability.
Do you have Trails?
Yes. There are easy trails through the woods and around the paddocks. Plenty of opportunity for hill work and brain training out of the arena. Also, the outdoor arena is a great option for nicer days. No jumps or cross country courses though.
Can I pay to use your arenas or come with my own coach/trainer?
No. Our facility is for the sole use of clients and boarders of Afton Stables. We offer lessons with our on site trainer, USDF Bronze and Silver medalist Madeline Piplico. We do schedule clinics with visiting instructors, check out our Upcoming Events and Clinics page to see what is happening.
Do you have boarding availability?
Yes. We offer training board, rehabilitation board, and retirement board. We limit the number of boarding clients so as to provide the highest standard of hands-on care and training. If you would like further details please contact angela@aftonstables.com .
What do you charge?
We are not going to lie, maintaining sport horses is not for the faint of heart - or wallet! Fees and charges are based on the needs of the horse and rider.
What are your turnout options?
We offer small group turnout of 2 or 3 maximum. Typically horses are out all night subject to weather conditions. They are in during the day so we can monitor feed and water, general heath, and provide training/riding sessions. We do not offer dry lots nor do we accept horses with cribbing issues.
Do you offer self care or field board?
No. All horses here, including the retirees, have their own stalls and receive the best attention from our caring staff. We do not offer self care/field board.
Is there Trailer parking?
Yes. We do have free trailer parking available for a maximum limit of 48 hours.
Do you start young ‘green’ horses?
Yes and No - We can begin dressage training on already ‘broke’ horses ages 4 and above. Working with totally green babies is not our specialization but we can point you in the right direction.