meet your next trainer
Whether you’re a beginner, just starting out, or advanced rider with competitive ambitions, we have someone for you. Many of our riders choose to work with multiple trainers, to maximize their learning.

carlie serif
dressage trainer
Carlie joined us in 2015 and has a very strong classical background which fits in well with our mission. She has her USDF Bronze & Silver Medals as well as her BHS certification from the UK. She is competing her young Dutch bred gelding, Shtratego at FEI levels. She is very successful in making positive changes in riders and horses. Many of the eventing competitors shave their scores by doing a dressage tune up with Carlie. She also has extensive experience developing young horses for dressage. Her clear, concise and empathetic aids help horses learn without fear. Carlie coaches at many local PVDA/FADS and rated dressage shows with her students as well as competing client horses in training.
Charles Campbell
eventing trainer
Carlie joined us in 2015 and has a very strong classical background which fits in well with our mission. She has her USDF Bronze & Silver Medals as well as her BHS certification from the UK. She is competing her young Dutch bred gelding, Shtratego at FEI levels. She is very successful in making positive changes in riders and horses. Many of the eventing competitors shave their scores by doing a dressage tune up with Carlie. She also has extensive experience developing young horses for dressage. Her clear, concise and empathetic aids help horses learn without fear. Carlie coaches at many local PVDA/FADS and rated dressage shows with her students as well as competing client horses in training.

Eliza San nicholas
assistant trainer
Eliza has been a fixture at Bascule for over 7 years. She has her BA from American University and is fully immersed in sharing her knowledge with her students and horses. She has trained her own part Arabian mare all the way to training level in Eventing, and 2nd level dressage. Her next project was an unbroken 5 year old Arabian who was a challenge. She built his trust and the two of them have competed Novice level successfully. This year, Eliza has been training the homebred 4 year olds, and a lovely Irish 3 year old. We are very excited to have Eliza on our teaching and training staff.

Chris knuth
part time Trainer
Chris grew up in Montgomery County, and has a BA in Equine Studies & Business Management from Averett College, Danville, VA. Having competed up to Preliminary level before having a family, she now catch rides as much as possible. They live nearby in Poolesville (her husband, Jesse and sons, Jaden and Gavin.) She is also Montgomery County Police Officer and teaches at the Academy. They keep her so busy we only get her on a part time basis! Her students love her thoughtful, systematic approach. Chris has a flexible schedule so everyone takes advantage when she’s available.