balanced seat training

 Our instructors teach balanced seat riding based on classical training principals.  They are great communicators and love to teach. Choosing a trainer is easy, as we all work together.  What’s best for you, the client, means we’ve succeeded. We are here to provide you with a glimpse of what you really can do with your horse!

We have a very easy to use online program for scheduling lessons with all of our instructors.  Lessons are available every day until 9pm, so it’s easy to fit lessons in around a busy schedule. 

 Our focus is on students that want to be in a consistent program of lessons.  This allows us to reserve your day, time and horse.  Introductory lessons (first time @ Bascule) must be 1 hour and are Friday evenings and Saturdays.

 

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.

Rates

 We accept Zelle payments for lessons and they must be paid in advance.

Head Instructor Lessons (Carlie, Chris, Charlie)*

Private Lessons – paid in advance if not owner or leasing.

30 Minute Lesson – $55 per rider / $65 with lesson horse

45 Minute Lesson – $80 per rider / $95 with lesson horse

1 Hour Lesson – $100 per rider/ $115 with lesson horse

Group Lessons (when available)

Small group (3-4 riders ) – $50 per rider / $65 with lesson horse

Training sessions

$60 per horse and includes grooming/tacking up

*all riders training with head instructors are expected to groom/tack and warm up their horses before their lesson.

Assistant Instructor Lessons (Eliza & Colette)

MONTHLY LESSON PACKAGES:  This reserves your day/time/horse each week.

Half Hour lessons: $220/mo 

45 min lessons: $340/mo

Hour lessons; $420

Private Lessons – paid in advance if not owner or leasing.

30 Minute Lesson** – $45 per rider / $55 with lesson horse

45 Minute Lesson – $70 per rider / $85 with lesson horse

1 Hour Lesson – $90 per rider/ $105 with lesson horse

Group Lessons (when available)

Small group 1 hr lessons (3-4 riders ) – $45 per rider / $60 with lesson horse

Training sessions

$50 per horse and includes grooming/tacking up

**30 minute lessons are not available to those who are not proficient in grooming/tacking up so we have time to teach you!

Off Property Schooling 

Cross Country Schooling*

 $100/rider (max 4 riders, average of 90 minutes)

*Available only to riders who own their own horses or who lease a horse and have explicit, written permission from the owner to take the horse schooling.

Showing Rates 

Event Coaching Fee – $100 per event 

Dressage Coaching Fee – $55 per half hour

Trailering – $1.50 per mile – client horses only.

Competing a Client Horse – $100/day