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1259 North Poes Road Flint Hill, Virginia 22627 (540) 364-2929 betsyp@crosslink.net |
Endorsements
July 2011
Betsy,Thank you so much for planning and hosting a wonderful week for the girls. Rachel talked non-stop on the way home on Friday and was truly excited about all of the new things she got to experience with Chaser. I am so glad she had the chance to bring him along and she said she could tell that he loved it, too. Most important she got a chance to see that there are other opportunities outside of the hunter world. She said she thinks that she and Chaser may enjoy show jumping and is thinking about getting some training next year and trying some jumper shows. I'm sure you will see her next summer ( and her sister, Emily) and hopefully in the mean time we will be able to make it out for some trail rides and fox hunting. Thanks again and enjoy!
Beth Reeb
July 2011
Dear Betsy,We love the varied program your camps have offered to Ciara. So wonderful to see the many interesting and fulfilling things we can partner with our horses to do and enjoy. (and how else to know just what your equine friend truly loves to do?). I think horses get just as bored with same old routine as we do. Riding in different disciplines gives one new perspectives, and can only improve one's riding skills. Ciara went on to Frying Pan Farm Park for the Mid-Atlantic Small Draft Festival over the weekend and (thanks to your help) placed first and second in the jumping classes! Later that afternoon she took first in trail class, champion in the Open Games division, and....High Point Junior rider! Most of all, however, she really looked and felt more confident after attending your camp, and really felt that she and Toril worked together well. I'm hoping she'll want to come back this Fall and work on some trail/cross country/jumping with you again.
Thank-you again!
Cindy Sitko
Fairfax, Virginia
July 2011
Dear BetsyI've always believed the words you quoted below, but until this moment I have not read it as well-put. And to see it from an authority such as George Morris, saying *exactly* what you tell us, your students and riders, ALL THE TIME, refreshes my resolve to continue my Equestrian pursuits exactly as Ms. Parker and Mr. Morris have so eloquently stated. Good words indeed.
Tom Neel
Fairfax, Virginia
From Hunter Seat Equitation by George Morris (the father of horsemanship in America) -- page 194-195
A well-rounded rider is always apt to be better than one who has a limited, narrow background. The importance of educating oneself to all of riding's different phases cannot be underestimated, and for this reason we are most concerned as riding instructors to offer as much variety as possible.
Often there is a limit as to how wide a range can be provided, and for such disciplines as polo, racing and foxhunting one must go, as a rule, farther afield to outside instructors. (Unless you happen to ride at Hunter's Rest! – Betsy)
For a rider to get a chance to do some jumping work, ride dressage, break a young horse, gallop a racehorse or go foxhunting is nothing less than stupendous. Any or all of these riding opportunities should be grabbed at a moment's notice.
Remember, and never forget, we are trying to produce horsemen, not just horse show ribbon winners. There is a great difference, and it is interesting to note that horsemen go on into their adult years, while most show ribbon riders stop riding rather promptly after their 18th birthday.
diversified upbringing in riding, as in school, is far more interesting to the pupil.
A GOOD RIDER DOESN’T HAVE TO TELL ANYONE. THE HORSE ALREADY KNOWS.