About the Instructor

Linda Heiny received her education in dressage during the 1980’s by riding extensively in clinics with Michael Handler, Betty Howett F.B.H.S., Michael Matthews, and Col. Jerome Weikert, all pre-eminent and influential trainers of that era.  Under their instruction, Linda schooled many horses through all the levels, including piaffe, passage, and tempi changes, much of the time with horses not considered “suitable” for dressage.  While no longer able to ride academically, she continues her education by auditing clinics taught by visiting Bereiters of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, as well as other clinics, including some taught by Bettina Drummond.  A few of her other achievements include serving as Dressage Chairman of the National Sports Festival in 1982, coaching two USPC dressage teams to Regional Championships and National honors, and completing the small ‘r’ judging program.  Although Linda is no longer licensed, she continues to be a popular judge for many schooling shows.

 

Linda provides her students with a progressive, personalized training program that will build the horse’s natural athleticism and develop a willing partner who enjoys the work and is eager to please.  For horses and riders, at any level, who are “stuck” or have “issues,” Linda’s greatest talent is her capacity to identify, address and offer solutions for their problems so that they can advance in their training.  Her ability to show the rider the way to enhance the horse’s natural gaits, and to instill confidence, trust, and clear communication, is apparent in the way the horse becomes more focused and the movements become softer, lighter, and more effortless.  As a result, Linda’s instruction is invaluable for anyone seeking a more harmonious partnership with their horse.