Instructors

Heather Brandt (head trainer/instructor - beginner through advanced english & western lessons)



Heather has over 25 years of equine experience in several areas including but not limited to breaking & training, instruction, stallion & breeding management, 4-h clinics & shows, and general equine education.  She has taught lessons in english, western and jumping for nearly 10 years and has been training horses for over 10 years.  She's shown in nearly every seat both locally and regionally and has numerous Championships throughout New England.  Heather teaches Beginner to Advanced lessons - whether you're returning to the saddle, brand new to riding or a seasoned veteran, she has horses to suit all levels of riders.  Her focus is on balanced, effective riding - for fun or to show and has an upbeat, positive attitude lesson style.   Heather is available for training or lessons at Second Chance Stables and will also travel locally for training, lessons or shows as requested.
For more information please contact Heather @ 518-588-8146 or secondchancestables@hotmail.com


Rachel Swett (beginner through advanced english lessons)



Rachel has spent the majority of her last 20 years training and showing in the capital district.  For 10 of those she showed on the NEH/JC, TCRA, and CDH/JC circuits.  For about 6 of those years she also showed on the A-Circuit.  She has been a Grand Prix working student, and  for 4 summers, Rachel was a Horsemanship Instructor in Vermont.  During her time in Vermont she had the privilege to work with trainers from many disciplines including, Eventing, Dressage, and Hunter/Jumper.  Most recently she has combined all of her experience into a training philosophy that is based on correct confirmation and way of going, and most importantly: FUN!  She is available at Second Chance Stables, or will come to you and instruct lessons or put on a clinic.  She is excited to expand her career as a Hunter/Jumper trainer, and looks forward to the 2010 show season!
For more information please contact Rachel @ 518-288-3291 or rlswett@gmail.com


Bethany Moss (beginner through advanced english & dressage lessons)

(photo coming soon)

Bethany has competed successfully in Combined Training, Dressage, Hunters, Jumpers, Huntseat Equitation, Stockseat Equitation, Western Pleasure, and Barrel Racing. Students have competed in Hunters, Huntseat Equitation, Jumpers, Open shows, and will compete in dressage and 2-phases.  Bethany has attended USDF (United Stated Dressage Federation) instructor workshops, trained many Foxhunters utilizing a great deal of cross-country and dressage, has trained/ridden with Grand Prix riders such as Monty Kelly(Jumpers), Rick Albertson (Dressage), and has ridden with eventing trainers for 13 years, such as Helen Dansereau, Melissa Suits, and Margie Hutchinson.Bethany realizes the importance in continuing her own riding education and trains with Melissa Suits on a regular basis.  Bethany has 20 years of riding experience, experience with training youngsters through 2nd level dressage horses.
For more information please contact Bethany @ 518-860-7999 or cmbndtrng@yahoo.com


Erika Guthinger (advanced hunter/jumper lessons)



Erika has been riding since the age of four.  From there she decided that horse showing was the way to go.  Erika started her A - circuit career at the age of 11 with Betsy and Glen Geary of Shadow Rock farm in Ballston Spa New York.  From there she had the opportunity to train with Olympic level Riders Laura Kraut and Marcia Kulak.  Also training with Jay Shuttleworth, Eddie Ferderwisch, Rick Albertson, and Linda Orton, Erika has well rounded her equine education, from dressage and  jumpers, to hunters and the equitation.  Erika has qualified for, and competed in many national level competitions.  After college, she came to work for her long time mentor Betsy (Geary) Joyce as her assistant trainer. Erika rode and taught for Betsy (Geary)Joyce and Marsha Dammerman of Sand Castle Farm (Saratoga,NY and Wellington, Fla.) living and traveling on the A - Circuit with them.  In 2001 Erika started her own farm and training facility, Platinum Stables.  As of January 2009 she also became the head trainer of Schauber Stables Ballston Lake, NY.  Erika teaches all levels and ages of riders, from the first time beginner to medal and classic winning champions!  Erika runs her farm Platinum Stables out of Charlton, NY.  There she breeds welsh, half welsh and warmbloods.  She also stands Welsh stallion Lianna LS Swagman, and the half welsh stallion Platinum Shadbury.  In addition to breeding she also runs a sale barn operation catering specifically to the show horse market of ponies, hunters, jumpers, and equitation horses.  If you think you would like to join the Platinum team contact Erika at PlatinumErika@msn.com or phone 518-372-4885(farm), (518)428-3203(cell).  Please check out the Platinum Stables web site, www.PlatinumStables.com .


Laurie Phillips (dressage & hunter/jumper lessons)



Laurie has 30 years experience in teaching, training, and competing - with numerous awards in equitation, dressage, and jumping. Experience showing at Devon, Wellington, Harrisburg, St.Clements, Skidmore, and many others.  Offering lessons in dressage thru 3rd level, hunt seat, jumping, western, and ground work using natural horsemanship techniques.  Lessons being offered to all levels of riders from beginners to advanced to all ages.  
Laurie started her career riding with Andrea Evans, a Morven Park Graduate.  Morven Park has been known as the top equestrian College in the country.  She continued her riding career with Neil Shapiro, Silver Medalist 1972 Olympics in open jumping and went on to ride jumpers professionally until an injury encouraged me to pursue dressage. At that time she started riding with Rick Albertson, USDF Bronze and Silver medalist and has since ridden with numerous top clinicians including Janet Black, George Morrison, Kathy Connelly, Mary Howard, Jane Hannigan, Pat Parelli, and numerous others.
Laurie does Freelance instruction as well as teaching at Second Chance Stables.
To schedule a lesson with Laurie call 518-860-2797 or email appiesdance@yahoo.com