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; and trained 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, clinics or judging shows as requested.
For more information Heather can be reached at #518-588-8146 or secondchancestables@hotmail.com

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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 Rachel can be reached at #518-859-9217 or rlswett@gmail.com

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Erika Guthinger (intermediate to 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 .

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Amy Romeo (beginner to intermediate english lessons)



Amy has over 20 years of riding and training experience that began when she was five.   During that time she has competed in several disciplines including western pleasure, dressage and combined training. As a working student for Margie Hutchinson for over six years, Amy learned how to work with and train all manners of horses.  It was there that she began her education in combined training, an education that brought her to work under several leading instructors in the fields of dressage and combined training.  Her education and experience were furthered in college when she rode at several area hunter barns for the college equestrian team (non competitive).  She has experience working with all manners of horses, from green babies to horses needing re-schooling and everything in between. Her teaching philosophy mirrors her training philosophy that is built on the belief that the horse and rider are a team.  She teaches the belief that body awareness is key to balance and from this balance comes motion and a successful, safe, fun ride.  Having experienced a pause in her own riding career enables her to understand that life happens and no matter how long it has been since you have ridden or have wanted to ride, it is never too late to learn.  She looks forward to working with all students wishing to develop this unique and precious bond we can share with horses.  
For more information Amy can be reached at #518-542-1854 or email A7RS@hotmail.com