02 · Disciplines
Dressage, hunters, jumpers, eventing and foxhunting — coached by professionals who put the horse's soundness and happiness first.
Correct, progressive flatwork in a mirrored full-size arena. Melissa rides and trains through the FEI levels to Grand Prix and develops with international trainer Scott Hassler.
Darrell campaigned on the A circuit for a decade under Ralph Caristo and Buddy Brown. Polished, confident horses and riders over fences — from cross-rails to the show ring.
All three phases under one roof — dressage and show jumping in the rings, and conditioning over miles of Hitchcock Woods footing to build a fit, bold cross-country horse.
Aiken is hunt country, and the barn gates straight into the woods. We prepare horse and rider for the field — manners, fitness and nerve to ride to hounds.
How training works
Feed, check, groom and turn out. Every horse seen by name before work begins.
Flatwork in the mirrored arena or fences in the jumping ring, matched to the horse's day.
Hacks and gallop sets on Hitchcock Woods footing to build wind, bone and bravery.
Equine sports massage and recovery — soundness is treated as part of the program, not an afterthought.
Owners ride their own horses with Darrell, Melissa or Cera coaching from the ground.
Night feed, water, blankets as needed, and a last look down the aisle.
Programs
Every horse is different, so programs are built to fit. Rates depend on discipline, frequency and level of care — tell us your goals and we'll put together an honest plan.
Professional rides most days, plus conditioning, lessons and full competition preparation.
A few training rides a week, regular lessons, or coaching at shows — built around your schedule.
Programs & rates confirmed after a conversation about your horse and goals
In every program
01
You're coached by working trainers — Darrell, Melissa and Cera — not a rotating cast of working students.
02
Darrell studied equine biomechanics with Michael Paige; horses are trained to be fit, balanced and sound.
03
Desensitization, behavioral work and a calm, trust-first approach for spooky or green horses.
04
Equine sports massage therapy on the property keeps horses comfortable and working well.
05
Trail and gallop work most barns can't offer — straight through the gate into 2,000 acres.
06
Melissa regularly accompanies clients to multi-day competitions to coach through the whole event.
Now taking training horses
Whatever the discipline or level, the first step is a conversation. Reach out and Darrell or Melissa will talk through a plan.
Start a Conversation