We Are NOT a Cookie Cutter Lesson Program
"I've never heard that before."
"The horse responded so well!"
"Your horses are so well-behaved."
"You adapt to each rider!"
"Wow, I can finally feel my hips move."
Classical training.
Modern teaching tools.
Deep understanding of equine nature.
Helping riders and horses connect, communicate, and grow.
WE ARE NOT a program with kick ride horses, large group lessons, multiple instructors, an emphasis on showing, and a stuffy, cold environment.
WE DO:
1. Have well-trained horses. All horses are schooled by owner/trainer Teresa Pilegaard and are personal horses developed by Teresa and her family with really cool backgrounds (shown at the Retired Racehorse Project, schooled in working equitation, dressage and hunter show experience, ridden Western and English). Our horses have a limited lesson schedule to keep them thriving in our lesson environment. They are true co-teachers alongside Teresa.
2. Believe in a horse-first lesson system. Our horses are not machines, but valued partners. All students learn to observe equine communication and how to respond appropriately with empathy and leadership. The needs of the horse come first, not ribbons.
3. Believe that time in the saddle is a small piece of the puzzle. Teresa's emphasis on both horse and human biomechanics leads to....homework. If we spend even 1 hour of each day with a horse, there are 23 more that hold more influence on us as balanced people. Teresa assists in building physical and mental strength and balance outside of simply riding.
4. Adapt to both horse and rider. While we are always grounded in classical principles, we fully believe in the modern science of both human and equine learning. These are not cookie cutter lessons, but tailored to both you and the horse.
5. Encourage curiosity in horses and humans! We highly encourage questions and self-discovery from our students and provide guiding questions and direction to improve. We want a "thinking rider"! Horses are not trained to "shut down and endure" the lesson, but to come out of their shell to allow their own thinking brain thrive.
6. Believe that people of all ages are incredibly capable! Why learn how to kick and pull a horse around when you could have a soft, fluid relationship with the horse? Through our riding journey, how many of us had to completely relearn the application of aids and use of the seat? Why not start with a correct, solid foundation? We don't gate keep good riding!
7. Believe that horses deserve to be horses. Our horses live out 24/7 in large fields in well-managed herds. Each horse has an individual, forage-based dietary plan formulated by a nutritionist. They also receive the highest quality bodywork, farrier care, and conditioning plans.
Join our Lesson Program!
Interested in training board? We specialize in developing a unique program for each horse and rider pair that can include riding our schoolmasters as your horse develops. For more information, click here.
JOIN WITH OUR MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION!
Commit to the same day and time each week.
Pay upfront for the month.
Access to Everyday Equestrian included!
Cheapest way to ride with us!
Ride on our schoolmasters or haul in yours.
Know you are paying into a program who puts their horses and riders first!
A LA CARTE LESSONS*:
Interested in a biomechanics consult?
Have your own horse, but looking to learn from a school master?
Want some support for your and your horse in between rides at home?
Looking for help with lunging and ground work?
*Available for riders who can independently walk and trot.
Our focus is on relationship-driven, adaptive horsemanship that meets both horse and rider where they are. Combining physical, mental, and emotional balance, we use both mounted and unmounted lessons to build strong foundations rooted in biomechanics.
We believe in thoughtful training, personalized teaching, and a positive environment for horse and human alike.
What Others Have To Say
Teresa has been incredible to learn how to ride with. I am 51-year old male with previous traumatic equine experiences rooted from a very young age. Teresa was not only understanding of my concerns but she was very patient with me (she didn't just throw me on a horse and hope for the best). Teresa selected the best horse for my needs and helped me build a relationship with that horse (over time) and helped me to build my confidence being around the horse, working directly with the horse and ultimately riding the horse. If you are looking for a trusted advisor, Teresa is your gal! She is knowledgeable and passionate about what she does. She offers a fun environment to learn in and even has online learning classes available as well. I highly recommend Dorato Performance Horses for adults and kids alike!
Eric D- Hume, VA
Teresa walked into our lives in 2018. Our daughters weren't even in Kindergarten. We thought riding horses would be fun, but figured, with kids so young, also short-lived.
7 years later our daughters' passion for these animals and this sport has only continued to grow. Not only are they still riding, but they are still riding with Teresa. We have followed her through various moves and, currently, travel quite a ways just to ride with her. Why? Because what she, and her horses, have done for our girls has been nothing short of amazing!! She has been there as a teacher, friend, mentor, confidant and so much more.
She gives so much of herself to this program and we promise you won't regret making the decision to be a part of this amazing barn family.
Mary E - Fredericksburg, VA
I wish words could adequately capture what Teresa and her gentle, intuitive nature has done for my daughter's skills AND emotional and mental well-being! After riding at other barns over the years, we have finally found the ONE!
Teresa provides a dedicated focus on safety, horsemanship that is truly from the ground up, and patient guidance on meaningful and authentic relationship-building between horse and rider. With this critical, fundamental progression, a rider can truly grow in a chosen discipline, but more importantly, truly appreciate and respect the giving nature of these beautiful animals and the rider's own internal strength.
Both rider and horse are constantly adapting and connecting, together, which truly anchors life-long education--both in the equine world and in life in general!
My daughter is more confident and comfortable in her own skin than ever before. Thank you so much to Teresa and her 4-legged angels!
Caroline M - Springfield, VA