Developing the modern, independent equestrian athlete.
~Encouraged, inspired and filled with purpose~
Shane Ledyard & Ledyard Equestrian offers classic American horsemanship for hunter, jumper and equitation riders and their horses. My style is gritty and fun and my experience spans over two decades in equestrian sports.
I will travel nationwide for clinics at your farm to share a systematic, proven and
uplifting style of horsemanship.
If you are a competitive show rider local to me in Bucks, Montgomery or Lehigh County, PA, I personally invite you to come visit as a ship-in to one of the facilities where I teach. I will also travel to your location of choice.
Scores of references are available from clients, show managers and respected industry professionals.
For over two-and-a-half decades I have made my living as a professional horseman. I have been blessed to work with wonderful students and horses, many of whom that have ridden with me for years. Safety and details are at the forefront of my disciplined approach, while my style is very encouraging and positive. I strive to communicate in such a way that lifts a person up, addressing the horse and rider as a pair of athletes; giving them the respect they deserve for competing in such a rigorous sport.
Family photo credit Adrienne Morella
If you run into trouble, I can quickly fix problems with horses by working with them or by explaining the solution to the rider from the ground. For the hunter and equitation riders, my eye is continually sharpened by officiating at horse shows regionally and across the country. As a licensed official with the United States Equestrian Federation, I receive unique training that keeps me up on trends in the industry while surrounding me with professionals that make me a better horseman. This continuous stream of knowledge all gets passed directly on to you as my client. Along with my certification and licensing, I also undergo regular "Safe Sport" training.
Feel good about reaching out to Ledyard Equestrian. I promise I will do everything I can to keep you safe, having fun and helping you and your horse become your absolute best.
The clinics are ideal for show barns wanting an edge in competition as well as IEA & IHSA teams. Shane works with all levels of riders & horses nationwide and has several clinic themes to choose from. Get in touch with him today to learn more or to set up an inspirational clinic at your farm!
Coaching, Training and Judging
Riding Instruction
Your riding ability will thrive in our healthy, positive atmosphere that stresses the technical side of the sport as well as a disciplined yet fun approach to horsemanship. Connect with me or one of my approved instructors at your location of choice for occasional tune-ups, regular training or join us at Rosewood Equestrian Center in East Greenville, PA.
Contact me today to set up a session.
Horse Training
Ship-in or send your horse to a wonderful facility with caring, seasoned professionals. Your horse will enjoy a kind, common sense approach to training that specializes in hunters, jumpers and equitation horses. You will feel good knowing that the training staff and I use only correct, patient and classic training methods.
We are prepared for the competitive show horse, short term projects such as finishing lead changes or other common training issues, as well as preparing a young horse to start a new career. We have hundreds of horses trained and have produced proven winners at some of the most prestigious horse shows in the country. Scores of references are available upon request.
Judging
Fair, honest and accurate judging for hunters and equitation for USEF, IHSA, NCAA, IEA, 4-H and schooling horse show venues. The integrity of the sport is of the utmost importance to me, and I will be well-prepared to be a great compliment to your show.
The Horse Gone Silent trilogy
Inspired by real events, this story of a lost horse has captured hearts world-wide. A soulful and captivating drama that any true animal lover will connect to.
At first a stand-alone novella, this heart-warming story later acted as a bridge to the trilogy.
The conclusion to the trilogy, this wonderful story ties this dramatic tale together in the most satisfying and surprising of ways!
A new brand of coloring books sourced from photography by Shane in his travels all over the U.S.
Totally unique and lots of fun!
Grooming
Basic system: Pick feet, comb mane, curry body, hard brush,soft brush legs, dandy brush, towel*, soft brush, tail (Towel optional)
Clipping (touch-up)
Mane pulling/management
Tail management
After-ride care
Curry, dandy brush, towel, soft brush
Bath vs no bath with fan, curry, soft brush, towel, softbrush
Seasonal adjustments to grooming such as bathing and cooleruse
Standing Wraps
Ice Boots
Poultice or Liniment Use
Cooler use
No cooler
Irish knit
Medium weight
Heavy wool
Turn-out/Bringing in; proper procedure
Bringing a horse in from a field
Turn-out
Understanding the turn and face method
The halt before stall entry
Riding and Training
Position (Hunt Seat, Jumper Seat and adjustable trainingseat)
Line, Pace, Impulsion, Collection
Pace must be adjustable at all three gaits
The two parts to line: The horse’s body and the line that he is riding
Five rein aids (basic)
Three leg aids
Half turn
Reverse Turn
Control of the outside aids
Turn on the haunch
Turn on the forehand
Shoulder-in
Haunches-in
Tack
Conditioning and cleaning
Leather selection
Parts of the tack
Bits for each horse (Exploring different types)
Saddle fit essentials
Over Fences Training
(Fundamentals of flat work for both horse and rider must bein place before over fence training begins)
Line, pace, impulsion, collection understanding
Warm-up
Height choice and preparation
Setting of jumps: Hunter/Equitation/Jumper
Gymnastics
Wrapping, bandaging and booting
Polo wrap
Standing bandage
Shipping wrap
Poultice wrap
Injury wrap (Laceration)
Sweat wrap
Bell boots
Jumping boots (Open and closed)
Trail Riding
Preparing the horse-the things the horse needs to knowbefore he goes out.
Courtesy to other riders.
Courtesy to property owners.
Using the trail to prepare a show horse.
First Aid
Basic first aid for wounds
When to call the vet
Wrapping a wound (Covered in Standing Wrap for lacerations)
Wrapping a hoof that is injured or that has a missing shoe
Pulling a shoe that is partially off (Advanced/AgeAppropriate)
Poulticing legs
Poulticing feet
Recognizing signs of colic
Recognizing signs of laminitis
Trailering
Hooking up a truck and trailer
Loading properly and safely
Shipping of the horse
Handling a trouble loader
Ground Training & Longing
Understanding that horse training is nothing more thanpressure and release Everything is achieved through these two principals
Reading body language
Intelligent Longing*, including use of rope halter, sidereins and rigs
Horse Show Preparation
One-day show checklist
Away-show checklist
Training set-up the month prior
Training the week of
The approach in the warm-up ring
Treatment of staff at the competition
Mental approach to competition
Horse and Horse Selection
Parts of the horse
Conformation for particular use
Personality
Facial structure and how it pertains to personality/performance (Advanced)
Professional Section
Interacting with clients and vendors
Treatment of clients
Cultural awareness in the business
Social Media conduct
Web presence
Professional Section-Finance
Business plan, strategy, values and mission
Comprehension of finances for the business including bookkeeping,vendor relationships, credit, and taxes
Personal finance vehicles comprehension. Strategies for savings,retirement accounts, investments, and health care
Conclusion
This is an ongoing list that has been established to make amore complete horseman that is as safe and proficient as possible. At Ledyard Equestrian, we embrace an old-school style combined with a modern, intellectual approach.
As a client of Ledyard Equestrian, these horsemanship lessons come at no additional cost to your training fees. Please make sure you
take advantage of them. Remember, it is up to you to ask for help, as any good horseman would indeed do.
Rates
Instruction & training rates include ongoing support during the week
& a strategy for success going forward.
Clinics
Please contact me for a specialized farm quote. The fees are very reasonable and offer profit & fund raising opportunities for you. Let's make some great memories at your farm & inspire your favorite riders!
Private & Group Lessons
Private over fences~85 Private flat~70 Group~65
(Pony or horse use additional)
Show Coaching 85/division plus travel
Horse Training
Training rides for regular clients~55
(+10 with groom)
Groundwork 65
Custom monthly training programs availiable.
Commissioned Horse and Pony Acquisition
10% Commission (Travel and appointments at 100/session additional)
Non-Commissioned Horse and Pony Acquisition
Video Analysis 20/prospect
On-site Eval 100, 300 Half-day, 450 Full day (Travel additional)
Negotiation with seller 750
Vetting Walk through 175
Contract Analysis 150
Contact me today to accomplish your equestrian goals. I look forward to helping you succeed.
You can fill out the form below, or if you prefer call or email me directly.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."~ Joshua 1:9
Copyright © 2022 Shane Ledyard