I decided to take some in-hand lessons when my horse was recovering from hoof issues so we would have something to do while he was rehabbing. It was an amazing experience to relate to my horse from a different perspective, but it was the way my horse saw me that was life changing. My horse began walking up to me from the pasture and WANTING to spend time with me. As a dressage student you often hear the words "partners", "lightness", "suppleness", "self carriage"... it wasn't until the lessons with Maria that I was able to feel what I had been told was suppose to happen. My horse became "light in my hands" and for the first time I was actually seeing my horse become light and relaxed... Classical dressage is an art and I'm excited to continue my education with Classical Naturally.

We have been so impressed by the communication and partnership skills we've developed through lessons. Maria is particularly good at explaining a concept in multiple ways. So if you don't quite understand what to do, she will toss out another way to visualize the objective. It has been very helpful as we figure out how to move, cue or guide the horses in subtle, almost unnoticeable ways. Both my teenage daughter and I have been taking lessons from Maria for the last several months. It has been fascinating to see how each lesson is tailored to our respective horses and our individual needs.

Maria’s ability to read horses astounds me to this day. I was honored to be her student roughly 9 years ago and she saved my horse and I from our very traditional English back ground. She taught me how to get my very hot OTTB stretchy, relaxed, and willing all from the ground. Then, once I understood the groundwork she was able to teach me how to translate it to under saddle. Because of Maria I have been able to transform my relationship with all horses and am able to understand their basic needs without ever having to get on them. Maria saved my career with horses before I even knew I needed saving. 10/10 recommend her to anyone and everyone wanting to learn from her. She has an abundance of knowledge and will always put the horse first.