At Carlisle Riding Academy, we offer instruction in classical dressage, para-dressage, and hunt seat equitation with a team of experienced and credentialed instructors. Please see our staff page for more information on each coach. We focus on learning and growth through horse sports to a wide range of skill levels, while keeping horse and human harmony at the center of all activities. The Academy is a designated U.S. Pony Club Riding Center, providing formal programs utilizing USPC’s well-respected horse management and equestrian sports curriculum. Additionally, Carlisle Academy is a U.S. Equestrian Para-Dressage Academy Host Facility, providing educational and competitive opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. Each season, Carlisle hosts a variety of rider and coaching clinics, as well as onsite horse shows to enhance training and showcase progress.
Services Provided
Community Lesson Program
Our community lesson program teaches a variety of equestrian sports and horse care skills in a fun, safe, and inclusive way. As a designated U.S. Pony Club Riding Center, our teaching principles are built around the practices and proficiencies of the U.S. Pony Club curriculum. Traditional education in dressage, eventing, hunter seat equitation and horse management is offered in various formats.
Pony Club & Little Boots Programs
Carlisle Academy is honored to be named a United States Pony Club Riding Center. Pony Club is a leading equestrian organization and offers community equestrians access to internationally-recognized mounted and unmounted horsemanship curricula following Pony Club standards of proficiencies. Our Pony Club programs include the traditional format for the motivated rider, in addition to introductory programs like Little Boots. All programs take place at the Academy and are led by Carlisle’s nationally certified teaching staff. Riders who participate in Carlisle’s Pony Club programs must be actively enrolled in the community lesson program and have participated for a minimum of one year at Carlisle Academy.
Para-Dressage Program
Carlisle Academy is proud to serve emerging and developing athletes in para-dressage and has done so since 2010. As a founding member of USEF’s Para-Dressage Center of Excellence Program, now rebranded as the USEF Para-Dressage Academy Host Site, athletes receive instruction with Carlisle’s resident Silver Level USEF Para-Dressage Coaches, Sarah Armentrout and Mary Jordan, as well as with visiting dressage and para-dressage clinicians. Each year, Carlisle hosts a Unites States Equestrian Federation Para-Dressage Athlete Symposium, drawing new and returning athletes from across the country. All riders may choose to bring their own mounts to clinics and lessons or utilize one of Carlisle’s trained school horses.
Seatworks & Dressageworks – Classical Dressage Training with Susanne Winslade
Dressage is a French word that means “training” and its purpose is to strengthen and supple the horse throughout its life. Susanne Winslade’s curriculum Seatworks and Dressageworks captures the science of balance and the art of expression in a compassionate and classical dressage training program designed to enhance horse and rider harmony and promote long-term health and sustainability. Any breed and discipline can benefit from this positive, progressive, and interrelated system that teaches the importance of horizontal and vertical balance, obedience to and lightness of the aids, and the value of training each horse based on his own individual merit. These curricula can assist both the ambitious competitor in finding nuanced levels of connection, as well as the devoted equestrian seeking to integrate classical principles in their personal learning journey.
Community Clinics, Training Camps & Horse Shows
Carlisle Academy offers ongoing clinics and training camps for the Carlisle community to benefit recreational riders, dressage trainers, para-dressage athletes and Pony Clubbers. Local, national and international clinicians come to the Academy throughout the year. Please visit our Calendar Page for more information.
Summer Junior Equestrian Camp
Carlisle Academy’s Summer Equestrian Camp is both mounted and unmounted instruction in a fun learning environment. The Academy is a registered US Pony Club Riding Center that follows the Pony Club Curriculum. Each morning is an opportunity for a group mounted lesson focused on skills and safety, while unmounted time is spent learning about horse care including nutrition, hoof and shoeing, and stable management. Campers are assisted by upper-level Pony Club members as well as Carlisle instructors. Crafts, water games, and many more summer activities are included.
For more information, contact the office at 207-985-0374, or email your inquiry to info@carlisleacademymaine.com.