instruction
Elizabeth obtained her Indiana State Teacher Certification from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN and has been an educator for twenty years. She applies her classroom techniques to riding lessons. Through observation and question, Elizabeth will determine if one is a Visual, Auditory or Kinesthetic learner to positively influence the learning curve. She believes in four primary aspects which promote equestrian academic success; development of the “whole student”, instructors role as “guide”, frequent evaluation of student progress and a lifelong investigation of content area by the instructor. Elizabeth strives to create self- learners in an atmosphere of respect among horse and rider. In this type of student-centered environment, Elizabeth plays the role of facilitator; one who guides and encourages clients to achieve their riding goals.
Elizabeth has introduced and made accessible the sport of dressage to
many clients.
Visit “biography” for more information.
Connect with Elizabeth to plan your individual syllabus and make your riding dreams a reality.
training
Dressage is a French term meaning “training”. The fundamental purpose of dressage is to develop a horse’s natural ability and willingness to perform. Modern dressage is demonstrated through the performance of tests. Each level of test builds on the previous tests and guides a horse through levels of training, much like the way we progress through our education by moving towards higher grade levels.
Dressage education of the horse is the foundation of all other training. Elizabeth utilizes the USDF Pyramid of Training, classical techniques of the French School, and horsemanship methods to design programs which tailor to the needs of each individual horse. She does not to try to fit a square peg into a circle. Simultaneously, education and consistency of the owner plays a key role to the overall success of the training process.
Elizabeth is a firm believer in cross training the dressage horse. Recent
excursions “through the looking glass” to Michigan Ranch Horse Association
competitions have provided amazing cross-training benefits for her horse,
Charlies Big Slugger. These invaluable experiences have developed a calm,
confident dressage mount who has found his inner “cow sense”. In effort
to broaden their horizons, horses in the Grainger Dressage training program
are exposed to extra-curricular activities (i.e., outdoor trails with
hills, small jumps, and obstacles).
Visit “biography” for more information.
Connect with Elizabeth to begin a solid dressage foundation for your horse.
showing
Team Grainger Dressage competes at Michiana Dressage Club “MDC” (a GMO of the USDF) schooling shows located in Northwestern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. Clients also participate in USEF/USDF sanctioned competitions and breed specific organized shows. Elizabeth provides assistance with show preparation (i.e. lessons, grooming, attire, arena etiquette), transportation, coaching (may include test reading), and post competition evaluations.
Elizabeth and her husband Brooks play vital roles in managing and producing dressage schooling shows which benefit Reins of Life Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc.
Team Grainger Dressage welcomes new members of all ages.
Warning: Be prepared to have fun with family and friends while improving your riding skills and relationship with your horse!
Visit “biography” for more information.
Connect with Elizabeth to join the team!
sales
Elizabeth will assist you in selling or purchasing a suitable dressage partner. Please connect with her for the current list of sales horses and rates.
horse evaluations “Is this horse right for me?” Often times one is in need of a second opinion, before making the final decision to purchase a horse, especially if it is a first horse for a junior or adult amateur. Elizabeth has helped several clients through this sometimes daunting process. She acts a neutral, unbiased third party, not accepting a commission from the seller. The service includes a visit with the client to view the prospect, assess its conformation, gaits and trainability, a questionnaire for the seller, video documentation and written evaluation.
Connect with Elizabeth to assist you with arriving at a well informed decision.
clinics
Grainger Dressage hosts clinics with Maryal Barnett. Maryal is a FEI “C” Dressage Judge, an USEF “S” Dressage Judge and a Canadian Equestrian Federation Senior Dressage Judge. She has been accepted on the USDF “L” Faculty to teach others to be dressage judges. In March of 1998 the AHSA appointed Maryal to be an Instructor, Examiner and Senior Official for the “r” and “R” Dressage Judges Training Program. In 1998 she was chosen to be an official USDF Instructor Certification Examiner and Faculty Member. Maryal was also elected to Executive Board of The Dressage Foundation in 1997.
Maryal is a kind and patient educator. The clinics provide plenty of “a-ha” moments intertwined with smiles. If you are interested in riding or auditing please review the 2017 Clinic Schedule and connect with Elizabeth.
2017 clinic dates: march 12 (sunday), june 18 (sunday), august 6 (sunday),
september 24 (sunday)
grainger dressage is offering clinic instruction at your facility.
eager to learn dressage basics and showing etiquette?
elizabeth developed a one day introduction to dressage workshop consisting
of a lecture, demonstration, and ride/ review. dressage history, geometry,
protocol , and show ring tips are on the agenda.
struggling with confidence issues?
building trust within yourself, your horse and in the show arena are common
rider concerns. elizabeth presents a leadership program of basic cross-training,
desensitization, and restarting aimed at improving your relationship with
your horse.
is your non- horse husband as clueless as mine was? horse handling for husbands is a joyful one day workshop teaching safe fundamental procedures. topics may include retrieving and returning horse in pasture and stall, ground control exercises, grooming habits, holding for vet and farrier, and assisting with trailer loading and unloading.
seeking to improve your balance in the saddle?
balanced riding = better riding = greater sensitivity. elizabeth offers
a lunge line clinic with engaging strategies focusing on classical rider
equitation and seat development.
considering hosting a dressage competition or struggling to keep your
show alive?
elizabeth’s seminar helps implement the process (highlights are scribe
training, financial sponsorship, contracts, show management, vendors)
as well as consultation strategies for improving existing competitions.
each clinic may be tailored to meet participants’ goals. connect with
elizabeth to learn more about her specialized clinic programs.
fine art
Elizabeth is a classically trained artist who holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Printmaking from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, MI (1998) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, Cum Laude from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN (1992). Elizabeth has taught fine art to students from kindergarten through the university level. She has won several awards, lectured and exhibited work in individual and group exhibitions throughout the country, highlighted by an invitation to display work in Japan. Her art work has been in various media publications and is sought after for individual collections.
artist statement
Midwestern Mythology
Afghans Included
As a modern day practitioner, I utilize various artistic mediums. Photography, Printmaking, Painting and Installation reflects a discourse of equine nature and spirituality. These concepts have a connection to my Midwestern roots; an agrarian landscape yielding faith, patriotism, myth and influx economy. The anthropomorphism of the equine “body” is present in both mixed media paintings and photographic prints. Floating, limp figures are in harsh contrast to the textural, worn and bruised surfaces, the aesthetic of a spiritual narrative. A relationship of land, spirit and labor is evident. “Light” is crucial to sight or understanding. Frequent use of “simulated” x-rays account for an interior examination of beliefs, opinions and behaviors.
Connect with Elizabeth to view and purchase art work or commission a piece for your fine art collection.
Visit “gallery” for images of Elizabeth’s work.
Connect with Elizabeth for current service rates.