Our barn community
The barn community is international.
Our riders came to study a beautiful old form of equitation with Mary Anne or Craig, but they stayed with the work because that form draws out in them, and in the community around them, something unique. Though National School of Academic Equitation and Blue River Farm are both now just memories, the community lives on.
Each rider and each horse becomes in their own way a perfect conversation: each horse has his or her own personality, way of moving and tendencies in dealing with the world. In the same way, this rider may be more of an intellect, that one more of a charismatic showman, this one more sensitive, that one positively woo-woo: the horses respond to the person and the person to the horse, and the result becomes a specific poetry of the moment between two engaged minds.
We benefit from the decades of intense study that our director has put into her equitation, but also from the decades of study many of our riders have put in! And no less from the passionate commitment and dedication that staying in touch, being part of a world-wide group, brings to the community of riders who work this way.
And yet, the only real authority as to whether this is good work or not is the horse itself~ and each rider brings their own poetry to that conversation so there’s no one right fit for any of the people who come to study here, any more than one right fit for any of the horses. In teaching riders, in training horses: we love to listen.
At events and clinics you’ll meet people who truly enjoy their horses and are supportive and encouraging to one another as well. The classical work that we do draws remarkable people. Below are some of their comments, pictures and stories.
From a riding student
“Studying with Mary Anne at her barn taught me to ride horses with connectedness and confidence - and so much more. Based on the teachings of classical French military riding masters, the instructors teach the basics of balance and movement with the horse, and then continue to build on that toward a riding experience that is light and beautiful with a finesse that is truly unique. After nine years, riding has become a form of intensive and intentional listening to the horse and my body in a way that I never knew that I needed. I recognize that this practice has been the base of not only riding well but also has enabled me to be more connected with my family and more successful at work. Because of what I have learned I am better able to achieve meaningful change at home, in my work, at life - more so than any leadership course or coaching I've ever experienced. Also - the instructors, staff, and other riders are just really amazing and interesting people who are fun to be around.”
~ A.L.
From a long - time boarder, who was here when we called it NSAE, and stayed into the new ‘iteration’
“It’s a warm and endlessly “new things to learn” kind of place. The horses here all LOVE it too cause they’re recognized as themselves and as having autonomy. They work with us joyfully, not FOR us!! Join us , I’ve loved it here for over 30 years!!!” ~SP
From a student who’s joined us as a boarder
“French classical equitation is both beautiful and fascinating! Thanks to Mary Anne Campbell my riding and horsemanship skills have increased exponentially since I began my journey studying with her. From my first lesson I have never stopped learning. Mary Anne teaches in a way that I can understand, and she recognizes which ways people learn and teaches them based on what is most effective to each rider individually. Having taken lessons elsewhere, I believe this way I gain a much more powerful understanding. She's fun to work with, too. The school horses are healthy and well cared for. Her stable has a high quality standard for horse care in general. I board my horse with Mary Anne Campbell now, and he's the healthiest and happiest he's ever been.” ~K.L.
From a client pondering the results of her intensive:
“I just wanted to say thank you, thank you SO much for the work you did with me and my horse last summer! I was on a trail ride this week and found myself getting tired, my horse getting cranky. I was figuring the miles and hours left to go, when suddenly I remembered— wait. It might be about balance. And I “fixed my seat” and found my balance and VOILA. My horse and me BOTH were suddenly quiet and focused and ready to ride instead of resisting each step. Like magic! Like you said. Thank you!” ~J.R.
