Patrick and Lani Tigchelaar will be accepting clients at all levels and a select number of horses in full or partial training. 

About Patrick and Lani:

Patrick is a certified dressage instructor from the Netherlands. He has trained several horses through the Prix St. Georges level. He worked with Dutch international riders Boudewijn Heuseveldt and Alex van Silfhout. Patrick most recently trained with Rien van der Schaft (Dutch Olympic Team rider) and his wife Inge, and was a student of the late German Master George Theodorescu. Patrick has trained horses for Wout Jan vd Schans (international jumper rider) and has competed in both Holland and Germany.

Lani's experience includes training under Angela Paltram (Austrian rider who worked with trainer from the SRS), Cauleen Glass (R judge) and International Olympic medalist and trainer Steffen Peters when she lived on the west coast. She was Champion of the California Dressage Society (San Diego Chapter) for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th levels as a young rider. She has shown throughout California riding horses from training level through PSG. She moved to Northern Virgnia to finish college and upon graduation, stayed in the area and began her training business. She has ridden in several clinics with George Theodorescu as well.

Our training philosophy:

We seek to provide our clients and their horses with the most professional and full care service in our area. We work as a team, and our passion is riding and training all breeds of horses by classical dressage principles which develop their gaits, balance, obedience, and physique. As instructors we assist our clients to set and achieve realistic goals and gain greater harmony with their equine partners. The horse and rider learn to perform as partners and be happy in their work with lightness and without force. Those interested in riding will also learn the essentials in horse management and care, behavior, and the principles and history of dressage -- while enjoying the horses and having a lot of fun! We use a dynamic approach to teaching which can include lunging the rider to aid in developing their balance and seat, mounted and unmounted exercises, and occasional homeowrk assignments. We keep an open mind and a positive, patient attitude. We will communicate honestly and work together with your horse to achieve your goals.  We are both dedicated to developing our own riding and teaching to reach our full potential.