From a young age I was encouraged to pursue my love of horses by my late grandfather. I spent my early childhood learning the basics of western pleasure and trail riding. When I was nine years old, I climbed onto a lesson horse I had never ridden before, picked up the reins and the horse reared and flipped over on me. For the next two years I watched people ride through my neighborhood, simultaneously jealous of them and terrified to get back on. On a cautious whim I asked my mom if she could find out if the barn those riders were coming from offered riding lessons.

That barn was Blackwood Farms, a top level training facility run by the internationally successful eventing and dressage trainer Melissa Beardsley. When I began riding lessons there in April of 2003, Melissa had just returned from a double clear run through the Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event. I began my lesson with her assistant trainer and Ric, an older black and white leopard appaloosa gelding who was the most magically colored horse I had ever seen. I think I was shaking from when I started brushing Ric to the moment I swung my leg over the saddle. By the end of the ride I had completely fallen in love with that cranky old horse and my fears were gone.

I rode with Melissa for the next nine years, and had the additional privilege of learning from world-renowned trainers like eventers Derek di Grazia, John Camlin and Kristen Bachman, and Melissa’s late sister, dressage trainer Kim von Hopffgarten. I learned the basics of eventing and the elegant peacefulness of dressage. I had my share of successes and mistakes, I learned how to be humble and how to be a good student, and little by little, I became a good rider.

While each component of my history as an equestrian isn’t unique, the combination of experiences I’ve had make me a great teacher and trainer. I empathize with riders who’ve had bad falls and had trouble getting back on. I focus on creating a space where riders feel confident, and safe to make mistakes and ask questions. Above all, I strive to create the safest riding environment possible to ensure that time in the saddle is always the best hour of any rider’s day.

-Britt Nelson