ABOUT CARTIER FARMS: 

Cartier Farms was started in 1995.  We do not do any boarding or have any lesson horses.  Kimberly travels to individual farms and barns working with clients who have their own horses.  There are stalls for horses on site for monthly full training when space permits.   Kimberly has been involved with horses for over twenty five years.   All students are encouraged to be well rounded and are expected to practice good sportsmanship/horsemanship and hard work.       

KIMBERLY'S BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE:

Kimberly has been competing since 1984 and has ridden many disciplines over her career.  She has focused on and successfully competed in eventing and dressage in Area I and II and show jumping both locally nationally.  Eventing students accepted from beginner novice through Preliminary and dressage students from Intro to fourth level.  Kimberly specializes in Thoroughbreds, but enjoys all breeds of horse. She has attended many specialty schools and programs including Stoneleigh Burnham School and The University of New Hampshire.  Kimberly has trained with many top instructors over her career including Lisa Roulx Nevins and Mina Payne Cooper.  Currently, she trains with USET dressage rider/trainer Pam Goodrich, during the summer months.   Kimberly had the opportunity to ride with two time Olympic show jumping silver medalist Greg Best and his wife, New Zealand Grand Prix show jumper, Kim Best in New Zealand winter 2007/2008 which was an incredibly valuable and educational experience!  She has participated in many clinics, some of which were with David O'Connor,  Michael Matz, George Morris, Bruce Davidson and Chris Hickey to name a few .  Kimberly has taken on a new opportunity in the past three years, teaching and promoting dressage in gaited breeds.  Including riding in and coaching several gaited dressage demonstrations and freestyles.   HORSE AND RIDER SAFETY ARE PARAMOUNT.  Kimberly  retired in October 2008 as Firefighter/ Lieutenant and EMT of 15 years which emphasizes her discipline and dedication to safety.

CARTIER FARMS PHILOSOPHY 

Cartier Farms lesson program is geared to each individual horse and rider combination.  From the first lesson on, the rider and instructor work together to obtain the best possible results.  Once a goal is set, we work from there to reach it. Whether a horse needs to work out behavioral/confidence issues or be more polished for showing at the upper levels.  We believe in helping people understand their horses.  Each horse and rider are very unique and I try to emphasize to my students that there are many methods to accomplish the same result.  

I have worked with a number of abused/neglected and off the track horses which has taught me how to work with them as a team.  My goal is to take the frustration many riders feel, out of riding.  I have worked with several horses deemed useless or "bad" with great success.   I do not "Break" horses.  My focus is to help the horse understand what is being asked and then teach them how to do it.  I do promote discipline in horses, but I will not force an animal to do something they are clearly not cut out for.  There must be a mutual respect between horse and rider.  Each rider must commit to hard work and consistency to their horse to have a positive outcome.  There are no "quick fix's" in riding.  Horses learn though consistency and repetition of the correct methods. Riders and owners must be patient and willing to put the time into their horses in order to receive a long term positive result. 

Our approach to training is much the same as our lesson program.  Each horse is evaluated and then a program is developed with the owner and trainer that best suits the horse and owner .    

I enjoy each of my students.  I teach because I love it.   I want each person who rides with Cartier Farm's to be committed, passionate about riding and enjoy it as much as I do.  I love to show and I thrive on the progress and success of my students.  Cartier Farm's has had a very successful equestrian team, which was highlighted at the year end annual awards banquet in November 2008, and is looking forward to the 2009 show season! 

 If you have additional questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to email or call me.  Thank you for your interest in Cartier Farms.