The Short Stirrup Riding Program is designed to put your child on a showing track, focusing on Hunter style competition. Our in-house trainers have a proven track record, both at local shows and at national competitions. More importantly, our approach to riding and horsemanship dovetails with Rock Creek’s approach to riding overall: we produce well-rounded equestrians who understand every aspect of riding and horse handling. We focus on the journey, as well as the destination. As your child progresses through the training program, there will be periodic opportunities to audit local competitions and events.
A one-hour trial lesson ($200) will give you and your child an opportunity to get a feel for our instruction program, discuss scheduling options with one of our in-house trainers, and discuss manageable benchmarks for your child’s successful endeavors moving forward. Please plan to attend your child’s trial lesson so that you may meet with the trainer. We look forward to working with you and your family!
Maggie Zinkel is an instructor and trainer at the Horse Center and has been riding and working with horses for over 25 years. Maggie has a long record of hunter/jumper showing in her home state of Michigan and has continued to compete on the Virginia and Maryland show circuits as a professional. In addition to regular showing, Maggie also served as president of the University of Michigan equestrian team where she earned an invitation to compete at the 2014 Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Championship Horse Show.
Maggie believes in a holistic approach to riding, emphasizing a strong foundation of horsemanship skills to supplement solid building blocks in the saddle. Maggie has had the opportunity to ride and train many different horses throughout her career, giving her the knowledge and breadth of experience to help students progress through the levels of riding safely and successfully.
Maggie had three horses growing up and knows firsthand the value of riding and working with horses from an early age. She is excited to share her expertise and looks forward to working with new students at all levels.
