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!
Andrea Noer is the Barn Manager at the Horse Center and has been teaching students of all levels for over 15 years. Andrea is active on the Maryland horse show circuit and has brought her students to shows at the local, regional, and national levels, including multiple appearances at United States Equestrian Federation Pony Finals, the Capital Challenge Horse Show, and Maryland Horse Show Association Finals.
Andrea’s approach to teaching riders and training horses emphasizes positive relationship building. Andrea believes that thoughtful riding comes from a firm understanding of horse behavior and how the rider influences the horse’s performance. She uses her in-depth knowledge of equine science to develop her students into well-rou
nded horse people, as well as accomplished riders.
Andrea has a herd of her own and is dedicated to building her students’ love of horses for years to come. She is committed to the success of her students and is excited to bring along a new group of riders.
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.
