Training and Instruction

A well trained horse is supple and balanced

Training of a horse is a lifetime endeavor, but we begin in one-month increments. We are dedicated to providing quiet, systematic training regardless of the level of the horse. Training is organized to include Dressage, gymnastic and stadium jumping, Cross Country schooling and conditioning. Dressage is the foundation because it develops a horse that is obedient and rideable. The rider achieves what he wants to do with little exertion and with the greatest consideration for the horse. Correct flat work develops muscular strength, flexibility and supple joints in the horse, allowing him to carry his rider with elegance and grace.

Training problem horses

We specialize in undoing the damage and retraining through consistency and patience. We believe that all horses should be started in combined training. Then, as the horse develops, specialty can be determined.

Starting and Backing

This process employs some round pen techniques but without the pen. Horses are handled gently, but firmly. Once personal rapport is established in hand, backing is accomplished without trauma to your horse.

TARA BOWLES
Director of the ORC • Trainer • Instructor • 4-h Leader

Tara grew up with horses; her parents founded Oxbow in 1959 and started the 4-h club in 1963. As a junior rider, Tara competed in the Hunt Seat, Hunter and Junior Jumper divisions, as well as Fox Hunting and trail riding. She discovered the excitement of eventing in the late ’70’s and competed through preliminary with two of her horses: Rambunctious and Romeo. Desiring to improve her dressage scores, Tara first went to Cathy Morelli for lessons in 1994 and has been with her ever since. Tara earned an A.A. degree from Centenary College and is a graduate of the Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting. Tara holds USEF licenses as a Dressage and Eventing technical delegate and as an Eventing judge. She is also currently the president of eastern states Dressage and Combined Training Association. Tara competes her Oldenburg mare, Coramie in Dressage, currently working at second level.

 

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Bryanna Dickinson
Barrel Racing • Horse Trainer • Instructor

Bryanna grew up with horses and started riding at the age of two years. Her career began in English Lead-Line, English Hunter, and then moved into Junior Jumpers, which she continued to compete for many years, and was very successful. She went to a rodeo, a light went on in her head, and she knew her riding career was about to change.

Bryanna is a nine-time NBHA World Championship Barrel Racing Qualifier on a horse that Bryanna trained herself. She is the owner of Dickinson Sales & Training LLC, where she provides lessons to many riders of all ages and riding levels. As an instructor, she is very passionate and driven to teach her students to be the very best while traching the fundamentals and meeting their personal goals.

Bryanna also offers horse training programs that are individualized. Your horse simply will not be pushed/rushed through a program just to get the job done. When a horse graduates from her program, he/she will be confident, fit, healthy, and relaxed about his/her job.

For more information about Bryanna Dickinson, see her web page by clicking here.

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Client Testimonials

Interested in working with us? Check out some of our client testimonials below!

The reason I’m emailing, aside from saying hi and that I hope you’re doing well, is because with my return to riding a lot of memories of Oxbow have been resurfacing. I wanted to say that I am so grateful for everything you did for me throughout my time at Oxbow. The experience was one of the most defining elements of my life. I attribute my overly zealous work ethic, my blunt/no-nonsense attitude, and my strong leadership skills entirely to the Saturday Program, 4-H, and regular lessons with you. The more experience I gain of the world, the more I realize that Oxbow was truly a unique and special place. You treated us like adults, held us to high standards, and yet allowed us to goof off and have fun. I loved everything about Oxbow and was so sad as things changed and friendships ended over time. But regardless of where we all are now – I wanted to just convey to you how appreciative I am for everything you did.

I keep trying to explain to my husband, Thomas, what my life was like on a daily basis at Oxbow. He was astonished that every week you’d create intricate speadsheets – The Schedule – for us to use throughout the day. There are so many things that, as a kid, I didn’t truly appreciate that you did to corral us all together but now I see the immense amount of work that it all took.”

Sophia Dean – former Saturday program “graduate”

“Thanks so much for having the girls and me to the dinner last night. It is always one of my favorite nights of the year. I love the team work that the Saturday program cultivates, and I love watching the girls recognize the growth they’ve made year to year. It is a one of a kind program, and I know exactly how much hard work it takes to pull it off. As always, it was a night of smiles and laughter in the midst of a very long and cold winter.

Good luck with the spring season and hope to see you at one of the shows this year. “

Marnie

“All of us from West Milford Equestrian Center were very happy with the organization, smooth running of the event and the great stall accommodations during the show. Each time any of us had a question, we were treated with respect and every question was answered thoroughly, politely and with a smile. We were even asked from time to time if there was anything we needed and were offered hay for our horses if needed and assistance when we were moving out on our way home.

The judge, Cheryl Ash, was a delight and since it was the first time I ever did a Fix A Test, I had no idea what to expect. What a treat!!! She was so engaging and her desire for each one of us to do our best and come away with something to work on to improve our horse and ourselves gives me the desire to ride for her again. I look forward to showing her my progress and how much her genuine desire to teach touched me. When ever it is offered, I will always take advantage of the Fix A Test.

Our group looks forward to your October 22 event and I am especially eyeing up your beginner cross country course. It looks like the perfect opportunity to have a bit of fun with my horses.”

Suzanne Wilt – West Milford Equestrian Center

“Over the past five to six years that I’ve been doing clinics at Oxbow, I have found the facility, management, the riding and the horses to continue to improve. There is an evolution to the standard of excellence that everyone at Oxbow is trying to achieve.”

Michael Page – Olympian hunt seat winner