Our teaching and training philosophy
At Paard Hill Farms we offer lessons in hunters, equitation, and dressage. Our professional and experienced trainers teach all levels and abilities of riders – from the first timer to the seasoned competitor. We also offer a program for riders with disabilities.

Our lesson program is unique in that we start from the ground up. That is, we start on the ground, teaching the aspiring equestrian how to halter and safely lead a horse out of its stall. Beginners learn how to groom and tack up, thus encouraging the bond between horse and rider. We believe horsemanship is more than just riding: it’s caring about all aspects of the horse and learning how to communicate with the horse in a language the horse understands.

There is no substitute or shortcut for learning effective technique, so rather than relying on gadgets to make the horse do what we want, we teach riding skills. From the very first lesson, our students are taught the correct leg, seat, upper body, and hand positions. Once a good foundation is established more challenging work, such as jumping or advanced dressage movements can be taught.

Our Instructors

Dressage

Diane Rodich is our resident dressage trainer. She has been teaching and training horses and riders from the beginning levels through the FEI levels for the past 20 years. She is a Certified Dressage Instructor with the United States Dressage Federation and the American Riding Instructor Association.

Diane enjoys teaching and finds great reward in helping her students communicate with their horses and ride effectively. She follows the classical system of dressage training in her teaching and utilizes her skill and understanding of the biomechanics of horse and rider to help her students ride in harmony with their horses.

Diane earned her USDF bronze and silver medals, and has won numerous year-end awards through Intermediarre I with scores consistently in the upper 60’s. She studied with many well-respected dressage trainers throughout the country and in Europe. In 2006 she spent 6 months living and training in Germany with international coach Conrad Schumacher. Diane currently trains with Ashley Holzer whenever their busy schedules allow, and is preparing her Holsteiner gelding, Casa Quo, for Grand Prix competition.

In addition to teaching and training horses and students, Diane imports top quality dressage horses for all levels of riders. New horses for sale are always arriving at the barn.

For more information about the horses Diane currently has for sale please visit her website at www.topclassdressage.com.


Equitation and Jumping

With 35 years of training and teaching experience, Gina Neilson is a highly skilled and expert horsewoman. She is a passionate, engaging, gifted instructor. Her lessons are fun yet structured and very informative. Under Gina’s coaching, many riders have qualified and won numerous local and Regional Championships. In the fall of 2006 Gina co-trained 5 students who qualified for the Medal and Maclay Finals.

Gina began riding when she was 6 years old. She competed successfully for many years on the hunter/jumper circuit and in eventing before deciding to focus primarily on dressage. Gina trained extensively with such greats as Gloria Fiori, Gordon Wright, Raul de Leon, Gunner Ostergaard, Tad Coffin, and Bert De Nemethy (Coach of the U.S. Equestrian Team for 25 years). A popular and sought-after instructor, Gina stopped riding competitively several years ago to devote herself to teaching.

In addition to teaching, Gina loves working with young horses, bringing them carefully along so they enjoy their work and reach their potential. She is also skilled in dealing with problem horses. With her gentle and consistent methods, horses quickly learn to trust her and are willing to give up their resistances and become willing partners.

Gina joined the teaching staff at Paard Hill Farms in July 2006. We are very proud and honored to have her with us.


Therapeutic Riding

Elaine Cardillo has been a CHA Certified Riding Instructor since 2003. She has served as an equestrian coach for the Special Olympics and earned Certification Status through the Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association (EAGALA). An avid student of Natural Horsemanship for many years, Elaine passionately shares her knowledge of horse behavior with her students, creating a unique and trusting bond between horse and rider. Her lessons often incorporate ground work where the student communicates to the horse using body language to promote dexterity, motor skills, and confidence.