Lessons are available with Elaine Cornell, who has 26 years of teaching experience. Offered are Private Dressage lessons, and private or small group basic jumping lessons. Many riders bring their own horses, but Benediction Farm is fortunate to have two kind, wonderfully trained school horses who both also jump. At times we will allow students to ride one of Elaine’s personal horses to get the feel of correct advanced work.

Elaine has competed in Western events, Hunter shows, Evented through Training Level, and Competed in Dressage through Prix St. Georges. She has started dozens of young horses, and brought several from foal to second-fourth levels in dressage.

Her main mentor for many years was Lowell Boomer of Lincoln, NE founder of USOF.  She has worked periodically with other instructors including Lazelle Knocke, Hilda Gurney, and Carol Lovell.  She presently works with Petra Heinrich of Nashville who comes to Benediction Farm every four to six weeks for clinics.

Teaching Philosophy

Elaine believes that knowing how to ride is not necessarily enough to be a good teacher, and has made a serious study of communicating effectively and tailoring instruction to the individual learning style and the needs of each student. She insists that correct seat and solid basics be mastered before moving to upper level “movements”. Longeing of the rider is an integral part of the lesson program, as is an understanding of biomechanics and the mind of the horse. Priority is put on helping the horse and rider become a team. She also believes that lessons should be fun!

Lesson Fees

Private Lesson - $35.00
(45 minutes)

Small Group Jumping Lesson - $25.00 each rider
(45 min., 2-3 riders)

Use of School Horse and Tack - $10.00