OWL CREEK EVENTING

LESSONS

Claire offers both private and group lessons at Brookstone, but will also travel to teach close to the farm as her schedule allows. We offer a limited selection of lesson horses on the farm, but most of her clientele own or lease horses. If you are interested in joining our lesson program, we require starting with private lessons. This allows time for you to get a feel for the teaching style, and gives Claire the time to assess the rider’s level and place them in an appropriate group, if that is desired. Claire’s assistant trainer, Grace Netter, specializes in the lower levels, and is usually who the newest riders will ride with at first to develop their skill base.

The best time of year to start riding with us is in June at our summer camps (see below), or by taking some assessment lessons through July. Claire sets the fall lesson schedule in early August, and that schedule stays in place through November, as weather allows. Once the fall show season is in full gear, it’s more difficult to add additional lessons to the schedule.

At Brookstone Farm, we are very proud of our small crew of lesson horses. We do not run a typical “lesson barn” type program and are very selective about our horses. We keep a variety of sizes and ability levels - from unflappable beginner-friendly citizens to competitive eventers through Beginner Novice. When riders are ready to progress past the basics, most begin to half or full lease our horses, or pursue purchasing one of their own.

Our half leasing program is specifically designed to offer a lite version of horse ownership, and to give riders access to quality horses they are able to compete and ride consistently.

leasinG

Most of our boarders are actively showing, both in local schooling shows, as well as traveling to larger, nationally recognized shows. If you don’t own a horse, leasing is a fantastic way to be involved. To travel with our show team, we require at least a half lease, as it’s important to develop a relationship with your mount, as well as a level of autonomy that will be needed out on a XC course. Due to the rigorous nature of three day eventing, we require our riders to be in the tack 2-3 times a week to show even at the lowest levels, this gives riders a chance to develop the necessary fitness for themselves and their horses.

CAMPS

Claire runs a very limited number of riding camps through the month of June. Some are show-prep camps, open to intermediate/advanced riders with the goal of honing their riding skills and acquiring new horse management skills. However, one or two weeks are geared toward new/occasional riders, and are open to kids of all ages and riding experience! These camps are always tons of fun, with a new theme every summer. If you are interested in learning more about our summer camp program, email Claire at claire.tyner@gmail.com

BOARDING

At Brookstone farm, we have a very close-knit, family atmosphere. We have 9 stalls, and offer very limited full care board. Because of our small size and busy lesson program, we usually have a waiting list for boarding. We give priority to those already in our lesson “family,” and very much suggest getting involved in the program through lessons or leasing a farm horse to see if we are a good fit!

The growth of our lease program has been our main focus in recent years, and we are very proud of the horses we have available!

SALES

Due to the limited space at Brookstone, Claire does not often take sale horses on consignment. Claire does a small sale business of horses she brings along slowly, usually about one a year. As a person who is really dedicated to the process of bringing horses along, it takes a lot of convincing and self-control to realize that she can’t keep every horse forever! She does love to help her own students find the right match when they are in the process of buying, and will serve as an agent for them. She also is able to use her network to help students sell their outgrown horses to find a new perfect person or new career. If you are looking for an amazing trainer who specializes in sales and consignment, check out Lauren Romanelli at Three Ring Farm.

SHOWING

At Brookstone, we LOVE to compete, and we find that showing gives riders very tangible goals and milestones as they continue to improve their riding. Our program doesn’t revolve totally around shows, but the group that travels to shows sure has a ton of fun doing it! We love to set up a great buffet table and cheer on the whole group. Eventing is a brutal sport in so many ways, but it has a very unique way of teaching resilience, the value of hard work, and humility. We tend to schedule one USEA recognized show/month, and during the spring & fall, we tend to fill up many of the other weekends with xc schooling, unrecognized events, local hunter/jumper shows, and even a hunter pace on occasion! Especially by including the local schooling shows, we try to include showing options in a variety of price points.