.jpg)
Sam Geddes and Neo Jumping a brick wall at GRS 2009
English Riding is the most popular discipline of riding schools and show venues.
There are three main disciplines that are taught nation wide. These are Hunter/Jumper, Dressage and Eventing or Pony Club type of riding.Vanessa Gonyea has shown and trained in all three popular venues.
As a judge, Vanessa has judged and coached many riders from small riding schools to national show venues, in breed shows. The discipline of Hunter is based on the form and function of both horse and ride on the flat or over fences. Jumper is a speed trial event on the horse and riders ability to navigate through jumping obstacles. Both require different training and riding technique.
Vanessa has had the opportunity to take the General Performance judging course and examination in 2006, in which includes all of the Hunter/Jumper classes.
As a rider and coach Vanessa has trained her own mounts to Preliminary Eventing obstacles and taught students from the basics of Eventing to the Training Level of Competition. She has had the opportunity to train under several highly qualified coaches and Eventing riders including former Olympians.
As a trainer and coach, Vanessa uses all aspects of Dressage to create the balance of horse and rider, stamina and musculature. She has trained horses to third level movements and taught various levels of horses and riders in various levels of competition. She has had the opportunity to train under several highly qualify Dressage coaches, trainers and riders including Prix St. George and Grand Prix riders and Carded Judge.