Training

Hearthstone Equestrian Center offers premier dressage training to our boarders through FEI level. For information on training programs, please contact one of our trainers.

Siri Bezdicek

Siri began riding at age 5, and since Siri’s mother was a successful F.E.I. dressage competitor, horses and dressage were a constant in her life. As Siri matured, she explored other equestrian disciplines, including jumping, hunters, reining, and even dabbled in ranch horse work. However, Siri’s passion for dressage always pulled her back. She is a USDF Silver Medalist and has enjoyed training and teaching dressage horses and riders for over a decade. In addition to her own success in the show ring, Siri has helped her students achieve success as well, in both schooling and recognized shows.

Like all of us, Siri knows dressage can be a humbling sport but believes nothing in the world can beat those “got it!!” moments. That instant when -for a stride or a circle- it comes together and you can feel it; when it all makes sense. As an instructor, Siri looks to bring this same experience to her students. For Siri, that moment when her student “gets it” and she sees the excitement shining from their eyes is as good as experiencing it herself.

In the end, Siri’s passion is more than just dressage. It’s about horses- being in their company, getting to know their individual personalities, and seeing how proud they are after a good lesson. Siri likes to work with all breeds and has experience with Arabians, Thoroughbreds, Friesians, Quarter Horses, warm bloods, and crosses.

For more information, you can visit her website, www.dressagedreams.net or her facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dressagedreamstx.

Katie Bortel

Katie Bortel is a fourth-generation horsewoman as well as a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist with competition experience through Intermediare. She works with all breeds of horses and riders from the earliest stages to FEI and believes in using the foundations of classical dressage combined with biomechanics to shape mentally and physically sound partnerships.  Though her students have shown through the national levels, Katie gladly welcomes riders who prefer to pursue their journey outside of the show ring. In short, a happy sound horse and a happy rider is her ultimate goal, whether that includes going down centerline at Grand Prix or having an enjoyable hack on the trail.

Katie takes a “whole horse” approach to training, working closely with her owners and a team of exceptional professionals to ensure each animal is healthy and happy both in and out of work.  She feels strongly that we should always listen to our horses and pay close attention when they express discomfort or concern – an experienced team of vets, farriers, saddle fitters, and body workers is crucial to keeping our equine partners fit and trusting in their work.  Additionally, Katie encourages her human students to stay mentally and physically fit both in and out of the saddle.

Katie built her program to welcome all who are interested in dressage as a path to develop a better relationship with their equine partners. She also periodically has lesson horses available within her program.  If you are looking for an inclusive and supportive training environment where you and your horse can shine, you can find more information at Katie’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kbequestrians

Andrea Hart

Andrea Hart is a trainer and instructor at Hearthstone Riding Stables. She has a lifetime of riding behind her. She has earned her USDF Bronze and Silver medals and looks forward to earning her USDF Gold medal. She and her 7 year old Oldenburg mare Winterfair have placed at the regional and national levels including 2nd Level Freestyle Open Champions at the 2014 Region 9 Great American and South West Dressage Championships, and 7th in the nation in Second Level Freestyle at the 2014 Nationals in Lexington, Kentucky November 6-11, 2014.

Andrea takes advantage of numerous continuing education opportunities including annual trips to Florida for the FEI Trainer’s conference. She also had the honor of being selected to ride in the USEF Young Horse Clinics with Scott Hassler two years running.

For over a decade, Andrea has trained both horses and riders for the dressage ring. She works with Adult Amateurs, Junior Riders, and Young Riders at all levels. Her students are consistently in the ribbons. Her teaching philosophy focuses on safe and harmonious connection between horse and rider. For more information including the most recent accomplishments of Andrea and her students, look at her website www.rightstartdressage.com or visit her facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rightstartdressage/.

Rebekah Wesatzke

Rebekah Wesatzke is a Dressage Coach and Trainer with over 30 years of experience.  Rebekah has trained and competed successfully to the Grand Prix level of dressage having brought along her own horse G-Sharp from a 3 year old gangly giant to a competitive horse that has had Regional championship wins at Grand Prix to go on to compete at the Nationals for Dressage in Kentucky where they were able to secure a 7th place win at Grand Prix Freestyle. 

Rebekah has helped others achieve their goals such as competing at National levels with placings in the top 10, and coached another of her students to USDF Small Horse Champion at Prix St George.  Rebekah has brought several horses to the FEI levels from Training level.  She is happy to work with all breeds of horses, and has a strong commitment to helping riders learn to train and ride their own horses.  Feel free to reach out to Rebekah anytime for availability in her coaching program; she is always interested in helping where she can.

For more information about Rebekah, you can visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Wesatzkedressage.

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