I have been teaching since 1994 and have very much enjoyed the journey.  I attend numerous continuing education workshops and conferences each year.  They include topics such as learning how to be a more effective teacher, learning more about specific challenges, learning more about horses, their care and training.

My qualifications and certifications:

1996 North American Riding for the Handicap Registered instructor

2002 Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Certified Horse Specialist

2002 & 2003 Attended Southern Maine Community College in their Behavioral Health Sciences Program

2004 Centered Riding Instructor Level I

2007 Parelli Level I

2008 Centered Riding Instructor Level II

2008 Bal-A-Vis-X Level I

2010 Bal-A-Vis-X Level II and Adaptive

Megan Porter

Megan has been a part of our farm family since 2005.  She came to us with years of personal experience showing and teaching.  In the past couple of years she has obtained her North American Riding for the Handicapped instructor certification and participated in numerous trainings and workshops.  We are glad to have her back teaching with us on a consistent basis.

Amber is my daughter and thus has been raised around and on horses her entire life.  She has attended and participated in numerous trainings, clinics and lessons.  Amber has shown at the local level and at Quarter horse regional shows.  She works very well with children and puts together a majority of our unmounted programs. 

2008 Parelli Level I

2010  Bal-A-Vis-X Levels I, II and Adaptive

Elizabeth Hopkins

Liz holds a degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education and works in the local school system as an Elementary Health and PE Teacher. She has been part of the farm family since 2008. Liz grew up riding hunt seat and rode in college for the University of Maine finishing 6th in the region in 2003 and 5th in 2004. Liz believes riding should be a partnership between horse, rider, and teacher. She also strives to teach students both the principles of riding and basic horse care. Her goal is to create students who have will have a life long love of horses.

2010
         Bal-A-Vis-X Level I, II and Adaptive 

Program Goals

It Takes Two Farm offers quality horsemanship, therapeutic and traditional, programs within a safe and enriching environment where sportsmanship, community, respect and responsibility are fostered.

Horsemanship involves all aspects of handling, caring for and riding horses.  By building a strong well-rounded foundation in each of these three skill areas, students gain a deeper understanding of these magnificent creatures, develop respect for them and create the meaningful bonds necessary for long term successful relationships between horse and rider.

Successful horse and rider relationships require patience, responsibility, discipline, perseverance and teamwork.  As these traits develop through horsemanship activities at It Takes Two Farm, they are sure to carry over to many other areas of the rider’s life.

About Our Lessons

Each lesson is structured to include time for grooming, handling, and riding.  Lessons are individualized based on a rider’s abilities, goals and learning style.  All lessons and activities take place in a non-competitive, friendly, and supportive environment which enables students to meet their potential void of pressure and without the fear of failing.

With the close supervision of our experienced and knowledgeable staff, riders are encouraged to stretch their limits, meet new challenges and take appropriate risks as they build a stronger sense of self and increase their confidence.

The indoor ring, the trails, and the classroom are all utilized for lessons.  Both English and western fundamentals are taught at It Takes Two Farm.  Bareback pads are used to train students to remain balanced and centered on the back of the horse without the assistance of a saddle. 

Students progress from flatwork to jumping as their readiness is observed and their interest dictates.  Lessons in safety, reading a horse’s body language, and appropriate behavior around horses are considered to be of utmost importance as the size and strength of these amazing animals must be recognized and respected.  In addition, un-mounted activities provide opportunities for students to hone skills and refine techniques without the added task of managing a horse.

All of the horses used for lessons are experienced, trusted, well trained school horses.  Beginning riders work with older, seasoned horses.  The older horses are quiet and welcoming and instill a sense of calm and confidence in even the newest and most timid students.

To meet the needs of more experienced riders, the farm utilizes horses that are trained to higher levels.  These horses are capable of challenging seasoned riders while maintaining a safe and appropriate level of activity.

Trail Riding Vs Arena Riding

The  arena offers the perfect environment for students to learn balance, steer, control a horse.  Obstacle courses provide students opportunities to steer through, halt and walk at appropriate times.

The trail challenges a rider’s balance as there is a need to re-balance with every step the horse takes.  Riders also have to focus and be more aware of their surroundings as there is no fence to contain them and their horse.  There are various activities placed along the trail for the riders to utilize.  These activities are for increasing their eye hand coordination, crossing the mid-line, developing gross motor skills, following directions and just have fun.  The trail also offers the harmony and beauty of outdoors, fresh air and possibly seeing our wildlife.