mission - Gray Friesian Farm

MISSION:
Our beliefs are deeply rooted in the
Our family-run training and boarding
facility has evolved from simply loving horses, riding and the outdoors
to an accredited dressage barn in
Fairfield County with year-round
riding facilities and well-cared-for,
happy horses.
My name is Kirsten Gray and I came
to the US from Germany in 1992.
I started riding when was five years
old, and since 1990 focused on
dressage. In 1988 I became a Certified Therapeutic Sports Instructor, which included riding (having
taught MS and autistic riders among
others). Until my move to the US in
1992 I taught several Breast Cancer
and Heart groups a week. In 2000
I also completed my Bronze
Achenbach Driving Certification in
Germany.
German philosophie that horses need
to be horses – they need to interact
(herd animals), they need to be outside
as much as possible (roaming), they
need to be worked consistently,
and every horse needs to have a
basic understanding of everything:
balance, jumping, trail and showing.
Since then I have trained with
Dressage trainers Lisa Schmidt,
Sabine Schut-Kery and Lendon
Gray among others. In 2012 I
started training consistently with
David Collins, author of the book
‘Dressage Masters’.
My philosophy around horses
is deeply rooted in my German
heritage and the pragmatic approach
to keep the horses natural environment intact as much as possible,
but to help where they need help.
Our horse’s friendly and respectful way of loving people proves me
right every day.
GRAY FRIESIAN FARM, LLC
145 Eden Hill Road
Easton, CT 06612
P: (203) 459-1962
grayfriesianfarm@aol.com
www.grayfriesianfarm.com
GRAY FRIESIAN FARM, LLC
www.grayfriesianfarm.com
OUR FACILITY
Located on the Newtown/Monroe/Redding/Easton border we
offer easy access from Rt. 15, 25 and Interstates 95 and 84.
Our beautiful 37 acre property borders open space and offers full
day turnout in flex paddocks or 24/7 turnout in paddocks with
run-in sheds.
Our facility features:
• B
rand New 9-Stall Barn, bright
and airy, with wide aisle way
• 9 12’ x 12’ matted, well ventilated
stalls with outdoor view
• 80’ x 135’ Lightened,
Fenced Outdoor Riding Ring
• 100’ x 200’ Event Outdoor Ring
• 60’ x 120’ Bright Coverall
Indoor Arena
• 70’ Round Pen
• Tack Room
• Washstall
• Seasonal optional grass turnout
(extra charge for boarders)
• Well groomed trails including
Cavaletti trail on property
BOARDING
We offer boarding to all disciplines. Boarder horses are outside as
much as they desire. Our brand new 9-stall barn offers equine and
rider comfort. Our 9 bright, 12 x 12 matted stalls with window
keep your horse comfortable, yet connected with outside activity.
We offer paddock turnout and optional grass turnout from
May–October (extra charge). All amenities and use of facility and
on-property trails and our quality lesson and training program is
available. Trails on and off the property invite you to enjoy the
country side all the way to Huntington State Park.
From top left to right; photos 4, 8, 9 © Susan Pszenitzki
LESSONS
Our lesson program is individually tailored towards rider’s and
horse’s needs. Our individual attention to each rider’s needs is our
strength: we mainly focus on private lessons, but semi-privates are
possible depending on the fit.
Our firm belief is that DRESSAGE IS FOR THE HORSE, NOT
THE HORSE FOR THE DRESSAGE. In that sense we teach in
a ‘cause & effect’ type of way in analyzing situations and problem
solving. We teach about the horse’s individual need and mostly the
rider’s correctness of the aids and balance.
CLINICS
Internationally accredited clinicians visit our barn every year and give
riders in the area the opportunity to learn in a relaxed environment.
HORSE TRAINING
Our positive re-enforcement approach is appreciated by our
clients and their horses. Our clients understand that good things
take time, and the basics are of the most importance. Join-up,
Natural Horseman Techniques, Lunging, Ground Driving, Carriage
Driving, Work In Hand as well as trail riding are part of our training
approach. With a structured, yet individualized approach, our horses turn out to be responsive and people oriented partners. We only
accept horses in training with the owner’s undivided involvement.
We also encourage horse owners to be realistic about training time,
and — in the horse’s interest — do not accept horses for backing
under 3 ½ years of age.
SHOWS
We travel to selected shows in the area. Show coaching, grooming
and transportation are available. Our lesson and lease riders do have
OUR HORSES
Our lesson horses know their job. However, we do encourage them
to be ‘horses’ and not become dull. We take them on trail rides and
to the beach to clear their heads from ring work. This also ensures
that the riders work on the relationship and communication with
their lesson horse, not just “sitting on” a horse. We ride our lesson
horses frequently to ensure progress, and our quality care (rotational
de-worming, immunizations, teeth and hoof care and fitted, quality
riding equipment) provides a quality riding environment for all.
LEASES & FLEX-LEASES
We tailor our lease programs to our interested riders in
combination with lessons. ‘Chemistry’ and skill level are guiding us
when selecting a lease horse for our clients. we now offer a ‘FlexLease’ program, which makes a lease situation fit ANY budget!
Please request the information sheet at grayfriesianfarm@aol.com
Regular clinicians include: Lisa Schmidt, Fie Anderson & Lendon Gray.
CROSS TRAINING/TRAIL CLASS:
While we are NOT a jumper barn, we do teach basic hunt seat and
have group sessions we call CROSS TRAINING, in which we teach
dressage principles to improve technique over small jumps. We also
have a cavaletti trail on our on-property trail system.
the option of participating in local shows on GFF horses.
EXHIBITIONS/PARADES
Look for us at the Easton Memorial Day Parade every year!
KIDS
Lessons - We offer private or semi-private, full or half hour, lessons for
kids. Our lesson approach is to provide a safe, fun learning environment.
Vaulting - Gymnastics on the horse is a balance and confidence building group activity at our farm. Moms have been known to participate—it is this much fun! This activity is recommended for the very
young (4-8) as their hips are still developing, and the older kids who
are beginners, or even intermediates who wish to improve balance
and have fun in the process. Sundays 3-4:30 p.m., drop in class.
Summer Camp - We offer a summer program full of information, riding and fun to kids from 6-14. Aside from twice/day
personalized riding instruction the kids participate in water fun, art
activities, grooming and learning. On occasion the vet or farrier will
visit and teach us. Please e-mail or call early to ensure a slot! We only
offer this program to 10–12 kids per session!
Horse LAX: Our Lacrosse / Riding program is run by Leeland Gray,
local RELAX coach and Gray Friesian Farm. The morning LAX program focusses on Lacrosse fundamentals, and after lunch at the barn
the kids proceed with scheduled riding lessons. Throughout the day
they are supervised and help with barn chores and grooming in their
downtime. For dates please check our website.