Lessons

At St. Charles Farm, our instructors are experienced and accomplished in their respective fields. Riding lessons can be given on your horse or one of our professionally trained school horses.

You will find that St. Charles Farm is different from other school programs in the area. We believe that students should understand horses and horse care, and not just riding. Our beginner lessons focus on safety around horses and basic horsemanship and care. Once students have demonstrated success in the basics they are allowed to take more advanced lessons in jumping, eventing, showing etc.

English

We offer introductory English riding lessons through all levels of Hunter/Jumper competition. Our show team successfully competes in the NIHJA circuit as well as A and B level shows.

Western

Our Western riding lessons include Western Pleasure and Hunt Seat.

Training

Riding is a team sport. You have taken lessons and practiced, but what about your partner? How well trained is your horse? While we specialize in hunter/jumper training, we also offer a number of different training programs to fit any rider's/horse's needs. Please contact us to find out more about our training programs.

Natural Horsemanship

Natural horsemanship is the philosophy of working with horses by appealing to their instincts and herd instincts. It involves communication techniques derived from wild horse observation in order to build a partnership that closely resembles the relationships that exist between horses. Natural Horsemanship provides a solid foundation for any discipline. It changes the horse/human relationship through communication and understanding of horse behavior and psychology. .

Our Instructors

Ashley Ratay-

Hunter/Jumper, Western Pleasure, Training, Colt Starting

Stephanie Schwabe

Natural Horsemanship, Colt Starting, Training, Confidence Building, Trailer Loading

Stephanie has over seventeen years of experience with horses. She has successfully competed in A Circuit level Hunter/Jumper Shows. She is now currently studying at Level 4 in the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program. She attended a four week Fast Track Course at Parelli's Colorado campus in August 2011. Waiting to attend the externship program at Parelli University to become a Parelli Professional in 2012. Stephanie has attended multiple Parelli clinics including Levels 1-4 and Game of Contact. Stephanie consistently attends lessons and clinics with her horse to improve and stay current with new information. She believes in strong and solid foundation without force and without compromising the relationship. Using psychology and understanding natural horse behavior Stephanie can help you achieve your dreams with horses.

Natural Horsemanship benefits all horses and riders of any discipline. If your having issues anywhere from bridling or picking feet to riding and maneuvers Stephanie can help. Instead of a 'quick fix' that will only last for a short time before you need to 'fix' it again, you can work together and find the root of the issue.

If you love horses but have had a bad experience Stephanie can help you build your confidence without pressure. Your lessons would consist of horse behavior, communication and leadership skills to help you better understand the horse. Your lessons would progress at a speed you are comfortable with.

Find her on Facebook & YouTube

Nikki Peterson

Eventing, Hunter/Jumper, Jumpers

I've been riding over 20 years now started as a 5 year old riding lesson horses and leasing horses until I was 9. My parents finally agreed it was time to buy and I then joined the United States Pony Club in Wayne, IL. Pony Club allowed me to show from 9 years of age to 23 years of age in the Dressage, Eventing, and Show Jumping disciplines. Pony Club competitive rallies provide an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in an atmosphere of cooperation, fun and teamwork. A competitive rally allows Pony Club members to test their skills against others. In addition, rallies are educational experiences that expose participants to new ideas and ways of doing things. Along with "Rallies" I was able to go to many clinics 2 or 3 mounted clinics annually as well as many unmounted clinics to learn horsemanship. After becoming a C-2 at 17 years old I went to Louisville, KY to be a working student from June - August for a Rolex, International Three Day Event winner. Riding, Showing working, and living on the farm was a great experience I wouldn't have traded for anything! I chose to go back to Kentucky one again the next summer before my first year in college. The second 3 month stay I had I was introduced to the A circuit in Lexington, KY which still till today is my favorite discipline. After returning home I received my C-3 rating and continued to showing in the A, B, and the NIHJA Circuits through the years while teaching Hunter/Jumper lessons as well as buying and selling horses. I watch my students grow physically, bond with their favorite horse, gain confidence, and become confident equestrians as well as a life long team

Megan Roche
Dressage, Eventing

Megan’s infatuation and love for horses began at a very early age. She started riding in 1983 at the age of seven. She learned the fundamentals of horse care, and developed skills and techniques in jumping and dressage. By the age of 11, she owned a five-year old Thoroughbred mare and was a member of St. James Pony Club, one of the top junior equestrian clubs in the world. This was the time in her life where she developed a very special bond between herself and her horse. A moment in her life when she knew she had something special inside to offer and share with others. This was one of the most memorable and unique experiences in her life! Her enthusiasm to succeed in eventing and dressage inspires her to continue training and competing through the many levels of these equestrian disciplines.

Megan teaches communication between horse/rider through systematic training techniques while maintaining the horse’s natural ability. She strongly believes in the use of aides of the rider through the body to build a solid foundation and trust between horse/rider. The foundation of her teaching and training style encourages the rider to understand basic animal psychology through the development of training horses, their obedience, and sense of security. She provides effective fundamental riding skills and safety precautions to help the progression of “dressage over fences”. She sets goals with her students and encourages them to compete within a desired equestrian discipline.

Megan is a member of USEA (United States Eventing Association), the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), the USDF (United States Dressage Federation), and the IDCTA (Illinois Dressage Combined Training Association).

Additional Trainers: Ralph Bergquist & Sheila Morris