The
Riding Instructor Sheryl Jordan and 'Angus'
CPR &
First Aid Certified
Student
Testimonials | PDF File of Lakefront
Article on Sheryl
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Philosophy
As an instructor, I strive to
go beyond the basic “mechanics” and proper “position”
of riding. My goal is to teach on a deeper level of understanding
– of both the horse’s subtle nuances of body
language and the effect the riders body and frame of mind
has on the horse. Emphasis is placed on safety, synergy,
clear communication and quality horsemanship. These things,
brought together with proper breathing techniques, positive
energy, balance and centering of horse and rider, are
what makes the two become one. These qualities, once understood
and perfected, can teach one things beneficial not only
to horse and rider, but applicable to all aspects of life.
I strongly believe in being open minded, insatiable for
knowledge and wisdom, as patient and observant of our
horses as they are with us, and that accomplished riding
incorporates emotional, spiritual, mental and physical
ability. As a teacher, I hope to guide you in the exploration
that “The pursuit of understanding the horse and
what he can teach us is a lifelong journey…Along
the way, we become Kindred Spirits…”
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Experience
I have over thirty years of experience
working with horses, showing on the local level and teaching
riding lessons to students of all ages, styles and levels.
I previously worked on a Quarter Horse breeding farm, have
managed boarding and hunter/event stables, and was a professional
whip for the Warrenton Hunt in Virginia. I also hunted with
the Blue Ridge Hunt for five years. I have studied and attended
clinics in Centered Riding, Natural Horsemanship, Single
& Team Driving and Letha Yoga. I have also conducted
my own clinics in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and I am a
leader in the Garrett Hoofprints 4-H club. I was the Director
of the Equestrian Center at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
& Spa for more than ten years and was named “Manager
of the Year” in 1999. Under my direction, the American
Riding Instructor’s Association in 1999 named our top
school horse, “Dancer”, “School Horse of
the Year”. In addition, under my management, the stable
was consistently voted #1 in the Herald-Standard’s
Community Choice Awards. |
“How
very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!”
~Psalm 133:1
| Certifications |
| American Riding
Instructors Association |
- Level II - Dressage & Hunt Seat
- Level III - Recreational Riding, Stable Management
& Stock Seat
|
The
American Riding Instructor’s Association was established
in 1984 to recognize and certify outstanding teachers of
horseback riding who instruct their students in a safe,
knowledgeable and professional manner.
Certification is meant for the serious, above average instructor
who teaches safely and in a professional, competent manner
and who has high standards of honesty and integrity. ARIA
Certified Instructors have nationally recognized professional
credentials. |
| Certified Horsemanship
Association |
- Level II Instructor – English, Western &
Overnight Pack Trip Guide (Previously certified through
2004 and currently a member.)
|
CHA
was founded in 1967 by camp directors and riding instructors
to promote safety, education, and higher standards of horsemanship
in summer camp and riding programs for children. The primary
focus of CHA is SAFETY. Good horse management, effective
programming and creative teaching methods which are appropriate
for children are stressed, and ways to keep the fun in riding
without sacrificing safety.
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Some Testimonials From My Students.
Morgan State Mens Mile Program Feedback
Dove Center Program Feedback
Recent Feedback from Kindred Spirits Clientele
and Community Members
I just wanted to tell you about a conversation I had with a lady at the Wisp today. I honestly cannot remember her name but as we were chatting she made mention of how her daughter was disappointed because she missed her horse-riding lesson this morning due to the time change. When I asked where she has lessons she said it was you. She went on to say how wonderful you are with her daughter who has a learning disability and how much this is doing for her. She said that the confidence her daughter is gaining through this experience is extending into other parts of her life as well. It was so cool to hear that and I wanted to pass it along to you. Your work is strong! Way to go! Have a great week! ~Ches
The work you endeavor to do is not an easy life, but I hope somehow that you can continue, as you are good at it and the horse community needs you. ~Sandy, Happyat Hill Horsery
Thanks for being such a great sport and letting us all achieve so much. I very much exceeded my expectations of the day – it was so great to canter and even – jump! – again. I know I will see you again soon. ~ Vicki
We will do all we can to support you. You have made such a big difference in Lane's life and outlook. We could never really repay you, but please know that we're in your corner all the way. Stay strong and confident. You've done amazing things already. I know there's more to come. Wishing you all the best in finding something better for your business. Remember, we are on your side, and will help in any way we can. Don't give up! You have a special gift for teaching about horses and about life.
All your stable "brats" and parents love you! All the best. ~Jeanne
I think I have a wonderful horse! We plan on the fun show and I can't wait for our lesson on Sunday. All this progress is thanks to you Sheryl, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. ~Yvonne
Thank you for taking time with us and making our time together special. We bonded nicely this week and you really helped it happen. I want to make it a goal to stick with riding and get back in shape. It is wonderful to see the progress the girls have made. Thank you for reaching out to them. They have a lot of respect for you. Good job! We had a wonderful conversation tonight and I don’t think we would have connected this much without your help. Again, thanks for helping us make our time together special. The girls have certainly enjoyed learning from you. Thanks for making a difference in their lives. ~ L.
Lane had a fantastic time on the trail ride yesterday. She couldn't wait to tell us all about the entire thing, especially meeting up with the deer. She was all smiles as she burst into the house, full of stories and very proud of the "stink" that emanated from her riding boots as she pulled them off.
You have made such a dramatic change in her life and personality. I hope you realize how much we treasure you and all you do with her. ~Jeanne
Your ability to love in spite of what someone has done is a quality to be admired. We all love you. ~Katie
Sheryl has gone way beyond the expectancies that one would have
for a riding instructor. From teaching me the basics of dressage
through being a mentor, she has guided and inspired my riding.
Not only did she teach me through my lessons, but she also went
beyond the riding instruction and helped me to tend and better
relate to my horse, Polaris. She was always there teaching me
about any needs Polaris had, whether they ranged from medical
needs to personal attention and was always there to provide
them when I couldn't be. Her gentle nature is a must for gaining
the oneness and comfort she has with horses and it is delivered
through her lessons to her students who now learn how to acquire
this same skill. In addition, Sheryl was always there, when
I needed her, to help prepare both my horse and me prior to
and during numerous competitions. ~Cortlyn
"I have known Sheryl for seven years, both as a trainer
and as a dear friend. I have organized several clinics at barns
in the Pittsburgh area and have invited my friends to take lessons
and share her wisdom. My friends always respond to these invitations
with enthusiasm, and all of us emerge from our time with Sheryl
with a deeper connection with our horses and a conspicuous joy.
I owe to Sheryl some of the most vital elements of my riding
and horsemanship -- the use of my "center", my breathing
and my seat, the ability to "feel," the ability to
send my horses forward with a positive and powerful energy,
the ability to read my horses' body language and to communicate
with them in language that they understand. Several months ago,
Sheryl even introduced me to the rope halter, and my off-track
Thoroughbred mare and I took to it so happily that we rarely
ride with a bridle and bit. Thanks to Sheryl's teaching, too,
my Belgian draft cross gelding and I rarely use a saddle when
we go out -- We much prefer to travel bareback. Because Sheryl
is so open to learning herself, and because she lacks the defensiveness
that one often sees in trainers, I have seen Sheryl's own understanding
of horsemanship develop over the years. Sheryl never pursued
a hard-nosed or coercive style of horsemanship, but like many
horsepeople, she was taught that in order to interact with a
horse safely and effectively, it was necessary to dominate the
horse, or to impose one's status as leader. In recent years,
Sheryl has discovered that, in fact, the horse himself bestows
leadership status, and that leadership is earned through the
myriad acts of kindness and consistency that inspire trust.
Sheryl is one of the most valuable members of the horse community
I have ever known, and I believe that it is time for her to
share her gifts with an even wider audience." ~Ann
Over the years I have had a few instructors, but Sheryl is
my favorite hands-down. In no time, she helped transform me
into a more confident and capable rider. My riding lesson was
always the highlight of my week. The love Sheryl has for both
her students and horses is easy to see. She has an ability to
develop a relationship with her students and bring out their
greatest potential. Today I have had success showing at both
the local and collegiate level, but I can honestly say I would
never be the rider I am without Sheryl's guidance. ~Haley
Sheryl has had a major impact on my riding and life. When I
started riding with Sheryl I was nervous to ride because of
previous accidents. Sheryl and Sugar taught me how to canter
and jump. They got me ready to move on to bigger mounts and
jumps. Sheryl is a kind instructor who listens when you are
scared. I would trust Sheryl with my life. Thanks to her I am
not afraid to ride and challenge myself. ~Jessie
My daughter Jessie started showing ponies at age 9. Unfortunately
she was thrown in every show and was beginning to develop some
fear issues. Luckily Sheryl took Jessie on as one of her students.
She started Jessie from the basics and developed her strong
seat and confidence. Today Jessie is a beautiful rider, riding
and jumping a variety of ponies with confidence and skill. I
truly believe that Jessie would not be the rider (if riding
at all) had it not been for Sheryl's knowledge, patience, and
kindness. Thank YOU Sheryl!!! ~Judy S.
To express the effect an individual has on another human is
a hard task. To relate the impact that Sheryl has had on our
daughter as a riding instructor is simple. Sheryl started instructing
our daughter at the age of six. She immediately instilled in
Alicia the importance of safety and respect. In the several
years of instruction that Alicia received from Sheryl, Alicia
grew into a confident, independent, determined, educated, and
loved young horsewoman. There is no doubt in my mind that Sheryl
not only has a wonderful gift with horses, she also has a FANTASTIC
way of teaching our children respect, and horsemanship.
Due to a recent relocation we are unable to utilize Sheryl's
instruction. It has been a profound loss. My daughter continues
with lessons, but the bond with her instructor lacks the strength,
understanding, and love that Sheryl gives!
Recently, Alicia attended a jumping clinic taught by Michael
Page, a renowned equestrian Olympian and trainer. He exclaimed
"whoever has instructed this child should be commended…her
hands are soft, her seat centered, her legs are perfect..."
At the conclusion of the clinic Alicia was invited to study
with Mr. Page in upstate New York, Yet we anxiously await the
day that Alicia can study with Sheryl again!!!! ~Ellen &
Ron
I have never taken a lesson from Sheryl, however I, as a photographer,
have observed her and her students for several years at the
local shows and some equestrian events. She is always smiling
and so are her students. Respect, friendship, and trust can
be seen on the faces of all of her students for Sheryl and on
the face of Sheryl for her students. I can always count on a
lovely picture of Sheryl, her students and horses. She is well
respected in the equestrian community here. ~Holly
I am proud to say that thanks to you- all of the horses now
come in like ladies and gentlemen – a little pressure on
the lead line was all that was needed if one of them started
to pull ahead. Thanks for such a great lesson today. The canter
was a complete surprise and I love that everytime you come we
have such a breakthrough moment! As usual, you really shed light
and healing wherever you go! ~Regan
I came to Sheryl having very little knowledge of horses and
the amount of care they require. My lessons were very positive
and a lot of fun. Sheryl has taught me not only to respect the
horses, but to respect myself as well. I always felt that I
had made a lot of progress with each lesson and she always let
me set my own pace. Sheryl has opened up a beautiful new world
of horses for me and I am very thankful for all she has done.
I recommend her very highly and I plan on taking many more lessons
in the future. ~Judy B.
I've known Sheryl long since before I had my first horse. She
used to give me lessons at Nemacolin on her champion lesson
horse. He was very good to me and so was she. In fact, they
were both far beyond "patient" - they were understanding,
empathetic, sympathetic and most of all, encouraging. It's probably
that same encouragement - and then some - that's helped bring
me and my love for horses to where I am today, some 8 years
later. Sheryl's encouragement over the years has somehow woven
itself around us both, and turned itself into a long lasting
friendship that we share now. She's definitely the kind of person
I want and need to have in my life.
~Judy H.
My daughter started taking horse lessons at the age of 6. Sheryl
took a real interest in her and groomed her to where she is
today. Sheryl teaches them from the ground up. Sheryl taught
her that no matter how small or big she was, she could do anything.
Sheryl's great attribute is being a constant positive reinforcement
for her students regardless of age. She teaches her students
to reach for the stars and that no dream is ever too large to
achieve. I would highly recommend Sheryl to any potential pony/horse
lesson hungry student. ~Rhonda
The horsemanship lessons not only are wonderful because they
allow people to spend time with such special animals, but they
enable people to learn about themselves, which ultimately benefits
their personal relationships as well as work relationships.
You are an excellent teacher because you make the learning environment
very comfortable and fun, yet challenging but not overwhelming.
You have tremendous talent to offer people--you'll go far in
your own business! ~Jan
I feel that your patience and compassion toward student and
horses fully help to aid the student development and the positive
encouragement during the lessons helps students to feel comfortable
trying new skills. ~Nancy
My interest, love and experience with horses are a direct result
of the training, dedication and inspiration of Sheryl as my
Riding Instructor. No one communicates or cares more with these
“angels on earth” as Sheryl. She is a gentle and caring
woman who personifies professionalism as a teacher. I am an
adult rider at the beginning level and she has more patience
than I could ever imagine. The welfare of her horses always
comes first and it is so amusing to watch these beautiful beasts
snort and whinny and their eyes light up when they see her.
Asked what her favorite sound was she would answer “The
sound of a horses hooves on the barn floor.” She is the
inspiration for my Equestrian experience and the reason for
my deep love of horses. ~Barbara
Even though I was only at Nemacolin for a brief period of time,
the lessons REALLY helped with my balance. I always knew I had
some kind of mystery issue, but I never knew exactly what it
was. You were quickly able to see that I was dropping my left
shoulder and collapsing my left hip. I still have that problem,
but am very aware of it and am constantly thinking about staying
balanced. ~Ronni
Sheryl has taught me to be a skillful and safe rider. She is
a very kind and patient instructor. Sheryl’s lessons are
fun and enjoyable! ~Lara
Sheryl has given my daughter the confidence and skills to be
an excellent rider. She is a trustworthy and kind person. As
an instructor she is diligent and talented. Safety is number
one and never compromised. We love her as an instructor and
a friend. ~Lisa
I gave the Equestrian experience to my niece, Geri as a birthday/Christmas
present with Sheryl. My mother, my niece and myself all had
a wonderful morning and learned quite a bit about horses. We
could not have hand picked a nicer, more patient and knowledgeable
person to instruct and guide us that morning. It is an experience
my niece will never forget and my mother and I will always remember
the smile on Geri’s face when she got to canter on Scout.
She has not stopped talking about the experience. ~Sherry
Sheryl…You’re a genius! I used the breathing technique
on Blitz and it worked great! I’ve been afraid to take
up the reins and ask for yielding, so we did some of that and
he is starting to bend with the leg and balance aids. Thanks
ever so much! ~ Laura
My son (age 11) had not ridden in a number of years but expressed
an interest in riding again. The last time he rode he was afraid
of cantering and riding bareback. We tried a one-hour lesson
with Sheryl and much to my delight I found that Sheryl made
substantial progress in making him comfortable. After several
lessons, Sheryl was able to get him to canter, ride bareback
and enjoy trail rides. Simply put, Sheryl is light years ahead
of a number of other riding instructors. I found that she took
a great deal of time in comforting and addressing any fears
that my son might have had and them gently pushed him to try
new things. Sheryl most certainly is the focal point of what
I believe is well-deserved praise in her teaching methods and
she is a treasure. She was worth the two-hour drive from Pittsburgh
for lessons. ~Raymond
I remember years ago when I took lessons from you on your horse
Eagle. You were only 16, but more like 20 and I was 67. I am
now 97 and still have fond memories of time with you, Eagle
and the riding lessons. ~Gwen
Many other trainers and horse people have complimented me on
my beautiful seat and soft hands. Through lessons and example,
my mother has not only taught me riding skills, but life lessons
as well. She has taught me to have compassion and respect for
all living things and how to treat other people and animals.
Most of all, my mother has taught me that riding is not just
something done with your body, but with your mind, emotions
and mostly your spirit. ~Angela
You do not know how thrilled and delighted I am to have received
your email and press-release on Kindred Spirits Horsemanship!
I am so very proud of you! You have worked long and hard, each
day building on your knowledge, awareness, and skills to culminate
in this day. I have no doubt that you will enjoy complete success.
You have such a gift, and you share it with the rest of us so
open-heartedly. My only regret is that I do not live closer
to you! Both New Orleans and Boston are just little too far
away to make a trip to Maryland…but if I could, I would.
I could truly use an injection of your vision and wisdom! But
please know that the lessons you gave me years ago are still
a part of my daily riding, and living, experience.
When I met you, I came with 20 plus years of riding experience,
owning and showing American Saddlebred Horses. I had competed
in national competition in Saddleseat Equitation, Show Pleasure
riding and driving, and Three-Gaited divisions. I was comfortable,
confident, well-trained, and naturally talented. I also cared
deeply for my horses, and wanted to do the best for them. Yet
I had a young, sensitive mare (my Alice) with whom I just could
not seem to “click”. She was trying so hard to please
me, and I was trying to do the right thing for her, but we were
just not connecting. You taught me thought processes, mental
images, breathing, and exercises that allowed me to relax and
communicate with Alice. Most importantly, you taught me to open
my mind and heart to accept Alice for who she is, celebrating
her unique talents and personality. We have not looked backward
since!
Sheryl, I truly believe that a rider of any skill and experience
level can benefit tremendously from your teaching. You look
at the relationship between horses and humans from a very elemental
and spiritual perspective. You know how to remove the fear and
complexity, create excitement, and infuse joy into the simple
act of riding a horse! Yet you also know how to fine-tune a
horse and rider for competition.
You have all of my love and best wishes for success. I look
forward to the day when (after a good lesson, of course!) we
can turn out along a path through the trees, talk about our
life issues, and feel the gentle movement of our horses beneath
us. I miss you! ~ Leslie
