There is no question about Harley Brown's achievements as a top international rider; his multiple successes speak for themselves. But what is not as easy to ascertain, is how exceptional Harley is as a horseman and a trainer.
I was nearly thirty when I took my first jumping lesson; until that time, I had never so much as posted the trot! Quickly falling in love with the sport, I immersed myself into the hunter/jumper discipline, even starting a boarding/training facility in 2001. Although I managed to get the job done as a rider, it wasn't until Harley came to train at our ranch that things began to rapidly change for me, both as an equestrian and business owner. Not blessed with an unlimited budget, I bought all of my horses fairly inexpensively: young and inexperienced 3-5 yr olds, and a couple of 7 yr olds that had been passed by. Harley worked with what I had. His ability to understand the mindset of the individual horse, adapt to their needs, and then train me accordingly was remarkable! He sees things many people miss and gets the most out of both the horse and rider. It is a true testament to Harley's talent that he was able to take me, a genuine novice on inexperienced mounts, to a 1.40 on all six of these horses. Competing at the top amateur level on the A circuit against some incredible horse/rider combinations, he coached me to several show championships on each mount over the years, culminating in 2008 as the High A/O Reserve Champion for the year (with just 10 weeks of shows). The difference between my abilities before and after his tutelage was astonishing! Sadly, circumstances in my life forced me to stop competing in 2009, but I have no doubt that Harley would have taken me to my first Grand Prix.
This kind of story is not exclusive to my experiences; I watched this happen time and time again for Harley with other students. Clients would come to our barn as average riders: training for years, but stuck at the same level. Within months, Harley would have them competing successfully in higher divisions: many at the top amateur level. He has a lot of passion for the sport and his students.
His wife Olivia also trains and rides, complementing the jumping with a solid flat work program. She is quit gifted at creating balance in the horse, assessing their weaknesses and building strength in their carriage to achieve optimal jumping condition. She has successfully coached many riders in Hunters and Equitation, having a great eye for the subtleties of position in both horse and rider.
I cannot say enough great things about Harley Brown Equestrian; it has truly been a family for me. It never seized to amaze me, the new and different things Harley pointed out in each of my lessons; the closer I got to the top, the more I realized how much I still had to learn. There is always room for growth, and this program will take you as far as you are willing to go! read more
