Busy Times at Northfield Farm, Otego, New York
by Nikki Alvin-Smith

Owner/trainer of Northfield Farm Anneliese Gilchrist and Barn Manager Cheryl Parisian have enjoyed a busy Spring at Northfield Farm beginning with a British Dressage Clinic with Grand Prix trainers Paul and Nikki Alvin-Smith in March. Sixteen riders of a variety of ages and riding backgrounds participated some riding both days of the weekend and from up to three hours away.

The Most Improved Rider/Horse Combo from each day was awarded a $100 gift certificate to TheHorseStudio.com online tack shop. The winners were Tish Roach on day one and the youngest ridert here, Amaya Gilchrist and Cheryl Parisian split the certificate for day two.

Cecilia Campala, Hartwick College I.H.S.A. rider reported that the next day her coach said she had never seen Cecilia's horse go so well and asked what had she done differently. Cecilia explained she had participated in a dressage clinic the day before and that was the reason for the improvement. Which goes to show that hunter/jumper riders can certainly improve their flatwork with some diligent dressage input.

"It is wonderful to see the progress of all the riders each time we visit. You can clearly see that Anneliese and Cheryl's students are happy and learning well and making steady progress. I love to work with dressage riders and riders from all disciplines truly benefit from great foundation work in dressage. The IHSA riders that partiipated did a grand job. When I see a rider/horse combo leave the ring with that happy smile and their horse relaxed, forward and proud of itself, I know the teamwork between all of us has paid off. I enjoy supporting trainers with their students, and helping them unlock keys to reach their most potential. The atmosphere at Northfield is one of positive energy and collaborative attitudes. I would highly recommend it as a training/boarding location," said clinician Paul Alvin-Smith.

Northfield Farm has welcomed many new faces to their lesson program and with their great range of horses to choose from there is something to suit everyone no matter whether you are a complete beginner, or a more advanced rider. Basic Western riding, dressage and jumping are offered through their lesson programs and there is also an opportunity to board and utilize their big indoor ring and range of trails if you are looking for a good option to put your horse at livery. Northfield farm currently have a few stalls available for boarding.

The facility boasts an expansive indoor arena, heated wash stall, heated viewing lounge and plenty of trails and turnout. Northfield also hosts regular clinics and events in a friendly and professional atmosphere.

As a host location for both an IEA team and the Athelas Therapeautic Riding Program there is always plenty to keep Anneliese busy. Other plans include the extension of her horse breeding program. Anneliese was so pleased with NF Draco, her colt resulting from the breeding of her ISR mare to Don de Marco, she plans to repeat the breeding this season.

Anneliese also takes horses in training for a very reasonable fee and is currently working with some Friesian youngsters teaching them their A, B, C’s.

There is also an opportunity to get out and show with the Northfield Farm Team. Anneliese will be debuting her horse Mo at Third Level this season beginning with the ENDYCTA Dressage Days show Memorial Day Weekend, and Cheryl Parisian will also be competing riding Addy. Additionally younger members of the team will be competing at Tanglewood Farm in Jamestown, NY including up and coming younger riders Kate Seery and Amaya Gilchrist.

In addition to their busy schedule of lessons and training program, Northfield Farm will also host their popular Summer Camp Program this summer. Please contact them via their website at NorthfieldFarmLLC.com or see below for details on the flyer.