Ford Dressage Testimonials
"I was referred to Laurie by my good friend Hope. Hope told me of the wonderful changes she was seeing in her horse Tisdale, as a result of Laurie riding him. I have a Trakehner gelding that I bought a year ago, and he has been virtually unable to canter. He is very off balance, and cannot collect at all.
Laurie has been working with us for only a few weeks, and the positive change is incredible. We have a lot of work to do, but Laurie immediately recognized where the trouble was, and put us on a program to improve all of our gaits. I can recommend Laurie without hesitation.
She is very encouraging and has a natural way of instilling confidence in both horse and rider." Laureen Bartfield
"I have known Laurie as a rider for 15 years. She was extremely successful as a hunter rider (rode for the College of Charleston) and has a very strong equitation basis. Her time learning 
the hunters taught her how to follow the horse's motion and keep horses relaxed and happy. She switched to dressage in the mid-90's, and has shown her talent with hot, sensitive green types as well as schoolmasters. She has a bravery and confidence that I envy." Valerie Swygert
"I just wanted to share a little about the work Laurie is doing with Tisdale, my eight year old Can Am Sport Horse. He's had a little dressage previously, fox hunted and lots of trail riding. Due to my knee surgery, I have been unable to ride him recently. I heard about Laurie and decided it would be a great opportunity to get him a little education.
Laurie started him off on the lunge, then moved up to some lateral work at the walk. Laurie is always kind and patient with him, even when he's a little less than cooperative. In just four sessions I'm seeing a nice rhythm at the trot and a greatly improved canter.
I am very pleased with the progress Laurie is making with him and am telling lots of my friends about Ford Dressage." Hope Griffis
"I have the great pleasure of having Attention living at my farm in Raleigh. With Attention, it was
great for Laurie to join our little barn family. Laurie has been working with my great horse, Hail Cesar, and me since her arrival at the farm about two months ago.
As a timid older rider, I believe that I have presented Laurie with more challenges than my horse has.
As a timid older rider, I believe that I have presented Laurie with more challenges than my horse has. Laurie has patiently worked with me on lots of basics and has been a tremendous help with my position and aids. The result of our fun sessions, has been tremendous improvement in my riding effectiveness. Laurie's kind and gentle approach has also greatly assisted in helping to strengthen the bond between my horse and me.
Also, I had the great privilege to take a lunge line lesson on Laurie's awesome horse, Attention recently. Again, as a timid rider, it was a bit of a stretch for me to work with a strange horse. It was quickly apparent though, that Attention was a willing babysitter. It was fabulous to actually feel his silky smooth canter transitions, and this opportunity provided me with the feeling that I want to develop with my own horse.
I look forward to more good times to come." Beth Ayers, Hidden Heaven Farm
"I met Laurie in the schooling ring while boarding at the same barn. I immediately noticed her great seat and skill. Later I asked about her background and knew of her success with her horse Attention. When I found out she gave lessons I signed up right away.
Our first lesson together things really clicked for both me and my horse. Laurie's ability to communicate concepts and answer complex questions simply is a tremendous help in moving my training forward.
Laurie is also amazing at training rides. My horse shows improvement after every ride she has done for us. I also enjoy her willingness to jump on my horse and show me how to perform a movement correctly and what to watch for.
Her pursuit of earning her Judges Card and her personal training goals illustrate the her commitment to the sport and virtue to never stop learning. I look forward to each ride with Laurie and going to the horse shows." Lisanne Roskam