I started my journey in horse riding lessons about a year and a half ago. I met Dawn Bridges, at about the year mark. Let me just say that I have come so much farther in the half a year I had trained with her, than in the year before with my previous trainers. She really encourages you, and helps you meet your full potential.
Dawn cares about the well being of her students, and the horses. She has been the inspiration in my life and others and helps us to keep moving forward. She gives excellent riding lessons and helps each rider depending on their needs. She evaluates the riders ability and confidence, and works from there. Dawn excels in all the things I think are important in an instructor. You won’t regret working with her.
Sidney Schumaker
Virginia Beach

 I started riding under Dawn’s instruction a few months ago, and being completely new to horses I was a bit apprehensive. She has a wonderful approach to encourage even timid riders through and does a brilliant job breaking things down into easy to manage chunks. On top of being an amazing instructor, Dawn is also incredibly kind and easy to talk to! It’s not everyday that you find someone like this. ~ Alice Storm

My daughter began working with Dawn 7 months ago and we saw an immediate difference. My daughters balance, seat, and overall equitation had improved. Dawn has a very relaxed, gentle, funny, yet firm approach to teaching. She is very well versed in the well being of the horse as an athlete and animal. She comes with a wealth of experience both in the show ring and out.  ~ Trish

My 8-year-old daughter and I have been students of Dawn Bridges for two years. We came from another barn where the lesson program consisted of sitting on push button horses who were bomb proof and knew their jobs. In my first lesson with Dawn, I learned more than I had in the previous year. She is an endless source of information, always explaining the WHY behind her instruction. Her education is not limited to riding, but the entire horse. Dawn knows how to motivate her students at their individual levels. She provides the full experience of horsemanship, and is hands-on from grooming to her eagle eyes during the lesson. For every correction, she always finds something to compliment on the rider. For example, “Those are great shoulders, now just get your heels down”. My daughter and I would not be the confident riders we are today if not for Dawn’s instruction. ~Angela Luce, Sandy Creek NY

I rode with Dawn Marie for several months here just recently, and unfortunately had to stop due to finances/ college/ etc. She is AMAZING. Had me go from being stagnant, just jumping crossrails, to jumping 3 foot fences, and doing so safely. She pushed me to be the best that I could be, and was ever so patient. I have had instructors which will yell and get extremely frustrated, but she was never any of that. She helped me reach my goals which I never thought I could do, and I am so grateful. If you ever get the chance to ride with her, do so. ~ Krystle Rodrique, Virginia Beach

My daughter finds herself drawn to Dawn’s enthusiasm and unyielding dedication. Perhaps her greatest strength as a teacher and coach is that she believes her students are capable of achieving anything. Dawn provides the perfect balance of specific targeted feedback and encouragement to her students during and after her riding lessons. She takes the time to talk with them about their goals and aspirations. My daughter was interested in progressing her skill level so that she could eventually compete in equestrian events. Dawn assured my daughter that with hard work, continued skill improvement, confidence and dedication, she would be able to realize her goals (and she did).  We as parents, and my daughter as her student, trust her completely. ~ Robin and Scott Schumaker

I was an Event competition rider for many years.  I have just begun riding with Dawn on my own horse. I have not been able to ride for nearly three years, and was very apprehensive. Dawn has a very gentle approach with my fear of being in the saddle again, and a questioning attitude that brought me past my comfort level. I would recommend Dawn for any level rider at any stage in their riding career. ~ Patricia