About Chelsea
With over 40 years in the saddle and 25 of those professionally, Chelsea has a lifetime of experience in all aspects of the equine industry. While she is a H/J trainer in specialty, she has coached numerous riders and worked with their horses in multiple disciplines from the ground all the way to national championships. Whether you have the desire to compete intensively, or are a weekend warrior at the barn, she can tailor a program specifically to you, your horse, and your goals.
Riding Reimagined for Anyone, Anywhere
I began riding as a three year old toddler on a very hairy, incredibly rank pony in upstate New York, who promptly stood up in the middle of my first lesson, and the rest was history. My parents bought me my first horse when I was nine, a Saddlebred named George, who (despite his breed), under the watchful eye of my trainer, I ended up turning into a year end championship winning jumper.
I attended Hollins University in Virginia on a riding scholarship, and turned professional at 19. Since then I have both run and owned my own large scale operations all over the east coast, shown throughout the country, and have been blessed to have had incredible clients from all corners of the US, many of whom became like family.
The advantage to working in so many environments and facilities is that I can formulate a training program for anyone, whether you have an Olympic caliber arena, or you ride in a field, whether you have a six-figure import, or a rescued horse you got off the block for $500.
I started The Ride Lab in 2026 to be able to offer my services to riders who can't necessarily get to me in person, or have a trainer that can come to their farm. From groundwork skills to harmonious riding to the overall wellbeing of your horse, my goal isn't necessarily ribbons or points, it's the health and happiness of you and your equine partner, because nothing on the planet can top that relationship.
Get In TouchCoaching that Caters to You
I have yet to meet two horses that are precisely the same, just like I have yet to meet two people just alike, so a one-size-fits-all training strategy does not work in this industry. Who you are, who your horse is, and what your goals are will be unique and often fluid.
Whether you ride huntseat, dressage, or run barrels, every rider I know (including myself) needs eyes on the ground sometimes. What you perceive as bad behavior could actually be physical discomfort. What you imagine is lameness in your horse, or a positional error in yourself, could be completely fitness related on both accounts. Issues you are trying to tackle in the saddle could be better and more safely corrected from the ground.
The success in your riding is all in the details, and there's a lot of details! Fortunately with today's technology, distance is no longer an issue. I take time to truly get to know you and your mount, your history both independently and together, and match that moving forward with a program completely customized to your goals.
And let's not forget this is supposed to be fun! Horses as well as humans perform best when they enjoy the tasks that are presented to them, so keeping things engaging and interesting are top priority in my lessons. Let's have fun together!
“Centered riders understand the harmonious relationship between knowledge and achievement. They’re active participants in their own education, reading the writings of masters, observing other riders, and seizing opportunities to train with someone good.”
Douglas Puterbaugh