All services are provided by or under the guidance of Leslye Shellam. Leslye is a knowledgeable horse owner, rider and instructor. She has trained with some of the best and most well-known riders and has been actively involved with horses for the last 37 years. This experience provides her with a unique combination of intuition, maturity and up-to-date techniques to help horse owners achieve their ultimate riding goals.

Initial focus on a strong balanced seat, the rider will be taught to communicate better with their horse and know when their horse is responding to clear aids. This helps eliminate misunderstandings that result in bad habits or unnecessary punishment.

Lessons are intended to teach the rider to be more relaxed and the horse more supple and obedient. The goal is to bring the hind-quarters under the horse which will enable him to self-carry and perform movements incorporated in the USDF tests. Though a rider may have no show aspirations, dressage will help advance the horse in any discipline. Leslye remains current in her instruction by attending many clinics and shows.

The student interested in eventing and combined training will be taught to plan a regimen for their horse’s stamina and mental preparation necessary to be successful. Cross-country jump training is achieved on property both in the arena and by using the permanent pasture jumps as well as frequent trips to open training days at other facilities. 

Whether used for the hunter circuit or eventing, you will be taught to plan your course, set your strides and use your body to assist your horse in completing successful hunter or jumper rounds. Flatwork lessons focus on style, equitation and effective communication.

Training is structured around the horse and its temperament. We build the horse’s confidence and trust so that he is willing to listen and comply with the rider’s requests. Suppleness and “giving” to the rider’s aids are initially taught so that dressage movements and jumping agility become a natural progression rather than a struggle. 

Continual communication regarding the horse’s progress is provided to the owner and we encourage owner participation, either through observation or actual training exercises. If a horse is further along in its training, the owner may choose to substitute a lesson for a training ride during the contracted period so he/she may also learn how to continue the lessons at home.

Bryn Melyn Farm keeps a small number of boarded horses up to a total horse count of 17 on property (including farm-owned). This enables us to know each horse individually and ensure its nutritional and comfort requirements. All horses are kept outside as long as the weather permits. They are blanketed in cold weather and brought in when they might be more comfortable or safer. 

Also included in the boarding fees are shot and farrier record-keeping and maintenance. Medical care may be provided as well as routine maintenance (hoof care, fly spray) with optional service fees.

Lessons
    $45 / private 
    $35 / semi-private
Training (Includes board)    
    $540 / mo
    $640 / mo
Boarding
    $320 / mo
Other services available upon request.