Certification Level: Training through Second Level
Carol Cunefare, of Colorado (Region 5), began as a young hunt seat rider at Lamplight Equestrian Center, finding her way to dressage through eventing. She is now a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, and is currently working her Hanoverian gelding at Third Level. In addition to being a USDF Certified Instructor through Second Level, Carol is also a certified equine bodyworker.
Tell us a little about yourself and your equestrian background – Do you hold any other designations within the sport (L Graduate/judge level/USDF Rider Medals, etc)?
I am a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and a USDF L Program Graduate. I am certified in Masterson Method equine bodywork, which provides an additional perspective for approaching training holistically. I am a groundwork enthusiast and believe in helping horses understand how to manage stress from a relaxed state and to never force or overwhelm them.
How did you get started in dressage?
I had the pleasure of calling Lamplight Equestrian Center home for many years in the early 80s as a working student, where I began riding hunt seat at the age of 12 and quickly transitioned into eventing. This is when I found my true passion… dressage!
Why did you decide to participate in the USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program?
I enjoy teaching and fully support USDF’s mission. I am continually striving to learn and educate myself, and this program is very fulfilling. It is important for instructors to be certified and show that they have met the standards for education and competency required in the program.
What do you feel is the most valuable thing you learned from the Instructor/Trainer Development Program?
The most valuable thing I learned was how to quickly spot a gap in training and create a lesson plan to address it; then, most importantly to me… to always explain the “what, how, and why” behind every question we ask our horses when we ride. Everything should have a purpose, be clear, and have a desired outcome.
How have you implemented what you learned in the program into your own teaching and training programs?
The program helped me develop a routine and structured method for analyzing a horse and rider combination; this provides a clear framework for navigating a lesson or training session with direction and structure.
Tell us about your horses.
Over the years, I have trained and competed with a number of horses owned by clients. I purchased my current personal horse, Delicanto (Don Index x Selena – Sir Donnerhall), in January of 2020. He is a big, beautiful bay Hanoverian gelding, imported from Belgium as a near four-year-old. Like many in the horse industry, we have experienced some delays over the years. However, all is well now. We are working at Third Level, and he loves to perform, has a big personality, and has taught me so much.
Do you have any tips for young riders or those interested in participating in the USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program?
Find a mentor that you can work with, watch them teach, and learn how they run their business; be sure to attend shows, watch top riders from the warm-up, and follow them to the competition arena; and lastly, attend USDF events and immerse yourself in educating yourself from many different trainers.
