Frequently Asked Questions

“Chestnut Hill is a welcoming place for riders of any skill level. I arrived as an occasional western trail rider and Trina has leveraged that experience and her vast knowledge to help me build a solid foundation for all future riding. Trina’s love for and knowledge of horses is profound. During my lessons, she is simultaneously summoning the mind of the horse while making precise observations of my riding to create a tunnel of learning that is both concrete and enlightening. I am truly grateful for my time at Chestnut Hill and for Trina’s knowledge and patience. Her thoughtful approach to learning is both accessible and deeply impactful.”

“Trina French’s instruction beautifully combines the conceptual aspects of equitation with the understanding that nothing beats physical practice, and getting a feel for a new skill. Every lesson presents a new series of exercises that are both unique to my personal areas of focus and the fundamentals of riding as a whole. After riding with Trina I finally understand the importance of ‘inside leg to outside rein’, the power of the outside hind, and how to gather and compress my horse for maximum performance. Trina’s lesson horses are fun, lively, loveable and safe. The grounds offer bucolic views of acres of farmland and the opportunity to ride an ever changing cross country course over benches, barrels, and hay bales. I highly recommend Trina’s program for anyone seeking to entrench their riding in an understanding of equitation at its core, while getting out there on the grass and having the time of your life!”

“I came to Chestnut Hill with a simple desire to ride and to spend time with horses, yet that initial urge has been transformed into something deeper through my time with Trina and the wonderful humans at the stable. As someone who works at a farm and has a profound appreciation for animals – both their care and their importance in our lives, it is clear that everyone at Chestnut Hill shares those values and evidences them in their daily work. In writing about his observations of the natural world, Henry Beston captures a human perspective: “…[animals] move finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings: they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.” As true as this statement is, Trina channels the wisdom of the horse and their “voices” to harness a way of teaching that is thorough yet subtle and entirely complete. Chestnut Hill is a true joy!”

“Trina has a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with horses and instructing riders of all ages and abilities.  She has an uncanny ability to identify the level and confidence of all her riders and she tailors her lessons accordingly – no two lessons are the same.

Trina always prioritizes safety, and she focuses on keeping both riders and horses safe at all times.   Her engaging approach makes the lessons fun and enjoyable even if she is encouraging you to do more than you think you can.  She has created an atmosphere in the barn that is very welcoming and friendly and has built a community of people who enjoy spending time riding together and supporting each other.

Whether you are new to riding or are looking to get back into the saddle you are guaranteed to have a great ride with Trina and make some new friends at Chestnut Hill.”

“What makes Trina such a remarkable instructor is her ability to see each lesson through the eyes of both the horse and the rider. She has a rare gift for balancing intuition with proven skill, always respecting the boundaries of horse and rider while thoughtfully encouraging growth. Whether working with a beginner or an experienced rider, a child or an adult, she treats every lesson as an opportunity to develop confidence, skill, and harmony with the horse. Her teaching style honors the horse’s natural abilities and thoughtfully challenges the rider, resulting in a clear, positive, and rewarding riding experience.”

“We live within 2 miles from CH Stables and always admired the beauty of it from the road as we passed by. Due to various circumstances my daughter had always taken lessons at other stables. While looking for a new trainer last year we decided to reach out to CH. The barn staff was very welcoming and accommodating to her schedule. The grounds and barn are always kept neat and one can see all the horses are well cared for.  It wasn’t until my daughter started training with Trina that she started to make real progress in her riding skills. Besides Trina’s expertise, her patient, even keel temperament makes her a great teacher. So happy CH Stables are now part of our life.”

“Fulfilling a childhood dream, I took up riding in my early forties.  But my early lessons, at another barn, were frustrating.  I was close to giving up when a newly built barn in Tivoli put up a sign saying ‘Chestnut Hill Stables’, and offering lessons.  Turning up that driveway was life changing.  Trina had the horses and the facility and the expertise and the patience to take someone who couldn’t post the trot or steer round a ring to progressing enough to buy her first horse (and then her second..), and ultimately event at Beginner Novice.  She also took my daughter Libby as an 8 year old beginner round HER first Beginner Novice at 11 years old (having found her the perfect first horse) up through to her first Prelim at 15, two horses later  And those experiences led to many, many other adventures with horses way beyond my wildest childhood dreams.  Trina has a unique ability to work with any rider and any horse at any level and help them progress.  Libby and I will always be grateful for Chestnut Hill Stables and consider it our equestrian spiritual home.  It’s a place where pony dreams can come true.”