Since 1970 Karin Bielefeld has successfully worked with students in Hunters, Jumpers and Dressage. She has dedicated her life to educating riders about their position and its effect on the horse. Muscular development of the horse, saddle fitting, and shoeing evaluations are a primary part of Karin's educational program. When these areas are addressed, there is a higher success rate for the rider and the horse.
     Miss Bielefeld believes that it is important that the rider should understand the form and function of the horse's body, along with the theory of how training

techniques work. Without this knowledge, riders quite often injure or misjudge their horse. Training techniques are only as good as the ability and knowledge of the rider.
     Miss Bielefeld works with rider and horse combination differently according to their needs. Karin's love for teaching encompasses anyone who has a love for learning and developing their horse. Whether it is a show horse or backyard pony, whether the horse is two years old or thirty, all animals will be treated with the same importance and consideration.
     When taking a lesson, or participating in a clinic the rider will be asked to express their concerns and goals. Karin will then address them by the following guidelines:

1. Does the horse understand what is being asked of it by the rider?
2. Can the horse physically do what is asked of it?
3. Is the horse in physical discomfort?
4. Are the riding skills of the rider impairing the ability of the horse to do what it is asked to do?
5. Does the rider have full understanding of the proper aids for the movement or gait, to help the horse develop correctly?
     By following these guidelines Karin is able to help the rider discover their needs along with that of their horse. It is Karin's goal that each horse and rider combination leave from a session with her, with confidence and understanding of what they must do to accomplish their present goal.