United States Eventing Association

ICP Spotlight: Area I

For over 20 years the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) has been educating all levels of eventing instructors to confirm their knowledge base, both theoretical and practical, upon which they will continue to build throughout their teaching lifetime. The USEA is now shining the spotlight each month on some of the 300 ICP Certified Instructors. Click here to learn more about the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program.

Ashley MacVaugh

ICP Level III
New England (Spring, Summer, Fall) / Southern Pines/Aiken (Winter)
[email protected]
(978) 807-1038
www.ashleymacvaugh.com

Specialty: I coach people of all ages and abilities, including kids, adult amateurs, and aspiring upper level riders.

Philosophy: As a trainer I believe in keeping it simple and positive. Instilling confidence and competence of the horse and rider is paramount.

Fun Fact: I love to ski and used to race downhill.

Kay Slater

ICP Level I Training
True North Eventing, Harwich, MA
[email protected]
(774) 212-0639
www.truenortheventing.com

Specialty: I specialize in developing young riders in eventing and sourcing good, amateur safe event horses. We host True North Riding Center Pony Club because we believe horse management education matters for event riders.

Philosophy: I believe we’ve got a responsibility as instructors to give our students excellent basic skills to ensure safety, thus we have a strong focus on biomechanics and conditioning. As a licensed clinical social worker I also help riders work through fear and other challenges that inhibit clear thinking and help maximize their mental game.

Fun fact: True North Farm is on Cape Cod which is surrounded by ocean on three sides . . . thus we have the very best winter and early spring conditioning out on the beautiful tidal flats.

Rebecca Coffin-Vickery

ICP Level III
Riga Meadow @ Coole Park Farm, Millbrook, NY. Available to travel for lessons or clinics at other locations.
[email protected]
(845) 235-3352

Specialty: My approach to horsemanship begins with the basics: correct body position, steady communication with the horse and taking the necessary time to educate horse and rider so both can execute confidently and well. I incorporate riding in the countryside for fitness and mental development to augment ring based work: going up and down hills, crossing water, jumping natural obstacles, fox-hunting or just having fun. I especially enjoy the development of young horses and riders into proven partners.

Philosophy: I strongly believe that correct training cannot be rushed and am dedicated to investing the time necessary to make sure both horse and rider are well prepared, ready to progress and, above all, safe.

Fun Fact: I love to cook, garden and hiking in the woods with my dogs.

Rachel Greene-Lowell

ICP Level I Training
Area I (Primarily Southern NH, MA)
[email protected]
(603) 770-3010

Specialty: I love teaching and training students and horses of all ages and personalities, working through the learning curve for each individual rider and horse. I have spent many decades riding sensitive and "difficult" horses and retraining these animals that have been dealt a hard previous life. I find this work very fulfilling. I have the patience to take the time needed to tailor the learning process for both humans and equines.

Philosophy: My plan for each horse and rider is to create a positive, supportive, and complete learning program from the ground up. I love the process of developing and unlocking the potential of each horse as an athlete and companion. For the riders, I teach all aspects of horsemanship, using progressive exercises to help them be successful and safe as they pursue their goals.

Fun Fact: David the mini Donkey ups the cuteness factor 10-fold in the stable and has quite a fan club. In his younger years he alerted the neighborhood far and wide, with a cacophony of full-throated song, whenever a visitor arrived day or night. Now, nearly blind with cataracts, he shares a stall and paddock with his girlfriend Misty the Pony who watches over him.

Mikki Kuchta

ICP Level III
North Salem, NY (Spring, Summer, Fall) / Aiken, SC (Winter)
[email protected]
(914) 656-0470
www.aikenbachfarm.com, Facebook: Aiken Bach Farm

Specialty: I enjoy teaching event riders of all levels. I have trained numerous riders who have competed at the North American Youth Championships (NAYC), including individual medal winners. I coached the Area I Young Rider Team for six years, culminating in the 2016 Championship, where our team won the team gold as well as the individual silver and bronze medals. I specialize in training young horses and bringing them up to the upper levels. I have brought four horses to the Advanced level including two to the five-star level. I enjoy starting horses slowly and helping them develop to their full potential. My program is goal-oriented and I work methodically to help students achieve their own goals.

Philosophy: To create an environment where both horses and riders love the sport of eventing. We introduce the discipline of eventing to horses and riders in a slow, skilled based program to foster understanding and confidence. There can only be one winner in a division, but if you have achieved your personal goals for that competition, you can be a winner every weekend you compete.

Fun Facts:

• I competed in my first horse trial when I was 14
• I competed in my first Advanced when I was 40 (my path to the upper levels came after university, a career in Physical Therapy and having a family)
• I competed in my first five-star when I was 42.
• I have ridden on six continents
• I still have my first five-star horse OZ, at 23 he is retired at my South Carolina farm with his mini donkey friend, Cotton