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Patrick and Lani both have years of experience training and showing horses through the levels. They have had successful results with remounts “problem horses” and also start young horses under saddle. They work as a team, and their passion is riding and training all breeds of horses by classical dressage principles which develop their gaits, balance, obedience, and physique. Under the rider’s direction, the horse and rider must learn to perform as partners and be happy in their work with lightness and without force. Patrick and Lani keep an open mind and a positive, patient attitude. They will communicate honestly and work together with your horse to achieve your goals.

Patrick Tigchelaar

is a certified Dressage Instructor from the Netherlands. In Holland, he trained under Alex van Silfhout, and Rien & Inge van der Schaft (Dutch Olympic Team Rider), and was a student of the late German Master George Theodorescu. Patrick trained Wout Jan vd Schans (Olympic trainer and rider) International Jumping Horses in dressage. He has shown successfully in the US, the Netherlands, and Germany. Patrick has trained several horses through the FEI levels. Patrick moved to the US in November 2007 after marrying Lani and together they merged their businesses to form Tigchelaar Dressage. Since being in Virginia, Patrick has won several show high score awards at the FEI level, he was the BLM Champion with Supertimes at 3rd level in 2008, and competed at Dressage at Devon in 2009 with Marwick (owned by Wanda Escobar of Saddlebrook Stables) in the Prix Saint Georges earning 7th place with a 65.7%. Patrick is a talented trainer with many tools in his toolbox. He is a patient yet demanding instructor who will consistently bring out the best in you and your horse.

 

Lani Tigchelaar

is from San Diego, CA and trained under US International Olympic rider and trainer Steffen Peters, Angela Paltram (Austrian FEI trainer who was a pupil of Ernst Bachinger, Spanish Riding School Oberbereiter and multiple Austrian Champion), and Cauleen Glass (R judge in the US). She has ridden in clinics with German Master George Theodorescu and other respected international clinicians. She was Champion for California Dressage Society, San Diego chapter for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th levels as a young rider. She moved to Virginia to finish college and began her dressage business instructing riders and training horses. She has trained and shown horses from training level through FEI. Lani is perceptive with horse/rider combinations strengths and weaknesses and resolving training issues, she focuses on rider position and developing a more effective balanced seat, and works with riders to be show ready for their test. She is an elegant rider and patient, articulate instructor who will keep you to a high standard and a path of steady progression. She was elected Co-President of VADACC (a VADA GMO for USDF) for 2010.