Appledore Farm is a small family-operated riding facility with a focus on classical dressage located in Hartland, Vermont. We enjoy working and living with our own three horses, five dogs, and one cat. And we treat our guest boarding horses as lovingly as our own.

News: May 2009

First Tests

Arne rode his first ever tests at GMHA and Marshfield with Nandolino. The CVDA schooling show at GMHA in South Woodstock on May 3 was the perfect opportunity to test the waters, literally and figuratively. Arne and Nandolino rode very well with the best score in his group. Unfortunately, a little extra maneuver at the end resulted in two penalty points and second place. 

One week later, Arne and Jutta traveled to Marshfield, Massachusetts with Jill Goodwillie for his first 'real' tests. Each day provided a special challenge: on Saturday a spooked horse dumped his rider in the warm-up ring and Sunday gusting winds, which led some competitors to ask to be excused. Arne rode solidly each day with a third in both of his tests.

April 2009

Dressage Clinic with Arthur Kottas Heldenberg

One of Europe's premier dressage instructors held a clinic at Appledore Farm on April 6-8, 2009. Despite Mud Season and inclement weather, five riders made their way to Appledore Farm. The general tenor was relaxed and cozy with the chilly weather keeping the horses cool. About 15 auditors watched Arthur work with the riders and horses each day. 

About the Clinician

Arthur Kottas Heldenberg joined the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria, in 1960 at the age of 15. He remained there for 42 years, rising through the cadre until he was made First Chief Rider in 1980, and thus becoming the youngest holder of this position in the school’s 400 year history. Since leaving the Spanish Riding School in 2002, Arthur has devoted his time to training and instructing riders and horses at all levels up to the Olympics. 

Arthur uses classical schooling methods, which emphasize the development of a strong bond of trust and respect between the rider and horse where the rider does not depend on the use of force to achieve the ease and beauty appropriate for riding dressage.