IRIDE
meet Mary McGuire Smith
Mary has been a Dressage Rider, Trainer, Instructor and Coach for over 30 years. She has trained in the USA and Europe with many riding masters and on many different horse breeds and types. Some of the more recognizable names she has ridden with are Egon von Neindorff, Conrad Schumacher, Coralie Baldrey (Portugal), and the Trainers at Kobilarna Lipica in Slovenia, among others. She credits all of the horsemen she has learned from over the years and the miles, but she has a special place in her heart and her style for the trainer she considers her mentor, Henk van Bergen. He is retired now, but she trained with him over the course of ten years, and holds the highest respect for his knowledge, experience, and talent for teaching riders and training horses. Mary is also grateful to the many horses who continue to teach her so much. She trains, competes and teaches with the horse's nature and welfare always in mind.
the iride philosophy
Training goals
Regular training schedules for riders and horses are important, not only for progress in the levels, but to build and maintain the athletes--you and your horse--for optimum fitness and health, whether you compete or not. We customize lesson schedules so that the student gets as much help as they need, while developing independence in their riding skills to also work at home or compete on their own if Mary is not available to coach.
competition goals
Mary and the IRIDE students get together on a regular basis to discuss the competitions, USDF/USEF/FEI recognized competitions, as well as schooling shows within driving distance and decide as a group who wants to compete, who wants coaching, help with entries, and when each will volunteer (an integral part of the IRIDE philosophy), We are all a big friendly, cohesive team and all support for our group, as well as cheer for everyone! Click on the calendar button to see our schedule...
clinic opportunities
There is also a full complement of Dressage clinics that are organized by various dressage stables, private members and USDF GMOs, and part of our yearly planning includes planning the riding and auditing opportunities at the many fantastic clinics around the region, as well as the winter opportunities in Florida (Ocala and Wellington) each season.
Check out our calendar for events and competitions that are coming up for the year!
