Equestrian Coach Riding Workshops

Attend a Workshop with Bernie Traurig

An Equestrian Coach Riding Workshop is a unique, semi-private, all-inclusive immersion course at Bernie’s private facility, EquestrianCoach Training Center, in Virginia. The 2025 workshops include 5 and 10-day immersion course options and are limited to 6 riders per workshop. Riders with their own horses will take priority for enrollment.

Now accepting 2025 workshop applications!

Equestrian Coach Riding Workshops are open to all ages and all levels of riding (novice to professional), from all levels of the jumping disciplines, and are educational for horses at any stage of their training–including Thoroughbreds! You will ride your own horse(s), or, in some cases, a leased horse may be available. This will be an opportunity to get inside Bernie’s head and to have concentrated access to his expertise. While the instruction will be professional and focused, the atmosphere will be relaxed, friendly, and positive as Bernie addresses and improves your specific issues or those of your horse(s). He will work with you to establish an ongoing program to reach your goals that will include individualized homework and training plans beyond the workshop. Additionally, you will have one year of one-on-one access to Bernie as he monitors your progress via video analysis and answers any questions or concerns via email.

Where:

Equestrian Coach Training Center
West Point, VA 23181

  • 45 minutes N/E of the Richmond International Airport
  • 2hrs 15min South of Washington Dulles International Airport

2025 Workshop Schedule

June 5 & 10 day workshops:

5 day: June 17-22 (June 19 rest day)

5 day: June 24-June 29 (June 26 rest day)

10 day: June 17-June 29 (June 19, 23 & 26 rest days)

July 5 & 10 day workshops:

5 day:  July 15-20 (July 17th rest day)

5 day:  July 22-27 (July 24th rest day)

10 day: July 15-July 27 (July 17th, 21st & 24th rest days)

August 5 & 10 day workshops:

5 day: August 5-10 (August 7th rest day)

5 day: August 12-17 (August 14th rest day)

10 day: August 5-17 (August 7th, 11th, & 14th rest days)

What to Expect:

You will ride twice daily on your own horse(s) (2 maximum) or leased horse (if needed and available).

  • AM: Flat session with ground poles, cavalettis and small gymnastics.
  • PM: Jumping session with course work.
  • Average ride times per session: 1 hour 20 min up to 1 hour 30 min.
  • Average groups of 2 to 3 riders.
What’s Included:
  • Includes stall and stall cleaning, bedding, hay, watering and feeding for up to two horses. Grain and supplements are not included and must be provided by the rider.
  • No grooming service will be provided. Riders should expect to groom, tack up, and cool out their own horse. If you have physical limitations or otherwise, and cannot bring assistance, please notify us in advance and we can arrange help.
  • Breakfast is provided on ride days.
  • Lunches are provided on ride days.
  • Four dinners per workshop week on Bernie’s patio, which include lesson debriefings, Q&A, and video presentations. Riders may bring two guests. Dinners will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
  • Free one year membership to EquestrianCoach.com.
  • One year of personal coaching and progress analysis from Bernie. Includes monthly email correspondence and video review.
  • Equestrian Coach backpack, cap, and Certificate of Achievement upon completion of the workshop.
The Facility:
  • 250’x130’ arena with new all-weather footing.
  • Brand new aluminum jumps by ISI Trade Jumps by Rothenberger made in Germany.
  • A 350’x200’ grass jumping field with some natural jumps.
  • A regulation dressage ring.
  • Round lunging pen with all-weather footing.
  • 8 large grass pastures
  • 2 small paddocks with all-weather footing.

Workshop Pricing

All-Inclusive 5 day Workshop Fee: $3,500

$875 deposit due to secure a spot; payment via Venmo, PayPal, or Cash. Remaining balance of $2,625 due upon arrival. Checks are not accepted.

All-Inclusive 10 day Workshop Fee: $6,475

Price includes a 15% discount on the second half of workshop. $1,618.75 deposit due to secure a spot; payment via Venmo, PayPal, or Cash. Remaining balance of $4856.25 due upon arrival. Checks are not accepted.

Daily Lease Horse Fee: $150 / day

Riders will be accepted based on deposits received. Workshops are limited to 6 participants!

Cancellations and Refunds:

Cancellation by Participants: Deposits are nonrefundable, however, if you must cancel, your deposit in full will be credited toward a future available workshop.

Cancellation by Equestrian Coach: Refunds will be refunded in their entirety due to cancellations by Bernie from illness or weather deemed by Bernie bad enough to necessitate cancellation of the entire workshop, or if a lease horse is agreed upon and we are unable to provide you one.

"My experience at the Bernie Traurig workshop was one of the best investments I have made for my riding career thus far. My time with Bernie corrected some critical holes in my riding, as well as brought out untapped strengths. I look forward to continuing my education of The American Forward Riding System with the help of Bernie Traurig, and will continue to attend future workshops and clinics. Thank you, Bernie and Cait, for a fabulous experience."
Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller
Workshop Participant
Frequently Asked Questions:

Does my horse require a coggins and health certificate? We require a current coggins and signed statement that your horse is up to date on all regular vaccinations, in good health, free from any known disease and has a normal temperature the day of transport.

Can I bring two horses and ride one in each session per day? Yes.

How much advanced notice does Bernie need for me to reserve a leased horse? At least six weeks prior to the start of the workshop. The more notice we have, the better chance we have to reserve a horse for you.

I am a novice adult who rides mostly for fun and does not show much. Does Bernie take riders like me? Absolutely. Even though Bernie works with top professionals around the world, his workshops are open to riders of all levels, and he greatly enjoys sharing his expertise with novice equestrians.

Will I be intimidated by other riders much more advanced than myself? We take great care to match you in a lesson group with riders of the same level. Bernie has a relaxed way of teaching people and Equestrian Coach offers a tranquil atmosphere.

Will riding twice daily be too much for my horse? As you will be riding in a group of 2 or 3 riders, the intensity level will be reduced. Bernie is a conscientious horseman, and takes great care in evaluating your horse’s fitness to ensure your horse is not overworked. The fitness level of each horse will be taken into consideration and jumping will be adjusted according to your horse’s fitness level. Assuming your horse is moderately fit, your horse should be fine with two rides a day. Bernie will not overwork your horse and you, of course, will have the ultimate say as to how much your horse jumps.

Will riding twice a day be too tiring for me? Riding in a group of 2 or 3 greatly reduces the amount of stress on a rider.  Bernie is a considerate horseman and takes great care to address the fitness levels, soundness, and needs of the rider as well.  You may offer input as to the work level you desire at all times.

Am I required to stay on the premises all day or do I get some spare time?
Other than your two ride times during the day you may do as you please.  Stay and watch the others or enjoy the free time in our beautiful area.

Is it mandatory to have lunch on the premises? Absolutely not. You may choose to eat here or go out for lunch.

Is it mandatory to have dinner on the premises?

While it is not mandatory, it is recommended, as we will incorporate a debriefing, Q&A and video presentation along with dinner.

If I have more than 3 people with me, can they join in on meals? Yes, breakfast and lunch is included for all. More than 3 people with a rider for dinner will incur an additional $15 charge per person.

Will I be required to help out with tacking up my horse and putting him away?
Yes. Other than the stall cleaner who will clean and bed the stall, water, hay & grain your horse, no grooming services will be available this year. Riders are responsible to groom, tack up, and cool out their horse. Please bring your own grooming equipment. If you have physical limitations or otherwise and cannot bring assistance to the workshop, please notify us so we may arrange help with grooming for you.

What kind of hay will be available for my horse? We are able to provide grass hay included in your workshop fee. If your horse requires a different hay, please notify us in advance.

Will I be required to bring any grains for my horse or supplements?
Yes, you must bring whatever grain and supplements you feed your horse. Please have your grain and supplements ready in premade bags for our staff to feed.

Where can I purchase grain in your area? There is a Tractor Supply store located in King William (804)769-1111; Southern States King William (804)769-3100; Southern States Glouster (largest selection) (804)963-3411

Will I be able to medicate my horse if needed?
Whatever medications or supplements you and your vet decide are necessary for the health and welfare of your horse are permissible and must be provided and administered by you.
My horse may need a lunge or turn out. Is this possible? Yes, we have a lunging round pen with all-weather footing. You would be responsible to do the lunging. Turn out in our large grass paddocks or smaller paddocks with all-weather footing is available with permission.

Where will I be riding? A great deal of riding will take place in our 250’x130’ irrigated sand arena. We will also make use of our large grass arena, which is 350’x200’. If applicable, we may also ride in our regulation dressage arena, or round pen.

Does my horse need caulks or studs to ride on the grass field? The grass in our area is a bit sandy and is generally not slippery. It is advised but not mandatory to have stud holes on your horses shoes and to bring your own caulks in the event that you need them.

Can I combine some holiday time during my workshop in VA? Of course. Our property adjoins the Sandy Point State Park, which has 7 miles of groomed trails for riding, biking, and hiking. The Mattaponi River is about a mile ride.

Can I trail ride in the Sandy Point State Forest? Yes, but it is highly recommended to obtain a permit first online.

Will I be intimidated by a large audience?
No, not at all. The only spectators will be the friends and family you bring and those brought by your fellow workshop participants.

My son/daughter is very young. Does Bernie work with young children? Yes, as long as they are of novice level. Bernie has worked with riders as young as 7 years old.

Can I get my horse shod there? We highly recommend that you have your horse recently shod before attending the workshop. In the event of a lost shoe, we have a local farrier available.

What is the weather like in VA in the summer? Hot weather is fairly typical in all of the South Eastern states. We are doing our best to keep everyone comfortable. All of the stalls are equipped with fans. Our gazebo in the arena has fans and a misting system. There are plenty of trees that border the arena and provide shade. Lunch will be provided in our airconditioned home, and we have fans on the patio to make evening dinners comfortable.

If I live too far away to ship my horse, can I lease a horse? We do not have the supply of lease horses like we had in Southern California. However, there may be a possibility that we can provide one. Please contact Bernie and provide a riding video (flat and over jumps) to apply. Priority will be given to those who are able to bring their own horse.

Will Bernie’s ongoing e-mail support and video analysis be a benefit to me after the workshop? Absolutely! Bernie will monitor your progress by the videos you send and be able to make the exact recommendations of which upcoming or already filmed video topics on EquestrianCoach.com he feels will help further your progress.

Are there any living accommodations on the ranch?
No, so please book a hotel or airbnb in the area. Making reservations early is recommended. Here are a few neighboring towns to select hotels from, all within 45 minutes of the training facility: West Point, Tappahannock, Mechanicsville, Ashland, and Williamsburg. Airbnb also offers quite a nice selection of houses all within 15 min to 45 min from our training facility. Check out the Airbnb selection or contact us directly for some recommendations.

When should I make my transportation arrangements? Arrival and departure for your horse is typically in the afternoon the day prior to the start of the workshop and in the morning the day after completion of the workshop. If you need other arrangements, please give us notice.

Is auditing permitted? No auditing is permitted except for friends and family members of participants. Any others must be approved by management.

About Bernie

As a horseman, Bernie is renowned not only for his riding talents but also for his teaching and coaching gifts. As a competitor, Bernie has represented the United States Equestrian Team at home and abroad on many occasions and reached the top of the sport in all three of the International Equestrian Olympic disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing. In 2009, he was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. In 2010, the California Professional Horsemen’s Association honored him with their Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2012 he was awarded the USHJA President’s Distinguished Service Award. He is recognized as a legend in the sport. As a teacher and trainer, he is one of the most sought-after clinicians in the country today. His talent for teaching goes back to his roots, where he was fortunate enough to have been educated by some of the best Master Instructors this country and the world have to offer. He served as the West Coastʼs associate Chef d’ Equip to George H. Morris, the former Chef d’ Equip of the United States Olympic Equestrian Team. After amassing over 50 years worth of training and riding techniques and experiences with thousands of horses, Bernie is driven to give back to the sport that has given him so much fulfillment and success,

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