05/25/2026
Erika Jansson is a dressage trainer extraordinaire, and I will be forever grateful for all she has done for my horse and me. I began working with Erika only nine months ago. Six years ago I had inherited a beautiful 18-year old Hanoverian gelding named Buie from my best friend Gwen Stockbrand. Due to Gwen’s illness and my own fears, he was primarily lounged for almost 10 years and rarely ridden. He is now 25.
One Sunday shortly after we moved to beautiful Woodbridge Farms, I was working him in the round pen and just broke into tears, overcome with fear and guilt. I didn’t know what to do, but I did know that I needed help. I asked Erika as she was finishing a lesson to please help me. She came into the round pen and lounged Buie for a couple of circles and then asked if she could sit on him. I said “Yes, absolutely.” She got on and took him to the arena and rode. It was a magical moment for me and a relief for my horse. I was thrilled and relieved to see a highly-qualified professional ride my horse. He was an angel but very unfit. This moment was life changing for both Buie and me.
Since that time, she has worked with us almost five days a week, slowly and methodically building his fitness and helping me become a more confident rider. She has taken him up hills, long-lined him, ridden him in the arena and over cavalettis. With her expertise, Buie has built stamina and recovered much of his original training. Erika has been able to perform two tempi changes, canter half-passes, and half-steps with him. With her help and encouragement, I now am able to ride him comfortably at the walk, trot, and canter.
Erika has taken him to two schooling shows and won the class and high-point for both. It’s thrilling to see his progress. Buie could never have done this without her. She truly has been a life-changing force in our lives. I will be forever indebted to her for making all this possible.
In addition, Erika has an exceptional work ethic and professional integrity. She is accommodating and helpful to everyone and their horses at Woodbridge, as well as a superior rider and trainer. If you are looking for a dressage trainer, she is the person for you.
