Carola Liljegren

Trainer

Biography

I have always loved horses; and as a young girl growing up in Sweden, my parents allowed me the opportunity to ride at riding schools whenever possible. At the age of 16, my formal education in dressage, jumping, and cross country riding began. My classical training was based on the system of late German Master William Museler. I was schooled on many different horses of varying sizes and temperaments, which proved very educational.

The riding arena where my formal and more “serious” training took place was located in Umea, Sweden and was the home of the Norrlands Dragoon Military Regiment. The cavalry, which fostered 3 Olympic champions (1952-1956) in the Three-Day-Event, started in the 17^th century. The Cavalry closed its military operations in 1963 when the regiment’s 400 horses moved out and the arena became the home for the city’s riding club.

At age 19, I moved to Skane, in the southern part of Sweden, to start college. Here is where I met Mr. Robin, a Swedish Warmblood gelding. Once meeting him, I could finally focus strictly on my dressage riding. I started taking dressage lessons with Goran Casparsson, a former coach to the national Swedish show jumping team. Four years later, I sold Robin and bought a four year old thoroughbred gelding named Sir Moonway. Moonie, as he was called, was very talented in dressage and moved with me and my husband Peter to Sandusky, OH in 1992. Moonie was seven years old when he arrived here in the states. With the coaching of Joan Harris, BHSI, Moonie was competed through 4^th level in dressage. He did flying changes in every other stride and also had a great piaffe. Moonie is now 23 years old and owned by one of my clients (he still likes to do his changes and piaffe).

When my trainer, Joan Harris, moved to Oklahoma, I began training with Nancy Smith. Nancy, a nationally renowned Grand Prix rider/trainer, has taught me the importance of truly getting your horse straight and through and using himself correctly. Other clinicians I have ridden for include Olympic rider, Steffen Peters and Pam Lifton, USDF Certified instructor. In addition, I am a longtime fan of Kyra Kyrklund and have attended several of her clinics. Kyra is one of the best Dressage trainers in the world today. Her methods are clear and fair to the horse. Her aim is to have the horse respond directly to the rider’s light aid.

During my years in Ohio, I have had the pleasure to work with students of all ages and with horses of all breeds and temperaments. Some clients have used dressage to improve their Western horse, while others have enjoyed the challenge of showing in dressage. In addition to training/showing my own horses, I have competed with many of my clients’ horses. Dressage is my specialty, but I also teach lower level jumping. I believe a well-rounded horse and rider should be able to ride over small jumps as well as perform dressage movements.

My Clients are welcome to trailer in for lessons, have me train/ride their horse, or have me travel to their barn to give lessons.

Client References are available upon request.

Lesson: $45/Hour

Training: $480 – monthly @ 3 days a week (board not included)

$700 – monthly @ 5 days a week (board not included)