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ABOUT
DRONFIELD EQUESTRIAN
Meet Madison Dronfield:
Owner and Head Coach of Dronfield Equestrian.
Madison Dronfield is a nationally certified and licensed Coach with over a decade's worth of experience teaching riders of numerous levels across the Hunter, Jumper, and Dressage disciplines. She has many years of experience riding, training, and showing horses, as well as coaching riders both competitively and non-competitively. Most recently, Madison has been managing a farm and busy riding school in the Toronto area and is looking forward to continuing her own program in the Windsor area.
Additionally, Madison is very familiar with Equestrian Canada’s “Learn to Ride” program, and has successfully coached riders through the levels. Beyond coaching riders to ride, Madison also has experience in mentoring riders to become coaches themselves. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and coaching approach to those who wish to become instructors in her program as well.
Madison strives to create a safe and positive learning environment where riders can become a confident and competent rider. Her program focuses heavily on developing correct riding foundations as well as horsemanship and stable management skills.
THE PROGRAM
Our Approach...
Riders are not rushed while training with Dronfield Equestrian - the program works with riders to ensure they have the foundations and basics down correctly, before moving on to the next step. "Rome wasn't built in a day" is a saying that rings true here. It takes many hours in the saddle to gain correct position, muscles, and skills. Riders are still challenged throughout their riding education here, and by implementing our high standards of correct foundational skills and equitation, Dronfield Equestrian creates an effective, confident, and correct rider.
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Our program's education doesn't just happen in the saddle either - we also implement in-barn practical and theoretical lessons as well as groundwork sessions to ensure our riders are also competent, overall, horse-people. Learning how to properly groom, tack-up, and handle the horses are all included in our program. As well as the stable management aspects of the Equestrian Canada Learn-to-Ride program.
Beyond developing strong riders and horsemen/women, Dronfield Equestrian also has extensive knowledge training and developing horses. With our holistic approach, we look at the horse as a whole, and determine the best practices for each individual horse to develop them in their riding, or non-riding, career.
OUR VALUES & PHILOSOPHIES
1. EMPHASIS ON FUNDAMENTALS:
2. SAFETY-CENTRIC APPROACH:
Focus on building strong foundational skills in riding, fostering a deep understanding of balance, seat, and effective communication with the horse before progressing to more advanced techniques.
3. HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT:
Emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded education in horsemanship, encompassing not only riding skills but also horse care, grooming, tacking, and understanding horse behaviour.
Prioritizes safety measures in all aspects of horse handling, riding, and care. Ensures students understand safety protocols and the importance of maintaining a secure environment for both horse and rider.
4. LIFE SKILLS THROUGH RIDING:
Acknowledges that horseback riding teaches valuable life skills such as patience, discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.
5. CONTINUOUS LEARNING:
Promote a culture of ongoing learning, encouraging riders and instructors alike to continuously seek improvement and expand their knowledge base in horsemanship.
6. RESPECT FOR HORSES:
Advocates for the ethical treatment of horses, promoting responsible horse ownership, and fostering an environment where horses are valued, cared for, and appreciated.
What does it mean to Madison, to be a Certified Instructor?
"I take my job as a coach seriously. It is my duty to create the most safe, supportive and positive learning experience I can, so my students can thrive in the program here at Dronfield Equestrian."
- Madison, Head Coach & Owner of Dronfield Equestrian​
To hold an active NCCP/Equestrian Canada certification, an Instructor/Coach, like Madison, must:
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Complete numerous evaluations such as specific Rider Levels and Coaching Examinations
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Partake in developmental courses, programs, activities to obtain “Professional Development points” (this means we are always working on developing our skills and staying current with the industry and coaching skill set)
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Hold an active First Aid Certificate (and retaking the certification every 3 years minimum)
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Complete modules such as Concussion Awareness, Making Ethical Decisions, Athlete Long Term Development, etc.
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Hold a high standard of professionalism and have a positive learning environment
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Stay up-to-date with yearly memberships including Equestrian Canada and Ontario Equestrian
For more information about what it means to be an EC Certified Coach, please click here.
