New Sunset Ridge Programs at Rock Barn

New Programs at Rock Barn Equestrian Center

Rock Barn Equestrian Center is now home to the Sunset Ridge Equestrian Center group of programs including riding and horsemanship lessons for young and not-so-young, horse training, children’s school break camp, 4H club, Interscholastic Equestrian team, Sunset Ridge Hunt Seat and Dressage Show Teams, and pony birthday parties. The lesson program is available to students who are very beginner, all the way to advanced students interested in showing. The horses are well trained and instructors take great care in matching horses and riders for safety, fun and learning. Camps (usually available during school breaks) are for children who are new to horses as well as more advanced riders. They include ridden and unmounted horsemanship, crafts, games, and lots of fun. Silver Saddles 4H horse club meets on the third Sunday of the month at Rock Barn Equestrian Center. The club learns about all things equestrian as well as taking part in community service projects and fun activities. Sunset Ridge Interscholastic Equestrian Team holds tryouts each summer for middle and high schoolers who are currently riding in a  lesson program and are of intermediate to advanced level. The IEA is a national organization that runs their program on the same format as college equestrian teams.

Our team of instructors also host birthday parties and corporate events. Birthday parties are 2 hours long and include pony painting and riding opportunities.

The new team at Rock Barn Equestrian Center includes the staff of Southern Reins LLC and Sunset Ridge Equestrian working to bring clients a comprehensive boarding and training experience.

 

About The Instructors

Diane DeRienzis

                    With 25 yrs. experience teaching, training and barn management Diane DeRienzis is Sunset Ridge's head trainer and the lead coach for the show team. She started her riding career on Long Island in New York where she competed as a junior, amateur and professional in Hunters, Equitation and Jumpers.  Diane’s students have excelled on the hunter circuit from schooling shows to ‘A’ shows. Her goal is to instill confidence and skill in her riders so that they can connect with their horses in a successful partnership whether their goal is to show on the hunter circuit or just to pleasure ride. Diane believes that “everyone at any age can learn,” and welcomes children as well as adults.

 

Lynn Boone

Lynn Boone has over 30 years teaching and training experience. She began riding as a child in Scotland and grew through the ranks of Pony Club to become an instructor. Her first position was as head instructor for the Earl of Glasgow where she worked for several years and provided the start to what is now a thriving equestrian center. After marrying a U.S Military officer and moving to the U.S., Lynn worked around the country at various riding centers. Some of her students many accomplishments include many awards at schooling shows, High Point Virginia Dressage Association,  and Top Ten Regional Hunt Seat Rider for Arabian Nationals, as well as numerous “A” show placings. Lynn is passionate about the importance of a good foundation for horses and riders. Lynn likes to spread her "dressage is for everyone" message while introducing the foundations of dressage to riders old and young, and horses of every breed. Lynn also loves to teach young children to appreciate the joys of horsemanship and the thrill of riding in a fun and safety conscious environment. She believes that horse riding has something to offer everyone and fosters children’s growth in many developmental areas.

Lynn heads up the Silver Saddles 4H horse club and the Sunset Ridge Interscholastic Equestrian Team.

 

Amanda Jagniszak

Amanda began riding and showing as a small child in New York, and has never looked back. She has

 extensive experience in hunters and in the last few years discovered a passion for dressage training. Amanda is currently working toward her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals with her horses Capitol Hill and Upbeat Traveler. Amanda specializes in Balanced Seat Riding and offers lessons to help riders better use their seat to reach better harmony between horse and rider, this tool is effective for all disciplines.  Amanda has brought along several young sale horses and is now taking clients horses for training, retraining, and show/sales preparation.