Elizabeth A.Berger I started showing horses when I was 3. By the time I was 16, I was licensed as an exercise rider at the NY racetracks such as Saratoga, Aqueduct, and Belmont. When I was 18, I rode in races out West, at Ruidoso Downs, NM, and Laredo, Texas. Later I came back to NY and rode on the eh Florida circuit and the "Woodbine" in Toronto, Canada. All totaled, I rode and trained racing thoroughbreds for 13 years. What a great experience! I've also shown on the Eastern A-Circuit including the Hampton Classic, Old Salem Farm, and the "Hits" horse shows in the Catskill Mts. However, I have worked as a trainer more and was more involved in the training of the horses and riders competing. This spring I am really looking forward to a new start training riders and horses. It has always meant more to me to watch my studants grow and succeed than for me to be the competitor. Although, I will be starting competition again this year. I am looking forward to bringing students with me! I truly love teaching and instilling confidence in horses and riders. I also work with rehabilitating equine athletes. My horse that I now own "Brahms" is a special individual that I have brought along slowly and carefully. I bought him with problems including vices and suspensory injury. He is now ready for the show ring after 2 years of rehabilitation. 'Old Salem Farm Charity Horse Show'.  Back in May,Brahms and I showed.  We competed in 2 jumping rounds.  The first one was tough.  I had 3 refusals.  Actually wasnt a bad thing,because,I needed that round,to set me up for the second round.  After the first jumping round,I was able to go back into the schooling area,and re-school him over fences. I also tried to figure out,what I did wrong,in round # 1. I felt,I didnt ride him,with enough impulsion. I never blame my horses.  I had a big oxer set up,and and rode him through that.  I had Brahms galloping,after the fence.  Then I felt we were ready,to go back into the ring,for jumping round # 2.   Round # 2,was excellent.!!!! The pressure was on.. I stayed in Rythym,with Brahms. I encouraged him to gallop. He jumped every fence,as if we were at home.  His lead changes,were to perfection,never missing a beat.  His distances were fast,and his stride was huge.  I had a lot of horse under me.  Im grateful,I had that second opportunity,to re-school him,in the schooling area. I learned something from round # 1.    Sometimes,when horses refuse jumps,we must learn from it.  I always feel,theres a lesson attached.  Going back to the blackboard,and trying to figure out what went wrong,and trying to figure out,what the horse needs,,is my speciality.  Understanding horses,is not always an easy task. But patience,and correct training,is all we need to do.. Looking into ourselves as riders,is usually the key. We must change ouselves,to ride our horses.  Not trying to change the horse.  On 1 more note. Never take a horse out of his/hers natural Rythym. Ride with thier Rythym instead. We can always lengthen and shorten a stride,but thier Rythym,is truly thier own..   I will keep all updated,as Brahms and I,continue to comptete.   Thank you. Elizabeth & Brahms.*