The Banks Family - Stephen, Eliza and Paige

 

Eliza Puttkamer-Banks is a dressage trainer, competitor and instructor with a diverse discipline and breed background.  With experience as a trainer both in America and the UK, Eliza has started and developed horses from backing to FEI level work. As a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, L Program Participant, USEF HOY Regional Champion, National Top 5, and recipient of  rider awards from training through fourth level, Eliza has not only competed horses at FEI, but has been proud to bring many horses past A for their first experience in the dressage ring: from greenie to schoolmaster, the correct and classically based principles of the dressage training pyramid remain unchanged in their application. Competition is encouraged for those who wish to compete, but not required of any horse or rider. All training schedules are arranged to keep the best interests of the horse, rider and rider's budget in mind.

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We welcome and encourage the challenge of developing horses of all breeds to develop our program.  Eliza has found great success developing horses of unorthodox dressage breeds through to the FEI levels (Arabians and Arabian crosses, Iberians, Friesians, Canadian Horses, stock horse breeds and many others in addition to the more traditional warmblood breeds) with the time tested principles of dressage and the application of patience and kindness.  Cross training is an important element of our program and horses thrive with diversity in their training.

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We do maintain a vigorous competition schedule  from March through October and Devon, GMO Championships and Regional Championships and CBLMs, but showing is tailored to the horses' needs and abilities in addition to rider and owner goals.  Not all riders want to show but we excel in helping owners enjoy their horses in the show ring in a rational and affordable way. But ultimately, we love to train and competition is never required to be an important member of our team!

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Eliza is currently available for clinics, lessons and training in the northern Ocean and Monmouth county areas, central Jersey area with stalls available for students, part and full training clients at Bright Meadows Farm in Perrineville, NJ.  The Trinity Dressage home farm and private facility is located in Cream Ridge, NJ and trailer-in lessons and full training board (no board only) are also available there.  

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