Instructor Erika Flaten

Erika grew up breaking and training horses and competing in hunter-jumper shows, combined training, dressage, and even some western riding. She was fortunate to work, at a young age, with some of the outstanding horsemen of the US Equestrian Teams. She began training professionally in 1985. Erika has competed successfully in all hunter and jumper divisions, and she has worked, trained and shown in her native state, Minnesota, as well as many surrounding states. Erika is a well rounded instructor and trainer that can help you achieve your goals no matter what kind of riding disciple you want to focus on.

Please contact Dakota Stables for pricing, availability & scheduling.
952-913-3222

Instructor Jill Malecha

I am a very enthusiastic horse person. I’ve been involved in the horse world most of my life in many different capacities. I started riding in my early childhood. I was first involved with western/English pleasure and gaming. I took my first jumping lesson when I was about 12 and that was it. I was completely hooked on eventing, and dressage. I spent my summers in my youth as a working student for many local and international event riders. I have participated in the United States Eventing Association’s Instructor Certification Program.

I was very involved with the United States Pony Clubs growing up. I graduated with a “B” level certification. I also competed in National Championships in Dressage. I am still involved with teaching and volunteering with this organization. The biggest things that Pony Club teaches are, horsemanship and safety. These are the concepts I use as a base for my instruction. I specialize in English riding, but I also love to work with all levels and riding styles.

I own three off the track Thoroughbreds. My oldest, Maple, was my event horse growing up. We competed through second level dressage and preliminary level eventing. We had a great career together and he is now living retired life happy, healthy, and sound. I bought my current ride, Biella off the track in IL in 2011. She has been an amazingly talented mare and has taught me just as much as I’ve taught her.

I am currently working as a Marketing Analyst, full time. I volunteer with many horse organizations. I am the Regional Instructor Coordinator for the Northern Lakes Region Pony Club. I am serving on the United States Eventing Association Area IV council. I also serve locally for Central States Dressage and Eventing Association as the USEA affiliate rep.

Please contact Dakota Stables for pricing, availability & scheduling.
952-913-3222

Instructor Lindsey Maros

I began riding when I was 6 years old. My grandma bought me a riding lesson for my birthday thinking it would be a one time deal, I was hooked and have been riding ever since!

One of the first things I did as a rider was become a member of the United States Pony Club. I rode with Pony Club for 15 years, achieving my C3 rating. Pony Club gave me the opportunity to ride with some of the best trainers from all around the U.S. I fell in love with eventing when I was 9. I took my horse all over the U.S. competing him up to training level.

In my riding career I have explored many different disciplines and have taught hunters, show jumpers, team penning, and western. I’m very experienced teaching beginner and intermediate lessons, flat and jumping classes, as well as leading trail rides. I have trained rehab horses, off the track horses, led Girl Scout groups, and done therapeutic riding.

I bought my current horse, PrimeTime, off the track as a 4 year old. He only knew how to race, so I have been training him from scratch, luckily, he's amazing! We've done some competing and a lot of clinics to better our connection and riding together. We will be moving up a level this summer as we continue to compete and learn together.

As a lifelong horse lover, it is my dream to teach, and train horses, and in doing so share my love of the equine lifestyle with others.

Please contact Dakota Stables for pricing, availability & scheduling.
952-913-3222

Instructor Natalie Brenner

I have been riding horses between multiple disciplines for 20 years. I believe in using methods from many different riding & training styles to build a confident and mutually respectful relationship between a horse and rider. My philosophy is that patience, time, assertiveness, a calm demeanor and a true love of and a relationship with a horse creates the most rewarding experience. Frustration and aggression have no place around horses.  That being said, the dominant—submissive relationship between horse and rider is important. Horses are herd animals and need consistent and competent leadership in order to feel comfortable enough to do as their rider asks, but this is because of their nature, not because we must ‘break’ them. Riding should be fun for both horse & human!

Experience
Barrel Racing • Team Penning • Dressage (under Lisa Avaloz, Courtney Hoessley, Allison Sader-Larson & Adam Steffens) • Western & English Pleasure • Western & English Equitation • Intercollegiate Riding Club, UW River Falls • Rodeo Club, UW River Falls • Trail • Games • Working w/ beginning riders, folks just getting back into riding, or fearful riders.

My Approach
Open & ongoing communication with you about your goals • Using methods from multiple disciplines • A combination of ground work, lunging and riding (not in a particular order, but as needed) • Regular analysis of progress (if I’m not a good match for you or your horse, I’ll let you know and will help recommend someone who is.)

Please contact Dakota Stables for pricing, availability & scheduling.
952-913-3222