CHOOSE OPTIMISM
… it is essential to achievement and the foundation of courage and true progress.
Whitney is a lifelong rider who is passionate about horses and their care. Her background includes teaching adults and young riders in English tack, lessons for the U.S. Pony Club, working for 5* Eventer Mikki Kuchta, managing barns, recreational fox hunting, and competing as a USEA member. For years she has helped fellow equestrians improve upon their horse’s wellbeing through careful attention, training, and instruction.
Whitney helps identify a horse’s strengths and purpose. Utilizing patience and developing a communicative connection, horses learn to trust and excel under her guidance. Taking a natural, sensible, dedicated, collaborative approach, Whitney has had success improving the relationship between horse and rider.
Kind Words & References …
“Our experience working with Whitney was positive and successful! She helped redirect our Welsh pony into a focused mare in the three disciplines of eventing. After a month with Whitney, our pony had a new home with an eventing amateur. In addition, I have hauled to Whitney’s facility for my daughter’s lessons. Just as with horses, her kind patience helped my 7 year old gain confidence and improve her riding.”
Virginia Wilson, Thomson, GA
“I have known Whitney for many years. Her work ethic is exceptional. Whitney is continually learning new skills to incorporate into her program. She takes meticulous care of her horses and her clients’ horses. She is patient and quiet when working with them.”
Mikki Kuchta, ICP level III, “r” Eventing Judge Patterson, NY & Aiken, SC
“I was happy to rescue Luna a beautiful, young OTTB mare. She obviously needed training but her bucking, scooting, and resistance was too much for me. I sent her to Aiken for Whitney’s help. Luna thrived under Whitney’s consistent and kind touch. Three months later, Luna returned to Connecticut where I was able to find her an amateur owner while keeping her at my barn. I am happy to be able to see her every day doing so well.”
Michel Sturm, Ridgefield, CT
“Five years ago, Whitney helped us purchase Ella, a Connemara–Thoroughbred who was in need of a forever home. We recognized Ella’s sweet disposition, her jumping potential, and our young daughter adored her. But Ella needed education and so did we. Whitney has helped our daughter grow up learning how to ride, train, and care for her horse. It has been a journey and we are over the moon to see our daughter and mare working towards Training level eventing.”
Jennie & Kevin Hynes, Wilton, CT
“Even thirty days was enough for me to appreciate what trainer Whitney Pierpont can do with a horse. My ten year old mare arrived at Sandy Hills in February after a full season of fox hunting in New Jersey. Though athletic and sure footed, she was green in the ring and needed work. Whitney helped her use her hind end, respond to proper aids, and generally learn what working in a dressage, show ring, and derby field are all about. I picked her up and went south to hunt with Live Oak Hounds the first week in March and was thrilled with the changes I saw. The care, too, at Sandy Hills is outstanding. My horse is lucky!”
Constance Silverman, North Chatham, NY
“During a wellness check on my horse Mahogany, I found his lease situation to be unacceptable. Without hesitation, Whitney agreed to drive half the night to help me reclaim him and bring him to Sandy Hills Farm. Whitney cares for each horse in her barn like they are her own. She sees each horse as an individual and tailors their feed, training, rehabilitation, and surroundings. I trust her completely with my horse and I know he will recover quickly under her excellent care.”
Carrie Ann Kelen, Aiken, SC
“Our daughter, Mary Hampton, has worked with Whitney over the last two years intermittently with an extended, more extensive period of training over the summer. Whitney is a very approachable trainer who teaches with a positive style that makes our daughter comfortable, yet is always challenging her to grow, learn, and become a more confident rider. She teaches in a manner that encourages a rider to strive to be better with each lesson, to understand the mechanics of riding, listening to the queues of the horse to guide and continually evaluate positioning and response. Whitney not only taught Mary Hampton how to become a better rider, but just as important, she taught her how to become a better “horse person” with the sills to feel and communicate with horses of different ages and riding experience. Whitney has gone above and beyond to assist with finding a trainer in our hometown that would be a good fit for our daughter. Whitney is a delightful, positive person that has surpassed the definition of a trainer to be an impactful mentor to Mary Hampton.”
Mary Cottingham, Greenville, SC
“I met Whitney as I was exercising my horse in the derby field at Sandy Hills Farm in November 2020. I had arrived in Aiken from snowy Wisconsin the day before and my OTTB was incredibly anxious and prancing in place. I approached the other rider in the field, explained my situation and asked if I might ride with her. Big smile from her as she said, ‘Of course.’ Introductions were made and I said, oh by the way, I’m always open for advice. Well at the end of the ride as my horse was relaxed and happy. I asked Whitney if she gave lessons–she said yes and I said I’d take two the next day (I have 3 TBs)!
From that fateful first meeting, Whitney has changed not only my riding for the better, but has made my horses into better venters. The journey I have embarked on with Whitney has been nothing short of fabulous. She has improved my physical ride and even more important, my mental ride. She shares training tools for each of my horses that make sense to my horses and me, and gives positive results quickly.
The accolades I received for my riding and the condition of my horses when I returned to Wisconsin was very gratifying. As a senior AA eventer (65 years) and retired business owner, I am not the easiest student, but … Whitney has never lost her patience with me and instead continues to propel me forward with kindness, knowledge, and passion!
Lucy Lammer, Hollow Creek Farm Eventing, Menomonie, WI
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to write about my riding lesson experiences with Whitney. I have been taking dressage lessons from her and am thrilled with my progress. She is an energetic and enthusiastic instructor who has endless patience and good humor. Whitney is professional and positive for every minute of every lesson and is always accessible if I have questions or concerns!
Ellen Hawkins, Aiken, SC