Mercedes Andazola Dressage LLC

Mercedes is magnificent! After returning to horses from a 15+ year hiatus, Mercedes helped me get my confidence back in the saddle while at the same time helping me bring along a 4 y/o youngster. Her teaching style is open and adaptable to each horse/rider combination and she stresses the training scale to ensure the brought up correctly without any shortcuts in training. The best thing about her program is the supportive atmosphere among her students--we are one big family!!!
5 7 years ago (08-02-2018)

Mercedes has been working with my gelding, teaching him how to stretch, collect and balance himself. After 2 training rides, I was impressed with how much softer and looser he feels. I've never had a better ride with him since we have been working with Mercedes. If you want a great trainer with proper technique who will help build you and your horse's confidence and actually see results, go ride with Mercedes!
5 7 years ago (08-02-2018)

I have received excellent instruction as a returning rider after 35 years. After 5 months of lessons on a variety of lesson horses at High Valley Stables, I asked Mercedes to find a project horse to purchase. Mercedes found an exact match to my must have specific criteria. This horse was under her care in Full training already at High Valley. We, (my horse and I) have been in Full training with Mercedes since April 2017. I have seen an amazing transformation with my OTTB- training, a strong foundation in conditioning, personalized feeding regime to address my horse’s needs and at the core of this transformation is a dressage horse ready to go schooling shows and up the levels. In addition, Mercedes is knowledgeable, kind, and good humored. She has many horses in her training program on site as well as haul ins. Every horse is treated individually with a personalized training program for both horse and rider. Group training lessons are offered for skills such as Cavaletti training. Mercedes is attentive and timely answering questions and offering solutions for individual needs, both horse and rider. I feel lucky to have found an amazing trainer, a fantastic horse, a beautiful facility and quality owner/riders.
5 7 years ago (08-02-2018)

I have enjoyed horseback riding for many years and recently decided to adopt a former thoroughbred racehorse. He suffered from osselets in the front legs that have luckily now healed. To keep him fit, I opted to pursue dressage training, rather than just leisure riding. He is an intelligent horse and the dressage lessons we have been undertaking under Mercedes Andazola have really helped challenge him physically, and allowed us to build a stronger bond. I am grateful to Mercedes for coaching us as diligently as she does other students who compete. Because of how well it is going, and her encouragement, I am now considering entering into local adult amateur and schooling shows. I think my horse will enjoy getting back into competitions, while it will be a whole new experience for me. Thanks for the support Mercedes!
5 10 years ago (23-05-2015)

Mercedes Andazola was a dream with my 13-year-old son. I was hesitant to allow him try out horseback riding so young, but was amazed by how confident he looked riding by the end of the first lesson. He has a somewhat boisterous temperament and I was worried he would not behave appropriately and may land a skittish horse. It was a relief to see how the dressage instructor took time to first chat with my son, explain the basics of handling horses safely, and oversee their interaction. I was surprised by how much calmer he was when handling the horses and have already booked several more weeks of dressage training. We have a younger daughter as well, 9 years old, and we are considering buying a horse they can both train with. Mercedes has been invaluable in offering us advice on what to look for in a potential buy and has promised to accompany us to assess any horse we decide we like. We highly recommend her for anyone looking to invest in any horseback riding services.
5 10 years ago (12-05-2015)