Our Trainers
We offer customized lessons and training for riders and horses of all experiences.
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Cara Wheeler, Head Trainer
At the heart of Duncraven Equestrian Center, Head Trainer, Cara Wheeler, brings unmatched dedication, enthusiasm, and professional expertise to every rider and horse she works with.
Cara excels in developing young and green horses, carefully guiding them from their early stages to becoming confident and capable partners. With a unique ability to bring out the best in each horse, she specializes in transitioning jumpers into hunters, always focusing on creating a career that fits the individual horse rather than molding them into something they are not.
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Her foundation as a rider was shaped under the tutelage of Olympian Michael Page, and she continues to sharpen her skills through ongoing lessons and clinics with top professionals. Over the years, Cara has worked and trained alongside Olympic medalists and numerous top riders and trainers, giving her a wealth of experience to share with her students.
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As a coach, Cara emphasizes the fundamentals of correct technique and body positioning, ensuring that riders build strong habits from the start. By prioritizing horsemanship and understanding the horse from the ground up, she empowers her students to develop lasting skills, confidence, and feel.
Whether you are looking to elevate your riding career or bring along a young horse, Cara offers the expertise, patience, and vision to help you achieve your goals while always putting the horse first.
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Erin Conlin, Trainer
As a USHJA credentialed instructor and USDF Bronze & Silver medalist, Erin Conlin brings a wealth of knowledge from both the hunter/jumper and dressage rings. Her teaching style emphasizes confidence, trust, and building a strong partnership between horse and rider. Erin recognizes that every student learns differently and tailors her approach to each individual, offering patient, personalized guidance that allows riders to progress at their own pace. With her balanced expertise and supportive instruction, Erin helps riders grow in skill while deepening their connection with their horses.
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Jennifer Cassidy, Trainer
Jennifer Cassidy brings an impressive career as both a rider and trainer, with extensive experience competing across multiple rings at prestigious shows nationwide. Her background as a successful competitor informs her teaching, allowing her to guide students with the same skill and confidence she demonstrates in the show ring. Jenn is known for her positive, knowledgeable, and encouraging approach, always striving to provide the best instruction tailored to each rider’s goals. Whether at home or at a competition, she is dedicated to developing horse-and-rider teams that are confident, prepared, and successful.
