Kristen Aggers - Fairwind Farm Trainer

Prior to moving to California, Kristen worked at Crooked Willow Farms in Larkspur, Colorado for Sue Halasz. She assisted with the training of advanced dressage horses, rode competition horses for the farm and outside clients, and managed a training program for adult amateur riders. In 2003, Kristen competed a number of horses at various levels:1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Prix St. Georges. La Vie, whom she competed at 3rd level, was RMDS 3rd level horse of the year, and ranked 12th in USDF with an average of 68%. All of the horses Kristen showed won numerous high point awards and always placed in the top two. Krsiten takes her own continuing education seriously, saying, “In addition to my training with Sue Halasz, I regularly clinic with Christine Traurig and Lars Peterson.

Kristen believes her job as a trainer is to help create a successful partnership between horse and rider. She creates a unique training program for each rider based on his or her ambition as well as the capabilities of the horse. Establishing a goal-oriented training program helps her students to achieve their objectives in a sound, positive environment.

While her work is firmly rooted in the German training system,  Kristen has a sound ability to adjust the pyramid (rhythm, suppleness, contact, straightness, impulsion and collection) to the level and capabilities of the rider and horse. “For training to progress,” says Kristen, “it is essential that the rider's aids are not only correct, but also effective. Using a consistent method helps create the best relationship and accord between horse and rider.”

Kristen brings 17 years of experience in the competitive equestrian community to her work. From a young start in hunter/jumpers, she shifted her focus to dressage during her teen years. While earning her bachelor of science and masters degrees in Information Systems from the University of Colorado, she successfully showed dressage horses through Grand Prix and also found time to compete on the CU Barrel Racing Team and IHSA hunter/jumper team. These experiences provide her with a uniquely well-rounded approach to training.