Amy Gardner Anderson, manger/owner Bear Paw Farm has been teaching riding to people of all ages and abilities since 1997. In 2007 she became a PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International - formerly NARHA) Advanced Instructor. For four years she managed the selection, training and development of 25 therapy horses at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding in Old Lyme, CT. During the winter of 2008/2009 she served as Consulting Barn Manager at Horse Power and Pony Farm in Temple, New Hampshire. There she developed schooling, feeding, record keeping and organizational systems to care for the farm's 35 horses which serve both able-bodied and riders with disabilities.
Prior she worked at several lesson barns as an instructor and barn manager and has served individual clients assisting with training and schooling of their show and pleasure horses. On a trip to Israel in 2007 Amy took lessons with Israel's top Reining rider, for some western experience. In April 2008, Amy joined Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding, continuing to teach riders with disabilities. For her own training and riding education, Amy has ridden with Jill Walter-Robinson, Ann Bowie, Lucinda Greene, Vicki Hammers-O'Neil, Denny Emerson , Ann Guptill. Amy currently trains with Anita Kokoszka.
The Resident Animals
Bear Paw, namesake of the barn, had a heart of gold and loved to work. This gentle giant took care of Amy and her students no matter what was asked of him, from just walking the trails to galloping and jumping cross country- truly a remarkable horse. He retired from Eventing at the age of 19, and was with us until he was 25. He lives on in the spirit of our Barn.
"Elle" (Simply Dynamic) is a 16h Pinto Oldenburg mare. Trained through Second Level Dressage, Elle experienced an injury to her neck as a 3 year old. After having a foal for her previous owner in 2010, Amy took her on in 2011 as a rehab/re-training project. Elle's exceptional work ethic makes her a willing partner for advanced students.
"Boo Boo" is a 17.2h Percheron Gelding. He was born in 2003 in Manitoba Canada at PMU farm. Amy adopted him at the age of 6 months and raised and trained him herself. At the age of 4 he was sold to a family, who unfortunatley could not keep him. Amy purchased him back in February of 2010, and began re-training him. He is unflappable under saddle and enjoys walks in the field. His dressage training continues to progress as he is a fast learner.
"Carly" is a 2005 14.2 Quarter Horse mare. She is a very gentle horse and loves to be groomed. Carly is obedient on the lead line and children as young as five can learn correct position and control over the horse before graduating to more independent work.
Lulu is a 4 year old Border Collie. Having grown up at several horse farms, Lulu is pretty horse savvy. Lulu's favorite activities include helping with barn chores, chasing soccer balls and napping on the couch with Chunky.
Chunky is a 5 year old Pug. He is not horse savvy, so he mostly barks or snorts at them. Favorite things include treats, pats and tennis balls.
