Testimonials


As an upper level rider who was traveling frequently and nee
ded someone to help start my young horse, there was no question in my mind as to who to send him to. Erika is the most correct, positive rider I know and takes superior care of the horses in her barn. I would recommend Erika’s training program to everyone and believe she can make an average young horse into a future star. I can not thank her enough for all she has done for my horses and myself. 

~Frankie Thieriot~


A couple of years ago, after not riding for about 30 years, I became re-involved with horses when my wife and I bought our daughter her first horse. Though I’d had horses off and on while growing up, I’d never been a disciplined rider and, when we began boarding our daughter’s horse at Great Lakes Equestrian Center, I decided to take lessons. I had my first lesson with Erika in November 2006. Two years later, both my daughter and I continue working with her and it‘s been a great experience. It amazes me that Erika can work so well with a 10-year-old girl and a 63-year-old man. She never condescends to her young riders and has unending patience with riders like me trying to overcome years of bad habits. She knows horses and she knows people and I enthusiastically recommend Erika to anyone wanting to improve their riding and horsemanship skills.

~Frank Barefield~


I have been training with Erika for the past 4 years and have enjoyed every moment of it. She shows kindness and respect to my horse and I in every situation. She continuously helps me to strive for excellence in my relationship with my horse, Ray, both on and off his back. I am confident in her decisions and recommendations pertaining to any horse aspect. I trust that she knows what my horse and I are capable of because of her many years of experience and good eye. I truly believe both Ray’s and my own abilities have improved tremendously in the time I have been training with Erika. She is an extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and fun trainer and friend and I am truly looking forward to next season and beyond.

~Shaina Faber~


Hi, my name is Sami. I’m 10-years-old and I do eventing. I really love GLEC because it feels like a big family and everyone is welcome. Erika is a great teacher because she’s serious but we still have a lot of fun! Eventing is exciting and a little bit scary, but I know I can trust Erika. She pushes us but never past our ability. Horses have always been my favorite animal and two years ago my parents bought me one. We moved her to GLEC and I soon was taking lessons with Erika. I loved it! I competed on one of Erika’s thoroughbreds this year and I’m really looking forward to next year.

~Sami Barefield~


I have owned and been showing horses most of my life. After suffering a rather serious injury 2 years ago, I needed that someone to help me to regain not only my confidence, but to also help me to improve my overall balance under saddle. Erika has and continues to help me excel and become a better partner with my horses. She has also helped me to further my skills in natural horsemanship which I had recently studied. I can say, without a doubt, that the partnership between my horse and myself has, and will continue to improve. Our very successful show season together is proof positive! Thank you, Erika!

~Kendalyne Overway~


We have been involved with horses most of our lives and have found a wonderful ‘home’ for our horse at GLEC. Our horse, Wolfie, is 18 years old and thanks to the care and training he receives, he is still in great shape! Erika and her staff are always able to help with problems that come up with our horse, from lameness to caring for him when we are out of town. We are both educators and really appreciate lessons with Erika! She always has a unique approach to help us work on areas that need improvement. Our horse can have his stubborn moments, but Erika always finds an interesting way to work through a problem. Although we aren’t showing, we still enjoy the challenge that lessons offer to us! Josie, Whitney and the rest of the barn crew give 100% effort into our horse care, and keeping the barn a safe and fun place for all of us!

~Marti Dekker and Betsie Crotty~

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