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Freelance Dressage Coaching and Training Available
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Started this discussion. Last reply by Amber Mar 19, 2010.

Farms in Guelph area...
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Started this discussion. Last reply by loco cocoa Feb 6, 2010.

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Justin Ridgewell commented on Emily Miller's group Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

"https://www.facebook.com/FireRidgeDressage"

May 5

Justin Ridgewell commented on Melissa Monardo's group Ontario Equestrian Federation

"https://www.facebook.com/FireRidgeDressage"

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Justin Ridgewell commented on Dorothy McDonall's group Toronto CADORA

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Andrea & Duane Bresee joined Justin Ridgewell's group

Oakcrest Farm is home to Olympian Belinda Trussell and Grand Prix rider John MacPherson. We are an elite dressage training facility speacializing in training from green horses upto Grand Prix and everything in between.See More

Apr 14

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Justin Ridgewell and Martha are now friends

Feb 3

Sonia joined Justin Ridgewell's group

Oakcrest Farm

Jan 21

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joanne duston joined Justin Ridgewell's group

Oakcrest Farm

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Siri S. Ingebrigtsen joined Justin Ridgewell's group

Oakcrest Farm

Dec 12, 2012

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Profile Information

A Bit About Me and my Horse(s): I began my riding career at the age of nine just outside Windsor, Ontario. I earned riding lessons at a young age by working and volunteering at the Windsor Essex Therapeutic Riding Association. By the age of 11 I was competing in the hunter ring at local schooling shows in the Windsor/Essex area. Winning many awards, championships and trophies my interest in horses and riding was pushed into high gear. I purchased my first horse Dakoda, a young weanling colt, straight out of a field. Taking the time to gain Dakoda's trust and building a strong relationship helped me when it came time to break the young colt myself.

By the time I turned 18 I had taken over management of Meadowbrook Equestrian Center in McGregor, ON. After spending almost two years at Meadowbrook I packed my bags, put Dakoda on a trailer and headed off to Michigan for a summer of equestrian fun. Employed by Double JJ Ranch and Resort I played the part of a wrangler for the next nine months until an unexpected phone call brought on an interesting opportunity.

On October 15, 2004 I once again packed my bags and headed eight hours north to Stouffville,ON where I was given a dream job for any horse enthusiast. I was granted the position of groom/working student to Canadian Olympian and World Equestrian team member Belinda Trussell at the beautiful Oakcrest Farms. I was coming from a hunter/jumper background so the thought of being a student of an Olympic dressage rider was extremely intimidating. I gave dressage a chance and in the end I have never looked back. It is highly addictive once you start. I went on to train, ride, and compete under the tutelage of Belinda. Oakcrest Farms and Belinda then merged with John MacPherson Equestrian to form what is now the current elite dressage training facility.

The immense knowledge, patience and encouragement from both Belinda and John helped me to achieve my childhood goal of competing at the FEI level. I was given the chance to show Jacardo, a KWPN stallion, in my first Prix St George competition. Finishing 19th out of 27 riders with a 61% for my first time at that level was a breath of fresh air, especially since I was up against many of Canada's professionals in the industry. I have had a lot of ring experience, competing horses at many dressage shows from training level to PSG and earning Championships along the way.

In 2010, I was invited to ride in two fund raising quadrilles for Polo For Heart and the World Equestrian Games send off party. I rode Konnor, a 15-year-old gelding owned by Oakcrest manager Wendy Hoehne.

Currently I am schooling young, green horses and grand prix mounts at home and bringing along a very talented KWPN gelding 'Well Done' (Welly), owned by John MacPherson. I have high hopes for Welly in the next few years with my eyes on the 2015 Pan American Games being held just outside Toronto, ON.

Country: Canada

Website:: http://www.oakcrestfarm.com

Topics of Interest: Dressage, Eventing, Jumper, Breeding, Competitions, Stable Management, Items For Sale

Justin Ridgewell's Photos

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D'Asahi

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6 horse Dressage Quadrille

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Justin Ridgewell's Blog

Professional Dressage Groom’s Top Ten Grooming Items for Horse Shows

By: Justin Ridgewell

- Over the past six years I have been a professional groom and working student to the elite dressage training facility Oakcrest Farm. I have had…

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Posted on March 7, 2011 at 9:30pm — 1 Comment

Perfect the basics clinic & symposium w/ Belinda Trussell (March 12th)

Oakcrest Farm presents:

Perfect the basics clinic and symposium

with

Belinda Trussell

Come…

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Posted on March 5, 2011 at 2:17pm

Photography Tips from amateur photographer and professional rider Justin Ridgewell

I am an amateur photographer and professional rider and have always been interested in the art of photography.

I took the plunge and bought my first DSLR camera two years ago and have been playing with it ever since. As a self-taught photographer I have spent a lot of time reading books, surfing…

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Posted on February 7, 2011 at 11:30pm — 1 Comment

Perfect the Basics Clinic & Symposium with Belinda Trussell

Perfect the Basics Clinic & Symposium #3…

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Posted on February 1, 2011 at 11:38pm

Comment Wall (17 comments)

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At 11:14am on June 7, 2011, Sarah at HorseJobs.ca said…: Hi Justin - your blog post is up at www.horsejobs.ca/blog Thanks again. Great job :)

At 2:40am on January 15, 2011, Steph said…: hey again....:o)

good to hear that he is still there...i guess he is 21 now...grandpa..he might not had the best talent, but he always was so correct and balanced and as cool as a cucumber...great guy!Does Belindas dog still is alive?Brisbee?

At 8:13pm on September 17, 2010, Jenna Merkley said…: Hahah, no problem! :)

At 6:00pm on July 13, 2010, Jenna Merkley said…: Love your pictures! :)

At 2:19pm on July 15, 2009, International Equestrian Fest. said…: Beautiful photos! WOW. They are breathtaking...

I am new here and saw you are part of the 2010 Games group. Are you going?

At 11:41pm on February 6, 2009, Barbara F. said…: Hey Justin,

Fantastic photos!! I just commented on them in Dressage Fanatics.

At 6:21pm on August 20, 2008, Linda Robert said…: Great !!! I look fwd , it will be lots of fun
See you on 3rd of sept

At 4:01pm on July 22, 2008, Linda Robert said…: Hi JuJu
I am coming for 15-20 days
I will only have Weddi with me
I look fwd to see you and everybody at Oakcrest
YooHooHoo !!!!

At 10:02am on July 4, 2008, Dorothy McDonall said…: Hey Justin!

Welcome to the Toronto CADORA group on Barnmice. Glad to have you on board!! Cheerz! Dorothy :-)

At 5:02pm on March 17, 2008, Andrea Wetzel said…: omg are you THE Justin Ridgewell that was featured in an article in the June 2006 edition of Horse Sport!? *wink*