Special Programs

In addition to boarding, lessons, and training, Drew Training Stables offers two special programs to enhance the effectiveness of the dressage rider. The Rider Fitness Program assists the rider in improving their own fitness level. The Schoolmaster program allows the rider to gain valuable experience on dressage school masters.

RIDER FITNESS PROGRAM

Liz’s Background in Fitness Training

After having to endure a hostile confrontation while working as a show groom, Liz started her martial arts training as a college student in Columbia, MO. Upon graduation, she lived and worked in the St. Louis area, where she trained with Sifu Larry Adams at the Wu Hsing Chuan Five Animal
Academy. In 1996, she was introduced to Qin rong Yu, a San Shou instructor who was temporarily at Washington University completing a doctorate degree. His methods of teaching and refining technique have been instrumental in her development as a fighter and as a teacher. She continues to consult with him and has visited him several times in Canada and California.
Due to a lack of competitive opportunities at martial arts tournaments, Liz sought out sparring and training at a boxing gym. She met Sam Gaines through his niece, Stacy Barnhart, a long time friend and student at DTS. Within the month, she had fought professionally and over the next several years, traveled to many states, compiling a good record against tough opponents. In addition to appearing twice on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights”, Liz was ranked #1 in the world by the WIBF, the governing body of the sport. At the end of her boxing career, she found an amazing trainer, Luis Camacho, whom she worked with in Ocala, FL. His teaching style was a perfect fit. From doing sprints in the sand path behind his house to providing sparring partners who could point out any defensive weakness instantly – training was a joy.
After twenty fights, including a World Title fight, Drew Training Stables grew to a level that competing in two sports was impossible. Liz participates in the annual “Guns n Hoses” tournament as a trainer of police and firemen competing to raise money for “Backstoppers”, which benefits fallen officers. She continues to train and currently teaches boxing at Full Contact Fitness Center in Troy, MO with her friend, Doug Sauer.

Details of the Rider Fitness Program

  • Introductory personal training session with Liz to assess goals and identify areas needing improvement. $20 Includes:
    • Exercises assigned to target improving the seat thru strength training, core and balance work, callisthenic and flexibililty movements, and breathing techniques
    • Full access to DTS Fitness Gym. Come early or stay after you ride to workout.
    • Goal setting help, nutritional advice and motivational tips.
  • Monthly “check-ups” and training session with Liz to determine progress and learn exercises for the next level of difficulty. $20
  • Extra training sessions with Liz. $40 per hour or $20 per 1/2 hr
  • Self-defense lessons – $50 private 1 hour or $150 for a class of up to 6
  • Boxing lessons – $50 per hour or $25 per 1/2 hour
  • Group classes – $15 per student or $60
  • Costs for Non DTS Students are same as above

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SCHOOLMASTER PROGRAM

This program gives students the rare opportunity to be instructed on advanced level dressage horses who are quiet and safe. We have several well trained dressage horses available to improve your riding, whether your goal is to gain a secure seat in sitting trot, to learn lateral moves, or to practice flying changes. If you have your own horse but want to move up in the dressage levels above your horse’s ability, own a horse who is on the bench due to lameness, or have not yet decided to buy a horse but want to learn dressage and/or practice a specific skill set , we have a teammate available to help you accomplish your goals. A added benefit is that your greatest progress will come from riding different horses.