Elmstead Farm is a first-class hunter/jumper boarding and training facility located in Plano, Texas. Dedicated to developing horses and riders in a fun and professional atmosphere, Elmstead has been providing the highest level of horse care, riding instruction, and training since 1996.
Our beautiful and private farm, experienced trainers, equine management expertise, and tireless dedication to our horses and clients make Elmstead one of the most successful show barns in Texas. Please explore our website and contact us for a tour of our farm or to learn more about our programs.
EXPERT TRAINERS
Britt McCormick has been successfully training horses and riders for over 25 years. Britt is a USEF licensed R judge, USEF licensed R course designer, and USHJA certified trainer. He is the only hunter/jumper trainer in Texas with all three of these credentials. Born into a family of professional equestrians, Britt spent his early years riding and competing on the national show circuit, studying under top trainers in the industry before opening his own facility in 1989. Since then Britt has coached horses and riders to championships and national titles year after year. READ MORE about Britt’s official training statistics via the USHJA.
Grace Falconer joined Elmstead Farm in 2013 as a full-time trainer, instructor, and rider. In addition to being a seasoned professional equestrian with over a decade of experience, Grace also has a bachelor’s degree in Equine Science and Management from Morrisville State College in New York. She is a highly qualified and experienced trainer and horsewoman. Here at Elmstead, Grace trains students and horses to compete at the local, regional, and national levels. She takes students to one-day shows here in town in addition to “A” rated horse shows throughout Zone 7.
Rachel McCormick is the Elmstead Farm Academy program director and barn manager. She has worked alongside Britt since Elmstead’s inception in 1996, serving in a variety of roles at the farm while also pursuing her other interests in the field of education and child development. Rachel is a certified teacher and has a bachelor’s degree in English. Rachel and Britt have two children: their son is a high-school student and rider at Elmstead; their daughter is a musician and undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin.
HORSE TRAINING
The training and equine management practices at Elmstead prioritize soundness and well-being with the goal that each animal will be healthy, happy, and successful for many years. We work with the owner, rider, vet and farrier to establish goals and create a plan built on a horse’s unique strengths and suitabilities. Challenges are gradually introduced and reinforced so that full potential can be reached with confidence. Each horse’s training and rest schedule varies weekly depending on that individual’s needs throughout the competition year. We closely monitor the mental and physical health of every horse, constantly tweaking our exercise routines to prevent boredom, fatigue or unsoundness. Furthermore, during training weeks at home our jump/gymnastics courses are re-designed daily (by Britt, our in-house licensed course designer) to promote novelty and challenge for both horse and rider, and to simulate competition level courses set to proper stride and height measurements.
RIDING INSTRUCTION
Riding instruction at Elmstead is based on the equitation and horsemanship principles set forth by former successful riders and trainers such as Bill Steinkraus and George Morris. Here at Elmstead we emphasize correct equitation and a solid foundation of flatwork. The ultimate goal is for each student to become a confident, soft, and independent rider. Our program utilizes private and group lessons, ongoing professional training for the horse, individualized jumping instruction, advanced flatwork, and a thoughtfully planned show schedule.
