Elmstead Farm is a premier hunter/jumper training facility located in Plano, TX within the DFW metroplex. 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 program.
EXPERT TRAINERS
Britt McCormick has been successfully training horses and riders for over 25 years. Britt is a USEF and USHJA Licensed ‘R’ Judge, ‘R’ Course Designer, and 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 across the country. READ MORE about Britt’s official training statistics via USHJA.
Britt and his wife Rachel own and operate Elmstead Farm where they also raised their two children. Their son, a ninth grader, is a competitive rider with Elmstead and their daughter is a professional musician who attends The University of Texas at Austin.
Grace Falconer joined Elmstead Farm in 2013 as a full-time assistant trainer and rider. Grace is a seasoned equestrian with a decade of experience working as a rider, barn manager, and instructor. Grace earned her Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science and Management from Morrisville State College in New York. She has an impressive resume of professional teaching experience including her work as an instructor at the best riding schools on Long Island, NY in addition to assisting top trainers in Virginia and Texas. We are thrilled to have such an experienced, talented, and dedicated young trainer here at Elmstead!
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. Elmstead trainers work with each student one-on-one to help them achieve their riding goals.
