Elmstead Farm is a top quality 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.
Elmstead Farm is owned and operated by Rachel and Britt McCormick. 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 and recognized hunter/jumper 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 30 years. Britt is a USEF licensed ‘R’ judge, ‘R’ course designer, and USHJA certified trainer. He is the only hunter/jumper professional in Texas with all three of these national credentials. Born into a family of equestrians, Britt spent his early years riding and competing on the U.S. show circuit, studying under top trainers in the industry before opening his own facility in 1989. Since then Britt has trained countless horses and riders and he has achieved success in every facet of the industry…from rider, coach, trainer, farm owner, show manager, course designer to judge. READ MORE about Britt’s official training statistics via the USHJA.
Britt is also a member of the USHJA Board of Directors, USHJA Executive Committee and Chairman of the USEF National Hunter Committee.
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 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.
