Jordan Vincent LaPlaca
Head Trainer
USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist with Distinction
FEI International competitor
FEI* Combined Driver
A lifelong passion for animals in general and horses in particular has led Jordan to develop a high level of compassion and respect for horses as individuals. This is reflected in the care he takes training both horses and riders. No one horse or rider is the same as any other. Whether Jordan is training only a horse, or working with a rider to improve their skills, the individual needs of the horse or rider is his paramount concern.
As a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist with Distinction, Jordan competes and develops horses for both National as well as International competition. Jordan is also an FEI * stared combined driver, who has competed throughout the United States and Canada. He has many year-end awards as well as "Highpoint" and "Championship" placings for horses in both disciplines and shows all throughout the east coast. He has also helped many students achieve their Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals.
Jordan's lessons are focused on bridging the gap between the separation of the "training of the horse" and " training of the rider", so that the two can be combined to find a balance in communication, gymnastic development, as well as a sustainable partnership between horse and rider. This is through the use of both rider and horse biomechanics in an effort to help the rider feel the kinesthetics associated with intellectual understanding of dressage movements.
Continuing his own education is as important to Jordan as training others. He is currently working with Albrecht Heidemann. Jordan is very fortunate to have regular help from colleague and friend Kathleen Cronk. Kathleen has been his eyes, assistant and key to his continued success. To continue in the path of higher educations, Jordan also is currently in the "L" program, where he is working towards his judging credentials.
In the past few years he has attended clinics or taken lessons with Christine Traurig, Charlotte Bredahl, Debbie McDonald, Sharon McCusker, Bill Warren, Fredrick Wandres, Robin Groves, Miranda Cadwell, Denny Emerson and Robert Costello.
Jordan also had the distinct pleasure of riding with world renowned dressage master Carl Hester as one of the demo riders for the NEDA fall symposium in 2022 on his developing horse Gold Play.
For more on Jordan LaPlaca and his journey through out his equestrian journey, check the link below to Salty Dog's Production's site:
https://www.saltydogvideo.com/jordan-laplaca
As a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist with Distinction, Jordan competes and develops horses for both National as well as International competition. Jordan is also an FEI * stared combined driver, who has competed throughout the United States and Canada. He has many year-end awards as well as "Highpoint" and "Championship" placings for horses in both disciplines and shows all throughout the east coast. He has also helped many students achieve their Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals.
Jordan's lessons are focused on bridging the gap between the separation of the "training of the horse" and " training of the rider", so that the two can be combined to find a balance in communication, gymnastic development, as well as a sustainable partnership between horse and rider. This is through the use of both rider and horse biomechanics in an effort to help the rider feel the kinesthetics associated with intellectual understanding of dressage movements.
Continuing his own education is as important to Jordan as training others. He is currently working with Albrecht Heidemann. Jordan is very fortunate to have regular help from colleague and friend Kathleen Cronk. Kathleen has been his eyes, assistant and key to his continued success. To continue in the path of higher educations, Jordan also is currently in the "L" program, where he is working towards his judging credentials.
In the past few years he has attended clinics or taken lessons with Christine Traurig, Charlotte Bredahl, Debbie McDonald, Sharon McCusker, Bill Warren, Fredrick Wandres, Robin Groves, Miranda Cadwell, Denny Emerson and Robert Costello.
Jordan also had the distinct pleasure of riding with world renowned dressage master Carl Hester as one of the demo riders for the NEDA fall symposium in 2022 on his developing horse Gold Play.
For more on Jordan LaPlaca and his journey through out his equestrian journey, check the link below to Salty Dog's Production's site:
https://www.saltydogvideo.com/jordan-laplaca
Salty Dog Productions
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Salty Dog Productions
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Salty Dog Productions
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Heather Sweeney
Associate Trainer
Heather Sweeney is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist. Her commitment to providing a quality education in a fun and supportive manner are what attracts students to her unique style. In addition to her love for teaching, her well-rounded background brings an all-encompassing approach to her training of horses and their riders. She has successfully trained and ridden horses to the FEI levels, tackled tough rehab cases, started youngsters, and worked through behavior issues with a “horse first” approach.
Her riding journey began the same as many young equestrians. She begged her parents daily for years until she was gifted a set of four lessons at a local barn for Christmas. The rest is history!
After a wildly successful season with the UConn Dressage Team, she decided it was “now or never” to take a chance to pursue her dream of becoming a professional rider and trainer.
We are so very excited to have Heather join our team here at Maverick Hill Dressage as our new associate trainer. We are thrilled to have her and looking forward to all she has to offer this exciting training program.
Heather Sweeney is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist. Her commitment to providing a quality education in a fun and supportive manner are what attracts students to her unique style. In addition to her love for teaching, her well-rounded background brings an all-encompassing approach to her training of horses and their riders. She has successfully trained and ridden horses to the FEI levels, tackled tough rehab cases, started youngsters, and worked through behavior issues with a “horse first” approach.
Her riding journey began the same as many young equestrians. She begged her parents daily for years until she was gifted a set of four lessons at a local barn for Christmas. The rest is history!
After a wildly successful season with the UConn Dressage Team, she decided it was “now or never” to take a chance to pursue her dream of becoming a professional rider and trainer.
We are so very excited to have Heather join our team here at Maverick Hill Dressage as our new associate trainer. We are thrilled to have her and looking forward to all she has to offer this exciting training program.
Caitlin LaPlaca
Assistant managing partner
Salty Dog Productions
Caitlin LaPlaca has been a part of Maverick Hill Dressage, since 2020. She has an Associate degree in Liberal Arts and Science as well as being a CEMT (Certified Equine Massage Therapist). Caitlin is a graduate of the Agri Science program from Ledyard High school receiving her Vet Tech certification as well.
Caitlin started with horses since she was 5 and ended up with her first horse at the age of 11, a Morgan named Oakley. Her love of horses shines through every day. She is the glue that really keeps the farm together promoting a kind, fun and productive work environment. She holds many hats, from farm and chore work to grooming, riding and down right keeping Jordan's schedule organized and managed.
We would be lost without you!
Caitlin started with horses since she was 5 and ended up with her first horse at the age of 11, a Morgan named Oakley. Her love of horses shines through every day. She is the glue that really keeps the farm together promoting a kind, fun and productive work environment. She holds many hats, from farm and chore work to grooming, riding and down right keeping Jordan's schedule organized and managed.
We would be lost without you!
Salty Dog Production
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Salty Dog Productions
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Salty Dog Productions
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Kathleen Cronk
Associate trainer
USDF Bronze, silver and Gold Medalist
Kathleen Cronk is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist, who is based out of Western New York. Having ridden other disciplines than dressage, she is able to apply the cross-discipline approach producing consistent results over 25 years.
Many of Kathleen’s students have received their USDF Bronze and Silver Medals, as well as wins at USDF Regional championships, Arabian Sport Horse Nationals Top Ten finishes, USDF Century Club, and NY State 4-H dressage wins.
Kathleen believes in taking dressage theory and breaking it down to tangible pieces. Theory needs to be relatable and not esoteric so it my be maintained by the student. Her lessons are evidence of her understanding and ability to teach, fostering a safe learning environment where riders feel at ease.
Kathleen makes regular trips to CT to give clinics as well as help Jordan through the USA at shows and other events. She spends the winter months helping Jordan train and maintain the horses for the winter CDI and national show season in Wellington, FL.
Kathleen credits her own mentors with her development of her style and system. She is grateful to have studied with: Wolfgang Scherzer, Jordan LaPlaca, USET short -listed riders Pam Goodrich and Ann Guptill, and Olympians Bent Jensen and Carol Lavell.
Farm Hand
Ava Swartz
Ava first started working with horses in high school while volunteering at a therapeutic riding barn, taking lessons and working at a local show barn and quickly discovered her passion for the industry. After graduating from Ledyard high school and the agri-science department, she started at Wilson college double majoring in Equine Facilitated Therapeutics and Equine Management. After graduating in 2023, she jumped right in and recently found her way to Maverick Hill Dressage. When she’s not at the barn, she can be found cooking, or hanging out with her cat, Colette.
Farm Hand/ Groom:
Cassidy Payer
Salty Dog Productions
Cassidy is avid lover of horses. She has been riding since she was 6 and has never looked back. Her passion started with her first job working for a small back yard barn at the age of 16. It was there that she realized that she wanted to make horses her life long mission. She is a valuable asset to our team and brings a great attitude to the farm atmosphere. Our clients and horses alike love and adore having her around! Thank you Cassidy for all your hard work, it is greatly appreciated!
Farm Hand
Chrissy Rattray
Chrissy has been riding horses since she was 5 years old. Since then, she could not imagine her life without them. She has worked in barns since was about 13 years old, working off leases and board. She got her first horse at 14 and has trained him to what he is today. She has discovered her passion in wanting to train young horses and to teach for her future. She is a hard worker and we are grateful to have her as part of our work team.