Craig Thompson offers training for horses and riders of all levels
in a relaxed, success-oriented environment. From starting young horses
to putting the finishing touches on going veterans, Craig emphasizes getting the most out of every horse. He offers numerous services for riders, including lessons, coaching, clinics and working student opportunities. Sale horses are also a central part of Craig Thompson Eventing.
Craig has three principles that underpin his teaching and training:
Below you will find a bit more about what Craig offers. If you
have any questions, feel free to ask.
Horses
Whether the task is developing young talent to the upper levels,
breaking youngsters or re-schooling difficult horses, Craig is
happy to help. Craig accepts horses for owners with specific training
or competition goals, for general evaluation, or sale. Owners
interested in sending a horse for training should start by emailing
the details of their situation. The email should provide the basic
details about the horse's age and experience, as well as what
the owner would like to achieve through the training.
Craig's ability to start young horses has been proven by a 1st
place finish in 2005 and 2nd place in 2006 at the Virginia Horse
Trials CCI*-Young Horse and by numerous top placings in the Young
Event Horse Series. In fact, Craig's series of articles "Introducing
the Young Horse to Jumping" recently appeared in the USEA's
official magazine, Eventing USA.
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Riders
Craig is happy to teach riders of all levels, from those just
beginning to ride right on up through the highest levels. Riders
are welcome whether they have specific competition goals or would
just like to improve their riding and horse's way of going. Occasionally,
practice horses are available as well.
Private lessons typically last 45 minutes. Sometimes lessons are shorter, sometimes longer, depending on each horse and rider's needs. Semi-private and group lessons are sometimes available. Craig occassionally travels to teach lessons if there are enough students available for lessons and a suitable facility is available.
Lessons are best scheduled by calling Craig directly at (803)
634-0379. He generally teaches Tuesday through Sunday, though
not on weekends when he is competing. Students should be on their
horse and in the schooling arena at the scheduled start of their
lesson. Comfortable dress including a hard hat, half-chaps, chaps,
paddock boots or riding boots is expected. Be sure to sign a release.
Download Release Form
Craig is happy to help riders at events or shows, though his
availability is sometimes limited by the number of horses he is
riding at the show. If you want specific help at a show, please
arrange this in advance of the competition. Help in the warm-up
and coursewalks are available, though Craig believes that if he
and his students do their work at home, then his students won't
need him in competition.
Craig often schools cross-country and welcomes students to join
in. The fee may vary, but is usually comparable to lesson fees.
