Team Welles Training
“What I feel is so special about this sport is the harmony that you are able to create with a horse. As a rider and a coach, you learn something new every day. It may be as simple as a feeling that is generated from the horse, or a new way to communicate that feeling to another rider. The resulting dialogue is what makes us better horsemen, riders and trainers each day. For that reason, I find teaching to be mutually beneficial as I feel it only improves me as a rider.
It is important to set goals for each horse, both short and long term, and then work backwards to create a plan for how to achieve them. No athlete can be in top form 365 days a year. We must treat our horses like the top athletes that they are. It’s important to let them have down time to be mentally and physically fresh, and training time to be in peak condition when called to compete.
To be successful, the horse needs to be sound, fit and responsive to the rider’s aids. I strongly believe that a horse is sounder when they work their muscles properly. At Team Welles, we have a strong emphasis on flatwork that teaches the horses how to carry themselves correctly, which is a key component of proper rideability. When jumping, each horse and rider combination has a schooling plan designed to both improve weaknesses and build confidence towards the next event.
As a trainer, I believe in having a one on one working relationship with a student to understand what it takes to bring that rider to their greatest potential. Each rider is an athlete and they need to be treated as such. Having a rider’s mind in the best possible place to have the ability to ride as free and trusting as possible is the best way to achieve success.”
Nora nauss
“Being able to ride with Team Welles has been incredible. Andrew, Alex, and the whole team are amazing to work with, and have helped me improve my riding in so many ways. I am so grateful for all the opportunities and learning experiences I’ve been able to have here. My horses are so happy and performing better than ever. I’m very excited to keep working with this great team! ”
Olivia Williams
“Riding with Team Welles has instilled so much confidence in both my horses and I. Their program and team tailors to the needs of every horse and rider combination in a way that makes sure they’re prepared and competitive in any situation. I feel very privileged to learn from Andrew and Alex, and for their continual support of my goals”
TEDDI PRITZKER
“When I first started riding with Team Welles I barely had the confidence to make it around the Children’s Jumpers, around a year later I jumped my first FEI CSI2* Grand Prix. Andrew pushes me to be my best everyday while keeping my horses healthy and happy. Being able to ride with a trainer who always supports and believes in me is truly a blessing. I don’t know where I would be in my riding today without Team Welles.”