ABOUT US

Philosophy, Foundation, Future Growth

Autumn’s Gate Farm School for Young Riders was established in 2003 by Kathy Notarnicola on 50 secluded acres within the Ni River Landing community of Spotsylvania County, Virginia.

“When I was six, I was a horse.”
Mary D. Midkiff from She Flies Without Wings

Like many girls, I loved everything about horses from my early childhood near Quantico, Virginia. I begged my family for a horse, and by the time I turned ten had saved $50 from selling “Pony Club” memberships to my friends….enough to be matched by my dear older brother Bernie to buy my first pony, Wendy.

My love of horses and riding continued as life progressed and I have owned and ridden many wonderful horses while raising my own family including my daughter, Marisa, an accomplished rider in her own right.

My personal experience over the years is that most barns revolve around advanced riders and the training and selling of horses with little empathy for the needs of riders and families who are just beginning what can be a quite intimidating adventure.

From this perspective I decided to dedicate Autumn’s Gate Farm to young riders and their families with a mission of fostering the love of horses and horseback riding for a lifetime of enjoyment.

Our programs are designed to introduce young riders to our wonderful world of horses, their stable, their equipment, and to establish a solid foundation for all forms of horsemanship and the proper care of both horse and rider. While this is good preparation for competition, attending horse shows is not the primary emphasis.

What we do emphasize is safety. Learning how to safely be around any size pony or horse on the ground or mounted is the first step to enjoying their company. Our school horses are carefully screened and selected for soundness, training, and temperament. After all, it is said that “no one teaches riding as well as a horse.”

We teach young riders how to care for the horses at our stable. Each rider will get to know one or two carefully selected ponies or horses and bond with them as if they were their own. This includes grooming and bathing, feeding, tacking, and ample opportunity for “hanging around” with their new best friend.

We specialize in English riding fundamentals in the Hunt Seat Equitation style and progress the rider based on their personal development over poles, small jumps, and trail. Schooling shows at Autumn’s Gate and nearby VHSA and BHSA shows, clinics, and camps are all utilized to motivate and augment the rider’s experience.

While private instruction is available, most students learn in semi-private or small groups that are more affordable and provide the opportunity for great new friendships with other horse lovers of their age and ability level.

We also emphasize personal responsibility for the great privilege of being provided the opportunity to ride. This includes respect for horse, instructor, and other riders. It also includes appreciation and respect for parents and fulfilling other obligations such as good grades in school and service to others.

Finally, we run an open and transparent facility where parents and other family members are always welcome to stay and enjoy the tranquil surroundings while their child rides. Parents are encouraged to ask questions directly to their child’s instructor or to me at any time.

Thank you for your interest in Autumn’s Gate Farm and I look forward to getting to know you and your young rider.

Kathy Notarnicola