A Morning of Dressage with Grand Prix Rider Rebecca Waite at Moose Ridge Farm

Written By Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

This past Saturday, September 13th, we were honored to host USDF Grand Prix rider Rebecca Waite at Moose Ridge Farm for a special morning dressage clinic in Lincolnville, Maine.

A Rising Talent with Deep Maine Roots

Rebecca grew up here in Maine and has been around horses since she was just six years old. Her early years were spent eventing, but by age 15, a training trip to Florida with international rider Shelly Francis sparked her passion for dressage. Knowing she wanted a solid foundation, Rebecca chose to finish high school and college before pursuing horses full-time.

From 2014–2020, she worked at Shelly’s farm, starting as a groom and eventually becoming head groom. Those years gave her invaluable opportunities—not only to ride and care for world-class horses but also to compete aboard the famous Doktor, one of Shelly’s most accomplished mounts.

Today, Rebecca runs her own business, Rebecca Waite Dressage, based in Wellington, Florida during the winter season and back home in Maine during the summer. She is currently training her big, powerful horse Max for the Grand Prix and is known for her thoughtful, systematic approach with both horses and riders. Her gift lies in seeing the smallest details that make a big difference, offering riders precise yet encouraging feedback and a rich repertoire of exercises that build both harmony and confidence.

Highlights from the September Clinic

The morning featured private 45-minute lessons, where riders benefitted from Rebecca’s sharp eye and calm, clear instruction. Auditors enjoyed watching the progress unfold and took home valuable insights for their own work.

During the lunch break, everyone gathered for a Positive Reinforcement Demo, where Pedro and Cricket showed off their clicker training skills through fun targeting games. The demo offered a hands-on look at how positive reinforcement builds trust, curiosity, and joy in training.

Between the lessons, the demo, and plenty of coffee, tea, snacks, and conversation, it was a truly lovely Saturday at the farm—full of learning, laughter, and new friendships.

Looking Ahead

We are thrilled to share that Rebecca will return to Moose Ridge Farm at the end of October for another clinic. If you weren’t able to attend this time, you’ll have another chance to ride or audit with one of Maine’s own Grand Prix riders.

Contact Alexandra for more details—we can’t wait to welcome her back!

Alexandra Mackenzie Doan

Positively Reinforcing good horse and dog behavior

Moose Ridge Farm is located in Lincolnville, Maine just 15 minutes from the coast. A small Dressage Barn where ground work and under saddle work come together to create deeper understanding between horse and rider through clicker training. The horses are able to move around 24/7 in paddocks adjoining their stalls and in the fields. There is a lovely sunny indoor arena, heated tack room and warm water in the wash stall. Horses are given hay 4x day and stalls are fluffy. Alexandra has been clicker training horses for 23 years - her personal horses, her boarders and her riding students. She loves putting the puzzle pieces of animal behavior and training of equines and canines together, not only worki.n with the animals but also coaching the humans. Dog classes, though new to the farm, are not new to her. She grew up with dogs and cats, has raised 3 dogs the past 25 years and is a true animal lover. Positive Reinforcement training is fun and encourages kind, clear communication within boundaries.

https://www.mooseridgefarm.com
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