Our Trainers
At Flying Change Farms, our team of experienced trainers is dedicated to providing exceptional care and training for both riders and horses. With a passion for equestrian sports and a commitment to excellence, our trainers work tirelessly to help you achieve your goals. Get to know the talented individuals who make up our training team: Sabine Rijssenbeek, Kristie LaFreniere, and Jessica McKendree-Johnson.
Dressage
Sabine Rijssenbeek
Sabine Rijssenbeek is the head dressage trainer at Flying Change Farms. She holds an International Trainer’s Passport (Level 3) from the Netherlands and has more than 30 years of experience as a rider and trainer of sport horses. She trained with Piet Oothout (trainer of the Dutch National Team for the 1984 Olympics) and Henk van Bergen (trainer of the Silver Medal Dutch Team at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992). In 1980, Sabine was short-listed for the Moscow Olympics. Sadly, her Olympic dreams were dashed when she lost her beloved horse to colic. She has trained several Olympic level horses and a number of horses that have successfully competed in the highly competitive Dutch National Championships.
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While Sabine has clients around the world and throughout the United States, her principal focus has been the western US, with clients competing primarily in California and Arizona. In 2023, her clients competed successfully at the Land Rover Kentucky 3-Day Event, the Young Rider Championships in Michigan, as well as the California state and USDF Championships.
What makes Sabine so special is that she truly enjoys teaching and works with riders from training level through Grand Prix. She also offers dressage instruction for jumpers and eventers. Her emphasis is on classical dressage with her primary focus being on building a positive relationship between horse and rider. Sabine understands, and can translate for horse and rider, what is necessary to successfully compete at both the lower and FEI levels. Her kindness, love of horses and sense of humor make her a favorite clinician.
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For more information about Sabine, please go to www.srdressage.com
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Click here for her rate sheet
Hunter/Jumper
Kristie LaFreniere
Kristie LaFreniere is the Head Hunter/Jumper and Equitation Trainer at Flying Change Farms. She is a seasoned industry professional with more than 25 years of training, instructional and equine management experience. Kristie is a lifelong competitive rider and graduate of Colorado State University’s prestigious Equine Sciences department, where she was awarded Outstanding Senior in Equine Science by faculty. While in college at CSU, Kristie was a member of the ISHA team for four years, holding positions of Vice President and English and Western Team Horse Manager.
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She began her training career in Ocala, FL. Later, she managed a breeding facility where she started and showed young prospects. Kristie was also very fortunate to enhance her skills abroad in both England and New Zealand. Since moving to California, Kristie has accumulated over 20 years of training and show experience on the hunter/jumper show circuit, including six years with Kelly Van Vleck, four years as Head Trainer at Patriot Farms and 10 years working alongside Patty Ball of Hunterville Stables. KL Equestrian Services, LLC was thrilled to open its doors at Flying Change Farms in May of 2024.
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Kristie brings unsurpassed industry knowledge and a deep passion for helping both horse and rider achieve their fullest potential. Known for her detail-oriented approach, Kristie works with riders of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors, helping them develop proper technique, confidence, and success in the show ring. A strong advocate for horsemanship, Kristie prioritizes the well-being of the horse while instilling the values of respect, discipline, and teamwork in every rider. Whether you are striving to improve your skills, compete at a higher level, or build a stronger connection with your horse, Kristie brings the expertise and support needed to achieve your goals.
Sponsored by: Tack Warehouse, Devocoux Sellier, Pro Series Feed
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Novice Rider Instructor
Jessica McKendree-Johnson
Jessica McKendree is a 3-day event rider with a passion for teaching horseback riding to entry-level riders of all ages. Over the past 20+ years, she has had the privilege of introducing numerous individuals to the sport of horseback riding, helping them progress into their first years of horse ownership and competition.
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As an instructor, her primary focus is on creating a safe and fun learning environment for her students. She places great emphasis on horsemanship, teaching riders how to interact with their horses in a manner that is respectful and mindful of the horse's needs. She ensures that each student progresses at their own pace while developing a strong foundation of riding skills.
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Jessica is a strong advocate of continued education and is always seeking to advance her rider's technique and understanding of the discipline. She believes that the learning process never ends, and regularly attends lessons, workshops, clinics, and other training programs to keep up with the latest trends and techniques in the field.
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In addition to her decades working with horses, Jessica also has a Master's Degree in Education from CSU Sacramento. With this she bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Her expertise in instructional design and pedagogy allows her to design lessons that are engaging, informative, and tailored to the individual needs of each student.
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If you're looking for an instructor who is committed to helping you achieve your riding goals while ensuring that you have fun and stay safe in the process, then she is the perfect choice for you!
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