Customized horse training and instruction for all levels.

World class services, focused on Morgan horses, located in Bennington, Vermont

For riders and drivers at every stage — we welcome beginners to world champions in a variety of disciplines seeking a positive, encouraging environment to help the exceed their wildest dreams.

Detailed instruction and training programs are designed to create well rounded horses and equestrians.

Whether learning to ride for the first time or chasing after big goals in the show ring, each client gets a personalized plan. We keep an open door policy and encourage all clients, students and families to come to us with any questions or concerns at any time. We pride ourselves on having a supportive, friendly environment where all members of our barn family feel welcome and supported.

Lynchpin Stables offers an individualized training program for each horse to reach their full potential. Horses young and seasoned receive the exceptional care and training needed to perform their best. The majority of our clients have goals of competition at the local, regional, national and world level.

We have both indoor and outdoor arenas, along with hilly outdoor trails to give our horses a variety of workouts to reach and maintain optimal fitness.

Our facility offers beautiful Vermont views, spacious 10x12 fully matted stalls, heated tack room, ample turnout.

Training

Riding Lessons

We offer riding lessons for all ages and abilities, with a focus on horsemanship, safety and confidence building. We teach adults and children, age 4 and up. We have safe lesson horses who are well versed in teaching new riders and world champions alike.

We enjoy developing well rounded equestrians who know how to work around horses, and understand the care that goes into an equine partnership. Our lessons last one hour, with time before and after 30 minutes of riding to learn about grooming, tacking up and horse care. We encourage all of our students to try out competitions, starting with local academy tournaments. These shows are designed specifically as introductions to the horse show world, with lesson students competing on seasoned lesson horses. 

All students begin their lessons in a flat saddleseat saddle. This allows riders to learn balance, timing and feel with their horse. Once a rider has sufficiently progressed, they can choose which seat they would like to pursue based on their goals,  natural talents and tendencies. 

We often offer “barn days” during school breaks to give our students the opportunity to deep dive into many aspects of horse care, plus games, crafts, and lots of fun.

About Cate

Cate Lynch is the owner, trainer and instructor at Lynchpin Stables. She brings a positive approach to each lesson and training session, looking to build confidence in riders and horses. Cate is never afraid to dream big, work hard, and encourage those around her. As a member of the United Professional Horsemen’s Association, American Morgan Horse Association, United States Equestrian Federation, UPHA’s Young Trainers, and AMHA’s Young Adult Alliance, she is committed to playing an active role in the industry that helped raise her. 

Cate has trained multiple World Champion Morgan horses and instructed multiple riders to their own World Championships.

“
Training with Cate has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as a rider. From her impeccable attention to detail to her patient and encouraging teaching style, Cate works tirelessly to help me achieve my goals.

Client stories

-Bonnie C.

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