Ruth Hogan-Poulsen has been involved in horses for the last 50 years, starting with her first pony ride and lesson when she was 5-years-old. Since then, she has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals as well as her Freestyle Gold Bar, and has been named a 4* rider on Centerline Scores.
Year-Round Training
Poulsen Dressage is based out of East Hill Farm in Plainfield, Vermont. Built in 1975, it is a year-round boarding, lesson, and training facility for students and horses of all levels and ages with the goal to teach proper horsemanship and riding basics. This 40 stall, 120-acre property includes 32 pastures, 7 all-weather paddocks, an indoor arena, as well as a jumping and dressage arena.
Bespoke Farm in Loxahatchee, Florida is an 18 stall hurricane-proof facility where Poulsen Dressage spends their winter season. This facility is dressage oriented with an oversized dressage arena with mirrors, 9 pastures, and large, comfortable stalls.
Simplifying with Stable Secretary
Team Poulsen’s assistant trainer and barn manager, Emilie Goddard, has been using Stable Secretary for the past year. The team was looking into simplifying their record keeping and after testing a few options, Stable Secretary quickly won out. Team Poulsen shared, “One of the features we use the most is the report feature – at the end of the month, we use it to easily tally up lessons and other billable items, which makes our whole billing process so much easier. We also love how quickly we can pull up health records and coggins papers when the vet is at the barn or a client has questions.”
A History of Success
Poulsen Dressage has had many successes in the past, including Ruth’s personal accomplishments of being shortlisted for the USET team in the 90’s, winning at Devon, and bringing a difficult horse into the Grand Prix for his first time. But the success of their students is considered one of Team Poulsen’s proudest achievements. Teaching and training proper basics to all students across disciplines is a primary goal for Poulsen Dressage. A great example of their success in this area was having two horses in two international arenas (one jumper and one para dressage rider) in the same week!
Prioritizing a Happy Atmosphere
When asked a major goal moving forward, Team Poulsen responded, “Keep horses, staff, and clients happy and healthy.” They also claim the BEST barn atmosphere, and with clients who have been with Poulsen Dressage for over 20 years, it’s clear they know how to keep both horses and clients happy!
