Horse Boarding And Training Business Opens

IKE WILSON
The Frederick News-Post

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- Jaclyn Sicoli brings years of experience with horses to her new enterprise -- Peace of Mind Dressage -- a new horse boarding and training business she opened Sept. 1.

Peace of Mind Dressage is located at Woodvale Farms, a long-established equestrian facility in Frederick.

Owned by Mike Clabaugh for the past 34 years, Woodvale Farms remains one of few intact 150-acre equestrian facilities in the state, Sicoli said.

The property boasts a long list of amenities, having hosted some impressive historical events, one in which a noble Englishman came to help design the cross-country jump course, said Sicoli, owner and trainer of Peace of Mind Dressage.

"We plan to continue the tradition of learning and competition in true Maryland fashion" at Woodvale Farms, said Sicoli, who is chairwoman of the Potomac Valley Dressage Association as well as PVDA education chairwoman.

Sicoli, of Frederick, is also a judge, event planner, competitor and connoisseur of all things horsy. This includes horse shows in Germany, horse shopping in Portugal, and horse riding in Mexico and locally at hunt races and polo matches.

"I look forward to developing the Woodvale campus into a diversified destination for horse enthusiasts to learn, compete and enjoy," Sicoli said.

Peace Of Mind Dressage offers boarding at two levels, with 25 stalls, training for equine athletes from starting under saddle to Grand Prix, coaching for dressage riders at any level and trailer-in lessons.

Horses boarding at Woodvale will benefit from her communication systems, attention to detail and carefully chosen professional staff members, the entrepreneur said. The business works with a small group of professionals who have focused their careers on performance horses, farrier work, veterinary care and chiropractic maintenance.

Peace Of Mind Dressage invites the public to its open house -- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 -- featuring author and former Olympic athlete Betsy Steiner, who will offer a clinic.

Steiner will teach six lessons and one group Equilates demonstration. In conjunction with Steiner's clinic, Peace of Mind Dressage will offer a full weekend of learning with an adult camp, including a massage therapist, chiropractor, saddle fitter and nutritionist to give educational sessions.

Guiding horses and riders to more balanced lives through dressage training is her goal, Sicoli said.

"Community events, socializing, and fun can all co-exist within the confines of a very serious and rigorous sport," Sicoli said. "We feel that higher education and formalities preserve respect for our horses and our goals with them, to make better athletes.

"It is by observing the finer points of the many great trainers who came before us that we learn to really enjoy dancing with the horse."

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