Lynn Leath, Head Trainer - North Star Training Center

MEET LYNN LEATH Head Trainer
	Lynn Tate Leath is the owner and head trainer of North Star Training Center, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Lynn is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist. A former event rider, Lynn evolved into dressage and has worked under the tutelage of Jessica Ransehousen since 1980. She has also had the privilege to work with trainers such as Jaap Pott, Walter Zettl, and Betsy Steiner. There are no shortcuts...the work must be built upon correct fundamentals... regardless of the level we are working with. In March of 2001, Lynn also began working with Cathy Morelli.

Cathy Morelli's training system has added an indispensable depth to my riding and teaching. "The System" has taught me:

How to think "out of the box " (frame)

How to separate the aids so that I no longer drive a horse into a "fixed " hand

How to find where to place each horse's neck... in a position where they can be most balanced, and therefore most active in their hindquarters

How to explain to my horses and my students that each aid has a purpose, and must get an appropriate response... thus keeping the training "fair "

How to supple the parts of a horse's body separately, so that the end result is a light, balanced, active horse, that is a delight to watch and ride

"Stripteeze Artist" is a homebred mare who was started under tack as a three year old and trained to Grand Prix by Lynn. "Stripper" was the USDF Region I Champion at Prix St. Georges, reserve Champion at Intermediaire I, and NCDCTA GRAND PRIX Horse of the Year in 2004.

Lynn earning her USDF Gold Medal
riding Stripteeze Artist at The Palm Beach
Dressage Derby

Lynn riding Stripteeze Artist at Dressage at Devon

Lynn riding Stripteeze Artist at
Dressage in the Sandhills, April 2004

Since Lynn did not begin riding until she was in her 20's, she has the unique ability to understand and empathize with the adult rider... struggling to learn the demanding art of dressage. I try to give each horse and rider what they need as individuals. Some horses I get on occasionally. Some horses I ride most of the time. I prefer a mixture that gives attention to both. Good training requires a constant (two-way) flow of communication between horse and rider. Lynn has coached many students to national titles and their own USDF medals. CLICK HERE to read what Lynn's students have to say about her teaching and training.

"An independent seat and hands are an essential part of good riding.
I have found no better way to achieve this, than on the lunge line,
with a person on the ground, with an educated eye, making positive corrections."

Lynn has enjoyed performing musical freestyles on many different horses, from first level to Grand Prix. Riding must remain fun...for the rider and for the horse!

Lynn performing a Grand Prix
Musical Freestyle on Polar in 1990

Stripteeze Artist
at the former NSTC in Apex

Lynn purchased her latest mount d’Artagnan in the spring of 2004 and began his training and showing career.

Photo by Tobe Saskor:
Pinehurst Fall Dressage 2004
d'Artagnan's debut at Training level
High Score Champion ... 82%

Phelps Photo:
Palm Beach Dressage Derby, March 2005
d'Artagnan's debut at First level .....72%

Photo by WNC:
Dressage in the Sandhills, May 2005
d'Artgnan's debut at Second level
High Score Champion ....76%

Photo by Bob Tarr
At the CDI***Raleigh, June 2005, d'Artagnan won all three of his Second level classes and helped earn Lynn the Trainer's Award. Lynn and d'Artagnan finished out the 2005 season undefeated at Third Level, and NCDCTA Champions with a 67%

Photo by: Frieze Frame
Wellington Dressage Show, March 2006
Lynn and d'Artagnan were the 3rd (67%)
and the 4th level Champions (73%)

Photo by: Brad Thatcher
USDF Region 3 Championships, Oct 2006
Lynn and d'Artagnan placed 4th with a 67%

Photo by: Pics of You
BLM Lexington VA, Oct 2006
Lynn and d'Artagnan won the Prix St.Georges Championship with a 68%

At the BLM Championships October 2006, d'Artagnan not only won the PSG title but was the FEI high scoring horse

Lynn Leath was awarded the TRAINER'S AWARD at the CDI*** for a three years 2002/2004/2005 Lynn would like to thank her hard working and dedicated students for helping her win this award!

Lynn's horsemanship, love of teaching, and outstanding communication skills will help you to achieve your goals. Make an appointment to meet Lynn Leath in person to see if you would like to consider either putting your horse in training at North Star Training Center, or trailering in for regular lessons.

Photo by: Lynne Parry

Lynn celebrating her 2006 BLM Championship PSG win

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