Training

Amelia C. McArdle, Head Trainer

Amelia McArdle is the head trainer at Old Barrington Farm. Amelia credits much of her riding success, excellent horsemanship, and teaching methods to her outstanding trainers over the years.

As a beginning competitor, she grew up training with Katie Kappler. As she progressed, Amelia received assistance in the jumper ring from Olympian Chris Kappler, and in the hunter ring from Nora Fredrickson and Morgan Thomas. She also was lucky enough to take part in numerous lessons and clinics with the legendary George Morris.

As an amateur, Amelia worked with the talented Katie Monahan Prudent, training alongside Olympian Reed Kessler.  Amelia has also trained with Frank Madden.

As a new professional, Amelia apprenticed with Katie Monahan Prudent in  Europe, before becoming the assistant trainer for Spring Ledge, headed by Sloane Coles in Virginia. In 2014, Amelia returned home to become head trainer at Old Barrington Farm.

As a rider, Amelia has had success in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings.

As a junior:

  • Grand Champion, Junior Hunters, Washington International Horse Show 2007
  • Grand Champion, Junior Hunters, Devon 2007
  • Winner, Legacy Cup
  • Regional Champion, WCHR
  • Winner, Maclay Regionals 2006
  • Winner, IHJA Junior Medal Finals 2007
  • 5th place USEF/ Pessoa Hunt Seat Medal Finals 2008
  • Competed twice High Junior Jumpers Prix de States, Pennsylvania National Horse Show
  • Multiple championships, High Junior Jumpers and top 3 finishes, Grand Prix classes.

As an amateur: 

  • Champion, High Amateur Owner Jumpers, Devon 2009
  • Silver Medalist, NAYRC Young Rider Championships
  • Ribbons in multiple FEI Grand Prix classes at WEF and Spruce Meadows

As a professional:

  • Winner, National Hunter derbies
  • Winner, Young Jumper classes
  • Championships, 3′ and 3’6″ Green Hunters
  • Ribbons in multiple Grand Prix classes

Amelia’s students also have had great success including:

  • Champion, Children’s Jumper Finals, Washington International Horse Show
  • Reserve Champion Children’s Hunter Finals, Washington international horse show
  • Top 10 finish Maclay Regionals
  • Zone and IHJA Year-End Champions in multiple divisions.
  • Class wins and championships at WEF
  • Championships in divisions from Pony Hunters to Junior Hunters to High Junior Jumpers!

Amelia is a graduate of Elgin Academy, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in Business from Lake Forest College.

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