TRAINER SYMPOSIUM EAST
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TRAINER SYMPOSIUM EAST |
March 23 - 26, 2026
at Oldfields School
Led by Julie Winkel & Linda Allen
Guest Speakers will be announced in January
A unique opportunity for professionals at all stages of their teaching and riding careers to expand their knowledge in and out of the saddle from top industry leaders.
Attendees will have the opportunity to soak up knowledge from Olympic Games show jumping course designer Linda Allen who will focus on how to train green or challenging horses; and top Hunter/Jumper professional and educator Julie Winkel will explain different teaching and learning styles. A limited number of spots will be available to ride for teaching demonstrations each afternoon.
Other top professionals will share their experiences in establishing their businesses, what they did right and wrong and ultimately how their choices allowed them to live their best lives and fulfill their dreams in the horse industry.
Julie Winkel
Julie Winkel is a leading equestrian trainer, judge, and clinician with extensive achievements in hunter and jumper disciplines. She has held USEF R-rated judging licenses since 1984 and has judged prestigious events such as the Devon Horse Show, Pennsylvania National, and USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship. As one of the first USHJA Certified Trainers, she has trained horses to the highest levels, including Grand Prix wins and hunter championships, and continues to compete today. Julie is a sought-after clinician and educator who owns Maplewood Stables in Reno, Nevada, where she trains, shows and breeds horses. She recently received the 2024 CPHA (California Professional Horseman Association) Lifetime Achievement Award.
Linda Allen
Linda Allen has had a distinguished 60+ year career in equestrian sports as a rider, judge, and course designer. As a former Grand Prix competitor and USET member, she transitioned into officiating and coaching and became a highly respected Jumper Course Designer and Judge. Allen has earned global recognition for designing courses at prestigious events, including the 1996 Olympic Games, FEI World Cup Finals, and as Technical Delegate for the World Equestrian Games. A member of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, Allen authored "101 Jumping Exercises for Horse and Rider" and several books and received numerous accolades, including the USEF Pegasus Medal of Honor, Course Designer of the Year, and multiple lifetime achievement awards for her contributions to the sport.
Guest Speakers
Jenny Schwartz
Jenny Schwartz has a 30-year career across municipal finance, government, asset management, equine non-profit development, and equestrian sports. She specializes in business consulting, financial literacy training, and coaching, with expertise in financial analysis, budgeting, and capital planning. Jenny has advised on over $1 billion in municipal bond transactions and held leadership roles, including Chairman of the Darien Housing Authority and President of New Canaan Mounted Troop. She is also known for her achievements in equestrian sports, including being Reserve Champion at the ASPCA Maclay Finals and National Junior Jumper Champion in 1984.
TBD Speakers
Additional guests will be announced in January. Here is a list of past speakers:
Denny Emerson
Joe Fargis
John French
Scott Hofstetter
Jenny Schwartz
Nanci Snyder
Clip from John French Session - 2025 Trainer Symposium at Oldfields.
Symposium Details
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The future of horse in sport
Horse welfare
Association/organizations
Training horses
Coaching riders
Client & employee management
Ethics
Business management
Financial strategies
Marketing
… and more!
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The clinic will be held on the historic campus of Oldfields School in Sparks Glencoe Maryland.
1500 Glencoe Rd, Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152
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The Trainer Symposium March 23-26, 2026
(Includes sessions, meals starting with dinner on Monday and ending with lunch on Friday)
Register before February 20: $1600
Register after February 20: $1700
One-Day:
$475
On Campus Housing (Optional)
Dormitory style housing is available on campus. Bedding and towels provided.
$100/night
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You may choose to board your horse at the Oldfields Stables located on campus.
$100 per day/night
*Please contact Amy Phillips for further details
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On Campus Housing
Dormitory style housing is available on campus for $100/night. Bedding and towels provided.
Local Hotel Options *10 minute drive
RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT HUNT VALLEY
45 Schilling Rd, Hunt Valley, MD 21031
410-527-2333
Book HereEMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON BALTIMORE HUNT VALLEY
23 International Cir, Cockeysville, MD 21030
410-584-1400
Book Here -
Please contact the Director of Riding at Oldfields School, Amy Phillips, with any questions.
Registration closes March 10
“From the Horse’s Mouth"
Symposium Testimonials
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I attended this Symposium last year. It was amazing! The tutelage offered by these great horsemen in this organized “think tank” setting is invaluable. The investment is minimal for the results you will reap. I have been in the equine business for over 40 years and recommend highly this opportunity to anyone, especially professionals, wishing to sharpen their game.
~ Wendy S.
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The Trainers Symposium East is a wonderful educational forum for equestrians, both professional and amateur. Whether your discipline is in the hunters, jumpers, eventers, or dressage, the depth and breadth of content is wonderful. I learned so much about working with young horses, to finances, to how to set up lesson plans, to what judges look for in the show ring. Then many of those lessons were put into practice with live demonstration riders, which was an excellent visual teaching tool. I highly recommend Trainer Symposium East held at the beautiful Oldfields School for anyone wanting to greatly expand their horsemanship knowledge.
~ Amy G.
