"Marina has been very influential in my riding and my philosophy, and my development in both. Her riding is absolutely beautiful. She is one of those people that really understands horses. She knows what they are thinking before they do it. She has done a lot in building up understanding of horses and improving my seat, and my training techniques. I have had experience with other instructors; it is hard to say who contributed the most; but Marina is the one, when I am having a training problem that I can call on the phone. She is my mentor."

            -- Maryal Barnett, I Judge and Clinician
                                               East Lansing, MI

"I have worked with Marina Genn for more than two years. Marina is an outstanding rider - the best I have ever seen - as well as an incredible dynamic instructor. She has as much interest and intensity for someone struggling with a twenty-meter circle as she does for someone learning half-pass or flying changes. I know this on a personal level since she has helped me with both. Her interest and intensity does not dwindle with the day, either - she rarely sits down. Her commitment to the sport of dressage is very clear. She demands patience, committment, and hard work from her students. And whatever your goal is - be it to learn Grand Prix or just get to jump with a little more control - she helps you to understand the process, piece by piece. Then she helps put that process together in a doable fashion so the goal is realized. In this way, when I go home, I make progress. And when I come back, I am ready for the next step."

                                            -- Dr. Pam Doolittle
                                                       Madison, WI

At first we were a little hesitant but after visiting the barn and speaking with Carina, I made the decision to let her go.

Little did I know at the time, I had made a decision that would provide wonderful memories to cherish for years to come.

Each and everyday, I would hear about learning how to tack up a horse, learning how to care for a horse, getting to ride a horse (not in her dreams but in reality), the wonderful times sitting down by the creek, making new friends, singing songs and getting creative at craft time.

It was an experience that she spoke of for hours after the camp day had been completed.

Each and everyday she would get emotional about having to end such an enchanting day but also look forward to the next day of new discoveries.

The environment is safe, organized, and provides the opportunity for each rider to work and be around some of the best horse people in the world.

She looks forward to returning to the summer camp each year with increased confidence, wonderment, and looking forward to making new friends and lasting memories.

In these fast pace days of electronics, video games, and children seemingly passing through childhood in a blink of an eye, it is refreshing to have them return to the simple pleasures of sitting under a big tree by a creek , making new friends, and taking time to just relax and enjoy the surroundings of nature.

I can't believe that McKenna will be 9 years old in just a few days and has been a member of the AAES Rider Certificate Program for 4 years!  Deuce and I have been very impressed with the steady and safe pace at which you and your instructors teach the younger children. Another main reason we've remained with AAES is because of the totality of your program. McKenna is not only gaining more confidence and knowledge of the sport, but has the opportunity to learn everything she can about the horse and rider as well as nutrition and exercise, through your theory sessions.   This has been extremely beneficial to McKenna as she plans to someday have a career in the equine world ~ whether it be an Olympic champion or having her own horse farm in Virginia (or both! as she says).  At the end of her lessons each week she is beaming and says "mom I just love this place...it feels like my second home."   Thank you and your staff, and especially the horses for making this such a wonderful, well-rounded experience for my little girl and making her feel so welcomed as part of your AAES family!!

-- Melanie Martinez, mother of McKenna Martinez

The American Academy of Equestrian Science in Lessburg, VA, is the best managed barn and instruction I have found in nearly 25 years of taking lessons in the northern Virginia area at many different barns.  The

level of care for both their horses and their students from rank beginner to highly experienced is unprecedented.

-- Barbara Rohde
December 2009