Sandy Hill Farm is a new equestrian training and boarding facility located in West Olive, Michigan that specializes in the English riding disciplines of Dressage and Eventing. Our facility is designed to deliver a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for the rider, horse, visitor, and employee, Sandy Hill Farm focuses on providing an unparalleled experience for all.
Located on a 33-acre farm, we offer 2 outdoor arenas- one dedicated to jumping and another to dressage, over 15 pastures, a round pen, a heated 100 x 200 indoor arena, heated and ventilated stalls, a 60’ walker, and wonderful amenities for the rider and guest.
Our facility is committed to providing a positive culture wherein staff, riders, and guests are welcoming, encouraging, and kind. It is our goal that you progress at your pace and time. We recognize that each rider’s journey is unique, and no matter the age or the level of riding our staff and facility are here to help you achieve your goals.
Head Trainer, Erika Petersen
We are proud to be the home of the Great Lakes Equestrian Center training program, with Head Trainer, Erika Petersen. Erika began riding as a youth, competing at the international level in the Junior Olympics. She has twice been chosen to participate in the Developing Rider Program (For US Olympic team hopefuls) and competes at the advanced level in Eventing.
She has also excelled in the dressage circuit, earning a USDF Bronze and Silver medal over the years. She feels that dressage is the foundation for all riding and promotes this in her training. She and her training staff have been teaching students of all ages and abilities for well over a decade. Her students range from beginners to International Competitors.
Sandy Hill Farm boarders are required to participate in the training and lesson services provided by Erika Petersen and her team of trainers. It is our philosophy that horse and rider are at their best when involved in a training/lesson program.
Services
Boarding
The boarder will enjoy a climate controlled 108 cubic foot tack locker, bathrooms (including 2 with showers), a kitchenette, access to laundry services, wash bays with heated water, paved parking lot, access to recordable rides in the indoor arena, access to 60’ exercise walker, a heated and well ventilated 100×200 indoor riding arena, 2 outdoor riding arenas, groomed pathways on the property for trail riding or horse conditioning, a proposed fenced area for cross country jumps, and an excellent conditioned viewing room for guests and friend to watch you ride. Please contact angela.stegink@sandyhill.farm for more information on boarding.
Lessons
Our trainers are ready to teach the beginner that has never sat on a horse and the accomplish rider working on tempi changes. Whether it is your first ride, or your 10,000th ride we are here to help you accomplish your riding goals! We will give you a lesson on your own horse or on one of our school horses.
Training
We are proud to be the home of Great Lakes Equestrian Center Training. Our trainers work with horses at a variety of levels and ages to increase the horse's balance, endurance, skills, athleticism, and behavior. We train under saddle but also use classical training methods such as lunge line work and ground work.
